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

Power of the Spirit

Posted on March 14, 2022 by Mark Shields

This photo was taken at our family farm. My sister and brother-in-law are showing their grandchild how to fly a kite. The resistance of the wind makes a kite fly and for a society to get to a higher level of enlightenment, it must have the courage to resist what is wrong even when the multitude has no desire to get above what corrupts.

The early Christians faced resistance within their society but God’s plan implemented by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit gave them the strength to endure, the patience to wait, the energy to outlast any struggle, and the power to step ahead to victory.

This day with God, we set out to take in the Word of God and receive the power from the Holy Spirit. Reading in Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul prayed for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation for the Christians at Ephesus. He prayed that they would be enlightened to the unseen, the eternal, and the supernatural.

This day with God, let us take on the resistance we face with the Spirit of understanding, the desire to take action, and by accepting the power that produces results. That we incorporate these not only into our life but also into the life of our family and friends. We all face resistance that causes fear but if we choose God’s plan for us, a great power is present which is greater than our hopes and dreams can even imagine.

Let us maintain hope because within us all is immeasurable power. Be confident because the same power that raised Christ from death is available to us too so let us boldly step ahead, persevere, and be raised to a higher level of enlightenment.

Lord, we set out each day to understand Your Word and to receive the power of the Spirit through the riches of Your grace received because of Your plan implemented by Jesus. It’s the same power that rose Jesus from the grave. The same power that helps us handle the resistance of society and makes us brave. The same power that calms a ragging sea and helps us be all we can be. Thanks for that power as we go up against any resistance we face today. In Jesus name … Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Desire | Tagged Bible Study, Desire, Enlightenment, Holy Spirit, Photo, Power, Prayer, Society, Supernatural, victory | 3 Comments

Calming the Storm

Posted on March 11, 2022 by Mark Shields

Be encouraged by this poem today. Fear can be overcome as we focus on the unlimited power to calm the storms. With Christ by our side, fears can subside because we have faith to take swift action with courage to make it through the storms.

Step Ahead

Storms of anxiety,
Storms of sorrow,
Will be calmed with 
A better tomorrow.

Replaced with faith
As confidence grows
Because He’s with you
And always knows.

So step ahead my friend
And be of good cheer
For He’s in your midst
And knows your fear.

It will be overcome
As you listen to the voice
That tells the truth
And makes you rejoice.

For calming the storms
Is the King of all kings
With amazing power
That faith in Him brings!


Poem by Mark Shields – © 03-10-2022
Inspired by “Calming the Storm”
Thought - Fear is a common roadblock but if we can get to a point where we are willing to focus on Christ who cares for us, our fears can subside so we can act anyway.
Photo - Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee by Rembrandt
Music - As the song Voice…

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Posted in Poems | Tagged Confidence, Courage, Faith, Holy Spirit, Poetry, Prayer | Leave a comment

Doers of the Word

Posted on March 10, 2022 by Mark Shields

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. – James 1:22

Let us follow the Way together like pointed out in “Unity in the Plan”. God’s plan for us which was implemented by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit give us the courage to step out in victory, the strength to endure, the patience to wait, and the energy to outlast any struggle.

As the words of the song “Do Something by Matthew West“ says, the world is down but it can be turned around. If not now … then when? Let us see an end by having a desire and getting on fire to be doers of the word.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Applied Faith, Devotionals | Tagged Applied Faith, Courage, Devotional, Grace, Music, Praise, Treasure, Unity, victory, Worship | 1 Comment

Unity in the Plan

Posted on March 9, 2022 by Mark Shields

God the Father can help plan out each day and set things up so we can go places that we once only dreamed about. As we read today in Ephesians 1:1-14, seek to grow rich in grace through Christ the Son as we take in the treasure of God’s Word. Then share the wealth with others as we gain unity in the plan.

With the benefits which have been provided by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, we gain the courage to step out in victory, the strength to endure, the patience to wait, and the energy to outlast any struggle. The focal point of God’s plan for all history is to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ (v. 10).

Express today the unity that is in Christ by helping others. David was surrounded by his mighty men and Jesus had the twelve disciples. Paul had his companions and today my friend, there are those around you that can share the burden. You have a place in this world where God wants you to be.

There are also things God wants you to do and you are the only one that God has designed to fulfill this need in the world so don’t get down if life seems useless, tiresome, dull or insignificant. Remain faithful because life is designed for eternity. Get to know God even more, strive to be like Christ, and share about God’s Plan for Us.

This day with God, we know there is a purpose designed for each of us. We strive to be like Christ, we receive power in the Holy Spirit, and we express unity as one in Christ. We all can benefit each other towards Your plan. Amen.

Posted in Applied Faith, Bible Study | Tagged Applied Faith, Bible Study, Courage, Grace, Photo, Prayer, Treasure, Unity, victory | 3 Comments

Questions for Reflection for the Study of Ephesians 1 through 3

Posted on March 8, 2022 by Mark Shields

The journey through the book of Ruth has come to a close and now the journey will go into the book of Ephesians. Paul sends this letter to the church at Ephesus which is a huge city and the epicenter of the church. This book of the bible tells the gospel story and links this to our story.

The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable as I share about God’s Word. As I share about my study of the book of Ephesians, it’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Christ as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make each day amazing!

Questions for Reflection

Ephesians 1:1-14 – What has God the Father done for you? What is the focal point of God’s plan for all history? How does this fact help establish priorities for the furthering of God’s purpose in your life and the world today? How can you express today the unity that is in Christ?

Ephesians 1:15-23 – What are the specific things Paul prays God will do in the lives of these Christians? To what extent do you desire that such things be incorporated into your life and in the life of your friends? How does Paul describe the immeasurable greatness of the power in believers?

Ephesians 2:1-10 – What are the consequences of following the ways of the world? Who has taken the initiative in saving you from these consequences? What is your response for the gift? How can you demonstrate to those around you that you are God’s workmanship?

Ephesians 2:11-22 – Why does the blood of Christ make unity possible for the Gentile and Jew? What is the foundation of the church? What are some practical ways in which you can use your talents to get in the game to benefit God’s team which is the universal church?

Ephesians 3:1-13 – What is the mystery of which Paul speaks (See 1:9-10)? What is the role of the church in unfolding the plan God has for us? To what extent are you committed to active participation in the work of the church? What specific steps are you taking to make all see the wisdom of God as detailed in the gospel message?

Ephesians 3:14-21 – What is the reason (see v.1, 14) Paul talks about? What are the requests Paul has within his prayer? What is the extent of the power now within you? In your prayers, who places the limits on what God can do? Are you experiencing God’s power or just coasting?

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 or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey.

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. <https://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/>.

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