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

Spiritual Journey through the Book of Ruth

Posted on March 7, 2022 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in the book of Ruth 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.

In “Pathway to Dreams”, noted is that nothing is more important than following God’s will. Ruth knew she was following God’s will and we know today that she was right on target. We each need to work towards a future that gives us better aim and makes us feel important. Following God’s Plan for Us is the road map to get us there.

Written in “Glean Food for the Soul” are some thoughts on the kindness of Boaz towards Ruth. This example of caring demonstrates true friendship and there is no better friend we have than Jesus.

Brought out in “Learn and Affirm” is that the most important task in our life is to make sure we reach our full potential for God’s glory. The first step is to accept our Friend in Jesus. Then to seek out others and help them reach their full potential by encouraging them as a person of great value to God. A treasure that is loved beyond measure!

From “Blessed Day Following the Way”, the kinsman didn’t take Ruth as his wife because he feared this act would damage his family name or inheritance. But Boaz stepped up to become the guardian-redeemer of Ruth and was blessed with their son who ultimately became the ancestor of Christ.

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

Seed to Succeed

Posted on March 4, 2022 by Mark Shields

This poem highlights the thought that like seeds growing gradually into a harvest, so too are the principles of God towards a victorious life.

Step Ahead

Like a mustard seed,
God’s kingdom starts small 
Then continues to grow 
To be largest of all.

It may seem small at first 
But grows on many an acre 
Big enough to become 
The difference maker.

There is no need 
To get stressed out
For each new day
There will be less doubt.

Improvements will be made
With determination
As the Spirit leads
And actions are taken.

Experience will 
Continually be gained
To step ahead
Equipped and trained.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 03-03-2022
Inspired by “Seed to Succeed”
Thought - Seeds grow gradually into a harvest. In the same way, God’s Word provides seeds that eventually grow to help us succeed in life. 
Photo - Bing Images
Music - Without Jesus, we are hopeless but with Jesus, we’ve been rescued. Take inspiration from the song Rescue by Lauren Daigle and have confidence that God’s army will…

View original post 14 more words

Posted in Poems | Tagged Difficulties, Growth, Holy Spirit, Improvement, Mystery, Nourishment, Poetry, Prayer, Success, victory | Leave a comment

Freer with the Redeemer

Posted on March 3, 2022 by Mark Shields

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. – 2 Corinthians 8:9

From “Blessed Day Following the Way” the kinsman didn’t take Ruth fearing damage to his family name or inheritance. But Boaz stepped up to become the guardian-redeemer of Ruth and was blessed with their son who became the ancestor of Christ.

Reflect on the song Mercy by Elevation Worship Maverick City & Chris Brown. There is goodness and mercy for in Christ we are freer and there is power in the blood of Christ our redeemer.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Rewards | Tagged Devotional, Direction, Extraordinary, Faith, Genealogy, Grace, Music, Obedience, Praise, Reward, Worship | 1 Comment

Blessed Day Following the Way

Posted on March 2, 2022 by Mark Shields

This day with God, we follow the Way and believe. We are thankful for His provision; grateful for all we receive. Today, we are reading Ruth 4 and planning this day knowing that extraordinary things will happen because of our obedience to the Way.

Boaz went to the town gate which is the center of social and communal life during those times to work out the legal procedure where the next of kin would redeem the land and property of Naomi. An agreement was made in the presence of elders that the guardian-redeemer would buy the land.

But once the guardian-redeemer found out that marrying Ruth who was the daughter-in-law of Naomi was a part of the agreement, he decided not to take on the responsibility so Boaz who was next in line said he would buy the property from Naomi and take Ruth as his wife.

The kinsman didn’t take Ruth fearing damage to his family name or inheritance but Boaz stepped up to meet the needs of Ruth. We know how Ruth had given up her own home, her country, and family in order to go God’s way. There was sacrifice and cost for both Ruth and Boaz but God was active in their life.

Since God was active in their life and they were obedient to His way, they were rewarded beyond measure. Born to them was a son who became a part of the lineal ancestor of Christ. At the end of this book is the genealogy which points out that their son named Obed was the grandfather of David.

All that matters is that we do what God wants us to do so if we listen and get direction from God and follow His Way, what we thought would be ordinary becomes extraordinary and we are rewarded beyond our imagination!

Following Your Way Lord brings joy and peace in our life. All the books of the Bible form the most joyful book in the world. There is a wonderful ending just like today’s passage in which Boaz takes Ruth as his wife. Their child becomes the grandfather of David and in Your lineage. Our Lord and Savior, You take what seems to be ordinary and turn it into something extraordinary. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Rewards | Tagged Bible Study, Direction, Extraordinary, Faith, Genealogy, Obedience, Photo, Prayer, Reward | 3 Comments

Affirming Love From Above

Posted on March 1, 2022 by Mark Shields

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Take affirmation from the song Live Like You’re Loved by Hawk Nelson and live like you’ve been set free to be all you can be. Like you believe that His love is all you’ll ever need.