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

Cultivate the Garden

Posted on September 3, 2019 by Mark Shields

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. – Psalm 100:4

Some thoughts from reading 2 Timothy 4 were written about in the post “Flourish in Faith”. Paul was at the end of his life and needed some helpers to carry out the work of the church.

Paul had fought the good fight and finished the race. He was not afraid of death because of his trust in Jesus. Because of Jesus, he had confidence that amazing things would happen in the ministry. He was ready to pass on the baton the future generations.

For future generations to read, understand, and apply the Word of God, it is up to each of us to continue to plant seeds of the Gospel message. Put in the work to organize the help, cultivate the fruits of the Spirit, and believe it will impressively grow in beauty.

Receive inspiration from the song Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli. God’ Spirit is with you today and as you experience His goodness, desire for others to receive the same.

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Posted in Devotionals | Tagged Confidence, Devotional, Endurance, Faith, Flourish, Gospel, Holy Spirit, Ministry, Music, Praise, Purpose, Reward | 1 Comment

Flourish in Faith

Posted on September 2, 2019 by Mark Shields

Reading in 2 Timothy 4, there is a sense of urgency for Paul because the ministry has had some deserters. They needed to regroup before his death which was nearing. He is in a Roman prison being persecuted and is asking Timothy to come see him face to face one final time before he is killed.

Paul gives these imperatives to Timothy: Preach the word, be prepared to correct, rebuke, encourage, and give careful instruction. Paul is concerned about the ministries ability to spread throughout the world. There is the need for help because time was short and those who had been loyal were needed to carry out the work.

He remembers the past and had no regrets. He had hardships and desertion from those he thought were going to help but the future rewards would be enjoyed because he had accomplished the purpose God had for him. The Lord gave him strength to endure and win the race as in the scripture below.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me in that day – and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. – 2 Timothy 4:7-8

For future generations to read, understand, and apply the Word of God, continue to plant seeds of the Gospel message. Put in the work to organize the help, cultivate the fruits of the Spirit, and it will impressively grow in beauty.

So much effort goes into making something flourish. There is a need for many helpers to participate in the success and it is much more rewarding when others get to share in the success.

God wants us as His companion. All the way back to the Garden of Eden, God just wants us as a companion to live with Him in paradise.

This day with You Lord will be amazing because we seek You every day and in You we believe. We read Your Word and apply it in our lives. Over time, we grow in our faith and our actions are on display for others to see. We are thankful for Your provision; grateful for all we receive. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Rewards | Tagged Bible Study, Endurance, Faith, Flourish, Gospel, Ministry, Prayer, Purpose, Reward | 2 Comments

Led by the Spirit

Posted on August 30, 2019 by Mark Shields

This day with God, collect the precious insight gained in His Word. The poem “Led by the Spirit” was inspired by This Day with God Devotional – Micah 3. We notice that Micah was filled with power from the Spirit of the Lord and was given authority to forewarn. We also have power and authority because of our acceptance of Jesus. Our authority is to share about the new Way. To share the good news available to everyone that believes in Him.

Step Ahead

Photo taken 06/04/2018 – Water Fall at Garvan Woodland Gardens near Hot Springs Arkansas

The actions of the past
Led down the wrong way
As many loved evil
And were led astray.

But life gave warning
And lessons were learned
So a new way was taken
And the old way spurned.

As the Word was read,
The Spirit did flow
And days became better
When evil was told no.

Battles were won daily
Without any limit
Fighting with the sword
Of the Holy Spirit.

By integrating faith
With a godly lifestyle,
The path was made clear,
The journey worthwhile.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 08-08-2019

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Posted in Poems | Tagged Faith, Gardens, Holy Spirit, Leadership, Poetry, Prayer, Responsibility, Soul | Leave a comment

Things Fall into Place with Grace

Posted on August 29, 2019 by Mark Shields

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Some of the main points taken form the study of 2 Timothy 3 in the post “Higher Ground” is resist what is contradictory to true success which is found in the secular world. Instead, take in the goodness of God’s Word for true success in life.

This is the reason for regular Bible study. Take inspiration from the song Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher. Because of grace, we have available the Holy Spirit and God is with us to provide the resources needed to conquer life’s battles.

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Posted in Devotionals, Faith | Tagged Devotional, enthusiasm, Faith, Gospel, Grace, Guidance, Music, Passion, Photo, Praise, Respect, Sermon, Society, Thought, Worship | Leave a comment

Higher Ground

Posted on August 28, 2019 by Mark Shields

This day with God, we read in 2 Timothy 3 for guidance in resisting what is contradictory in the secular world. Lack of respect of the Truth has so many negative effects on society like disobedience, ungratefulness, and abusiveness. There is a lack of self-control, slander, and concern only for self.

Turn away from secular thought and follow the truth of God’s way to higher ground found in the Scripture. Scripture affected the life of Timothy and it can affect our life too. Just like Timothy, rekindle passion and enthusiasm for the gospel message around the world. Be strong in the faith to handle criticism and those against you.

The goal for the study of God’s Word is to obtain what is right and know what is wrong. To be able to apply your faith and worship with a song. To stay the course and live the good life. To store up ideas like a reservoir to be used at the proper time and at the proper place.

Like Lake Tahoe stores up water, we can store up God’s advice for life. The Bible is God’s game plan so by reading, studying, memorizing, and applying God’s word, we have the best plan for how to live. Document the principles learned, look for pictures that help to visualize, sermon points, and music that inspires.

The photo below is of Lake Tahoe which is the largest alpine lake (lakes at high attitude – above 5,000 ft.) in North America. It is 1,645 ft. deep.

When you pray and develop a game plan each day with God, there is confidence because you know that you will do what is needed to be done and things will fall into place for a very rewarding day.

This day with You Lord, we study Your Word for guidelines to our living. We obtain the truth, trust in the Holy Spirit for power, and continue to grow in faith. We know there will be challenges but they will produce perseverance and we will grow in character. Every challenge becomes a building block as we step ahead higher and higher.