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

Love and the Outcome

Posted on April 5, 2019 by Mark Shields

This poem was inspired from 2 Corinthians 2 when Paul was Spirit led and used the occasion to teach the Corinthian church leaders about church discipline and forgiveness.

Step Ahead

Take care of disputes
In neighborly love
And forgive each other
As done from above.

Confront wrongdoings
By being thoughtful
And in unity
Spread the Gospel.

For excellence,
Be ready to pray
And always obey
By following His way.

Emphasize salvation
As not something earned
But something accepted
So good is returned.

As wisdom is gained,
Things will fall into place
With a Spirit led life
And everlasting grace.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 03-21-2019

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Posted in Poems | Tagged Faith, Forgiveness, Gospel, Grace, Holy Spirit, Love, Poetry, Prayer, Wisdom | 1 Comment

Light Shines Out of Darkness

Posted on April 4, 2019 by Mark Shields

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. – 2 Corinthians 4:6

As shared in the post “All-Surpassing Power”, Paul went through discouragement in setting up new churches and we all face times along the journey when we feel let down but in the end, we must maintain hope for the light shines out of darkness.

Our faith gives courage to face any doubts, and the love of Christ brings victory over our enemies who only offer hate. Like in the song Through All of It by Colton Dixon, there will be struggles and tough days but in the end there is victory because we have the power to finish strong.

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Posted in Devotionals | Tagged Courage, Devotional, enthusiasm, Faith, Gospel, Hope, Life, Love, Praise, Reward, victory | Leave a comment

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.