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

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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Posted in Devotionals, Going Extra Mile, Music, Video | Tagged Endurance, Faith, Going Extra Mile, Jesus, Justice, Parable, Persistence, Prayer, Strength, Video | Leave a comment

Maintaining Faith Over The Long Haul

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Mark Shields

Jesus explains that we should keep praying and never give up in the Parable of the Persistent Widow recorded in Luke 18:1-8. I’m sure the judge is not in a good mood but is rather angry at the widow but she continues to go to the judge; asking to grant her justice against her adversary.

If the widow in the story can eventually get justice from a “no good” judge by being persistent in asking for him to take action, how much more will our loving Father take action on our needs if we are persistent in prayer?

Sometimes we may think there is no hope but over time with persistent prayer, God will make sure that what needs to happen in our life happens. Sometimes, we grow in character with persistence. Just remember that God’s love will keep flowing like a never ending stream.

The widow was in poverty and we may feel the same but we have available God’s riches in Christ Jesus (Philippines 4:19) so learn from the persistent widow who continued to go to the judge and plead for justice; keep praying and never give up. Persistence like a stream of water will eventually cut into rock and so it will also cut through the obstacles in our path.

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Posted in Bible Study, Going Extra Mile | Tagged Going Extra Mile, Jesus, Justice, Parable, Persistence, Prayer | Leave a comment

God Cares For You

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Mark Shields

Even under tough times, we can look forward to brighter days ahead. What we need to do is continue to get prepared, be confident, and have inner peace because the kingdom of God is within our hearts.

No one is too young or old; too weak or strong; Start now to do the thing that you are really good at and don’t believe the lie when others want to discourage. Every day has a lesson or a piece of history that can be used to learn and share with others.

Gain your edge for the day by getting your thinking toward the things of God. Think of what good things are going your way, build momentum, and focus on one task at a time. Most of all as the video All the People Said Amen – Matt Maher explains, give thanks to the Lord! Amen.