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

In God We Trust

Posted on June 15, 2019 by Mark Shields

This poem was inspired from 2 Corinthians 8:16-24. Paul demonstrates integrity by having standards of honesty in giving a complete account of the use of money. He chose certain people to administer the church fund and also set up a system of accountability. Too bad we don’t have the same attention to honesty and accountability in our world leaders. I hope this poem highlights the importance of integrity in leaders around the world.

Step Ahead

Many national governments around the world are in debt. National leaders need to be held to account in how they handle the people’s money. This picture was taken by my daughter when she went on a school trip to Washington D.C. in 2012.

Offering a standard
Of honesty,
Answerability,
And integrity.

The Word of God
Sets us free to be
All that He wants
Out of you and me.

A system of
Accountability
In order to avoid
Instability.

Accusations
Of mismanagement
Are dealt with for
Public advancement.

Leaders are then trusted
With good judgment
To put things in order
And handle the budget.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 05-30-2019

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Posted in Poems | Tagged Accountability, Honesty, Integrity, Leadership, Poetry, Prayer | 1 Comment

Steps Toward The Lord

Posted on June 13, 2019 by Mark Shields

A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? – Proverbs 20:24

The post “Step Ahead Higher and Higher” makes some points about the passage. Micah describes a future when the world has it all together. The populace has discovered the way of God and they follow the path. A time when people help each other and nations live in peace.

The principles taught by Christ will lead us to a future described in this passage. To inspire towards this end, here’s a song called Come Let Us Return to the Lord by Matt Redman.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Accurate Thinking, Devotionals | Tagged Bible Study, Difficulty, Faith, Future, Jacob’s Dream, Peace, Praise | Leave a comment

Step Ahead Higher and Higher

Posted on June 12, 2019 by Mark Shields

Explained in Micah 4 are God’s plans for the last days or the Tribulation and the Millennium. The temple will be built on Mount Zion and people around the world will gather in Jerusalem. There will be universal peace as God’s instruction is followed.

Before that time, there will be hard times and humanity will be put through the test. There will be loss, abandonment, and despair but there is a way to a brighter future by accepting God’s help. Difficulties can become building blocks to a more grand future as His people step ahead higher and higher.

This passage reminds me of Jacob’s dream of a ladder connecting the earth and heaven. On the campus of Abilene Christian University is a work of art depicting Jacob’s dream. Below is a photo of my daughter in front of this monument as she was visiting the campus before becoming a student.

Lord, this day help us to apply our faith. The principles taught by You will lead us to a future described in this passage when the world has it together. When things are done the right way as people help each other and nations live in peace. We are grateful that we are connected to heaven because of accepting You as Lord and Savior. Amen.

Posted in Accurate Thinking, Bible Study | Tagged Bible Study, Difficulty, Faith, Future, Jacob’s Dream, Peace, Prayer | 1 Comment

Led by the Spirit

Posted on June 10, 2019 by Mark Shields

Reading Micah 3, we get some characteristics of the leadership during the time of Micah. The leaders hated what was good and loved what was evil, and led their people astray. In this passage, Micah warns them of God’s judgment upon their nation if they did not change their ways.

Many would say we face leadership problems in our current time with leaders that want to strip us of our liberty. Strip God from all aspects of society and instead give praise to actions that lead down a path of destruction.

Micah believed he had a responsibility to warn the leadership about their destructive ways and we should also feel the same responsibility today. We should not give in and learn the lessons from God’s instruction manual called the Bible for ways to fight back. We should learn from history and follow what works instead of what has never worked.

The photo below was taken at Garvan Woodland Gardens near Hot Springs Arkansas. Like this stream, the Holy Spirit flows in our soul. Ask daily that what is absorbed internally through God’s word will naturally flow outward as activities that benefit your life and the lives of those around you.

We pray today for the wisdom you give us in Your Word. It is our instruction manual on how to integrate our faith with our lifestyle. We see a future ahead with possibilities for all and not for just a few. We see a future in which we can build upon what You have done yesterday as we dream big for what You will do tomorrow. Amen.

Posted in Applied Faith, Bible Study | Tagged Bible Study, Faith, Gardens, Holy Spirit, Leadership, Prayer, Responsibility, Soul | 1 Comment

Give and Be Blessed

Posted on June 8, 2019 by Mark Shields

This poem is inspired by 2 Corinthians 8:1-15. The motivation for giving should be to share in the service of the Lord’s people. Giving should be out of the love of the Lord that overflows so that others are blessed. This day with God, generously feed souls and ask that doors be opened so your treasure accrues in the hearts of many and fulfills a purpose beyond what could be imagined.

Step Ahead

The reason for giving
Is to share in service
To people in need
And fulfill a purpose.