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

Cheerfulness

Posted on December 28, 2016 by Mark Shields

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The memories you make give you a lift, good weather can give you a lift, but the ultimate lift is knowing that the future is bright because of the reward God has for all that believe in His Son.

We get hit with so many negative thoughts on a daily basis. One idea to overcome is to start and end the day with uplifting positive music like this one: Hands of God by the Newsboys. This spiritual exercise gets your mind in the right frame of mind as you start your day or as you retire for the evening.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Optimism | Tagged Bible Study, Cheerfulness, Devotional, Eternity, Faith, Joy, Mercy, Optimism, Prayer, Soul | Leave a comment

My Shepherd

Posted on December 27, 2016 by Mark Shields

Reading in Psalm 23, many phrases reveal David’s attitude toward God as a shepherd. He cares for our basic needs like food or water or our eternal needs with our soul. He guides us during dark times or in making tough decisions throughout life’s journey.

David’s attitude towards God was that we can have optimism because He is with us at all times; constantly making changes for the better. His goodness and mercy is with us not just some of the time but all of the time.

We all face dark valleys of distress, doubt, and disappointment but God lights our path so that our future is brighter. We can have confidence in the future because we are not alone to face the discouragement and there is never a sense of desertion because with God we are never alone. He protects us from our enemy and takes care of us. There are no more worries because God helps us and takes care of us. All we have to do is receive Jesus, go to God in prayer, and follow His guidance.

This day with You Lord, we believe You want us to have joy as we journey through life. We know that You provide rest in our busy activities, comfort in our fears, security in our danger, and provision in our needs. You are the Maker of more stars than we can count and can bless us with joyful moments that are more numerous than the stars. Amen.

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Posted in Bible Study, Optimism | Tagged Bible Study, Devotional, Eternity, Faith, Joy, Mercy, Optimism, Prayer, Soul | Leave a comment

The Week Ahead

Posted on December 26, 2016 by Mark Shields

This week, we will be sharing some thoughts from the study of Psalm 23-24.

Below are some questions for reflection

Psalm 23
What areas of life’s need are cared for by the shepherd? What phrases reveal David’s attitude toward God? In what ways is the Lord your shepherd?

Psalm 24

What is the essential question in verse 3? What standards are included in answer to that question? Who is the King of glory?

Believe that God has a great plan for you.

It all starts with receiving a plan from God through faithful, consistent, and powerful prayer. Here is a video/poem to inspire you this day and throughout the week: This Day with God.

Index of Devotionals

Posted in Questions for Reflection | Tagged Bible Study, Christianity, Persistence, Plans, Prayer, Purpose, Quiet Time | Leave a comment

Wish List For Christmas

Posted on December 23, 2016 by Mark Shields

Here is a poem inspired from a sermon at the place I attend worship. Have a wonderful weekend and I hope you get everything on your wish list. Have a Merry Christmas!

Step Ahead

I wish I had answers
to all my questions;
knowing what to do
or getting suggestions.

I wish I knew without a doubt
that things would get better;
for answers to come
and my faith not in a fetter.

I wish I knew God’s
favor was on me;
to overcome tough times
to be the best I can be.

I wish I had something
to always celebrate;
looking forward
to all that is great.

I wish I had someone
to come to my rescue
Wait … I do in Jesus
the ONE I can look to.

The ONE who provides
a never ending peace
and a gift of joyfulness
that will daily increase.

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Posted in Christmas, Devotionals, Poems | Tagged Celebration, Christmas, Faith, Gift, Joy, Peace, Wish | Leave a comment

Shelter Through The Storm

Posted on December 22, 2016 by Mark Shields

And call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me. – Psalm 50:15

As shared in the post “Hope Even in Trials“, David is going through tremendous emotional and physical difficulty but goes to God in prayer. He hung in there even during extreme difficulty and events turned around in his favor.

The lesson for us is that God will bless with strength to face difficulty, a need, or a challenge. Just go to Him in prayer and ask for shelter through the storm just like in this video: Shelter Me by Bruce Carroll, Billy Sprague and Bob Bennett. Through our difficulty, momentum will build toward a brighter future with new hope and joy.