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

Sparking Curiosity

Posted on July 11, 2016 by Mark Shields

Paul’s meets different kinds of people in Athens as explained in Acts 17:16-34. He met philosophers and others interested in this new teaching. Athens was considered the intellectual center of the world during Paul’s time but it was also the center of idolatry.

The two main philosophies during that time were the Epicurean philosophy and the Stoic philosophy. The Epicureans were very materialistic and believed the main goal in life should be to pursue pleasure. The Stoics were just the opposite. The main goal in life for them was to live a disciplined life. To endure life now in order to receive a reward for the future.

Paul shared with them about the ONE true God and what God wanted them to do. To repent, accept Jesus as Savior, and share with others. The results were mixed. Some became followers, some sneered, and others were willing to hear more.

This day with You Lord, we ask that you help us initiate the spark of curiosity just like Paul did during his time. Help us to inspire in people the desire to explore, dream, and discover. Lord, we ask that You give us the courage to get away from the comfort zone and get ready for the challenge of this day. You are the ONE who created it all and we now wish to passionately stir each other up to boldly step ahead. In Jesus name. Amen.

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Posted in Bible Study | Tagged Boldness, Discover, Dream, Explore, Initiative, Inspiration, People, Philosophy | Leave a comment

Days Under the Sun

Posted on July 8, 2016 by Mark Shields

This weekend, take some time to dream about your potential for greatness. Know God’s plan for your life and carry it out on a daily basis. Pray for direction each day as you daily work to fine tune and improve. Then every challenge will become possible.

Step Ahead

Write your life story
which is amazingly fun
and extremely adventurous
of your days under the sun.

Millions of people
will read this wonderful book
of your remarkable life journey
and the steps you took.

The reward you will receive
is beyond comprehension;
maybe not riches or fame
but certainly grabs their attention.

For you will become wealthy
because you collect a treasure
that makes you rich spiritually
with inspirations from our Creator.

In His perfect timing,
things will be made right.
for He is with you;
showing you the light.

So be at peace
and focus on the good
as you trust in the future
and do all you should.

Receive this encouragement
as comfort in all the strife.
Reinvigorated by the Spirit
Providing power for life.

Tomorrow will always
be better than today
as you recall the blessings
and follow the Way.

Poem by Mark Shields – ©…

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Posted in Devotionals, Poems | Tagged Adventurous, Encouragement, Future, Inspiration, Life, Peace, Rewards, spirituality, Treasure | Leave a comment

Write a Wonderful Story

Posted on July 7, 2016 by Mark Shields

As explained in the post “Priceless Principles in the Scriptures”, Paul and the early church faced persecution for sharing about Christ but they wrote a wonderful story that today we get an opportunity to read and provide us with insight in how life should be lived.

So the lesson is to stay interested and be eager to examine for yourself the priceless principles found in the scriptures. Keep going after what you believe in and people will be able to read your life story many years into the future. Many times in life, we find that it is in the tough experiences that we go through that provide the greatest growth.

This day with God, keep writing your story so that you can share with others. Put this story to work for the glory of God. What is important is to never give up but keep going after what you believe in. Even under situations when things don’t seem to be working out, keep after it because you may find one simple thing to try and bam! It works.

Enjoy today’s inspirational video: Write Your Story – Francesca Battistelli

May He grant your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! – Psalm 20:4

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Posted in Devotionals | Tagged Believe, Evangelize, Growth, Interest, Life, Passion, Scripture | 1 Comment

Priceless Principles in the Scriptures

Posted on July 6, 2016 by Mark Shields

Paul’s method of teaching as explained in Acts 17:1-15, was to reason with his listeners from the scriptures. He would go to the synagogue of the major city of each area, share about Christ, and build up a mission-minded church that would evangelize the city and surrounding rural areas.

Many were persuaded to believe in Christ but the Jewish religious leaders were jealous of Paul and the followers of Christ. This provoked riots as the religious leaders even accused some of the believers of defying Caesar’s decrees and turning the world upside down (v. 5). Since there was trouble for the believers, Paul and Silas left Thessalonica and set out to Berea (v. 10).

Nonetheless, a group of good leaders were established at Thessalonica so a strong church grew. Sometimes, all we have to do is share about Christ and there will be those who have a desire to believe. Yes, we may face some conflict from those who choose not to believe but those that do will stimulate interest so many will examine the priceless principles found in the scriptures.

Father God, what you give to us is a plan for life and a treasure. The more we study Your plan, the more passion we have for telling others about the priceless principles found in the scriptures.

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Posted in Bible Study | Tagged Believe, Evangelize, Interest, Passion, Scripture | Leave a comment

Not Going Under But Being an Overcomer

Posted on July 5, 2016 by Mark Shields

Written about in the post “Advancing the Gospel Even in Troubles” is how Paul and Silas faced difficulty in doing the will of God. They were beaten publicly and put in prison. But as described in the post, God can advance the gospel even in our troubles.

This day with God, be an over comer even when things happen that should not or when those you thought you could trust do something that makes you not trust them anymore. Be able to forgive, step ahead, and be grateful for what you do have. Here’s today’s inspirational video as we build momentum this day: Overcomer – Mandisa.