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

Receive the Best by Withstanding the Test

Posted on September 15, 2016 by Mark Shields

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him. – James 1:12

In Acts 23:11, Paul was promised that he would one day testify in Rome. As shared in the post “Christ in our Heart is a Promised Treasure”, Paul went through so much but God was faithful and Paul finally arrived in Rome. He got there in chains and had survived a storm at sea, but he made it through.

Because of God blessing Paul, many people have been supported over the years because of the work of Paul. The lesson we have discovered is to never give up and focus on the reward God has for each of us as we stay the course.

As with Paul, Christ in your heart as the Holy Spirit is a treasure that will take care of you in your time of need. This day, welcome in this treasure as you enjoy today’s video: Holy Spirit – Francesca Battistelli.

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Posted in Devotionals | Tagged Courage, Encouragement, Faith, Holy Spirit, Praise, Purpose, Reward, Treasure | Leave a comment

Christ in our Heart is a Promised Treasure

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Mark Shields

Finally Paul arrives at Rome as recorded in Acts 28:11-22. Testifying about Jesus in Rome had been what he had set his sights on for a long time. His arrival in Rome demonstrates God’s faithfulness for He had promised Paul in the verse below that he would one day testify in Rome.

The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” – Acts 23:11

Paul had gone through many obstacles to get to Rome but he finally arrived. He got there in chains after surviving a storm at sea and many other trials. He had gone through many bad days but kept the faith and believed God’s promise would be fulfilled.

The reward is always worth much more than the tough times we go through to get it so a lesson for us is to keep our eye on the reward God has for us and believe He will make a way to fulfill the purpose He has for us.

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. – 1 Corinthians 2:9

Christ in our heart is a promised treasure that will encourage us and make a way for us in our time of need. This day with You Lord, we can sincerely believe that each obstacle will be overcome and enthusiastically act upon each task until completion; celebrating progress throughout the day by offering our praise. In Jesus name. Amen.

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Posted in Bible Study | Tagged Courage, Encouragement, Faith, Praise, Purpose, Reward, Treasure | Leave a comment

The Boomerang Effect

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Mark Shields

A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. – Proverbs 11:17

As highlighted in the post “Invite God in so Kindness Begins”, there are benefits to being observant to the needs of others and reaching out with acts of kindness. It has what is called the boomerang effect!

Paul was observant to the needs of those on the island of Malta and in return was given the needed supplies to complete the journey as they set sail for Italy. He was committed to doing God’s work and his acts of kindness went a long way to open up doors. As we go through this journey called life, let us be observant to the needs of our neighbor.

What we make happen for others because of our kindness has a way of coming back to us so this day with God, make it a point to offer an act of kindness; give a smile or invite someone into a conversation. If we do, there is a strong possibility that a smile or affirming thought may be returned.

When we invite God into our presence to help with our caring actions towards our neighbor, there is strong possibility that we will receive blessings in return. As we celebrate today, here is a great song to inspire our actions: The Invitation – Rachel Belman.

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Posted in Devotionals, Kindness | Tagged Blessings, Compassion, Healing, Kindness, Life, Neighbor, Prayer, Smile | 2 Comments

Invite God in so Kindness Begins

Posted on September 12, 2016 by Mark Shields

The ship Paul was on as he was being taken to Italy got caught up in a storm and came ashore on the island of Malta. The islanders there showed kindness to those from the ship; building a fire for them to warm them up. Reading in Acts 28:1-10 we come across the event of Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and getting bit by a poisonous viper. The islanders thought Paul would soon die but he suffered no ill effects so they believed Paul was a god (v. 6).

The chief official of the island had an estate nearby so he welcomed them in and showed generous hospitality to them for three days (v. 7). Paul was observant of the chief official’s situation. His father was sick in bed in a back bedroom. On one occasion, Paul went to visit the chief official’s father, prayed for him, and healed him. In the days to follow, the rest of the sick on the island came to Paul to be cured (v. 9).

Once they were ready to set sail again for Italy, the islanders honored Paul and the crew in many ways and also furnished them with supplies (v. 10). Just as Paul was observant and helpful to the islanders, we should always pay attention to ways we can be helpful and kind to our neighbor. This day with God can be amazing if we are observant to the needs of our neighbor.

Lord, this day we want to be more observant and take every chance today to be kind to our neighbors. We are called to care; to be compassionate and compassion demands action. Today’s passage has taught us about being kind to our neighbor and our neighbor is not just the people that live next door but are everywhere in this world. Everyone that has a need and could use an act of kindness is our neighbor. Help us to be Your hands and feet to bless others today. Amen.

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Posted in Bible Study, Kindness | Tagged Blessings, Compassion, Healing, Kindness, Neighbor, Prayer | Leave a comment

With all Your Might Do What is Right

Posted on September 10, 2016 by Mark Shields

I enjoy writing inspirational poems and this one is inspired by a sermon at my church. This weekend, share a thought from one of the great sermons you attend in your community or on a podcast.

Step Ahead