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

Climbing Higher

Posted on August 25, 2021 by Mark Shields

As we live out our days on earth, many times we end up spending our time and money on those things that bring the least benefit to our life. They keep us away from climbing higher towards God with His Word that satisfies the soul. Instead, we stay in the valley of what the world offers with no firm principles to stand on. This day with God, we are climbing higher as we read 1 Peter 1:1-5.

Explained in this passage is that each person of the Trinity does specific work in the life of a believer. God the Father gives us mercy and hope. He gives us an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade (v. 4). Jesus Christ the Son offers salvation through His sacrifice on the Cross to give believers eternal life. The Holy Spirit sanctifies, instructs, and helps believers be obedient in following these instructions.

God has given optimism for a better future. Even during difficult times, we have something to hang on to until we experience better times ahead. There is no longer the ups and downs in life that depend on the unsecure world but our outlook is stabilized with thoughts of a steady climb to new heights.

There is God’s guarding power as we grow in our faith by reading His Word and take in the instructions for life which is food for our soul. These thoughts, lessons learned, and experiences as we live out our life give us something of value that is guaranteed to rise over time as commodities that are useful forever; providing a living hope and valuable resource for a future in which we reach heights never before reached.

This day with You God, we are pulling higher and higher towards You as we read Your Word for instructions. We pray for spending our time and money on activities that bring meaning, seeks to help others, and brings joy. These activities with the people around us give encouragement and build our faith so we can reach heights never yet obtained. In Jesus name we pray… Amen.

Questions for Reflection for Study of 1 Peter Chapters 1 & 2

Posted on August 24, 2021 by Mark Shields

The journey through the book of Judges came to a close last week and now the journey will go back into the New Testament for a while through the book of 1 Peter. The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable to sharing about God’s word. As I share about my study of the book of 1 Peter over the next few weeks, 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

1 Peter 1:1-5 – What specific work does each Person of the Trinity have in a believer’s life? What has God done for you? In what ways has this changed your life? In what specific areas do you experience God’s guarding power?

1 Peter 1:6-12 – In what should you rejoice? How is faith to be expressed actively? What would you say is the basic purpose of the Old Testament and the prophets?

1 Peter 1:13-25 – What two thoughts does therefore connect? What event gives confidence to your faith? How are God and the Word related?

1 Peter 2:1-10 – What is the source of a Christian’s nourishment? In what ways does God’s Word make a difference in your life? Who has made this change for you?

1 Peter 2:11-17 – What motivations does Paul suggest for our personal and public behavior? What is it in the world that is at war against your soul? What do I need to surrender to the Lord in order to win the battle? How can you change a society so there is hope for liberty and justice for all?

1 Peter 2:18-25 – Who are your masters? Give examples of unjust suffering? In what ways did Christ go through unjust suffering (Is. 53)? With what effect for 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 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/>.

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 1 peter | Tagged Bible Study, Christ, Faith, God’s Plan, Holy Spirit, Hope, Leadership, Lessons, Life, Love, Prayer, Reflection, Scripture | 1 Comment

The Spiritual Journey Continues Through 1 Peter

Posted on August 23, 2021 by Mark Shields

I would like take this time to thank you for reading and liking the posts. This blog started with just a few followers and now has grown to over 2,400 followers. I’ve found it to be very helpful in my journey through the Bible and you, my readers are holding me accountable to daily Bible reading and study.

We live in a busy world with busy schedules and being able to share some thoughts about this spiritual journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing. Tomorow, I will include Questions for Reflection that will spur thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles at work, at home, and in all we do.

Here is a link to all the devotionals done so far.

Index of devotionals

If you would like to get notified with each new post, I invite you to click on the follow button on the far top right of this page to join me on this spiritual journey. Another way to keep up with my spiritual journey is through the Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey.

Also, the concepts presented in God’s Perfect Timing offer ideas for using our time wisely and the lessons of God’s Plan for Us gives a method towards making an impact in the world in which we live.

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals | Tagged Bible Study, Community, Faith, Family, Hope, Journey, Lessons, Love, Prayer, spirituality, Values, victory, Wisdom, Worship | 1 Comment

The Spiritual Journey Continues

Posted on August 22, 2021 by Mark Shields

I just finished my spiritual journey through the book of Judges and next the journey goes to 1 Peter.

Here is a link to all the devotionals done so far.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals | Tagged Bible Study, Community, Faith, Family, Hope, Journey, Lessons, Love, Prayer, spirituality, Values, victory, Wisdom, Worship | 1 Comment

Refreshment for the Body and Soul

Posted on August 20, 2021 by Mark Shields

It is only when we surrender all and let God take control that there is staying power and meaning.

Step Ahead

In life, there’s always a new challenge so instead of taking the credit for great accomplishments, give credit to God. Take inspiration from the song I Surrender All by Oslo Gospel Choir and surrender all so that God is in control. Then life is lived with staying power and meaning.

Overcome obstacles 
And meet any goal 
By letting God 
Take total control.

Instead of turning 
To your own abilities, 
Turn to the ONE 
With possibilities. 

Turn to the Lord
To get you out 
And honor Him
By giving Him a shout.

By praising with song
And surrendering all
To overcome
Any bad fall.

The grace given
Provides a clean slate
With peace forever
And a power so great.  

Poem by Mark Shields – © 08-19-2021
Inspired by
“Refreshment for the Body and Soul” Photo – This is a photo of the Royal Shakespeare Theater dedicated to the English…

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