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

Ordinary Shepherds

Posted on December 24, 2021 by Mark Shields

This poem was inspired from a sermon series called “Ordinary People, Extraordinary God” delivered by Pastor Ryan Barnett on 12-22-2019. The shepherds were ranked lowly in society but were chosen by God to come just as they were. Smelly shepherds to witness the birth of the Savor and tell others. They then returned to their sheep to do what they had done before but in a different way. Doing their job in an extraordinary way to bless the world in extraordinary ways. So keep your head held high, experience His grace, and enthusiastically honor an extraordinary God in the same way.

Step Ahead

Shepherds keeping The flocks by night And an angel appears From the sky so bright. Saying now is the time To bring restoration And Good news for all In exultation. Without hesitation, They went to the manger To find the Savior; A real game changer. Wrapped in swaddling cloth In a humble place Where all could enter Like the throne of grace. All were welcome, There was plenty of room To greet the ONE Who could take away gloom! For they came into The smelly stable Just as they were But ready and able. To share the Good News And fill all with joy Of God’s new plan He would deploy. So take courage this day To share what you know; Life experiences And the light you glow. Keeping your head held high, Accepting His grace, Giving glory to the ONE That helps run the race. Continuing to do All…

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Posted in Christmas, Poems | Tagged Christmas, enthusiasm, Good News, Grace, Inspiration, Joy, Poetry, Savior | Leave a comment

Ordinary Joseph

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Mark Shields

This poem was inspired from a sermon series called “Ordinary People, Extraordinary God” delivered by Pastor Ryan Barnett on 12-15-2019. Joseph was a righteous man and had a call to justice by saying yes to being the earthly father of Jesus. He learned about these qualities of integrity from God who lovingly said yes to each of us so that He dwells among us, accepts us as His Child, and gives blessings that we can only imagine.

Step Ahead

Ordinary Joseph
Was used to fill a need
And with obedience
He would proceed.

For the Angel told him 
It was okay
To take Mary as wife
Even in dismay.

Joseph faithfully
Said yes to the call
Setting in motion
A plan for us all.

That God may dwell
Among us today
Emmanuel with us
Showing the Way.

More Blessings today
Ready to accrue
Because of God’s love
Saying yes to you!

Poem by Mark Shields – © 12-24-2019
Inspired by Sermon of Ryan Barnett – December 15, 2019Image Source

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Posted in Christmas, Poems | Tagged Blessings, Christmas, Faith, Integrity, Love, Obedience, Poetry | Leave a comment

Ordinary Mary

Posted on December 22, 2021 by Mark Shields

This poem was inspired from a sermon series called “Ordinary People, Extraordinary God” delivered by Pastor Ryan Barnett on 12-08-2019. The encounter with extraordinary God gives faith to do the impossible and keep going when difficulties occur. To be an ordinary person doing extraordinary things because of saying “yes” to an extraordinary God.

Step Ahead

An encounter 
Of the ordinary
Like Mary with God
Is extraordinary.Giving more faith 
To keep on doing 
The impossible
In our pursuing.To fulfill our life plan
Even when suffering
With fear or doubt
Starts to set in.For the power
Initiated
In sending His Son
Has been activated.In ordinary people
Doing uncommon things
By saying yes
To the King of kings.


Poem by Mark Shields – © 12-24-2019
Inspired by Sermon of Ryan Barnett – December 08, 2019Image Source

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Posted in Christmas, Poems | Tagged Christmas, Extraordinary, Faith, Initiative, Poetry | Leave a comment

Heart that Fosters Love of Neighbor

Posted on December 21, 2021 by Mark Shields

Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. – Proverbs 17:9

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.

There was no need for Saul to be jealous. Like the song Stand In The Light by Jordan Smith inspires, every person is priceless and can be made righteous. For Christ can make every wrong right so be who you are by standing in the light and gain confidence in knowing that with God you will go far.

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Posted in Devotionals, Pleasing Personality | Tagged Blessings, Devotional, Friends, Holy Spirit, Memories, Music, Neighbors, Personality, Praise, Worship | 1 Comment

Close Friends

Posted on December 20, 2021 by Mark Shields

Neighbors need to get to know each other, build each other up, and build memories together. This photo was taken before a July 4th parade in my neighborhood back in 2009. The kids on their bikes now have their own cars. Some have gone off to college. Some neighbors and their families have moved to different communities but we stay in touch through social media and continue to share lifetime events and memories.

Reading in 1 Samuel 18, Saul’s oldest son named Jonathan who was next in line as heir to the throne became David’s closest friend. They were so close that Jonathan was willing to let David have the robe he was wearing along with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt (v. 4). They remained close friends throughout life.

We all need close friends and we should constantly pray for God’s guidance in our friendships. Through the Holy Spirit, we can have strong relationships that are blessings for a lifetime.

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Being a friend was a difficult challenge for Saul. After David killed Goliath, jealousy developed between Saul and David because Saul did not react very well to David’s success. He could see that the people regarded David as the greater leader and he became filled with anger.

Not only was Saul filled with jealousy and anger but he also feared David because the Lord was with David but departed from him (v. 12). Therefore, Saul sent David away to lead the troops in war hoping David would be killed but in everything he did, David had great success because the Lord was with him.

The people thought highly of David as he continued to lead them to success. They gave him praise and admiration but David remained humble. God was with David and this brought about a personality with a formidable combination of wisdom and a heart that had concern for others.

This day with You Lord, we have gained more knowledge in the importance of close friends that help change our character into who You want us to be. By living in Your power, we can be a good spouse, a good parent, a good friend, and a good neighbor. We reflect today on what you have given us in our friendships and are thankful. Amen.