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

Stepping Ahead in Obedience

Posted on February 1, 2021 by Mark Shields

This day with God will be amazing as we read Deuteronomy 25 – 26, reflect on how to apply His word, and pray. We will give Him the best part of our day! Taking in the instructions from His Word and stepping ahead in obedience to that Word.

The first fruit and tithe is an acknowledgement of God’s blessings from the past and continual care for the future. Just like the Israelites who gave thanks with their first fruits to God for helping them go from being poor and oppressed into being blessed with the Promised Land; we too can give a tithe to acknowledge God for our past and the guaranteed exalted future.

The values that underlie the laws governing Israel’s religious, social, political, and moral life included being honest, showing initiative, living obediently, and graciously accepting others as a child of God; a treasure He has wonderfully made.

These values affect our attitudes toward the major issues facing us today. God thinks every person is AWESOME! Everyone is of great value to God and therefore should be of great value to us. If we did all the things God believes we can do, we would literally be astounded.

This day with You Lord, we seek You first. We are grateful for this new day as we reflect on the past and refocus on bigger dreams ahead. We give You the first part of our day so we fulfill all that You belief we can do as we live life passionately, love completely, learn humbly, and live boldly. Amen

Posted in Bible Study, Initiative | Tagged Attitudes, Bible Study, Blessings, Boldness, Discipline, Initiative, Passion, Prayer, Values | 3 Comments

Ruth: A Story of Redemption, Part 4

Posted on January 31, 2021 by Mark Shields

Today’s message from my pastor at this link is about what is recorded in Ruth 4. Gain a lesson on being blessed by doing what God wants us to do.

Worship online via FUMC at this link https://firstwaco.com/ or Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

Posted in Initiative, Music, Worship | Tagged Apps, Blessings, Initiative, On-line, Praise, Sermon, Worship | 1 Comment

Growing Together in Faith

Posted on January 30, 2021 by Mark Shields

The unique assurance of the new covenant affects our mind-set so the effect is the elevation of creative ideas for helping others and in ways to encourage others by releasing the kind words living in our hearts. Let us grow our inner soul together.

Step Ahead

The world has a way 
 Of making you feel 
 Not very good
 Like what’s the deal
  
 Not quite good enough
 Without any skill
 Causing stress head ache
 Needing some advil
  
 Destroys confidence
 With a mental drain
 Physical hardship
 Plenty of pain
  
 But faith in God’s Way 
 Brings competence
 Adds confidence 
 As a consequence
  
 So get nourishment
 For the inner soul
 Where the true King lives
 And makes you whole

Poem by Mark Shields – © 01-28-2021

Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – Growing Together in Faith“

Photo – The English take their gardens serious. This picture was taken at Hampton Court in England. We also need to take serious the inner garden of our soul. Taking care so that what is unseen is also beautiful and seen on the outside with acts of kindness. This picture is a garden at Hampton…

View original post 8 more words

Posted in Poems | Tagged Encouragement, Kindness, Life, Optimism, Poetry, Prayer, Spirit | 1 Comment

The Fruits of the Spirit

Posted on January 29, 2021 by Mark Shields

Plant good seeds and the good food of the Spirit will bring rich blessings. Continue the sense of wonder the gospel offers for you daily and share with others. The enthusiasm will be contagious and the harvest will be plentiful. – Galatians 6:10

The post “Planting Good Seeds” emphasized the need to take in what is good for your Spirit. Then the fruits of the Spirit will give power to step ahead in your everyday life with your family and neighbors.

Like the song Confidence by Sanctus Real, seek to gain faith like Daniel in the lion’s den. To acquire hope like Moses in the wilderness and the heart like David. Let the Lord be your defense so you can face your giants with confidence.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Applied Faith, Devotionals | Tagged Applied Faith, Devotional, Generosity, Integrity, Kindness, Music, Praise, Purity, Values, Worship | 1 Comment

Planting Good Seeds

Posted on January 28, 2021 by Mark Shields

The basic values affirmed in the laws found in Deuteronomy 23 – 24 are purity, integrity, generosity, and kindness. Any exploitation was forbidden like taking advantage of people, overcharging, or mistreatment.

We are to fill up our life with wholesomeness, goodness, and other constructive values. Then we are to draw on these positives to step ahead in our everyday life with our family, our neighbors, and anyone in need.

To be a champion and claim your victory, here is a link to a process that will help determine values, priorities, roles to play, plans of action, encouragement, and a way to document or evaluate: Link.

Lord, help us to plant good seeds for the Spirit. To grow in knowledge and wisdom by studying Your Word, praying for understanding, and living out our faith. Throughout our journey, we seek to take in the lessons learned and the experiences gained in order to increase our faith and share with others. Amen.