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

Grace Wins Every Time

Posted on January 20, 2017 by Mark Shields

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. – Colossians 2:8

As written about in the post “Steadily Towards Victory”, the Thessalonians overcame violent opposition but succeeded. They made the impossible possible with a faith that was initiated by the love of God and His people. They went the extra mile with the steadfastness of hope.

The world seems to always put us in panic mode; making mountains out of mole hills but we don’t have to follow or listen to what the world tells us … just keep heading steadily towards the victory knowing grace wins every time.

This day with God, have the attitude that we’ve been there, done that because when constantly relying on God’s guidance, the challenges in life are handled victoriously on a regular bases. When they are, people will start looking at us and want what we have; the hope that gives optimism in a time of despair, faith that gives courage in a time of doubt, and the love of God which always brings victory.

The Bible gives us great advice and because victory is assured through Jesus Christ, we will make it through anything. Receive inspiration through this song: Through All of It – Colton Dixon.

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Posted in Devotionals | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Faith, Gospel, Grace, Guidance, Hope, Inspiration, Love, Music, victory | Leave a comment

Steadily Towards Victory

Posted on January 19, 2017 by Mark Shields

In 1 Thessalonians 1, there are evidences that God worked in the lives of the people. After hearing the Gospel message, the Thessalonians trusted God day by day to overcome what seemed impossible and head steadily towards victory. They used their faith to produce good works, their love to produce labor, and their hope in Christ to produce patience.

The Thessalonians heard about Jesus Christ from Paul and Silas and patterned their life after other Christians but then grew into seeing Christ as their model to how life should be lived. They faced violent opposition but remained true to the teachings of Christ. They overcame by focusing not on their current situation but upon their eternal hope.

The Thessalonians set the example so others could follow. They turned their back to idolatry, they worshiped God, and they looked for Christ’s return. We should do the same as we use our faith, hope, and love in our life. Because of the model we have in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can turn what seems impossible and make it possible.

There may be times in our lives when the impossible seems impossible. Projects may be due, bills have to be paid, and there just doesn’t seem to be a way to make it all work out. This day with God, we don’t have to panic. As you go to the Lord in prayer today, rely on His love to face the challengers of life. Head steadily towards victory with confidence because grace wins every time.

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Posted in Bible Study | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Faith, Gospel, Grace, Hope, Love, victory | 2 Comments

Questions for Reflection for Study of 1 Thessalonians

Posted on January 18, 2017 by Mark Shields

Over the next few weeks, the journey through the Bible takes me to 1 Thessalonians. This is a letter written by Paul to encourage and complete his teaching on Christ’s return. It is written as a response from the news Paul receives back from Timothy who was sent to the new Christians in Thessalonica.

The Thessalonians had to overcome violent opposition but were steadfast in hope. Paul encouraged, comforted, and urged the new Christians in a courteous, gentle, and open way to live lives worthy of God so they could change the world for the better.

Through this letter, Paul sets out to encourage the Thessalonians to work together in spreading the Gospel message by example; living a life of self-discipline so they will encourage one another in brotherly love. Join me over the next few weeks as I step ahead using the questions below to inspire thoughts and ideas in how we can apply the lessons learned in this study.

1 Thessalonians 1
What are the evidences that God has worked in the lives of the Thessalonians? How do the Thessalonians and other people in the area hear about Jesus Christ? Does your testimony exemplify the power of the Gospel to change lives?

1 Thessalonians 2:1-16
How does Paul defend himself and his companions from the charges brought against them? How can Paul and the others preach with joy and perseverance in the face of this persecution (v. 4)? What characteristics do Paul and the others show as they work with these new Christians?

1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:12
For what reason is Timothy sent to visit the Thessalonian Christians? What ideas do you see in this chapter about how you can encourage other Christians that are far away from you? What requests does Paul make of God for the Thessalonians?

1 Thessalonians 4
What specific instructions does Paul give about God’s will? What ideas do you see in this chapter about how you can encourage other Christians? Who are two Christians you can begin to pray for in this way?

1 Thessalonians 5
How is Christ’s return unexpected? Imminent? How should we live in the meantime? What are Paul’s specific directions about responsibility to others and to God?

The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. 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! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.

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. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times
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The Same Power Lives in Us

Posted on January 17, 2017 by Mark Shields

The Lord gives strength to His people;
The Lord blesses His people with peace. – Psalm 29:11

The Creator of thunder, lightning, and the winds of a powerful storm offers this same power to His people. He also provides calm after the storm by blessing them with peace.

Let us give praise today to the Source; the ONE who turns intense complexities into ordinary simplicities: The Same Power by Jeremy Camp.

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Posted in Devotionals, Good Common Sense, Music | Tagged Bible Study, Blessings, Devotional, Glory, Peace, Praise, Prayer, Trust | Leave a comment

Turn Intense Complexities into Ordinary Simplicities

Posted on January 16, 2017 by Mark Shields

In Psalm 29, the qualities of God are revealed in the storm and its aftermath. The powerful and majestic thunder of a storm is like His voice. The quick striking flash of lightning immediately catches ones attention as the dark sky is lit up with the bright light of His glory. The strong wind can destroy and kill just like His fierce judgment can devastate all that do not accept His omnipresence.

The power that can raise a storm is available to those who trust in Him. Jesus received this same power and it calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:37-39). This same power lives in those who believe in Jesus and will turn intense complexities into ordinary simplicities.

When the storms of life come, run to God for shelter. Don’t look to the feeble efforts of a secular society. Instead, ask in prayer for help from the ONE who creates and controls the thunder, the lightning, and the wind of a strong storm.

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Lord, this day we have read in this passage about Your glory and strength. You are the maker of thunder, lightning, and wind. We want to receive this same power that makes and controls a strong storm. We give praise today to You for only You can bless us with calm after the storms we face in life. We praise You; the source of all knowledge and power because out of intense complexities in our life will emerge ordinary simplicities. Amen.