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

One Small Step Changes Everything

Posted on July 15, 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

An encounter with our God
is an opportunity for new directions
as we step ahead fearlessly
without any objections.

Commitment helps us all
to step ahead on this trail
and Baptism is a symbol
of this commitment in detail.

You don’t have to understand fully
but just step ahead with trust
for God will provide the help
to see what may need to adjust.

Those who God uses the most,
look forward without any dread
so make the right choice
towards the amazing path ahead.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 07-14-2016
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This poem was inspired by the the worship service last week at the church I attend. To see the sermon live each Sunday morning, just click this link: Worship Service on Facebook. Then look for the latest post where it says “Live Sermon”.

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Posted in Devotionals, Poems | Tagged Baptism, Commitment, Faith, Future, Trust | 7 Comments

His Assistance Helps Us Go the Distance

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Mark Shields

When Paul faced opposition in Corinth as shared in the post “The Day May Be Demanding but God is there to Keep You Standing”, he was able to stand his ground. He received help from his friends and God gave him assurance of safety in a vision. In this vision, God spoke to Paul telling him to keep on teaching the Gospel and not be afraid because he would be protected.

We can be assured today that friends will stand with us. We may face some opposition but like anything that takes off, there is the need for some resistance. A kite flies high because of the resistance of the wind. An airplane couldn’t take off without the resistance of the air on the wings which creates a lift.

This day with God, know that He will always be by your side to encourage and He will provide others to help. His army of angels will provide for your needs to overcome fear and go the distance. Receive inspiration from today’s video: Whom Shall I Fear – Chris Tomlin.

Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

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Posted in Courage, Devotionals | Tagged Courage, Encouragement, Inspiration, Journey, Life, Mission, Safety, Video, Vision | Leave a comment

The Day May be Demanding but God is there to Keep You Standing

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Mark Shields

On Paul’s missionary journey, God led Paul in regards to housing, activities, and the length of his stay as recorded in Acts 18:1-11. He led Paul to Corinth and Paul stayed with a man named Aquila who like Paul, was a tentmaker.

While in Corinth, Paul tried to persuade Jews and Greeks that Jesus was the Messiah as he preached every Sabbath in the synagogue but many still would not believe so he left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus.

Paul received a gift of money and help from his friends at Philippi (2 Cor. 11:8) which gave him the opportunity to devote himself entirely to his missionary work. Silas and Timothy also came to join him from Macedonia and this also encouraged him. Then recorded in bold print below is the vision received by Paul:

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

Paul may have been ready to leave Corinth because of the situation. Some were turning towards Christ but idol worship was so ingrained in the fabric of that society. The vision above encouraged Paul and he ending up staying in Corinth for eighteen months.

Lord this day with You, we seek Your guidance in our homes; what to do, our activities today, and how we use our time. This day with You will be amazing because 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 always by our side. Amen.

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Posted in Bible Study, Courage | Tagged Courage, Encouragement, Journey, Life, Mission, Vision | 2 Comments

It Only Takes a Spark

Posted on July 12, 2016 by Mark Shields

As shared in the post “Sparking Curiosity”, Paul began his missionary work in Athens by just meeting people and telling about Christ. This new teaching of Paul in Athens is still available to us today.

Many are looking for answers to the challenges of this world. They’ve looked at the various philosophies in how best to take on these challenges and none seem to work. But there is one plan that has proven to work and continues to work.

Here’s a video to provide that spark today: Build Your Kingdom Here – Rend Collective Experiment.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20

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

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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