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

Holding On To The Promises

Posted on January 10, 2021 by Mark Shields

A new series of messages will be given by my pastor at this Link over the next few weeks. The series will be on the book of Ruth which tells a story that begins where there is no hope with two women facing impossible odds but holding onto the promises of God. You are invited to join in on this sermon series and be inspired by the incredible blessings that come because of the greatness of our God.

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 Sermon Thoughts, Worship | Tagged Faith, On-line, Optimism, Praise, Sermon, Worship | 1 Comment

Love Has Come and Won

Posted on January 9, 2021 by Mark Shields

For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. – Romans 6:6-7

The post “Accept the Help” discussed the principle of forgiving debt on the seventh year. Payment of a loan was extended for one year as a generous act of concern for neighbors in need. They were given a grace period similar to the grace of the gospel in pardoning sins.

Be thankful that grace always wins! Listen to the song White Flag by Chris Tomlin and surrender all to the Lord. Then the war will be over because love has come and won.

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Posted in Devotionals, Good Common Sense | Tagged Devotional, Faith, Generosity, Grace, Initiative, Integrity, Kindness, Music, Praise, Wisdom, Worship | 1 Comment

Refreshment and Energy

Posted on January 8, 2021 by Mark Shields

Receive refreshment and energy from this poem to finish the race strong. Christ’s perfect sacrifice delivers what you need to serve God so accept this advantage, ask what you can do for Him in return, and continue the race to victory.

Step Ahead

Begin each day
 Asking what to do
 Accepting His love
 And starting anew
  
 For the race of life
 Like a long distance run
 Requires momentum
 For it to be done
  
 So use inspiration
 Learned from history 
 Of Christ’s sacrifice 
 To bring the victory
  
 Give Him the praise
 For what’s been done
 Spurred on knowing
 The battles’ been won
  
 Receive refreshment 
 All the day long
 With energy lasting
 To finish strong
  
  
 Poem by Mark Shields – © 01-07-2021
 Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – Desolation to Restoration“

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Posted in Poems | Tagged Effort, Energy, Holy, Poetry, Prayer, Purpose, Refreshment, Sacrifice, victory | 5 Comments

Accept the Help

Posted on January 7, 2021 by Mark Shields

Photo Source – Bing Images

A man fell in the ocean and couldn’t swim. When a boat came by, the captain yelled, “Do you need help, sir?” The preacher calmly said “No, God will save me.” A little later, another boat came by and a fisherman asked, “Hey, do you need help?” The man replied again, “No God will save me.” Eventually the man drowned and went to heaven. The man asked God, “Why didn’t you save me?” God replied, “I sent you two boats!”¹

The ultimate values in the Hebrew law brought out in Deuteronomy 15 include generosity, kindness, integrity, and initiative. On year seven, payment of a loan was extended for one year as a generous act of concern for neighbors in need. This extended payment of debt on year seven gave borrowers a grace period to catch up and re-evaluate their finances. This kind act characterizes the grace of the gospel in pardoning sins.

Lending rather than giving keeps the integrity of a society in check but initiates an opportunity for wisdom to be transferred because both the lender and borrower have a stake in the practice of balancing the books. For a society to thrive, there must be balance.

As individuals, we initiate that balance by trying to square our faith life with our family life. By offsetting hard work with fun activities and not foreclosing on the opportunity for a future that flourishes with financial freedom. These individual priorities ultimately permeate society at large and are the start to flourishing communities.

This day with You Lord will be amazing. You think so highly of us that You gave Your only Son to free us from sin. We are thankful for Your grace that balances out our debt. We pray that we accept this help and that society as a whole accepts this help too! May our communities may flourish as we take these lessons from Your word, receive the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and share with others. Amen.

¹“Jokes – Your Daily Dose of Really Funny Jokes: Laugh Factory.” Jokes – Your Daily Dose of Really Funny Jokes | Laugh Factory, http://www.laughfactory.com/jokes/popular-jokes/all-time/30.

Posted in Bible Study, Common Sense | Tagged Bible Study, Faith, Generosity, Grace, Initiative, Integrity, Kindness, Prayer, Wisdom | 1 Comment

The Roadmap to Every Good Thing

Posted on January 6, 2021 by Mark Shields

All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

One thought brought out in the post “Dedicated to the Purpose” is God’s Plan for Us. He wants what is best for us and is concerned about how we treat our neighbors so the tithe provides a means of support for the good works within a community.

As in the song Every Good Thing by The Afters, the reason for every good thing is that God is with us and has given us the roadmap to every good thing. He’s the reason for family, for friends, for second chances, and for our memories.

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