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

Productive and Efficient

Posted on June 23, 2021 by Mark Shields

Photo Source – Bing Images

As we follow God’s plan today, let us start by reading Judges 7 and the plan that is given to Gideon which is an imaginative plan that was productive and efficient. We read that Gideon and his army were camped at the spring of Harod and the Midian camp was north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh. God tells Gideon to send those who lacked courage home so the troop size eventually went from 32,000 to 300 men.

To prepare and strategize for the battle, God continues to influence Gideon’s actions as their leader. He listened to God’s instructions to carry out the plan. Each soldier had a trumpet and a jar. They followed Gideon’s lead and when they reached the edge of the camp, they blew their trumpets and broke the jars (v. 19).

This strategy caused the Midianites to panic because the Midianites believed that each of the 300 who blew their trumpets was backed up by thousands of soldiers behind them. The Midianites were totally confused to the point that they turned on each other killing many of their own troops with the remaining fleeing for safety in their panic.

A take away from today’s passage is how God’s strength works through human weakness. The lack of courage within the ranks of Gideon’s army influenced the trimming down of the army to just the courageous few who took on an enemy that was much larger.

God is greatest in our human weakness and His strength will make the journey of life less difficult. This day with God, let us be enthusiastically affected and make humble use of God’s Plan for Us which ultimately is greater than any suggestion presented by an exclusive group of experts.

This day with You Lord, speak to us about the plan for this day so we are efficient and productive in all that we do. Use us to do amazing things for you Lord. We may have weaknesses but with You, we can win our battles in life if we follow Your plan. Your expertise is greater than any authority of this world and Your Word gives wisdom to do amazing things for Your Purpose. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Good Common Sense | Tagged Bible Study, Courage, enthusiasm, Guidance, Holy Spirit, Imagination, Leadership, Photo, Prayer, Strategy, Wisdom | 3 Comments

Carry Out the Plan Step by Step

Posted on June 22, 2021 by Mark Shields

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

We learned about the unlikely hero named Gideon in the post “Step Ahead with Faith” Before anything else, Gideon prepared to carry out the plan received from God. Even though Gideon was hesitant and had doubts about his ability to follow through with the plan, he passed the test by receiving guidance from the Holy Spirit and taking the initiative to carry out the plan step by step.

Here is a video to encourage you today: Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns. Receive this encouragement to step ahead with courage. To not be afraid but listen to the voice of Truth. To overcome whatever blocks your progress as you fulfill God’s plan for you.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Initiative | Tagged Devotional, Faith, Guidance, Holy Spirit, Initiative, Music, Possibilities, Praise, Worship | 1 Comment

Step Ahead with Faith

Posted on June 21, 2021 by Mark Shields

God thinks you are AWESOME! Focus on what you can do and not on what you wish you could do. Then what seemed to be impossible will become possible. Step by step let us continue the journey through God’s Word as we read Judges 6.

We read in today’s passage that once again, a generation got off track and didn’t follow the Way so God was not with them. They were then invaded like swarms of locusts by nearby groups as the people in surrounding regions camped on the land and ruined the crops to the point that the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help (v. 6).

An angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon who was from a poor family, had shown no leadership skills, and lacked courage. He demanded proof from God to assure him that he was the one to save Israel. He ask God to make the wool wet and everything else dry and the Lord did as Gideon ask.

Once the sign from God provided Gideon with proof, he was willing to follow the instructions given. The task was to tear down the altar to Baal his own father had put on their land and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. When he did what he was told, the people in the community were furious and came after Gideon to kill him.

Gideon’s father stood up for him and explained to the people that if Baal was truly a god, he would have not allowed his son to break down his alter. Gideon then become a hero and people rallied around him.

We learn from Gideon’s experience that guidance from the Holy Spirit is so important because we receive the perfect plan to destroy the enemy. Even though Gideon was hesitant and had doubts about his ability to follow through with the plan, he passed the test by taking a stand for the Lord as he tore down the worldly idols.

This day with God, let us trust God to pull us through by claiming His faithfulness to enable us to step ahead with faith. Our job is to simply get started and God will send us signs to inspire us, guidance to prepare us, and change our character so that we are equipped to do great things for Him.

Lord, we learned about the unlikely hero named Gideon today who You encouraged to do great things for Your purpose. He was influenced by the Spirit to step ahead and be transformed into the hero that saved Israel. Help us today to receive Your plan and step ahead with faith to carry this plan out. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Initiative | Tagged Bible Study, Faith, Guidance, Holy Spirit, Initiative, Photo, Possibilities, Prayer | 3 Comments

Praise Always

Posted on June 18, 2021 by Mark Shields

If you stand up to problems with optimism and ask God to help, you will overcome them. Be freed from pessimism and read today’s poem to begin your day stepping ahead on the journey with confidence.

Step Ahead

Deep inside the earth
Is built up power
Released by the volcanos 
That ultimately devour. 

Just like our past
With frustration
Building up inside
With agitation.

Causing us to react at times
When our thinking
Was in the wrong direction;
Not having an inkling.

Instead of thinking 
Of good going our way
That builds momentum
Throughout the day.

Gaining an edge
To staying on track instead
As we go along the path
And step ahead.


Poem by Mark Shields – © 06-17-2021
Inspired by
“Praise Always”
Photo – Going up Mt. Haleakala which is a dormant volcano on the Hawaiian Island of Maui.

View original post

Posted in Photos, Poems | Tagged Difficulties, Gratitude, Optimism, Poetry, Praise, Prayer, Satisfaction | Leave a comment

Like the Sun Rises in All Its Strength

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Mark Shields

So may all your enemies perish, Lord! But may all who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength. – Judges 5:31

One take away from the post “He Prepares the Way” is that great things can be done with God’s help because He prepares the way. Those against us don’t stand a chance when we know God is our strength and we work together to advance His cause.

Take encouragement from the song You Say by Lauren Daigle. Like the sun that rises each morning in all its strength, take in the words of the song that God says you are strong. Step ahead today believing and achieving.