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

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

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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.

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Posted in Devotionals, Integrity | Tagged Character, Decisions, Devotional, Grace, Holy Spirit, Honesty, Integrity, Music, Praise, Truth, Worship | 2 Comments

The Way of Truth

Posted on January 5, 2022 by Mark Shields

The decisions we make have a big impact on the future. That’s why we need to be people of integrity and character. The best way to achieve this aim is to follow the way of truth by constantly gaining wisdom from God’s Word, asking for direction, and acting on the instructions given.

Reading today in 1 Samuel 22, David’s brothers and his father’s household along with those who were in distress, in debt, or discontented gathered with David at Adullam. Saul and his men went after David and were told that Ahimelech had given David provisions. Ahimelech just told Saul the truth. He explained that he didn’t know that David was fleeing or that he had been deceived by David.

Saul believed Ahimelech had sided with David so he ordered his guards to kill Ahimelech and the priests of Nob. His guards would not so Saul then ordered the person in charge of his servants named Doeg to kill them. Doeg decided to follow Saul’s command and strike them down so that day eighty five priests were killed along with the men, women, and children of the town.

One son of Ahimelek named Abiathar did manage to escape and was able to tell David what had happened. David humbly expressed remorse and told him that he was responsible the death of Abiathar’s family. Too often, we hear of people taking the easy way out and blaming others. That’s not the way it was with David, he showed character and integrity by taking the responsibility for the priests and their families being killed.

This day with You Lord, we are guided by truth. We have the attitude of wanting to know where we fall short and what we need to do. You have high standards Lord but we have the Holy Spirit, grace, and power to keep following your promises that are built on truth. Amen.

Posted in 1 Samuel, Bible Study, Integrity | Tagged Bible Study, Character, Decisions, Grace, Holy Spirit, Honesty, Integrity, Photo, Prayer, Truth | 3 Comments

Stand Up to Pressure with Optimism

Posted on January 4, 2022 by Mark Shields

This photo was taken while on vacation years ago. We were going up Mt. Haleakala which is a dormant volcano on the Hawaiian Island of Maui. Volcanos occur because deep inside the earth there is built up pressure that has to be released. Just like inside each of us in which there is all this built up frustration and anxiety.

If you stand up to pressures with optimism and ask God to help, you will overcome them. Be freed from pessimism and read this poem to begin your day stepping ahead on the journey with confidence.

Deep inside the earth
Is built up power
Released by the volcanos 
That ultimately devour. 

Just like our past
With frustration
Building up inside
With agitation.

Causing us to react at times
When our thinking
Was in the wrong direction;
Not having an inkling.

Instead of thinking 
Of good going our way
That builds momentum
Throughout the day.

Gaining an edge
To staying on track instead
As we go along the path
And step ahead.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 06-17-2021
Inspired by devotional
“Praise Always”

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