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

Today’s Exciting Gift

Posted on June 2, 2021 by Mark Shields

This day with God will be excited because each day is a gift. Take the opportunity this day to open His word and tell others what you have received. Today, the gift of Mark 16:9-20 is waiting to be unwrapped.

When Jesus had risen, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene. Afterward, He appeared to two disciples as they were walking in the country on the road to Emmaus. Later, Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating.

Jesus encouraged them to go into all the world and preach the gospel. He told them they would have the power to accomplish miracles. They followed these instructions and the Lord was with them to confirm His word by the signs that accompanied it (v. 20).

The disciples did what Jesus asked them to do. They told others about the Good News and that’s what we should do. This day with God, let us think of ways to prepare others so they are excited about opening the gift that leads to a victorious life.

We pray God for ideas as we set out to bring others into discipleship. It all starts with one small step and then we will find that You can get us farther than we ever thought we could by taking things step by step. The first step is accepting Jesus as Savior. The next step is telling others about this Good News. We believe the Spirit will empower us to carry out this mission! We are ready to go and ready to take on this challenge with confidence because as we step ahead, Jesus will show up by surprise and will be our guide. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Initiative | Tagged Bible Study, Excitement, Good News, Holy Spirit, Initiative, Miracles, Photo, Prayer, victory | 3 Comments

Strength to Step Ahead

Posted on June 1, 2021 by Mark Shields

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13

A take away from the post “Step Ahead with Optimism and Courage” is to keep going even when you think it is over. If trouble comes your way, keep the faith and seek Christ diligently. Maintain hope and you will find that difficulties will vanish because the love of God through Christ will give you the strength to step ahead.

Take inspiration from this thought today about the strength you have to step ahead. Celebrate with the song My Victory – Passion (Feat. Crowder) because like the song says, the death of Jesus is hell’s defeat. The cross meant to kill, is your victory.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, victory | Tagged Amazement, Boldness, Courage, Devotional, Excitement, Faith, Joy, Music, Optimism, Praise, Strength, victory, Worship | 1 Comment

Step Ahead with Optimism and Courage

Posted on May 31, 2021 by Mark Shields

Like the excitement of planning a vacation destination, reading the Bible can also provide excitement as we daily read scripture and journey through life. Today we are reading what many would say is the most exciting part of the Bible as recorded in Mark 16:1-8.

On Sunday morning after the crucifixion, the women went to the tomb of Jesus. They were concerned about rolling the stone away from the entrance of the tomb but when they got there, the very large stone had already been rolled away. A man dressed in a white robe was sitting on the right side who told them Jesus had risen and was not there!

The man gave the women instructions which included telling the disciples that Jesus had gone to Galilee and they could see Jesus there. As they left the tomb, they were bewildered but amazed! They were afraid to tell anyone at first, but eventually followed through with the instructions the angel had given them.

Meanwhile, the disciples were mourning because they thought it was over but soon they would hear the good news that Jesus was alive and their response would be one of great joy and unbelievable courage because they had proof that Jesus was who He told them He was; the Savior of the world.

There are times in our life when we think it is over. Bad news from a doctor about a health issue, financial problems, or broken relationships leave many with little hope but it is during these times that we should keep the faith and seek after Christ. The resurrection of Christ gives believers this universal power to remove the obstacles. To step ahead with boldness, new optimism, and courage to walk steadily forward with excitement.

This day with You God, we face difficulties in this world but we are thankful that the burdens of this world will not keep us down. We humbly receive Your grace today and accept Your plan that always brings victory in our life. Because of the resurrection of Jesus, we have the power at work in us that brings hope to the future. A future in which victory is assured now and forever. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, victory | Tagged Amazement, Bible Study, Boldness, Courage, Excitement, Faith, Joy, Optimism, Photo, Prayer, victory | 3 Comments

All People Working Together

Posted on May 28, 2021 by Mark Shields

All age groups are needed in any organization. The wisdom of the experienced and the energy of the young are needed. Each can do what they do best and fit into the plan. This poem is about sticking to God’s plan for you to bring Him glory.

Step Ahead

What a wonderful
Phenomenon
In being a part  
Of souls being won.

Each doing something  
And fitting into the plan
Which is the church
Giving each other a hand.

Stronger together
With all at work
Doing what we do
And providing a perk.

Building a chemistry
With sister and brother
With the tremendous talents 
Offered to each other.

With wisdom from 
Things already done 
And energy 
From our young.


Poem by Mark Shields – © 05-27-2021
Inspired by
“All People Working Together”
Photo – Taken at my church from up in the balcony while working with the tech team.

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Posted in Poems | Tagged Church, Community, Faith, fellowship, Life, Poetry, Prayer, Teamwork | 1 Comment

Something of Great Significance

Posted on May 27, 2021 by Mark Shields

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.’” – Ezekiel 37:4-5

When Jesus was crucified, it was a common occurrence in that society but there was something different about that Friday as pointed out in the post “Light Shines Brightest in the Dark”. God wanted those who witnessed the event to know that something of great significance occurred.

Jesus cried out in a loud voice at three in the afternoon and some thought that He was calling Elijah and Elijah would take Him down from the cross. We know now that Jesus breathed His last shortly after but as the song Rattle by Elevation Worship points out, the disappointment they felt on Friday turned into great excitement on Sunday when they found out the tomb was empty!