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

The Week Ahead

Posted on February 11, 2018 by Mark Shields

This week, we will continue the study of the book of Proverbs and share more thoughts.

Below are some questions for reflection.

Proverbs 3
* What are the results for those who keep wisdom’s commands? How is wisdom related to daily living? What are the effects of wisdom and discretion in your life? In what ways do they heal and refresh you?

Proverbs 4
* What do you want most from life? In what ways does wisdom give you freedom? Why must the heart (In Hebrew, the intellectual, moral, and emotional faculties) be protected by wisdom?

Believe that God has a great plan for you.

Victory starts by having a plan. By accepting God’s plan for us, all we need to do is follow and believe He will provide the power. He will give the upper hand to make what seems impossible possible.

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible*. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals | Tagged Bible Study, Christianity, Leadership, Plans, Prayer, Purpose, Quiet Time | Leave a comment

Visualize

Posted on February 10, 2018 by Mark Shields

This poem was inspired by remembering many years ago when my baseball coach gave a speech the day before a big game. He gave a talk to the team about a golfer that was sick. He would lay in his bed dreaming about playing golf. In his dreams he would always see himself hitting the perfect shot. This went on for several weeks as he played rounds of golf in his head. When he got over his sickness several weeks later, he was able to go out to the golf course and shoot his best round of golf ever.

Step Ahead

The mind has to
See it … believe it
And plan out the steps
To achieve it.

Many great athletes
Practice with thoughts
Before they compete
And give it all they got.

The batter in baseball
Will visualize
As the pitcher’s arm
Begins to arise.

Seeing the ball released
Towards home plate
Thinking will it curve
Or will it go straight?

The hitter strides
And the bat comes around
To hit the ball solid
With such a sweet sound.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 02-08-2018

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Posted in Poems | Tagged Achievement, Athletes, Baseball, Poetry | Leave a comment

Incentive for Growing in Faith

Posted on February 9, 2018 by Mark Shields

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. – 1 Corinthians 2:9

As pointed out in the post “Benefits of Wisdom”, there is a part God plays and a part we play in our gaining wisdom. There are major benefits right now to gaining wisdom like being rewarded with understanding, protection, safety, and victory in life.

Even if everything does not work out in this life on earth, there is still a great incentive for growing our faith as inspired in the song Home by Chris Tomlin. For there is a better place where there are no more burdens. A place where the streets are golden, the chains are broken, where fear is gone, and we are free at last in our permanent home.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Rewards | Tagged Bible Study, Courage, Devotional, Faith, Holy Spirit, Hope, Joy, Life, Peace, Praise, Prayer, Wisdom | 2 Comments

Benefits of Wisdom

Posted on February 8, 2018 by Mark Shields

Reading in Proverbs 2, explained is that God’s part in each of us gaining wisdom are the instructions found in His word, His commands, and His Spirit. These resources of God provide a guide to life skills like faith, hope, courage, joy, and peace.

Our part in gaining wisdom is to apply these instructions and commands. To have a daily time of Bible study and prayer so we are in tune with the Spirit. Calling out for insight, understanding, and constantly storing up His principles in our heart as though they are more valuable than silver or hidden treasure.

If we do our part, the benefits are receiving the knowledge of God and being rewarded with understanding, protection, safety, and victory in life. There are some obstacles in today’s world because of the distractions, information overload, or the challenges of being able to discern factual information.

Just keep in mind that with God we can sincerely believe that each obstacle will be overcome and enthusiastically act upon each task until completion; celebrating progress throughout each day.

Lord we praise You today. We respect Your authority and accept the wisdom You offer in Your word. The time we spend with You in Bible study and prayer is very important as it brings power and direction in our life. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Rewards | Tagged Bible Study, Courage, Devotional, Faith, Holy Spirit, Hope, Joy, Life, Peace, Prayer, Wisdom | Leave a comment

Our Google Map for the Journey

Posted on February 7, 2018 by Mark Shields

It is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. – 2 Corinthians 4:6

A thought from the post “Gaining Wisdom for Life” is that the more good information you can gather, the better decisions you can make. This is the main reason God had Solomon write Proverbs so you have wisdom and instructions for life.

One benefit of Google Maps is that you can use street views when planning out a trip to places that you’ve never been before. It’s kind of like visualizing the future so that things are planned out in your mind; what turns will be needed, what signs to look for, and the assurance that you are going to where you need to go.

Proverbs is our Google Map on the journey of life. A lie the world tells us is to do things your way but the best way is to work with others, accept the help God gives in Christ, and accept the obvious as truth.

This day will be amazing because God helps you plan the right things for your day and things fall into place for an amazing day. Take inspiration from the song Good, Good Father by Chris Tomlin and believe the pathway set before you will lead to where you want to go.