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

Discovering Strengths

Posted on April 4, 2022 by Mark Shields

Worship Service at First Methodist Waco Texas. I took this picture while working with the Media team.

The body of Christ coalesce the diverse gifts of Christians. Through the Spirit, let us each discover our gifts for the express purpose of kingdom building. This photo taken at my church shows the many gifts being exhibited from the choir in front of the church to those behind the scenes doing technical sound and video presentation.

The reading today in Ephesians 4:1-16, explains why Christ has given various gifts to those in the church. They have been given so each individual can concentrate on their natural abilities for the good of all.

There’s a lot of work to do but plenty of resources through the threefold link of the Trinity so we each need to determine what our calling is and work in unity with a common purpose.

*Paul names four types of Spiritual gifts that God has placed in the church (v. 11).

Apostles – There are no apostles in the church today as they had to have seen the risen Savior personally
Prophets – Those that proclaim and share the Word of God
Evangelist – Those that stir up the thoughts of the unsaved towards their eternal destiny and spur the saved towards joining in on the work that is needed
Pastors and teachers – Those that lead and feed the flock

There is one body and one Spirit (v. 4) so our responsibility is to use our individual gifts so the church is equipped for works of service. Each can concentrate on their strength so that the body of Christ may be built up for the good of all (v. 12-13).

This day with You Lord we are gathered together in prayer and there is power because when two or more are gathered together in Your name, You are with us. You Lord have made each of us with individual talents and natural abilities. These gifts of the Spirit are combined for unlimited potential for the good of all. Amen.

*Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.fa mily-times.net/commentary/ephesians-47/>.

Posted in Bible Study, Strength | Tagged Abilities, Bible Study, Church, Discover Strengths, Holy Spirit, Photo, Prayer, Purpose, Unity | 3 Comments

The Power of Faith

Posted on April 1, 2022 by Mark Shields

Today’s poem is about Jesus’ control and authority. Today we are anchored to the power of faith that is able to handle impossible situations with courage, steadfastness, and the strength to bear adversity.

Step Ahead

The impossible 
Becomes possible
Because of the Father;
The Good News Author.

He gives a command 
And physics is in hand
Controlling life or death
And every breath.

For everything important,
Time is shortened
And you are supported
As power is transported.

Giving composure
To make things cozier
And in control
Of any toll.

For the foe is deceived
Since power is received
And it is all done
By accepting the Son.


Poem by Mark Shields – © 03-24-2022
Inspired by “The Power of Faith”
Photo – Bing Images
Thought - As you learn of Jesus’ control and authority, you become anchored to the principle of faith. You gain power to handle any situation because there is courage, steadfastness, and the strength to bear adversity.
Music – Take inspiration from the song The Same Power by Jeremy Camp and know that God is big enough to help us…

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Questions for Reflection in Study of Ephesians 4 – 6

Posted on March 31, 2022 by Mark Shields

We live in a busy world with busy schedules and being able to share some thoughts about this journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing. The below Questions for Reflection will stimulate thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles at work, at home, and in all we do.

Ephesians 4:1-16 – What is your calling (See 1:3-14; 2:19-22; 3:14-19)? Why has Christ given various gifts to those in the church? Are the gifts for the benefit of the individual or the group?

Ephesians 4:17-32 – Why are people alienated (See 2:1-3 and Romans 1:18-25)? What are the traits of the old nature? What are the traits of the new nature? What indicates that you are putting off the old nature and putting on the new nature?

Ephesians 5:1-20 – How can you possibly take the admonition of verse 1 seriously (See 3:14-21)? What is the basis of your inspiration? In what ways are you light to your society?

Ephesians 5:21-33 – Why does not being submissive in the home or church show lack of reverence for Christ (See 4:15-16)? What are your goals for the future in the area of establishing your home? Within your web of relationships, what will be required of you today to show reverence for Christ?

Ephesians 6:1-9 – What are the orders of authority in this passage? What is involved in the commands to obey and honor? What guidelines does this passage give for dealing with problems in our society?

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.

“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.

Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.

“Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.

To store up thoughts that are good for the soul, listen to a sermon. Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, Questions for Reflection | Tagged Bible Study, Christ, Faith, God’s Plan, Holy Spirit, Hope, Leadership, Lessons, Life, Love, Prayer, Reflection, Scripture | Leave a comment

Spiritual Journey Through Ephesians 1 – 3

Posted on March 30, 2022 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in the book of Ephesians and sharing some thoughts that not only can benefit you now but also help the next generation too! The greatest of all possessions one can hand off to future generations are the guiding principles taught by Christ Jesus.

Pointed out in “Unity in the Plan” is that God’s plan for us which was implemented by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit gives us the courage to step out in victory, the strength to endure, the patience to wait, and the energy to outlast any struggle.

The post “Power of the Spirit” pointed out that Paul prayed for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation for the Christians at Ephesus. He prayed that they would be enlightened to the unseen, the eternal, and the supernatural.

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.

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.

A thought brought out in the post “Enable the Power Available” is that there are untapped spiritual treasures available for all but we need to enable the power inside to be released in order for the Good News to be spread far and wide.

God wants you to receive the power written about in “Full Steam Ahead”. The power available is greater than you could ever imagine and doing your best for God at this moment puts you on track to go places you never thought possible.

Keep up with my spiritual journey over the next few weeks either through following this blog or the Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey. Let’s share thoughts or ideas about applying our faith so we step ahead along the path to victory.

Posted in Bible Study | Tagged Bible Study, Community, Faith, Family, Hope, Journey, Lessons, Love, Prayer, spirituality, Values, victory, Wisdom, Worship | 1 Comment

Power From Within

Posted on March 29, 2022 by Mark Shields

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21

Give praise today with songs like Give You Glory by Jeremy Camp and remember to use the power within which has far more power than you could ever ask or think.