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

Receiving The Kingdom Like Children

Posted on September 1, 2015 by Mark Shields

In thinking of ways to receive the kingdom of God with enthusiasm like children as written about in Just be Yourself, we need to give all credit for what is accomplished in our life to God. We need to be humble and love others as God’s creation.

Have a passion for pointing out the good in others and let others know that God has great plans for them. Point out lessons in life that we have learned the hard way and that it is when God carries us that great things are done. Be inspired by today’s video: Free to be Me – Francesca Battistelli.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. – Philippians 2:3

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Posted in Devotionals, Music, Pleasing Personality, Video | Tagged Accomplishment, enthusiasm, Faith, Freedom, Gospel, Humility, Jesus, Lessons, Liberty, Life, Mercy, Passion, Prayer | Leave a comment

Just be Yourself

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Mark Shields

The Pharisee believed he was better than everyone else in the parable The Pharisee and the Tax Collector recorded in Luke 18:9-17. He viewed himself as being superior to others because he fasted twice a week and gave a tenth of all he received (v. 12). Then Jesus explained to him that it is not only important to be obedient but also humble and to approach God with childlike enthusiasm each day.

The world tells us to promote how good we are like the Pharisee; to be someone we are not but Jesus explains that we should just be ourselves. We all need mercy every day so come to God in prayer each day in a humble way; be teachable and enthusiastic about a better future where God lifts us higher.

Jesus explained that receiving the kingdom of God like children with simple, trusting, and enthusiastic faith is to be admired. Like children, we should live for today and not get so caught up in building for the future. Also, we should understand that the gospel makes the complex parts of life more user friendly in order to live the best we can. Receiving the kingdom by being humble, teachable, and enthusiastic is the best way.

This day with You Lord, help us to have this type of faith that Jesus talks about in today’s passage. The type of faith that is not about building up ourselves but just being the person You made us to be; building up others and connecting Your power to them. Amen.

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Posted in Bible Study, Pleasing Personality | Tagged enthusiasm, Faith, Gospel, Humility, Jesus, Life, Mercy, Prayer | Leave a comment

Sermon Thoughts – (08/30/2015)

Posted on August 30, 2015 by Mark Shields

This day with God, share a thought from one of the great sermons or listen to a podcast like this one: “The Power of Believing”.

The gospel message of Jesus being God in the flesh seems impossible but many things of this world seem impossible until we see them happen and when Jesus came to earth, we are given documented facts of many amazing miracles.

The greatest miracle is when Jesus was raised from the dead after dying on the cross. We can believe in a lot of things but believing in who Jesus is provides the greatest reward for our future because everything is possible for those who believe.

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Posted in Make Impossible Possible, Sermon Thoughts | Tagged Believing, Cross, Future, Gospel, Jesus, Miracles, Podcast, Reward, Sermon | Leave a comment

Inspiration For A Generation

Posted on August 28, 2015 by Mark Shields

In studying Genesis 26 a while back, one thought was about offering our children the way that brings victory for the future. As the pace now begins to pick up for the fall, this poem offers some inspiration for leading the younger generation towards the way of victory; a brighter outlook found in the Good News of God’s Word. Enjoy your weekend my friends!

Step Ahead

Problems have to be faced,
Priorities must be placed
So always put God first
And His power is dispersed.

Obey His commands;
And take on life’s demands.
Make sure His advice is desired
And do everything required.

To be blessed,
Give it your best;
Be sure to commit
And God can take it.

He can take something small;
Start to break down a wall
And turn even a problem
Into something awesome.

Have courage to face
Those that hold back the pace.
Instead, influence future generations
To stay away from temptations.

Influence toward the way
That brings victory each day
And to a brighter outlook
Found in the Good Book.

We owe it to those we love
To give the enemy a shove;
To be the best we can
And follow God’s plan.

Bring our proficiencies
And all our abilities
So He will bless
With great success.

Give future generations

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Posted in Devotionals, Optimism, Poems | Tagged Blessed, Courage, Cross, Faith, Influence, Jesus, Optimism, Priorities, victory | 2 Comments

Always Pray And Never Give Up

Posted on August 27, 2015 by Mark Shields

In the post Maintaining Faith Over The Long Haul, I wrote how Jesus teaches a lesson on perseverance. He teaches about the need for us to press on like the widow who continued to go to the judge and plead for justice until it was granted. The lesson is to always pray and never give up. Here’s a video to inspire us to keep going today: Building 429 – Press On.

We may not feel good at times, we may feel lonely, we may feel inferior or just physically worn out but these are the things that create resistance and ultimately make us stronger; the resistance like lifting a weights to build muscle. The resistance of water as we swim laps to burn those extra calories or the hill as you run to the top. Without resistance, the wings of a plane can’t produce lift and fly through the air. Without resistance to fear, there is no courage. Next time your day is filled with some resistance, smile at it, say thank You God, and press on.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. – Hebrews 12:1-3

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