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

Every Good Thing for His Purpose

Posted on April 16, 2019 by Mark Shields

All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

As explained in the post “Steadfast Toward the Mission”, Paul’s ministry cost him dearly but he remained faithful to God even in the most difficult hardships to be an ambassador of Christ. Paul exhibited character during these trials to blaze a path which made it easier for others to understand and receive the power of God.

This great power is available to anyone that accepts God’s grace. Even during the journey when we are busier than we need to be, God can make something amazing from our busyness. That’s good reason to give praise as in this song Every Good Thing by The Afters.

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Posted in Devotionals, Purpose | Tagged Devotional, Grace, Life, Ministry, Mission, Music, Praise, Priorities, Purpose | Leave a comment

Steadfast Toward the Mission

Posted on April 15, 2019 by Mark Shields

Brought out in reading 2 Corinthians 5:20 through 6:10 are Paul’s actions which commend him being an ambassador of God. He paid a tremendous price for his ministry including persecution, hardship, and rejection yet remained steadfast toward the mission.

It took qualities like endurance, patience and kindness to overcome these difficulties but there was comfort in knowing that God was with him for the purpose of changing the world for the better. God will also give us insight into how to play our part in this adventurous mission for His glory.

Along the way, we may also face trials. The thing about life is the stress of being able to balance everything we would like to do and still fulfilling the mission God has for us. Therefore, there is a great need to study our priorities; go after first what is most important and then like the domino effect, our items on the task list start to fall one after another until the mission is accomplished.

This day with You Lord, we are inspired by the purpose for which Paul blazed a path for all of us to follow. This new way to righteousness makes it easier for all to receive Your power. Help us to use this power to handle trials that may come our way. Help us stand up to the forces against us in order to be a transformer rather than conformer. To never compromise our standards regardless of the trials that may come our way. For it is in Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Purpose | Tagged Bible Study, Life, Ministry, Mission, Prayer, Priorities, Purpose | Leave a comment

Encourage and Affirm

Posted on April 13, 2019 by Mark Shields

Build up the house of the Lord today by encouraging and affirming others. The way you treat them, what you say, and how you encourage and affirm others makes them want what you have. Then those who are blessed this day with God will be multiplied.

Step Ahead

The following poem inspired from the song Words by Hawk Nelson.

There will be days
Of frustration
When your hard work
Leads to aggravation
And some may question
Your qualifications
But if you continue
To treat others
With complete respect
And encourage others
Like sisters and brothers
You will get further.
So follow God’s way
And things will be okay.
Give an encouraging word
And others will be spurred.
Fill them up in their youth
With words of God’s truth.
Not breaking them down
But offering the crown;
The crown of victory,
A person of history,
Whose reach is broad
As a child of God.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 03-28-2019

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Posted in Music, Poems | Tagged Character, Encouragement, Optimism, Poetry, Prayer, Purpose | Leave a comment

The New is Here

Posted on April 12, 2019 by Mark Shields

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Pointed out in the post “New Creation” is Paul explaining how there is reconciliation to God through Christ. This shapes our character as we become a new creation; regarding others differently because they are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

This new creation gives us big dreams to do amazing things so let us dream about amazing discoveries, finding a cure for diseases, or new ideas for inviting people into God’s family. Nothing can compare to what this new creation can do if we listen, apply, and follow.

For inspiration, let us sing a new song to the Lord called As it is in Heaven by Matt Maher which highlights that the kingdom is the Lord’s. All power given to us is to glorify our Father in heaven.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Applied Faith, Devotionals | Tagged Character, Cross, Devotional, Discoveries, Faith, Hope, Inspiration, Love, Music, Praise | Leave a comment

Questions for Reflection for Study of 2 Corinthians 5-8

Posted on April 10, 2019 by Mark Shields

Each new day is a gift of renewal with amazing power because Christ has paid for all sins. In one cataclysmic moment, all wrong-doing is wiped clean and we have access through prayer to the ONE who has all the answers to our questions.

Over the last few weeks, we have received answers to many questions as we study God’s word. Even if having a tough day, we can go to the Lord in prayer for comfort. We can start fresh with a new perspective because the love of Jesus restores so we can go from a place of brokenness to a place in life with laughter, joy, and peace.

Today, we can learn from the past and cast our worries about the future aside. We can find joy in the present and look forward to a bright future forever free of what holds us back. As we relate to others, we can be optimistic because by the grace of God we possess the Spirit in our heart which is only a deposit securing what is to come.

Saving grace is not something earned but something accepted. Our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted. The gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never let us down. The lessons learned in God’s word and the experiences of life can be documented. Much like a lake that collects rain water, we can collect a reservoir of thoughts and ideas from our life over time to be used in the decisions we make.

Over the last few weeks, learned is that each changed heart was a letter of recommendation from Christ to qualify Paul as a minister of God’s word. In the same way, the knowledge of God can multiply because of our character. The way we treat others, what we say to others, and how we encourage and affirm others.

So many obstacles may be put in our way along the journey. 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 we have the power that works within. With this power, we can passionately believe in what we are doing and feel confident that nothing can hold us up in our work. We can be optimistic because one day at a time, the impossible will become possible!

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 to handle the difficulties faced and finish strong.

The reading plan below will be used as I share over 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

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2 Corinthians 5:11-19
How does the fact of being known by God substantiate Paul’s boldness? What is the new creation? What are three attitudes or types of activities that reflect what you know of the new creation?

2 Corinthians 5:20 through 6:10
What are Paul’s actions which commend him being an ambassador of God? What are the qualities Paul exhibited during his trials? What trials have you experienced? To what extent have you endured?

2 Corinthians 6:11 through 7:4
What is Paul’s desire for the Corinthian Christians? What does he expect of them? Why is it difficult to please God while united improperly to an unbeliever?

2 Corinthians 7:5-16
What should be your attitude in suffering and grief to experience profitable character building? How has God comforted you through another person? How can you comfort others in your relationships at work, school, or home?

2 Corinthians 8:1-15
What is the motivation for giving? What principles do you use as a guide for godly giving? What principles could improve your approach to giving?

2 Corinthians 8:16-24
What is Paul’s concern in administering such a large fund? What are the qualifications of the three delegates Paul sends to the Corinthians for the task of collection of funds? What standards of honesty do you have for those handling other people’s money?

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.