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

Flourish Once Again

Posted on December 13, 2017 by Mark Shields

As pointed out in Romans 11:1-6, many departed from God during the time of Elijah but there was a devout remnant of 7000 that remained. Like a tree that is cut down, the roots are still there giving nourishment to grow again. Over time the remnant flourishes once again.

God saves the remnant but brings judgment upon those who do not accept His grace. It is not by works but by accepting the Gospel message. Early in life, Paul was a persecutor of Christians but accepted God’s grace and became a pivotal leader who started churches and authored much of the New Testament. The Gentiles accepted the Gospel shared by Paul and the Christian movement grew.

Today, this movement has grown throughout the world and the message is the same. Everyone needs God’s grace. Once received, there is a reconnection and gained is the power of the Holy Spirit to live the way life is meant to be lived.

This day God may we use the nourishment You give to help us flourish. Nourishment obtained from Your Word, the Holy Spirit speaking to us deep in our hearts, and the experiences we go through or learn from others. This nourishment You give never lets us down and is essential for an amazing life of continued growth. Amen.

Posted in Devotionals, Good Common Sense | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Gospel, Grace, Holy Spirit, Prayer | Leave a comment

Share the Evidence

Posted on December 12, 2017 by Mark Shields

I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. – Psalm 89:1

In the post “Hear and Apply, discussed is Paul pointing out that all are given evidence of God’s power and divine nature but some still do not believe. There are various ways to receive knowledge of God. We can read His Word, learn from our experiences, and learn from others who have knowledge and experiences to share.

Going out in the backyard either at night before going to sleep or in the morning before sunrise with my dog Marlee, we can hear the sounds of a night. Marlee loves just lying in the grass, listening, and enjoying the cool breeze. I look up in the sky and see the stars and enjoy the amazement as God has painted another masterpiece to communicate His glory. The time in the back yard gives inspiration and hope; confidence that that God is with me and will be with me always.

Another way to receive inspiration and hope is through music as in this video: Light Up the Sky by The Afters.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Bible Study, Enthusiasm, Music | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, enthusiasm, Experiences, Faith, History, Hope, Memories, Nature, Praise, Strength, Treasures | Leave a comment

Hear and Apply

Posted on December 11, 2017 by Mark Shields

Paul explains in Romans 10:18-21 that hearing alone does not produce faith. He points out that all have the opportunity to hear about God’s power and divine nature. Also, there is God’s Word that is available to read and share with others. There is the beauty and amazement within His Creation for all to see. There is history and personal experiences to learn from that can be passed from generation to generation. The problem is that even with all that we are given, there are some that continue to be disobedient and obstinate.

So hearing by itself is not enough. One has to hear, accept, and then apply faith in their life. Then share the Word and personal experiences with others even if they seem to reject God. At least we will have done all we can do to clearly explain so there are no excuses.

Another way is to be an example to others in how we live each day to the fullest. Taking in in the good times as if soaking in the warmth of a day. Accepting the difficulties as a way to build strength and endurance as preparation for a victorious life.

Every day comes with memories that are continuously added to what we can share with others. I take my dog for a walk in the evenings and she loves it. She lives for the moment as she listens to the bird sounds and identifies the scents along the way. She notices the change of seasons as it cools in the fall and warms up in the spring.

We should do the same as God walks with us in life. Live for each moment, listen to Him, identify His principles, and notice how He does things in perfect timing such as the change of the seasons.

Image Source

This day with You Lord, we have received knowledge of You through Your Word and in Your Creation. This knowledge is more precious than silver or gold. We ask that we have enthusiasm for this day to not only read about Your Word but also apply it in our Life. May the words we say be pleasing to You as you bless us with an eternal reward more valuable than any treasure in this world. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Enthusiasm | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, enthusiasm, Experiences, Faith, History, Memories, Nature, Prayer, Strength, Treasures | Leave a comment

The Week Ahead

Posted on December 10, 2017 by Mark Shields

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

Below are some questions for reflection.

Romans 10:18-21
* How does Paul show that hearing does not produce faith? How are faith and hearing related in your life? To what extent is the gospel heard (See 1:19-20, Ps. 19)?

Romans 11:1-6
* What is God’s action on part of the remnant (See Ro 9:27)? Characterize God’s Grace and how is it antithetical to works (See Ro 9:11)? What is your response to our God of Grace?

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.