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

Walk with Grace

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Mark Shields

Forever and ever, we walk with grace, blessed with continuous growth and progress. As we partake in the bread of life, our souls are nourished, and we are strengthened in both heart and mind. Grace pushes us forward and wisdom steers the way along our journey. Connected to the vine, we draw from an unending source of guidance and renewal, enabled with purpose and clarity at every step we take. Through this divine connection, we find resilience, direction, and the unwavering assurance that we are never alone.

Link to a poem inspired by the book of John 5 Through 6

Posted in Poems | Tagged Assurance, Clarity, Devotional, Direction, Grace, Growth, Guidance, Nourishment, Poetry, Progress, Purpose, Resilience, Soul, Strength, Wisdom | 2 Comments

Flourish Like a Well-Watered Garden

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Mark Shields

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. – Isaiah 58

This day with God, allow the words from the Bible to flow into your eyes and ears. Then into your heart to spur action. Ask for ideas and the discipline that enables acts of kindness, compassion, and ways to help the needy. Pray for the Spirit to guide and provide so your community flourishes like a well-watered garden.

Know that like the song Unfinished – Mandisa, God is still working on you. He’s started something good so believe it and have faith He’s going to help you complete it. Celebrate the Truth and that His Work in you isn’t finished. He’s in the process of making you into a stunning success.

Index of devotionals

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Posted in Devotionals, Discipline | Tagged Blessings, Compassion, Devotion, Devotional, Discipline, Faith, Grace, Joy, Kindness, Love, Obedience, Photo, Praise, Prayer, Video, Vision, Volunteering, Worship | 1 Comment

The True Essence of Faith

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Mark Shields

Taking some time and being obedient with daily quiet time, prayer, and planning is a sure way to successfully get ready for the challenges each day brings. This day with God as we read Isaiah 58, let us allow God’s words to flow into our eyes and ears. Then into our heart. Let us ask for ideas along with the discipline that enables acts of kindness, compassion, and ways to help the needy. Let us pray for the Spirit to guide and provide as we have a vision of communities flourishing.

We note in today’s passage that those who want to impress with outward appearance of faith don’t like it when having their sins repeated to them. The people, though devout in their prayers and fasting, felt a sense of abandonment as though God had turned a deaf ear to their pleas. They seemed to follow all the prescribed rituals, attending worship services regularly, giving off an impression of unwavering faith. However, their outward appearances did not align with their inner lives and personal actions.

The crucial element they missed was understanding that God desires authenticity. Faith isn’t just about the ceremonies and the outward displays of devotion; it goes much deeper. God’s true desire is for believers to embody their faith in their daily lives, showing genuine compassion and care for others.

A proper fast, in God’s eyes, extends beyond mere abstinence from food. It includes extending a helping hand to those in need, providing food and clothing for the poor, offering shelter to the homeless, and showing compassion to all. It is about giving practical help to those in need and ensuring that their faith is reflected in their actions.

Moreover, part of this authentic devotion involves spreading knowledge about God’s Way, offering information and instruction to guide others. It’s about living a life that mirrors the teachings and compassion that faith embodies.

In essence, the real call to faith is about aligning one’s personal life with the word of God, ensuring that actions speak louder than words or ceremonies. It’s about living out the true meaning of devotion through compassionate, practical, and selfless acts.

There are many ways to do this. Volunteering time for organizations like Habitat for Humanity to help provide affordable home ownership. Giving to the local United Way to help those in the community. Also, giving to or volunteering for Meals on Wheels to help the needy by delivering food to older adults and individuals with disabilities who may face difficulty when trying to prepare meals for themselves.

This day God, we come to You for direction. Compel us into action so we are filled with joy because of our love of others just as You first loved us. Jesus went to the cross for us so the least we can do is do our part to help fix things. We can endure a little distress knowing that You will bless. The world is a broken place but because of Your grace in Christ, we can be a co-worker to fix things as our devotion shows up in who we are and what we do in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, Questions for Reflection | Tagged Bible Study, Blessings, Compassion, Devotion, Discipline, Faith, Grace, Joy, Kindness, Love, Obedience, Photo, Prayer, Vision, Volunteering | 3 Comments

Questions for Reflection for Study of Isaiah 58 Through 64

Posted on May 27, 2025 by Mark Shields

In our bustling world filled with demanding schedules, finding moments to connect with others and reflect on this journey we call life is truly a gift, made possible through the power of the Internet. Sharing thoughts and engaging in meaningful discussions across the world is an incredible blessing, offering a space for encouragement and growth. The provided Questions for Reflection below aim to inspire thought and guide the practical application of biblical principles—timeless truths that support and nurture us through every stage of life, helping us thrive in our unique paths. If you haven’t yet, be sure to click the follow button at the top right of this page to stay updated on future posts.

Isaiah 58 – What kind of people don’t like having their sins rehearsed to them? Thoughtfully consider each part of God’s fast (See Isaiah 56:1-2)? Which are you used to doing?

Isaiah 59 – Why is the world in such a mess? What is the cause of separation from God? What is the effect on you personally? To our society? Who is on the scene to help? How does He win over sin?

Isaiah 60 – What must the nation do when the Redeemer arrives? What are the personal and societal changes in the presence of the Redeemer? How do you reconcile striving for a better society now and waiting for a revealed glorious society in the future?

Isaiah 61 – What is the assigned servant’s part in the covenant (See 59:21 with 52:13; 55:4-5)? How will it transform society? What inheritance will all the people of the Lord enjoy? What are the two metaphors used to illustrate righteousness?

Isaiah 62 – Why is the servant determined to keep speaking (See 62:1 with 59:21)? Why does the Lord delight in you? What emotions would speaking with this certainty (62:8-12) tend to arouse in an other-minded crowd?

Isaiah 63-64 – What is the servant resolved to do yet? In what ways has God been good to Israel? What are the desperate needs in your life? Do you think God will deliver?

Feel free to share your thoughts by responding with a short note or comment on any of the questions mentioned above. I also warmly invite you to contribute any additional ideas, whether they be your favorite inspirational videos, cherished photos, or meaningful Bible verses that have touched your heart. Here on the Internet, we can create a space rich with encouragement and inspiration, fostering a community built on shared reflections and uplifting messages.

To store up thoughts that are good for the soul, listen to a sermon. Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.

“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.

“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.

Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.

“Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, Questions for Reflection | 1 Comment

Looking Back at Isaiah 51-57 for Encouragement on the Journey Ahead

Posted on May 26, 2025 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, we’ve continued the journey to embrace God’s presence with open hearts and steadfast devotion. We’ve been lifted to new heights, strengthened by a higher focus that is centered on His truth and wisdom. We’ve learned that faith will remove fear, replacing uncertainty with the unwavering confidence that comes from trusting in God’s plan for us. We will continue to seek God with eagerness, pursuing Him with passion and perseverance, and allow His guidance to shape our future. Through His grace, may we be constructed with integrity, standing firm in righteousness and walking boldly along the path He has set before us.

Reading Isaiah 51 and pointed out in Return to the Lord, it was crucial that the people admit they needed God’s help. With God, we can let go of the past and be thankful for what we do have in the present. Every adversity gives the chance to tap the inner strength only God can give, so let us forget the defeats of the past, be patient in difficulty, and look forward to amazing victories in the future.

As posted in Lift to New Heights after studying Isaiah 52, we get stuck at times in a mediocre existence and not totally free to be all we can be. During those times, we can let God act for our benefit. We can work with Him to receive limitless rewards and share the Good News.

The takeaway from Isaiah 53 as explained in Higher Focus is that God choose to save the world through a humble servant who we know as Jesus born in a stable, from a small town who worked as a carpenter, never wrote a book, or never held a public office. Many times, we tend to overlook what’s extraordinary. This day with God, let us therefore look for the unseen qualities in others because God can use anyone for His great purposes.

Studied in the passage Isaiah 54 and noted in Faith Removes Fear is that when we need courage in our daily life, let us have faith that righteousness and truth will protect. This is only our temporary home so encourage one another along the journey to victory and our permanent home in heaven.

Reading Isaiah 55 and pointed out in Seeking God with Eagerness is the need to follow the call and accomplish what He desires. Let us prepare for each day by reading His Word and praying so confidence for a good day is assured. Let us work and be dedicated to fulfilling His purpose as He sets things up for attainment.

Reflecting on Isaiah 56-57 with thoughts posted in Constructed with Integrity highlighted the need to construct our lives so that we can take the weight the world puts on our shoulders. Sometimes there is a desire to cut corners to get ahead but if we work hard and do things the right way God will bless.

With the inner strength that God provides, we can press forward with confidence, knowing that His limitless rewards await us. As we embrace His way, fear fades, replaced by the certainty that His guidance empowers us to fulfill His purpose. In this journey, we not only strengthen our own lives but also share the Good News, inspiring others to walk in faith. Through Him, we gain the resilience to bear the weight of the world, steadfast and unshaken, trusting that His divine plan will always lead us where we are meant to be.