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

All-Surpassing Power

Posted on April 3, 2019 by Mark Shields

Paul had to go through much discouragement in overcoming false teachers who deceived others so they could brag about their own achievements. Explained in the study of 2 Corinthians 4:1-15 is that Paul received the ministry of sharing the Good News of the gospel through God’s mercy.

The gospel sheds light on the glory of Christ who is the image of God. The light shines out of darkness into our hearts and overflows into the world around us. Like Paul, we may go through discouragement and hardship but because of Jesus in our heart, we have an all-surpassing power.

We may face pressure but are not crushed; face confusion but never desperation; persecution but never abandoned; struck down, but never destroyed. In our experiences at school, work, and among our family and friends we receive this all-surpassing power from God to handle the difficulties faced.

So this day with God, be mindful of the power of love through Christ. Your faith always gives hope and you will always be a champion in God’s eye. These positive characteristics given to you because of Christ will keep you steadily going toward your destination as you enthusiastically head toward your great reward.

Lord this day, we realize that we will never be 100% prepared for what life may bring our way. Like what happened to Paul, people will let us down and the race of life will make us tired. We just have to keep running and know that You will be there with open arms as we cross the finish line victoriously. In Jesus name, amen.

Posted in Bible Study | Tagged Bible Study, enthusiasm, Faith, Gospel, Hope, Life, Love, Prayer, Reward, victory | Leave a comment

The Power That Works Within

Posted on April 2, 2019 by Mark Shields

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. – Ephesians 3:20

A takeaway from the study of 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 in the post “Ordinary to Extraordinary” is that the new covenant of the gospel builds upon and provides a way to abide by the law given to Moses.

Be confident in the ONE that has made the impossible possible. You are being transformed daily to engage in a future beyond what you could even imagine. So step ahead; feel free to explore and discover ways to dispense this power given to you.

So many obstacles may be put in the way. Impossible deadlines at work, trying to grasp a hard subject in school, bad relationships, uncontrollable anger, or poor health are just a few examples. The Good News is that you have the power that works within as the song Break Every Chain by Jesus Culture points out.

With this power, you can passionately believe in what you are doing, let nothing hold you up in your work, and know that one day at a time the impossible will become possible.

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Posted in Devotionals, Make Impossible Possible | Tagged Devotional, Discover, Explore, Extraordinary, Freedom, Praise | 2 Comments

Ordinary to Extraordinary

Posted on April 1, 2019 by Mark Shields

The two dispensations introduced in 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 are the law given to Moses and the new covenant of the gospel established by Christ. Paul explains that the new covenant of the gospel improves upon and even surpasses the law given to Moses for several reasons. It not only shows what sin looks like but provides a better way to be freed from sin and gain everlasting life.

I saw this video one time of a horse with his front legs chained together. The horse had been that way for a long time but one day the chains were taken off and the horse was set free to run in the green meadow like life was meant to be for a horse.

The gift of Christ on the Cross has freed us so we are not held back and life works like it should. We are no longer chained up by sin that limits our potential. God has freed us so we can be all that He made us to be. The new covenant of the gospel takes the ordinary and turns it into something extraordinary.

Day by day, take in the lessons of God’s word. Step ahead to freedom, explore, and discover new ways to dispense the power of the Holy Spirit given to you. Gain the confidence given by the ONE who can make the impossible possible and be transformed so you can engage in a future you can only imagine.

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This day with You Lord, the ordinary can become extraordinary because we have invited You into our everyday experiences. There is a spirit of freedom and we are transformed day by day into Your image. Because of our devotion and fellowship, You will turn simple things into amazing things. Much will be done today Lord because You are in control and things will fall into place for an amazing day. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Make Impossible Possible | Tagged Bible Study, Discover, Explore, Extraordinary, Freedom, Prayer | Leave a comment

Big Plan

Posted on March 29, 2019 by Mark Shields

This day with God, Be freed from pessimism and be optimistic because by the grace of God we are allowed to stand firm in Christ and possess the Spirit in our heart.

Step Ahead

Human plans in life
Are just that … a plan
But the plan of God
Is bigger than.

A plan set in stone,
Solid as a rock,
And a plan assuring
Confidence in our walk.

Creating joy
For the yet to come
With the plan of Christ
For everyone.

The negative past
Is washed away
And the present joy
Highlights the day.

The future brighter
Each and every day
As we worship You
And continue to pray.

Every arrangement in life may not have worked out but as in the song Today is the Day by Lincoln Brewster, we can rejoice for today and be glad in it.

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Posted in Poems | Tagged Joy, Optimism, Plans, Poetry, Prayer, Worship | 1 Comment

Letter of Recommendation

Posted on March 27, 2019 by Mark Shields

There were many disappointments and changes in plans during the ministry of Paul. Reading in 2 Corinthians 2:12 through 3:6, many questioned his qualifications for being a minister of God’s word but there was proof that made him qualified. The proof was the transformed hearts of people.

The knowledge of God was spread through the character of Paul. The way he treated others, what he said to others, and how he encouraged others. His letter of recommendation came from the Corinthian people in the way he changed their lives for the better.

Each changed heart was a letter of recommendation from Christ and we all can be a letter from Christ by our character. There will be days of frustration when your hard work does not pay off. When others question your qualifications. When things fall apart around you, just be like Paul and turn to the Lord to receive direction to fulfill your purpose for His glory.

The knowledge of God can multiply because of your character. If your day gets off track, how you handle the situation makes all the difference. Continue to be optimistic and upbeat when going through issues knowing that with God, it’s going to work out. The way you treat others, what you say to others, and how you encourage and affirm them makes a huge impact.

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This day with God, we are humbled by Your creation. You have created over 100 billion galaxies with each galaxy having billions of stars but it is Your people that are Your greatest creation. Help us today to treat Your people with kindness and build them up with words that encourage. Amen.