The Decision to Follow

Posted on December 17, 2021 by Mark Shields

Get connected to and internalize the guiding principles taught by Christ to gain spiritual assets. They are like treasure for our spiritual wealth as they provide for our needs and stay securely with us forever as a resource to step ahead.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Put on your shoes
And walk without excuse
Getting rid of the blues
By sharing the Good News.

Understanding the call,
Willing to install
Without any regrets
Vast spiritual assets.

Meeting with people
At the steeple
Or social distancing
But always witnessing.

Sisters and brothers
Sharing with others
Through music or art
And doing our part.

To escape the prison
Making the decision 
To follow and proclaim
In Jesus name.



Poem by Mark Shields – © 12-9-2021
Inspired by
“The Decision to Follow”
Worship Him today with the song Way Maker by Leeland. Jesus is the way maker, the promise keeper, the miracle maker, and the Light in the darkness. That’s who Jesus is and He’s here among us.

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Defeating the Enemy

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Mark Shields

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” – 1 Samuel 17:45

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.

Today’s song inspires these character traits. As pointed out in the song Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns is that our failures are like the giant named Goliath that keeps telling us we will never win. But the voice of truth tells us a different story which is to have the heart of God for His glory and soar on the wings of eagles.

Index of devotionals

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The Heart of David

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Mark Shields

One night a lady came home from her weekly prayer meeting, found she was being robbed, and she 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 to the robber, “Gee, 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!”1

This day with God, we can have confidence in the weapons He provides to protect us from anything or anyone that wants to rob the important things in our life. Our giants may not be Goliath like we read about today in 1 Samuel 17 but other enemies we face like fear, pride, bad relationships, bad habits, financial difficulties, bad health, depression, etc.

We note today in our reading that the Philistines and Israelites were at war. The Spirit of the Lord was not with the Israelites or Saul their king and a champion of the Philistines was a giant (9’9” tall) named Goliath who challenged the Israelites for forty days to a one on one fight against any of their men. The winner’s side would rule against the loser’s side; serving them and being subject to them.

David had certain strengths God had given him to prepare for the fight against the giant named Goliath. He had experience in how to keep his father’s sheep as he defended them against lions and bears. He also had developed a skill in the use of a sling but it was his heart that was his greatest strength. Building up our heart is a great asset and the best way to achieve “The Heart of David” is to apply the principles of God’s word.

So this day with God, let us have confidence in the weapons He has provided to fight our giants in life. Let us keep doing what we think is right even when facing criticism. Each day, let us gain knowledge in God’s word so we are prepared for the challenges of each day knowing that God will help make the impossible possible.

This Day with You Lord, help us to recognize the help You provide in our daily battles. Our faith in You will bring victories over our giants in life and encourage those around us. Your Spirit lives in us and we listen to Your voice of truth that provides confidence in the unlimited potential available to do amazing things for Your glory. Amen.

1“Jokes – Your Daily Dose of Really Funny Jokes: Laugh Factory.” Jokes – Your Daily Dose of Really Funny Jokes | Laugh Factory, www.laughfactory.com/jokes/popular-jokes/all-time/96.

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Questions for Reflection for Study of 1 Samuel 17 through 22

Posted on December 14, 2021 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 17 – What is the psychological condition of Saul and the Israelites (See 16:14)? How long has Goliath challenged the Israelites? What preparation does David have to fight Goliath? Do you trust in swords, spears, and javelins instead of God?

1 Samuel 18 – To what extent do you pray for God’s guidance in your friendships? How does Saul react to David’s success? Why do all Israel and Judah love David?

1 Samuel 19 – How does Jonathan convince Saul that he should not kill David? How does Michal assist David (Ps. 59 gives insight into David’s thinking and praying during the decisive period of v. 11)? Do you live according to principles you know are right or according to your mood of the moment?

1 Samuel 20 – In what ways is Jonathan’s friendship with David remarkable? How do David and Jonathan plan to find out Saul’s attitude toward David? Do you trust God to overrule your circumstances?

Samuel 21 – What does David need now? What does Ahimelech give David? What does God want you to do when you are in trouble? Will he permit lying to relieve some situational pressure on you?

1 Samuel 22 – Who gathers with David at Adullam? Does Ahimelech say anything about having been deceived? For what reason does Saul order Ahimelech and the priests of Nob killed? Who kills them? Who takes the blame for their death?

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.

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Spiritual Journey through 1 Samuel 11 through 16

Posted on December 13, 2021 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in 1 Samuel 11-16 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.

From the post “Take Courage in the Fight”, the main thought brought out is that the outcome is bright when everyone works together with a belief that the Holy Spirit will lead to victory.

You can expect a great adventure as explained in the post “One Small Step” by taking things to God and allowing Him to strengthen; letting Him assist in brightly illuminating your joy so it becomes light along the path. 

Brought out in the post “Equipped for Battle” is that patience can achieve more than your own determined effort so wait for God, seek Him constantly, be determined to keep His plan, and obey His commands. Rely on the armor of God for safety and follow God’s plan to take on the challenges ahead.

The post “Boldly Going to Places that No One Else will Go” gave an example of the Bible character named Jonathan who had confidence and this assurance influenced the men around him so that victory over the enemy became possible. Confidence in the Lord helps settle the past and determine the future. It provides the foundation of courage to assist as you start a bold adventure and directs your steps to greatness.

In the journey through 1 Samuel 15, noted is that God rejected Saul as king because he was disobedient in not completely following His instructions. This was the main point of “Following Instructions” in which discovered was how important it is to set your mind on things above in order to completely understand and follow God’s instructions because He knows the greater scheme of things.

David was chosen by God to fulfill his purpose in life. A thought from “Prepared to Fulfill Our Purpose” is that God has chosen you to fulfill your purpose too. Be assured that God will put you in circumstances to prepare you and all you need to do is follow His directions.

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.

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