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

In Giving We Receive the Greatest Gift

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Mark Shields

Paul’s assessment of the virtues of the Roman Christians in Romans 15:14-33 is that they are full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and competent to instruct one another (v. 14). Paul pictures his relationship with the Roman Christians as being an advocate for them, a coworker, and team member for proclaiming the gospel of Christ. He is proud of their work together for the Lord.

There are ways that Christ acts through the apostle Paul by inspiring to use his gifts to spread the gospel. Paul carried out the mission giving credit to God for grace and the Holy Spirit for power. Paul gave his time to proclaiming the gospel of Christ and the people of Macedonia and Achaia made a contribution to the poor.

It is in giving that we receive the greatest gift. The God of peace in turn gives us peace when we joyfully give to the needs of others. When we follow through with giving, our generosity feeds the soul one on one and person to person.

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This day with You God, we take in today’s passage to understand more about generosity. Giving our time and resources may require some sacrifice on our part but the benefits out way the cost. We feel better knowing that the world is a better place because of our giving. Our generosity also demonstrates our love for You Lord. When we give, we take ownership into Your great work. Just as with Paul, may Christ work through our generosity today! Amen 🙂

Posted in Bible Study, Generosity | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Generosity, Grace, Holy Spirit, Joy, Peace, Power, Prayer, Soul, Virtues | Leave a comment

The Passion on the Inside Forms Something Valuable on the Outside

Posted on January 24, 2018 by Mark Shields

His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not. – Jeremiah 20:9

We face difficulties and tensions in life but that’s when the Holy Spirit fills us up on the inside so we can handle the pressure. God can provide a passion inside like a burning fire to get us going and do amazing things for His glory. As explained in the post “Power to Build an Amazing Day”, scriptures encourage, difficulties teach us endurance, and hope overflows.

God can take these pressures we face and turn them into something amazing. Diamonds are formed from small dust like minerals that are exposed to high temperature and pressure at depths of over 100 miles below the Earth’s surface. This occurs over a long period of time. In a similar way that God’s Creation forms a very valuable diamond out of dust, He can also forms diamonds out of us.

Receive inspiration from today’s song Diamonds by Hawk Nelson and get started on building an amazing day.

🙂

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Optimism | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Encourage, Faith, Holy Spirit, Hope, Inspiration, Joy, Life, Music, Optimism, Passion, Peace, Praise, Relationships, Scriptures | Leave a comment

Power to Build an Amazing Day

Posted on January 23, 2018 by Mark Shields

As pointed out in Romans 15:1-13, accepting one another just as Christ accepted us in order to praise God should characterize our Christian relationships with each other. Other characteristics include pleasing others for their good and building them up.

Those strong in faith have an obligation to the weak and should help them find ways to make their faith stronger. If there are minor differences, accept and help one another. Use each other’s differences as a way to create a greater strength.

Everything we go through in life and everything written in the Scriptures teach and encourage us. Difficulties teach endurance, scriptures encourage, and hope overflows by the power of the Holy Spirit to build momentum.

The source of our joy and peace is God by the power of the Holy Spirit. Each day, we can share about why yesterday was wonderful, why this day will be amazing, and why tomorrow will be incredible.

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This day with You God, one thing is for sure and creates true joy for the future; accepting Christ as Savior assures us of victory. The negative past is washed away, the joy of the present is highlighted, and the future is brighter each and every day. Because of our optimism, we will benefit by not only having a positive outlook but will have a lasting positive influence on others. Amen. 🙂

Posted in Bible Study, Optimism | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Encourage, Faith, Holy Spirit, Hope, Joy, Life, Optimism, Peace, Prayer, Relationships, Scriptures | Leave a comment

Questions for Reflection for Study of Romans 15-16

Posted on January 22, 2018 by Mark Shields

Studied over the last few weeks was Paul’s appeal to the status we have in Christ; a member of the body of believers using their individual strengths for the purpose of fulfilling God’s will.

By yielding to God’s will for our life, we find our place in this world. We can move forward with excitement and live each day to the fullest. We can marvel at each sunrise and each sunset, the flowers blooming in the spring, the birds singing, and the children growing. We can step ahead with the power of the Spirit giving unlimited might for each hour, delight for each day, and a future filled with hope.

With the power of the Spirit, we are equipped to love our neighbor as ourselves today, we let others know about God’s love for them. We encourage them, appreciate what they do, and give them a lift. We are concerned about their safety, their property, and their spiritual growth.

We fail as a family, as a community, or a nation if we ignore one basic fact; the power we have in Christ holding us together as one. Although congregations and individuals may differ in conviction and practice, there is one common thread that binds us. It is the power of Christ in what we believe, what we do, and how we live.

We are bound together by the peace and joy of the Holy Spirit. The idea is to have an attitude of kindness by focusing on the big issues that bring us together rather than the small things that divide us. What we make happen for others will be given back to us so when we give a smile, a smile will be given back. When we act kind, we receive kindness from others.

The reading plan below will be used as I share over the next few posts and finish up the study of the book of Romans. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing!

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Romans 15:1-13
What is to characterize Christians’ relationships with each other? What are the obligations of those strong in faith to those weak in faith? What is the source of your joy and peace?

Romans 15:14-33
What is Paul’s assessment of the virtues of the Roman Christians? In what ways does Christ act through the apostle? What are the results? In what situations does the God of peace give you peace?

Romans 16:1-16
How does Paul show personal concern for the Romans? What is the place of letters and greetings in your life? What is your relation to the church in the world?

Romans 16:17-27
Why does Paul warn against certain types of people? In what ways can you be wise and guileless today? How is strength related to the gospel? How is God’s wisdom, purpose, and mystery related?

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.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

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

“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.

Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.

“Google Images.” Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi&authuser=0&ei=8IipWNPmOoPBmwHIpZ2ACQ&ved=0EKouCBcoAQ>.

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, Questions for Reflection | Tagged Bible Study, Christ, Faith, God’s Plan, Holy Spirit, Hope, Leadership, Lessons, Life, Love, Photos, Prayer, Reflection, Savior, Scripture, Videos | 4 Comments

Prayer and Devotion

Posted on January 19, 2018 by Mark Shields

This poem was written to inspire devotion to God in your daily activities. Because of Jesus, the Spirit of God is in your heart so you are not confined to devotion only at church but in all that you do. Celebrate God’s care of you by beginning every day, every decision, or every business dealing with a prayer.

Step Ahead