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

Making a Stand to Opposition

Posted on May 15, 2019 by Mark Shields

The false teachers boasted about their knowledge and worldly success so they could convince the people that their way was best. Bragging to people is a foolish thing to do but to make a stand with courage to those who oppose God’s way is wise.

In 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, we read about Paul boasting but it is done to qualify him as a courageous servant for Christ and oppose those who were leading the people in the wrong direction. He writes about his sufferings. That he worked tirelessly as a servant for Christ. He was in prison, was flogged, exposed to death, been in danger, and gone without food or sleep (verses 23-29).

It takes courage to make a stand against those that oppose. Below is a picture my daughter took when she went to Washing ton D. C. on a class trip years ago. It’s a photo of the United States Marine Corps War Memorial inspired by the iconic photo of the soldiers raising the flag on Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945.

There are going to be hard times faced in life but making a stand against those who oppose our way of life is the right thing to do. Some people will let us down but what qualifies us as a member of God’s angel army is to allow His love into the situation. In prayer, ask for help in how to respond to the situation and the pressures faced.

This day with You Lord, help us to have confidence. We are never alone for You will go before us and never leave us. We ask for help in taking on our fears and face them head on knowing that You have our back. Give us the courage to be a little different and to stand up for You even when it may not be the popular thing to do. Amen

Posted in Bible Study, Courage | Tagged Bible Study, Courage, Memorial, Photos, Prayer | 2 Comments

Power in Simplicity

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Mark Shields

Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge. – 1 Timothy 6:20

As pointed out in the post “The Real Thing”, Paul faced many against him at Corinth. There were many that still did not accept the new way Paul was teaching. We face the same issues today because many demand to complicate things rather than simplify.

There is power in simplicity, yet the world believes in complexity. Let us be thankful that grace is enough. We don’t have to follow the impossible rules and regulations but the possible way given through the gospel.

This day with God, enjoy today’s song Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher. Celebrate today the authentic gospel, the true spirit, and the real Jesus.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Accurate Thinking, Devotionals | Tagged Devotional, Gospel, Grace, Holy Spirit, Praise, Simplicity, Thought | 1 Comment

The Real Thing

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Mark Shields

Paul faced opposition at Corinth from false teachers. In 2 Corinthians 11:1-15, he lays out his concern for the Corinthians. They were being deceived by false teachers into thinking their way was the best way rather than true devotion to Christ.

The church at Corinth was being destroyed from within by false teachers who thought they had all the answers. Their way was complicated with all these rules to follow. Their way was so complicated that they couldn’t follow their own rules.

Rather than be blessed with the gospel message of Jesus, these false teachers made up their own way to salvation. The message taught by Paul was simply about Christ as the way to salvation. Those who believed in the way of Christ were no longer a square peg trying to fit through a round hole. With Christ, they become well rounded and fit in.

If we know the real thing, we can recognize a counterfeit. Therefore, we should daily study the real thing or God’s Word. We should store up what is good for our soul, choose to be transformed, and live a fulfilling life through Christ.

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.

Lord, this day we choose to take in what is good for our body and soul. The pure, simple, and refreshing gospel message will transform us. We can now forgive instead of hold a grudge, we hunger for Your food for the soul, seek freedom, and live a fulfilling life through Jesus. We are thankful that we can study, practice our faith together, and depend on the Holy Spirit to apply our faith. Amen.

Posted in Accurate Thinking, Bible Study | Tagged Bible Study, Gospel, Holy Spirit, Prayer, Simplicity, Thought | Leave a comment

Spiritual Treasures are Forever

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Mark Shields

This day with God, a poem to build courage. Take courage with the attitude that things on earth are only short-term. Accumulate the permanent treasures that are from the Spirit because they will be with you forever.

Step Ahead

Earthly things today
Are short term however
Spiritual things
Are forever.

On the outside
We may fade away
But on the inside
We grow day by day.

Difficulties are
Only temporary
So overcome with the ONE
Who will carry!

This day with God,
There is no limit
To the treasure
Of the Spirit.

Overcome doubts
And grab your treasure
Available now
From our Creator.

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Posted in Poems | Tagged Courage, Eternity, Faith, Poetry, Renewal, Spirit, Treasure, Truth | Leave a comment

The ONE Who Unites Us

Posted on May 9, 2019 by Mark Shields

And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. – 1 Corinthians 12:28

As pointed out in the post “Unlimited Power Together”, Paul faced opposition at the church of Corinth. To defend himself, he explained that his authority came from Christ. That there are no echelons of authority within the church. Each person has a role to play according to their God given strengths for the benefit of all.

So the lesson for us is to know our individual strengths and be confident. Know what others strengths are and complement them. 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.

This day with God, receive inspiration from the song There is Power by Lincoln Brewster.