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

Accepting What Christ did on the Cross

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Mark Shields

This day with God will be amazing because as people of faith, we will not miss what is obvious. We will read the Word today in 1 Samuel 23 with the objective of collecting thoughts, ideas, and guidance that will be applied in our life. By accepting what Christ did on the Cross, we will be able to factor in the amazing and unseen qualities that keep us stepping ahead to victory.

Today, we read about David saving the town of Keilah from the Philistines who were enemies of the people and stealing their grain. David had prayed for guidance before he made the decision to save the town and the Lord gave thoughts, ideas, and instructions for victory.

Saul persistently went after David so David continued to seek guidance from the Lord. Like David, we face enemies in life like worry, fear, anger, or other situational pressures but we sometimes lack faith in the Lord who is on our side. We need to be more confident that He will continue to thwart the enemy just as He did to Saul by setting things up and distracting the enemy.

Many seek experts in certain fields to help in decisions but the steps we take that are directed by the Lord get us to places beyond what could be imagined. Listening for instructions in our prayers and reflection from His Word provide us with a great advantage when facing our enemies in life. The Holy Spirit tells us where to go and what to do while our Father is freed up to take on the enemy.

Father … we come to You today thankful even during adversity for You are a Good … Good Father that protects and directs. By accepting what Christ did on the Cross, we have the Way, the Truth, and the Life everlasting. Amen.

Posted in Accurate Thinking, Bible Study | Tagged Bible Study, Confidence, Decisions, Faith, Guidance, Photo, Prayer, Thoughts | 3 Comments

Questions for Reflection for Study of 1 Samuel 23 through 28

Posted on January 11, 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.

1 Samuel 23 – What happens at Keilah? Do you pray specifically for guidance before you make decisions? How does God deliver David?

1 Samuel 24 – How do David’s men try to persuade him to kill Saul? For what reason does David insist on sparing Saul? How does David show his respect for Saul? Do you “get even” when a wrong is done to you or do you repay good for evil?

1 Samuel 25 – What is the request of David’s men? What is Nabal’s answer? Do you trust God to take vengeance on wrong or do you try to avenge yourself (See 38-39)?

1 Samuel 26 – What additional reason does David give for refraining from killing Saul (See verse 25:39)? What does the miraculous event of verse 12 reveal about God? For what does the Lord reward a person?

1 Samuel 27 – What reason does David give for going to the land of the Philistines? What does David gain from his raids? What does Achish want David and his men to do in the war against Israel? When have your casual ethics put you in a similar predicament? What have you done?

1 Samuel 28 – What is Saul’s predicament? What does Samuel tell Saul? How does Saul respond to Samuel’s prediction?

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 | 1 Comment

Spiritual Journey through 1 Samuel 17 through 22

Posted on January 10, 2022 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in 1 Samuel 17-22 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.

Brought out in the post “The Heart of David” was that David had gained experience in preparation to overtake Goliath but it was his heart that was his greatest strength. Building up our heart is a great asset and there’s no better way than applying the principles of God’s word to defeat our enemies.

The post “Close Friends” brought out the importance of our friendships. Saul was jealous of David’s success. Instead, Saul should have realized that it was God who gave David success. With God, we can all gain wisdom and a heart that fosters love of neighbor.

Noted in the post “The Way of Truth” was that David’s life was in danger but he prayed and followed the Truth of God. The Truth keeps us going in the right direction and is obtained by what we practice and not by what we profess therefore we should live according to the true principles of God. When we do, we receive protection and are blessed beyond what can be imagined.

We should take inspiration from songs like Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw and knowledge from post like “Friendships”. As the song says, in striving to make a climb and making it to the top, stay humble and kind. Then help the next one in line.

Within the post “Higher Ground”, we noted that David didn’t respond well to his situational pressure. He feared that Saul would kill him so he felt he had to lie to others during his escape rather than having confidence in God for protection.

The Way of Jesus guides us to truth. It may be the road less traveled like we found out in the post “The Way of Truth” but it is the right way. Instead of taking the easy way out and blaming our situation for our hardships, we can take the high road that leads to a much better place.

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

The Flowing Stream of Grace

Posted on January 7, 2022 by Mark Shields

Get connected to and internalize the guiding principles taught by Christ and be inspired by this poem as you step ahead today.

Step Ahead

The flowing stream
That springs from above
Comes to heal the soul
Out of His Love.

It is called grace;
The ever flowing stream
That keeps going,
Coming to redeem.

For everyone 
Is important
So never judge … even
Inadvertent.

Have a concerned 
Attitude for all
By encouraging
Towards His call.

Being led by mercy
Every day
And a mentor
Towards the Way.


Poem by Mark Shields – © 01-06-2022
Inspired by
“Flowing Stream of Grace”
Thought - Jesus took a big risk by helping the sick or needy. It shows how important each person is to Him and the concerned attitude we should have for those that are neglected by society.
Photo – the photo was taken at Garvan Woodland Gardens near Hot Springs Arkansas
Music - Jesus, Friend of Sinners by Casting Crowns

View original post

Posted in Poems | Tagged Encouragement, Grace, Healing, Mercy, Poetry, Prayer | 1 Comment

Walking in the Truth

Posted on January 6, 2022 by Mark Shields

It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. – 2 John 4

There are times in life like the song Truth Be Told by Matthew West points out, we believed the lies of the world but then we stabilize by turning away from the world. We begin to admit it and know that being honest is the only way to fix it.