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

Ultimate Sacrifice

Posted on September 25, 2019 by Mark Shields

This day with God will be amazing as we read in Leviticus 6 and continue to stay anchored to the love from above. The continuity of our relationship with God is in reading His Word daily, spending time in prayer, and following His instructions.

The idea of holiness as expressed in verses 19-30 is that only the holy could be in God’s presence because God is holy. The priests had to sacrifice an animal and go through a ceremony to be made holy on the day they were ordained (v. 20).

So for anyone who sinned, a sacrifice had to be made in order to be in God’s presence. Today, we can be grateful that the death of Christ on the cross is the ultimate sacrifice for our sins and we are made holy by accepting Christ in our heart. Take inspiration from the poem below.

There are rules we live by
and they are our guardrails;
found in His Word
and lighting our trails.

These rules give us
God’s design for living;
blessing those who
constantly are seeking.

They lead us as
we hold His hand;
living by the Word
and keeping His commands.

They are the guide
for each and every decision
as we meditate on His Word
or seek a pious vision.

These rules make the world
a better place;
giving society standards
and inspire to win the race.

They help us invest
instead of spend;
for treasures in heaven
will reward without end.

This day with God, keep the fire burning in order to be refined and molded into being more like Christ. The picture below of the Vietnam Wall Memorial in Washington D.C. reminds us of the sacrifices made for freedom. The Lord’s Supper is meant to remind us what Christ went through on the cross to set us free from sin.

Vietnam Wall Memorial in Washington D.C.

This day with You Lord we study the Word and come to You daily to plan out our day. We are grateful for the sacrifice of Christ on the cross so that we are made holy. May we be spurred on to holy living today in Christ’s name! Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Discipline | Tagged Bible Study, Cross, Discipline, Holiness, Prayer, Sacrifice | Leave a comment

The Place of Grace

Posted on September 24, 2019 by Mark Shields

Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it. – Hebrews 4:16

The post “Make the Choice of Truth” mentions accountability and that instead of looking the other way when wrongs are done, seeks God’s way. It says to have accountability, admit wrongs, and seek forgiveness.

Because of what was accomplished by Christ on the Cross, all we have to do is take one step toward Jesus. Take inspiration from today’s song One Step Away by Casting Crowns. When we take the first step toward the choice of Truth, grace covers the past and we are anointed by the Spirit to follow the light.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Initiative | Tagged Accountability, Atonement, Cross, Devotional, Forgiveness, Grace, Music, Praise | Leave a comment

Make the Choice of Truth

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Mark Shields

Explore, dream, and discover or you will be disappointed by the things you did not do. Get away from the comfort zone and sail away with gusto! Today’s passage Leviticus 5 certainly gets us away from the comfort zone.

God’s attitude toward a witness who hides their knowledge of wrongdoing is that they have sinned. They must make atonement for their sin by bringing to the Lord a female lamb or goat as a sin offering. The thought for many in holding others accountable to wrongdoing is to look the other way but the Lord’s way is to hold us accountable; for us to have the opportunity to confess and receive forgiveness.

For forgiveness to happen during the time of today’s passage, there had to be atonement. A female lamb or goat was brought to the priest, the animal was sacrificed, and the blood was sprinkled on the altar. There were provisions made for those who could not afford a lamb or goat. Two doves or two pigeons could be offered. For the poor, a tenth of an ephah (about 3.5 pounds) of finest flour could be offered.

During the time of the writing of this passage, the way to salvation was doing something for forgiveness but we can be grateful that God’s way of forgiveness has now been done for us. There is nothing a person can do to obtain salvation but accept what Christ accomplished on the Cross.

This day with You Lord, we are grateful for what has been accomplished on the Cross. Your way of salvation only requires a first step. When we take the first step toward the choice of Truth, grace covers the past. Then we follow Jesus and take a second step along the path as Your Word guides and Your favor keeps us in the light. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Initiative | Tagged Atonement, Bible Study, Cross, Forgiveness, Grace, Prayer | 1 Comment

Higher Standard

Posted on September 20, 2019 by Mark Shields

Inspired after reading Micah 6, this poem emphasizes the need to focus more on our Creator rather than the hustle and bustle of this world. His standards are high and that is a good thing because we are told what is best for our soul. We can find what we need most in His Word and through His people.

Step Ahead

The world has low standards
But God’s standards are high
Coming down to us
From way up in the sky.

Spiritual assets
Take one far
Instead of a nice house
Or expensive car.

Worship the ONE true God
Accepting His mercy
With life changing power
To step ahead humbly.

Treating others fairly,
Doing things the right way
With kindness, respect,
And in what we say.

For the Creator
Of the beauty of fall
Made people his greatest
Creation of all.

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Posted in Poems | Tagged Autumn, Creation, Focus, Humility, Kindness, Mercy, Poetry, spirituality | Leave a comment

Victory for You and Me

Posted on September 19, 2019 by Mark Shields

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. – Galatians 5:1

As written about in the post “Free to Fly Higher”, there was a way to receive forgiveness by following the procedures in Leviticus 4 but in current times, God has provided a much better way to atone for sins.

Jesus has become the sacrifice for our sins and by accepting Him as our Savior, we can not only receive forgiveness but also have more time to examine our life, reflect on what changes are needed, and pray for guidance.

We can accomplish many things in communities across this land but the greatest accomplishment is when Jesus is in the heart of a neighbor. Let us celebrate each time this happens for someone. Join in on the celebration today with today’s song My Victory by Crowder.