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

Documenting the Journey

Posted on November 19, 2021 by Mark Shields

Read today’s poem to inspire the need to journal God’s remarkable happenings around you so they build up, energize, and are utilized to give affirmation in continuous pursuit towards your destiny.

Step Ahead

Documenting 
The improbable
Happenings around you
That are remarkable.

To build a crossing point
That bridges your questions
To the best way
With suggestions.

In order to give  
Affirmation
And organization
To the destination.

Stepping ahead
Gaining experience
Needed to cross over
With confidence.

Then going out each day 
Seeking things heavenly
And sharing with others
This great destiny.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 11-18-2021
Inspired by
“Documenting the Journey” First Photo – The Waco Suspension Bridge which was built for the purpose of crossing the time-consuming and sometimes dangerous ordeal of circumventing the Brazos River near Waco Texas. The bridge was built to support commerce and was a crossing point as they drove cattle up the Chisholm Trail. Second Photo – The statue of the cowboy on his horse and the cow where built in honor of that historic past. The suspension bridge is in the…

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Posted in Poems | Tagged Chisholm Trail, Destiny, History, Journey, Map, Photo, Poems, Prayer, Purpose, Waco | Leave a comment

Questions for Reflection for Study of 1 Samuel 11 through 16

Posted on November 18, 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 11 – How does Israel’s response to the crisis show that they have rejected God? Have you seen God use your mistakes and sins in his plan for good? To whom do the Israelites attribute victory? To whom does Saul attribute deliverance?

1 Samuel 12 – Why does Samuel listen to the people (See 8:7-9 and v. 22)? What may the people and their king expect if they serve the Lord? For whom should you pray regularly, specifically, and earnestly? What are some things that you can praise the Lord for in your life?

1 Samuel 13 – How do the Philistines react to the Geba defeat? What is the result of Saul’s impatience? What disadvantage do the Israelites have?

1 Samuel 14 – What verses show Jonathan’s confidence that the Lord will determine the day’s outcome? What are the effects of Jonathan’s confidence? How have you seen God influence many because of the confidence placed in his power by a few people?

1 Samuel 15 – What instructions does the Lord give Saul for attacking Amalek? Is partial obedience acceptable to God? Do you ever justify partial obedience to God? Why does God reject Saul as king?

1 Samuel 16 – Does the Lord answer Samuel’s question and objection? What instructions does the Lord give Samuel? How is verse 7 important in your attitude? What assurance do these chapters give that God will prepare you?

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 5 through 10

Posted on November 17, 2021 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in 1 Samuel 5-10 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.

The thought shared in the post “Planning for What’s Possible” is that we worship and serve just one God. An awesome God providing victory in a person named Jesus who influences how we think and act.

The post “Decisions” has some thoughts about how to resolve uncertainties. The Lord gives wisdom and understanding from the experiences we go through.

As noted in “Excited Child of God”, the take away is to stay totally focused on God and worship the ONE who can deliver from our enemies just like Samuel was doing as leader of Israel when the Philistines engaged in battle with them.

Reflecting on “Path to Liberty”, the better way is to be called by God rather than led by a worldly king. A worldly ruler has one purpose; to obtain and maintain power to benefit themselves. The principles taught by Christ generate enthusiasm, incentive, and liberty that benefits all.

Emphasized in “Climbing to New Heights” was the need for perseverance. Saul was ready to give up on his undertaking but then an event took place that changed his life forever.

The major take away from the post “Toward Our Destiny” is that we want to place individuals in godlike positions but no king, leader of a nation, or government has all the answers. Only God knows the past, present, and future so the only guaranteed resolution was to provide us with the king of Kings or Jesus who is God in the flesh.

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

Light of the World

Posted on November 16, 2021 by Mark Shields

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12

Like the song Till I Found You by Phil Wickham points out, we may think that things never get better as we chase after things that never last but Jesus brings light to our world. He can rewrite our story and day by day, lead us to our amazing destiny.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Bible Study | 1 Comment

Toward Our Destiny

Posted on November 15, 2021 by Mark Shields

There is confidence when we pray, listen to the Holy Spirit, and rely on God’s provision because we know that we will do the right things that will lead us toward our destiny. Let us start today by reading the Word found in 1 Samuel 10.

Samuel gave Saul a message from God about his destiny as king. After being anointed as king, Samuel gave instructions to Saul. After leaving, God changes Saul’s heart as the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him (v. 10).

Saul then began prophesying with the prophets. He spoke to the people of Israel at Mizpah reminding them how God had delivered them out of Egypt but that the people of Israel had rejected Him. God had saved them from disasters and calamities but the people still wanted a king over them.

Thinking about current times, many today still want to place individuals in godlike positions. There is a need to understand that no king, leader of a nation, or government has all the answers. Only God knows the past, present, and future so the resolution is that God developed a plan for us by coming to earth in the flesh which He did as Jesus!

This day with You Lord, we come to You in prayer with confidence because we know that You can lead us to our destiny. We are listening now to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and are relying on You as the Light of the World. You will liberate our heart, mind, body, and soul to set us free. You will provide a cohesive plan to step ahead towards that amazing destiny. Amen.