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

Trust is a Must

Posted on September 9, 2016 by Mark Shields

The testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. – James 1:3-4

As written about in the post “Faith in His Guidance”, every doubt or fear will be replaced with a deep abiding trust in God. Paul had faith in God during the storm at sea and the shipwreck. Paul’s faith began to influence the others aboard the ship and this resulted in good judgment, confidence, and composure as they reached land to safety.

We face storms in our journey through life. There are difficulties we face daily … a family member is sick, a rough day at work, trying to balance work, home, and school. When we face these difficult days and turn them over to God, that’s when His great power begins.

Faith gained today will pull us through for the rest of today. Then this gained faith of yesterday will push us through tomorrow and help us step ahead into the future. To start gaining faith today, here is an inspiring song: Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) – Hillsong United.

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Posted in Devotionals, Faith | Tagged Confidence, Danger, Faith, Freedom, Music, Prayer, Safety, Thankful, Trust, Video, Voyage | Leave a comment

Faith in His Guidance

Posted on September 8, 2016 by Mark Shields

On Paul’s journey to Rome as recorded in Acts 27:1-44, Luke is back with Paul after being separated for a while. Other people with Paul for this journey included Aristarchus who had been with him ever since the riot in Ephesus and Julius, a Roman centurion guarding him who gave Paul more freedom than most prisoners.

The pilot of the ship disregarded the advice Paul had given about remaining at the harbor of Fair Havens for the winter. Instead, they continued for Italy during a dangerous time of the year to sail across the open waters from Crete to Italy. Sure enough, a storm began to blow and the ship was caught up in the storm (v. 15).

After going for days without food and giving up hope, Paul explained to the crew of the ship that they should have listened to his advice. Then he went on to assure them that no one would be lost. He told them that an angel of God stood beside him in a dream and to not be afraid. The angel explained that God would graciously protect everyone on the ship.

The events of this passage reveal that it is God who is in control of every situation. Our faith in God to help get us through in times of stress and difficulty influences others. When we are composed and confident even in difficult times, others react in the same way. The end result is being led in the right direction so that proper actions are taken to get through the storms faced in life.

This day with You Lord, we have faith in Your guidance. There are some we can take advice from in this world but we must still be on guard and seek advice from You. For You know the past, present, and future and are in control of every situation we face. We are grateful for your guidance and it is in Jesus name we pray. Amen.

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Posted in Bible Study, Faith | Tagged Confidence, Danger, Faith, Freedom, Prayer, Thankful, Voyage | 1 Comment

The Courage to Crush the Enemy

Posted on September 7, 2016 by Mark Shields

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city. – Acts 18:9-10

As pointed out in the post “Always by My Side”, God is the source of Paul’s courage. The courage to admit that he once persecuted Christians and the courage to talk about controversial issues even when placed in a very difficult situation.

We can take this example of Paul and use the courage from God to crush the enemy by turning our issues of the past into opportunities for the future. We can do this by simply sharing about our knowledge of God and sharing about the experiences we have gone through.

It is through our experiences that others can relate and this helps those we share with to accept the gospel message. To inspire us towards that purpose, here is today’s video: Whom Shall I Fear – Chris Tomlin.

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Faith | Tagged Courage, Gospel, Opportunity, Peace, Testimony, Vision | Leave a comment

Always by My Side

Posted on September 6, 2016 by Mark Shields

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Reading today’s passage Acts 25:23-26:1-32, we get another example of where Paul’s courage comes from as he goes before the king Agrippa to turn a problem into an opportunity. An opportunity to share about the gospel and reach out to those in need.

We have read in previous passages of the difficult experiences Paul had to go through as he testified about God’s Way. While reading in Acts 23, Paul was in prison when God stood near Paul and told him to take courage. At that point, it seems as though there was a peace within Paul because he knew that God was with him and would continue to be with him in his time of need.

God is the source of Paul’s courage. The courage to admit that he once persecuted Christians and the courage to talk about controversial issues even when placed in a very difficult situation. We can take this example of Paul; turn our issues of the past into opportunities for the future by just sharing about our knowledge of God and experiences that may help others accept the gospel message.

Lord, You are like a mountain; standing rock solid over time and protecting us in our time of need. We can take courage, for You are there for us. Just like You were there with Paul, You are here with us today to share our testimony and stand up to those against us. In Jesus name. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Courage | Tagged Courage, Gospel, Opportunity, Peace, Testimony, Vision | 2 Comments

Questions for Reflection for Study of Acts 25-28

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, the journey through the Bible took me through the study of Acts 22-24 as Paul continued to spread Christianity even under great opposition. He took courage in knowing that God was with him to help in the time of need. Things fell into place and happened for his benefit. Just like when he was notified of the plot to kill him.

Even in turmoil and unrest, Paul could remain confident because God was on his side and we can take this same attitude. The world constantly tries to keep us in a state of turmoil and unrest. To step ahead, let us take in God’s Word to fortify. Let us remain optimistic because God is big enough to provide the poise we need to think through each situation.

Just like Paul who was innocent but in prison for two years, being persistent will help us overcome the obstacles we face in life. Like a stream of water, persistence will eventually cut into a rock and if we remain persistent at focusing on the possibilities God gives, we can cut into and go through any obstacle in our way.

Paul knew his express purpose was to carry the name of Christ before the Gentiles, their kings, and the people of Israel. There was pressure to stand up to and obstacles to overcome as he set out to achieve this purpose. The express purpose of this blog is to not only learn the main principles of the Word but to keep the Word in our thoughts in order to apply them in our life.

I will continue this express purpose with a study over the next few weeks of Acts 26-28. The aim is to plant the seeds of faith, hope, and love in order to yield fruit that nourishes others. I invite you to join me over the next few weeks as I step ahead using the questions below to inspire thoughts and ideas. God will give us the upper hand by producing in us the heart of a champion.

Acts 25:23 through 26:1-32
What is the source of Paul’s courage (See Acts 18:9-10 and Acts 23:11)? Can you think of times when problems you had were turned into opportunities? How important is it to maintain our focus like Paul the apostle did?

Acts 27:1-44
With whom does Paul Sail (follow the trip on a map)? What do the events in this passage reveal about God (See verses 23-24)? What do your reactions in times of stress and difficulty reveal about your faith in God’s control of every situation?

Acts 28:1-10
Paul was observant and helpful to the islanders. In what ways do you try to be observant and helpful in your immediate situation? How can you be more observant and take advantage of opportunities to be kind to others?

Acts 28:11-22
How does Paul’s arrival in Rome demonstrate God’s faithfulness (See Acts 23:11)? Do you really believe that God keeps His promises? What promises are especially relevant to your needs today?

Acts 28:23-31
What is Paul’s message to the Jews in Rome? Why don’t people understand God’s message? What should you do when people don’t understand God’s message?

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.

With God, we can get through anything, we can patiently grind it out during difficulties or give Him credit when the impossible is made possible. Beyond that, we can celebrate because of the victory we will always have with Him.

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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