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

Carry Me

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Mark Shields

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12:10

In the post “Higher Power”, highlighted was that Paul was content even in tuff times because it was during these times that he was dependent on Christ. This dependence allowed a greater power to work at full strength to carry through the rough times.

Like the scripture at the top states, we can be content even in our difficulties because it is during these times that God becomes our strength. Like today’s song Carry Me by Josh Wilson, He carries us out of the sinking sand to the solid ground.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Overcome Difficulty | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Grace, Inspiration, Overcomer, Passion, Praise, Spirit, Truth | Leave a comment

Higher Power

Posted on May 21, 2019 by Mark Shields

Reading in 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Paul was content even in difficulty because it was during these times that he was dependent on the Lord and would receive a power greater than any earthly power. The lesson for us is that the Lord brings balance into our life so rejoice even in tough times because He will work to remove the obstacles we face. We will be made stronger in order to handle life’s difficult situations.

Embrace the wonder of God’s power and learn to be patient. Maintain the passion by living in God’s Spirit and Truth. Think of an airplane. It is the air resistance that lifts the plane higher much like the resistance we face in life that lifts us to new heights.

Be inspired by people like Walt Disney who was fired at a newspaper because he was not creative enough. By people like Henry Ford who went broke four times before he started Ford Motors. By people like Sylvester Stallone who was homeless at one point in his life as he struggled to make ends meet as an actor. Then he not only was the actor but also wrote all the “Rocky” and “Rambo” movies.

Like Paul, we can be content with weaknesses. Whatever situation we get into is not beyond help and actually creates an opportunity for God’s greater power to be put to work.

It is during difficulty,
That we need patience
And to accept Christ
As our acquaintance.

For it is through Him
That we receive grace
And we can step ahead
At an amazingly fast pace.

Like the first snow of winter that covers the rough ground created from drought and erosion, God’s grace covers the rough spots along our journey through life to smooth out the path.

Snow in Waco 2-4-11

This day with you Lord, we have faith that You will provide the resources we need to get through anything. We grow stronger even in weakness as we read Your Word, meet in our groups, praise You with song, and memorize scripture. These activities make us stronger in order to handle stressful situations. We are grateful for this power in Jesus name. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Overcome Difficulty | Tagged Bible Study, Grace, Inspiration, Overcomer, Passion, Praise, Spirit, Truth | Leave a comment

Questions for Reflection for Study of 2 Corinthians 12-13

Posted on May 20, 2019 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, we’ve shared some thoughts and ideas from the journey through 2 Corinthians 9-11. The first thought was how God initiates in our heart the eagerness and enthusiasm toward giving. The gift of Christ inspires in us the desire to give as a thanksgiving for what we have been given.

Not only is it important to share in our material blessings but there is also a need to share in our spiritual blessings. As a team member for God, we can step ahead of hate, iniquity, and other corrupting influences in the world that keep us down. Instead, we can desire the authenticity, sincerity and certainty that God provides using technology to make a positive impact on your life.

Just a click away are scriptures, sermons, Christian blogs, and uplifting music available at any place or any time just by using your phone, mobile device, or computer. There is unlimited power when we work together. Lay claim to the ONE who unites us all. Together, we can gain advantage over the enemy and achieve the standards set by God in His Word.

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been made aware of Paul’s courage in standing up to the negative ways of the world. He was devoted to being a servant of Christ even when in danger, imprisoned, and facing tremendous pressure. As we journey through this life, impossible situations may be a part of our future too but the weapon we can use to face these situations is the power of the Holy Spirit. The indwelling Spirit will provide what we need to step out in adventurous ways with a courageous vision.

This picture below is of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe which is the largest alpine lake in North America. Not only is it large in area but extremely deep (1,645 feet). Like Lake Tahoe that stores up massive amounts of water, we should be a reservoir of God’s Truth so that others can be refreshed with the pure authentic Gospel, the True spirit, and the real Jesus.

The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable to sharing about God’s word. As I share about my study of the next few posts, it’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Christ as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with God amazing!

Questions for Reflection

2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Why can Paul be content with personal weaknesses, insults, hardships, etc.? How and when can a weakness become a strength? How can you be content with your weaknesses?

2 Corinthians 12:11-21
Why has Paul spent so much time acting the ironic fool? To whom has Paul’s defense been directed? Can you think through possible relationships with friends and family when you could gladly spend for their benefit? What are the reasons for Paul’s apprehension regarding his forthcoming visit to the Corinthians?

2 Corinthians 13
How will Paul act toward the Corinthians when he comes? What is Paul’s concern in challenging the Corinthians to examine themselves? How can you conduct your life so that you can claim to do nothing against the Truth? What must you do so that the God of love and peace will be with you?

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.

“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.

Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.

“Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.

Posted in Bible Study, Questions for Reflection | Tagged Bible Study, Christ, Faith, God’s Plan, Holy Spirit, Hope, Leadership, Lessons, Life, Love, Prayer, Reflection, Scripture | Leave a comment

Steadfast Toward the Mission

Posted on May 17, 2019 by Mark Shields

This poem is inspired by 2 Corinthians 5 and 6. The purpose given to Paul inspired in him the determination to blaze a path; making it easier for others to understand and receive the power of God and the great treasures available to anyone that accepts God’s grace.

Step Ahead

God will give us insight
To how to play our part
Yielding for His glory
With all our heart.

Along the way,
We may face trials
But are also blessed
With many smiles.

The thing about life
Is being able
To remain faithful
In what is capable.

Power is available
To not be a conformer
But accept God’s grace
And be a transformer.

To do what we enjoy,
Fulfilling the mission
God has given
In the great commission.

To go after
What is most essential
Using our gifts
To full potential.

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Posted in Poems, Purpose | Tagged Faithful, Grace, Life, Ministry, Mission, Plans, Poetry, Potential, Priorities, Purpose | Leave a comment

Courageous Vision

Posted on May 16, 2019 by Mark Shields

The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? – Psalm 27:1

Within the post “Making a Stand to Opposition”, Paul demonstrates courage in standing up to the negative ways of the world. He was devoted to being a servant of Christ even when in danger, imprisoned, and facing tremendous pressure.

We may face what seems to be impossible situations in life but the weapon we can use to face these situations is the power of the Holy Spirit. The indwelling Spirit will provide what we need to step out in adventurous ways with a courageous vision.

Like pointed out in this song, Whom Shall I Fear by Chris Tomlin, God goes before us and the God of Angel Armies will always be by our side. He will go before us to set up and make happen what might have seemed impossible.