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

Need You Now

Posted on May 11, 2021 by Mark Shields

Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “Everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” – Mark 14:35-36

In the post “Inspiration to Aspiration”, Jesus was in distress because the time was near for Him to be arrested and go through the agonizing death on the cross. We should be inspired by His aspiration to fulfill His purpose. He prayed for God to spare him of this agony but understood and would continue to follow God’s will to victory even if it meant death on the cross.

The prayer of Jesus in verse 36 is complete as He expresses his hopes to be released from the agony He would go through but in prayer but accepts the fact that his own desires may not coincide with God’s will. If only more had this attitude of submission to God’s plan rather than their own desires.

When we aspire to follow God’s plan, we will pray like Jesus did. This will give us instructions for the tasks that need to be accomplished, the ability to keep going towards that purpose God has for us, the determination to overcome the difficulties, and the encouragement we will need to finish victoriously.

Today’s song Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher gives us the encouragement to keep going towards our personal victory. The song stirs in us the desire to receive God’s help in guiding our heart. To be set free, let us remember that holiness is Christ in you and me.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Desire, Devotionals | Tagged Aspiration, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Momentum, Music, Poise, Possibilities, Praise, Purpose, victory, Worship | 1 Comment

Inspiration to Aspiration

Posted on May 10, 2021 by Mark Shields

Reading in Mark 14:32-65, Jesus was in deep distress because he knew the time was near to fulfill his purpose on the cross. He prays at the Garden of Gethsemane while Peter, James, and John were supposed to keep watch nearby. The prayer of Jesus in verse 36 is complete as he expresses his hopes in prayer but accepts the fact that his own desires may not coincide with God’s will. If only more had this attitude of submission to God’s plan rather than their own desires.

When Jesus returns to Peter, James, and John, they were asleep rather than keeping watch. Imagine the feelings of Jesus as those he thought he could depend on were not able to do one simple request. The spirit is willing and the flesh is weak but with God, there is strength in weakness.

We can take this strength to make a stand for what is decent and right. It will take poise under extreme pressure but like the example of Jesus during the trial in verses 53-65, our poise confirms our desire to follow God’s plan for us rather than our own plan. We should just keep doing what we can with confidence knowing God will handle the complexities resulting in the amazing happening.

We have some good days and some bad days! That’s why there is a need to store up encouraging or inspiring thoughts that may come from things like photos, poetry, scripture, or music. The photo below of Lake Tahoe reminds me how the water collects from rain or from melting snow to create this amazing lake. In the same way, by praying each day we can replenish our soul with instructions, with encouragement, and with confidence that we can fulfill the purpose God has for us.

This day with You Lord, we feel Your presence as we set aside this time of learning about Your way and have a time of prayer. We are at peace and will have the poise like we learned today about the poise of Jesus. Good things will happen in our life because of our determined desire and ongoing commitment to fulfilling the purpose You have for us. Right now, the momentum for our life is building and we know that victory is near. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Desire | Tagged Aspiration, Bible Study, Encouragement, Inspiration, Momentum, Photo, Poise, Prayer, Purpose, victory | 4 Comments

Potential to Thrive

Posted on May 9, 2021 by Mark Shields

This day we seek out the treasure that provides more than ever imagined. It’s not gold or silver but a power that has no speed limit as we journey to where we need to go. By accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we have God speed with access to the Holy Spirit and this broadens our potential to thrive as we step ahead on this path to an amazing future. Amen

Receive inspiration from the song Thrive by Casting Crowns and believe you are made for more than what the world has to offer. You are made for more than just surviving but you are made for thriving.

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, Teamwork | Tagged Confidence, Devotional, Holy Spirit, Momentum, Music, Possibilities, Potential, Praise, Preparation, Worship | 1 Comment

Victory Formation

Posted on May 8, 2021 by Mark Shields

Geese form a V-shaped formation because the birds in the front reduce wind resistance for those in the back. After flying in front for a while, they will go to the back to rest and the next in line will take the lead. Like geese, we help each other along the journey. In return, each member receives the combined strength of the whole. Together as ONE in Christ, we are in victory formation so that the application of our faith becomes combined excellence and God’s glory is the ultimate outcome.

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, Teamwork | Tagged Bible Study, Encouragement, Excellence, Holy Spirit, Photo, Prayer, Strength, Teamwork | 1 Comment

Truth is Our Boarding Pass to Paradise

Posted on May 7, 2021 by Mark Shields

This poem of worship is about the boarding pass offered by Jesus for all that want to set sail to the place beyond our imagination.

Step Ahead

When sailing away 
On our voyage called life, 
Make sure to get on 
The ship that will arrive.

Where wrongs are made right
Confessing behavior;
Accepting the boarding pass
Given by the Savior.

To take the ship
That leads to the place
You want to go and
Into the Lord’s embrace.

The one with the Captain 
That can see up ahead
And gives the Truth 
In all that is said.

With no more chaos 
Or deceitfulness
But wholesomeness
And peacefulness.


Poem by Mark Shields – © 05-06-2021
Inspired by
“Truth is Our Boarding Pass to Paradise”
Photo – My wife and I went to the Titanic display at the Mayborn Museum located on the Baylor University Campus. We received this boarding pass to get into the display.

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