This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey | Share The Word

Enable the Power Available

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Mark Shields

We have amazing technology today but sometimes we emphasize speed and ease rather than quality. The structure in the photo above was part of the rebuilding program of the city after the great fire of London in the 1700s and is named after Paul the Apostle who wrote the words for today’s passage. St Paul’s Cathedral was where the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana took place. Inside, we see the detailed work that went into construction during that time.

In reading Ephesians 3:1-13, the mystery of which Paul speaks is God’s plan for us through Christ Jesus that brings unity to all things in heaven and on earth. The knowledge of this openly declared secret was obtained by Paul through wisdom and revelation. Paul felt that he had the responsibility to make this mystery known to all and enable the power available.

The mystical secret of salvation through Christ need not be hidden nor keep one from progressing forward but should be made available for all so they can step ahead as they walk along the path. There are untapped spiritual treasures for all but we need to enable the power available inside to be released in order for the Good News to be spread far and wide.

The church’s role in unfolding the plan of God is to give opportunities for all to use their God given gifts in building others up. To determine the steps to take to help others see the wisdom of God through the gospel message.

For example: One idea might include collecting thoughts and ideas to help spread the gospel message. What hobby do you have that gives you opportunities to share with others about faith? What movies have you seen that relate to God’s principles? What music do you listen to that inspires action towards the purpose of God? What book have you read that makes God’s wisdom more evident and available to everyone? What scripture do you use as a weapon against the enemy?

A joke I heard one time goes like this … One night a lady came home from her weekly prayer meeting, found she was being robbed, and shouted out, “Acts 2:38: ‘Repent and be baptized and your sins will be forgiven.'” The robber quickly gave up and the lady called the police. While handcuffing the criminal, a policeman said, “Gee man, you gave up pretty easily. How come you gave up so quickly?” The robber said, “She said she had an axe and two 38’s!”^*

This day with You Lord, help us to understand the power available and enable us to carry out Your plan for us. We are ONE in Christ through the mystical secret of salvation that need not be a secret any longer but available to all as we spread the Good News of Your love for us. We say “yes”to Your priceless treasure available for all for great progress in building every good thing around us and that make a difference in the lives of people. Amen

Photo – Taken in 1983 while on study/travel with a college group to London and nearby countryside.

*“Jokes – Your Daily Dose of Really Funny Jokes: Laugh Factory.” Jokes – Your Daily Dose of Really Funny Jokes | Laugh Factory, http://www.laughfactory.com/jokes.

Posted in Bible Study, Purpose | Tagged Bible Study, Gospel, Grace, Mystery, Photo, Power, Prayer, Purpose, Salvation, Thoughts, Treasure, Wisdom | 3 Comments

See the Victory

Posted on March 22, 2022 by Mark Shields

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ – 1 Corinthians 15:57

Written in “Win Each Day” is that those who accept Christ are all unified as one in Christ. They are one team that is devoted and willing to work together to make a difference. Satan can’t match up against the most unique aspect of the church which is the hearts and minds of its members.

See the victory because as the song Battle Belongs by Phil Wickham points out, each battle we face belongs to the Lord. Nothing can stand against His power and He wins every battle.

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Posted in Devotionals, victory | Tagged App, Confidence, Devotional, Encouragement, Music, Neighbor, Praise, Sermon, Unity, victory, Worship | 1 Comment

Win Each Day

Posted on March 21, 2022 by Mark Shields

The local church I’m a member of has an app as a spiritual resource. There are live sermons on-line, prayer request can be submitted, and there is a check in to register attendance. Each local church is a part of the same team called the universal church that can make a difference on God’s winning team. On a sports team, they try to win each play and in life we try to win each day.

As explained in today’s reading of Ephesians 2:11-22, the blood of Christ makes unity possible for Gentile and Jew because there is forgiveness of sin. Those who accept Christ are all unified as one in Christ.

Any successful team must be devoted and willing to work together; it’s no different with God’s team with each member belonging to the universal church. The foundation of the church is the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus as the chief cornerstone.

The hardest thing for Satan to match up against is the most unique aspect of the church which is the hearts and minds of its members who each have spiritual strengths to benefit the whole. Each individual can think about ideas and take action on them by using their God given strengths.

I remember my pastor Steve Ramsdell from years ago who said once in a sermon that a church’s mission is not to compete against other churches. A church’s mission is to transform people into the likeness of Jesus Christ and into people that others want to emulate. The mission is to put hell out of business one person at a time. With this type of thinking, there is off-the-charts capacity through the power that Jesus provides.

To get in the game, think of ways to help a neighbor or lift up a friend with encouragement. Each individual can come up with ways in which they can use their talents for God’s glory. Here is a link to some practical steps to following God’s Plan. This day with God, start stepping ahead with confidence because God’s plan for us will always bring victory.

This day we are growing in faith step by step. We are connected to each other in unity through the blood of Christ. Our greatest accomplishment in life is accepting Christ as Savior and we celebrate today the victory. Each time a new person accepts Christ as Savior, there is a cause for celebration because we know that the best days are ahead. Amen.

Posted in victory | Tagged App, Bible Study, Confidence, Encouragement, Neighbor, Photo, Prayer, Sermon, Unity, victory | 2 Comments

Spirit Aflame

Posted on March 18, 2022 by Mark Shields

This poem was written to inspire enthusiasm and power for your day so you joyfully share your story.

Step Ahead

This day with God,The Spirit is aflame,
The past is gone,
The future will be changed.
 
Nothing bad remains,
Thinking … oh wow,
Feeling energized
Right here, right now! 

Living this day 
To the fullest
Getting to new places
Faster than a bullet.

Like the excitement of
Going on vacation,
We journey today 
To our destination.

Reading the Word,
Telling our story,
Being transformed daily
Bringing Him glory.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 03-17-2022
Inspired by “Spirit Aflame”
Thought - The man was doomed by evil but with the help of Jesus, who has authority over evil spirits, was ready to enthusiastically follow and joyfully assert the miracle Jesus had accomplished.
Music – listen to the song Soul On Fire by Third Day and start now to restore the joy, the wonder, the passion, and enthusiasm for this day.

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Posted in Poems | Tagged enthusiasm, Holy Spirit, Memories, Miracle, Poetry, Prayer, Transformation | Leave a comment

He Has Removed Our Transgressions

Posted on March 17, 2022 by Mark Shields

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. – Psalm 103:12

God through Christ gives us a restart in life as explained in “Reboot”; we are refreshed, cleared, and ready to do what we were intended to do. The response for this gift of grace should be to do good works. To use our God given talent to help others by letting good works flow naturally out of who we’ve been made to be.

As you listen to the song East to West by Casting Crowns, find rest in knowing that the arms of God’s mercy removed your transgressions as far as the east is from the west. Think of ways to demonstrate to those around you that you are God’s workmanship.