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

Serve Others With Your Gift

Posted on July 24, 2025 by Mark Shields

Each one should use whatever gift they have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. – 1 Peter 4:10

Reading Philippians 2:19-30 and sharing in the post “Step Ahead Confidently Into Your Calling”, the examples set by Timothy and Epaphroditus offer valuable lessons for us as modern-day Christians. Their lives demonstrate the virtues of genuine concern, faithful service, courage, and loyalty. To follow their example, we must first recognize and cultivate our unique credentials and gifts that can build up the body of Christ.

Each of us carries a tapestry of unique experiences, cherished memories, and personal strengths. Even the weaknesses we see in ourselves hold the potential to be transformed into sources of strength. When we entrust these imperfections to God, He has the power to carry us through and turn them into advantages, showing His grace and purpose in our lives. All He asks is for us to be willing and open, ready to let His hand guide us toward growth and renewal.

As the song He Will Carry You by Lynda Randle inspires, we were never meant to bear the burdens of life on our own, for the weight is often too heavy to carry. Instead, we are called to distribute that weight, placing our struggles and challenges into God’s hands. He is the ultimate problem-solver, the One who can move mountains, calm the fiercest storms, and bring comfort to our deepest sorrows. When we trust in His strength and surrender our worries to Him, we find peace and reassurance that we are never alone in our journey.

Index of devotionals

Thanks for reading. Please like, follow, and pass on to others … Serve others with your gift!

Posted in Devotionals, Strength | Tagged Christian Music, Commitment, Courage, Credentials, Dedication, Devotional, Discover Strengths, Encouragement, Gospel Music, Kindness, Loyalty, Mission, Momentum, Praise, Purpose, Service, Volunteer, Worship | 1 Comment

Step Ahead Confidently Into Your Calling

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Mark Shields

Each person is wonderfully made by God, crafted with care and purpose, and holds a unique place in this world. Imagine this: the moment you were born, you set a world record for being the “Youngest Person on the Planet”. Sure, others may have shared that title with you for a brief instant, but you still held it—how extraordinary is that?

Let this thought inspire you to seize the momentum of your life. Reflect on your unique strengths and talents, and embrace them fully, knowing they are gifts meant to be used for God’s purposes. You have the ability to impact the world in ways only you can, so step ahead confidently into your calling!

That’s the thought today received when reading Philippians 2:19-30 as we note two people that discovered their God given strengths for His purposes. The Apostle Paul highlights the remarkable credentials of Timothy and Epaphroditus.

Timothy was a dedicated follower of Christ who had a genuine concern for the people of Philippi. Timothy is portrayed as a loyal companion to Paul, having served with him in the work of the Gospel. His selflessness and unwavering commitment to the welfare of others stand as a testament to his deep-rooted faith and dedication to the mission of spreading the Gospel.

Another figure highlighted in this passage is Epaphroditus, whose qualities of courage and loyalty are exemplary. Sent by the Philippians to assist Paul, Epaphroditus faced adversity and illness but continued to serve with unwavering dedication.

The examples set by Timothy and Epaphroditus offer valuable lessons for us as modern-day Christians. Their lives demonstrate the virtues of genuine concern, faithful service, courage, and loyalty. To follow their example, we must first recognize and cultivate our unique credentials and gifts that can build up the body of Christ.

This day with God, reflect on the qualities and skills you possess that can contribute to the growth and well-being of your community. Whether it’s compassion, leadership, teaching, or hospitality, recognize the unique credentials that God has bestowed upon you.

Once you have identified your gifts, seek opportunities to use them in service to others. Engage in acts of kindness, volunteer your time and resources, and be a source of encouragement and support to those around you. Then, constantly grow in your faith and develop your talents. Seek guidance through prayer, study the scriptures, and surround yourself with a supportive community of believers.

This day with You Lord, we pray that we live lives like Timothy and Epaphroditus. That we use our unique credentials for Your purpose. You have given each of us certain strengths to carry out our calling. May we embrace the call to serve with genuine concern, faithfulness, courage, and loyalty so we make a meaningful impact in the lives of those around us. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Strength | Tagged Bible Study, Commitment, Courage, Credentials, Dedication, Discover Strengths, Encouragement, Kindness, Loyalty, Mission, Momentum, Photo, Praise, Prayer, Purpose, Service, Volunteer, Worship | 5 Comments

Shine Among Them Like Stars

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Mark Shields

Photo Source - "Bing." Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. – Philippians 2:14-16

Like Paul, we are called to embrace the challenge he presented to the Philippians as pointed out in “Stick to the Plan” as we trust in His Way. This requires discipline and perseverance to stay focused on sharing the Good News. As we commit to this mission, God will work within us, transforming us day by day through continuous effort. By striving to grow more like Christ and keeping our eyes on the ultimate reward, we can faithfully run the race set before us and shine as a testament to His glory.

As the song Starry Night by Chris August affirms in the following lyrics:

Giving my life 
to the only one
Who makes the moon 
Reflect the sun.

Giving it all 
To the only Son
Who was and is
And yet to come.

Thanks for reading. Please like, follow, and pass on to others … Shine like stars!

Index of devotionals

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

Posted in Devotionals, Discipline | Tagged Christian Music, Commitment, Devotion, Devotional, Encouragement, Faith, Focus, Gospel Music, Grace, Inspiration, Love, Mission, Perseverance, Praise, Purpose, Reward, Self-Discipline, Truth, Worship | 1 Comment

Stick to the Plan

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Mark Shields

What if our commitment to the purpose of God mirrored the fervor with which we pursue trivialities, such as a cup of coffee from Starbucks? Today, we note that Paul was in prison, yet his sacrifice indicates a dedication that transcends everyday desires and pursuits. Let us reflect on the example that Paul exemplifies, and let that reflection inspire a renewed devotion to following the guidance from the Holy Spirit, just as one might be devoted to something as simple as a coffee at Starbucks. In this commitment, we find a deeper connection, a more profound purpose, and an eternal bond that nothing can sever.

The reading from Philippians 2:12-18 builds upon the call for unity and humility found in the preceding passage. Paul encourages the church at Philippi to work out their salvation with reverence and dedication, emphasizing that it is God who works within them for His good purpose. However, the church had been arguing and complaining among themselves, failing to set a good example for others. Rather than responding to the grace they had received with acts of kindness, joy, and generosity, they were falling short of their calling. Paul challenges them to live blamelessly and shine like stars in a dark world, reflecting God’s love and truth (Philippians 2:15). This serves as a reminder to believers to live in harmony, embodying the transformative power of God’s grace in their actions and attitudes.

Paul, writing from prison, exemplified a life of sacrifice and unwavering dedication to serving God’s good purpose. His circumstances did not deter him; instead, they highlighted his steadfast faith and commitment. Like Paul, we are called to embrace the challenge he presented to the Philippians—to follow God’s plan by trusting in His Way. This requires discipline and perseverance to stay focused on sharing the Good News. As we commit to this mission, God will work within us, transforming us day by day through continuous effort. By striving to grow more like Christ and keeping our eyes on the ultimate reward, we can faithfully run the race set before us and shine as a testament to His glory.

This day with You God, we build our life upon Your plan and solid foundation of faith in Jesus Christ. In so doing, we give our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ a good example to follow. Help us to work daily in the process of growing to be more like Christ by accepting Your love, Your truth, and Your grace. We are thankful for today’s passage about Paul challenging us to being committed to Your purpose. Being able to endure hardships by being empowered by the Holy Spirit for the cause of Christ as we step ahead toward the reward that awaits all who accept Jesus as their personal Savior. Amen.

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

Posted in Bible Study, Discipline | Tagged Bible Study, Commitment, Devotion, Encouragement, Faith, Focus, Grace, Inspiration, Love, Mission, Perseverance, Photo, Praise, Prayer, Purpose, Reward, Self-Discipline, Truth, Worship | 5 Comments

Statements of Faith 7-18-2025

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Mark Shields

Because of Jesus, we step boldly into eternity—together forever with God, no longer bound by fear. Our hearts are anchored in His unfailing love as we journey toward a new frontier, filled with purpose and promise. With power granted hour by hour, we move forward not in uncertainty, but with confidence in the divine plan that guides us. It’s a plan as solid as a rock, unshakable and sure—the very foundation on which we stand.

Link to a poem inspired by the book of John 17 Through 19

Here are some statements of faith from the study of John 17 through 19. Say them aloud, write them down, or simply reflect on them. May they uplift and empower you for a great weekend!