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

Lighten the Load

Posted on May 14, 2018 by Mark Shields

Some thoughts after studying Proverbs 29 are that negative character qualities like not listening to advice, pride, and dishonesty adds weight on the shoulders of individuals and societies. On the other hand, following Biblical principles produces a society of people ready to flourish.

Holding others to account or giving discipline may produce a short term unpleasant time but in the long run, it sets up potential for a brighter future. Therefore, let us always seek the approval of God first.

His principles never change so let us work together to understand them and apply them in our life. We may need to look at our daily routine so we can analyze what is holding us back. We may need to cut out bad habits and make adjustments in our life in order to tweak and get in sync with God.

This day with You Lord, we are thankful for discipline gained through reading Your Word and we give praise to You. We pray for direction each day. We may fall short at times but by accepting You in our hearts, our load is lighter and we have greater power. We don’t have to repress our past but simply confess our past and You will transform us because of Your amazing grace. The process has begun and we are taking in Your instructions day by day and stepping ahead on our walk with You. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Discipline | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Discipline, Future, Grace, Praise, Prayer, proverbs, Society | Leave a comment

The Week Ahead

Posted on May 13, 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 29
* What negative qualities observed here do you need to especially get rid of in your life? What is the paradox in verse 23? Do you seek the approval of man or of God?

Proverbs 30
* Who is Agur and what are his emotions as he writes here? In what areas of life have you been foolish? How can you become wise in these areas?

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

Joy Even in Trials

Posted on May 11, 2018 by Mark Shields

Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. – James 1:2-4

Within the post “Joy and Excellence in the Future” are ideas to building up character. By following God’s plan for us, we have joy and the game plan for a victorious life.

We may not feel good at times, we may feel lonely, we may feel inferior or just physically worn out but these are the things that create resistance and ultimately make us stronger; the resistance like lifting weights to build muscle. The resistance of water as we swim laps to burn extra calories or the hill as we run to the top.

Without resistance, the wings of a plane can’t produce lift and fly through the air. Without resistance to fear, there is no courage. Next time your day is filled with some resistance, smile at it, say thank You God, and keep going.

As in the song Keep Making Me – Sidewalk Prophets let us have the attitude of continuous growth in the ways of God. Even during tough times, there is joy when God is put in control.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Going Extra Mile | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Excellence, Generosity, Honesty, Humility, Joy, Kindness, Memories, Music, Praise, proverbs | 4 Comments

Joy and Excellence in the Future

Posted on May 10, 2018 by Mark Shields

Qualities like generosity, kindness, humility, and honesty are commended in Proverbs 28. To receive these qualities, we need patience and persistence. The first step is to fit into God’s plan for us. Keep going to Him in prayer to receive instructions, and be willing to obey His instructions by taking action on them on a daily basis.

Obeying the principles of God are the prerequisites for knowledge and mercy. If God is put in control of our life, there will be joy and excellence in the future. In this lifetime, things can get discouraging but we just need to hang in there, seek help, and keep plugging away. Many times in life, the greatest memories are not what we thought would bring the most fun but the times that we put in the extra effort which brought an unexpected great memory.

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This day with You Lord, help us to be honest with ourselves. We know that we fall short at times but You instruct with the “never give up” attitude so we can step ahead. When we think there is no hope, we can continue to dream big because Your grace continues to fill us up. Our faith continues to flow like a stream of water that eventually cuts into rock because we persistently believe You are big enough to cut into and go through the hard times in our life. Keep making us of good character so we can glorify You. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Going Extra Mile | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Generosity, Honesty, Humility, Joy, Kindness, Memories, Prayer, proverbs | Leave a comment

Iron Sharpens Iron

Posted on May 9, 2018 by Mark Shields

Within Proverbs 27, cited are many types of associations we have throughout a lifetime including our relationship with friends, with family, with neighbors, or with a spouse. We also are involved with others at work and in some cases we come up against those who are against us.

Think of ways you can have right relationships with others. We all have certain God given personality strengths and weaknesses. With our strengths, we should refine them and share with others. With our weaknesses, we should be humble, listen, and be sharpened by others.

We may never be satisfied with our relationships but one relationship does satisfy and that is the relationship with our Lord. That is why it is so important to follow God’s Way and ask Him what He wants from us. Let Him handle what happened in the past. Let Him also handle our tomorrows so we can concentrate on today.

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This day with You Lord, the pathway you have set before us leads to that which is pure and good and lovely. Our relationships are very important. We ask for genuine friendships that help us along life’s path. Help us to interact with others in the right way so we are careful what we say, when we say it, and how we say it. Use our strengths so we can build others up. With our weaknesses, let us listen, be humble, and sharpened by others. Amen.