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

Follow the Light

Posted on December 22, 2018 by Mark Shields

The poem “Follow the Light” was inspired from a sermon of my pastor Ryan Barnett. The Christmas story begins with people dwelling in darkness; overcome with despair and all hope lost until the birth of Christ. He was born to be our Savior who came to wage war for our freedom. We need only prepare because the King is coming to set us free. We gather to celebrate. We prepare our hearts to be messengers so others will turn their attention to the Light. To become transformed into the likeness of Christ and get ready for Christ’s coming again. He will not be stopped … it’s a guarantee and our Savor will come for all.

Step Ahead

Dwelling in darkness,
Overcome with despair,
And a world in need
Of major repair.

Then came the birth
That changed the outlook;
The birth of Jesus
Explained in God’s book.

His story of a Savior
To set us free
And help us be
All we can be.

So get involved
In His story
And celebrate
All His glory.

By being ready always
To follow the Light
And receive the gift
Of a future so bright.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 12-22-2018

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Posted in Christmas, Poems | Tagged Celebrate, Christmas, Hope, Joy, Peace, Savior | 3 Comments

The Gift

Posted on December 21, 2018 by Mark Shields

My pastor for many years Steve Ramsdell once said in a sermon, “Why put off a gift that you can use for a lifetime and beyond? It is the gift of God’s love for us through His Son”. This poem was inspired by this thought. Have a Merry Christmas!

Step Ahead

Searching for a gift
But little time to go
For the stress is high
And I just don’t know.

Most gifts are short term
But one is forever
And meaningful
For any endeavor.

The gift of a Savior
Born in this season
Is the true reason
My stress is easing.

Because of this babe
Born in a manger
To be our Savior
And a real game changer.

This time is glorious
Bringing peace with our fate
And our ticket through
The pearly gates.

Poem Mark Shields – © 12-20-2018

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Posted in Christmas, Poems | Tagged Christ, Christmas, Gift, Love, Peace, Savior | 2 Comments

The Difference Maker

Posted on December 20, 2018 by Mark Shields

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. – Philippians 2:13

A thought in the post “Helping and Encouraging” is that Paul wants people to grow spiritually. He wants them to set aside a sum for the collection so the church grows and the poor can be helped. That they go to God and believe the doors of opportunity will be opened.

What God gives is a positive affirmation of love through His Son Jesus Christ. This is God’s Plan for Us; a plan that is a treasure and the difference maker in life. The more you lose yourself in this plan, the more passion you will have. Receive encouragement from the song Different by Micah Tyler. Want to be different and gain what matters. Want to be changed and be set apart.

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Posted in Desire, Devotionals | Tagged Courage, Desire, Devotional, Encouragement, Faith, Giving, Love, Music, Praise, Treasure | Leave a comment

Helping and Encouraging

Posted on December 19, 2018 by Mark Shields

Paul gives directions and reasons for giving to the poor in the passage 1 Corinthians 16. On the first day of every week, each person should set aside a sum of money for a collection so that the poor are helped.

Paul desires that other Christians grow spiritually. That people go to God and believe the doors of opportunity will be opened. The impossible does become possible if there is commitment with faith, courage, and love.

Friendships are very important because we have others to go through life together and when two are working together, there is greater strength, fulfillment, and impactful living. The photo above was taken when my daughter and her friends were heading back to Abilene after spending the weekend in Waco to attend the Baylor/Abilene Christian University football game.

This day with You God, help us to be people who are looking for ways to help and encourage our brothers and sisters. The best way we can do that is to share with them the positive affirmation You give us through Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen

Posted in Bible Study, Desire | Tagged Bible Study, Courage, Desire, Encouragement, Faith, Giving, Love, Prayer | Leave a comment

By Our Side to Bring Victory

Posted on December 18, 2018 by Mark Shields

Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting? – 1 Corinthians 15:55

We face an evil enemy but God is faithful to be by our side to bring victory. As explained in the post “Truths of the Resurrection”, the mystery of the resurrection is that the dead will be raised into the realm of immortality. At this point, death is defeated.

There may be times when projects are due, bills are due, or for a business owner … payroll must be met. When people get in panic mode, don’t follow or listen … just keep heading steadily towards the victory.

This day with God, take inspiration from the song My Victory – Passion (Feat. Crowder).