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

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

Index of devotionals

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.

Image Source

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.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

Index of devotionals

Posted in Devotionals, Music, Optimism, Video | Tagged Blessings, Christ, Confidence, Focus, Gratitude, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Joy, Lesson, Messiah, Momentum, Optimism, Peace, Preparation, religion | Leave a comment

The Kingdom of God is Within Your Heart

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Mark Shields

The Pharisees were interested in the Messiah’s kingdom but it differed from their expectations as explained in Luke 17:20-37. The Pharisees thought the Messiah’s kingdom would be in the form of government authority or military power but Jesus explains that the kingdom of God is within you (v. 21).

Jesus explains that the situation before His final return will be filled with religious compromise and moral decline. We see the same negatives in our world today but that doesn’t mean His return will be tomorrow. We simply do not know when He will return.

During the time of Noah (See Gen. 6:11-22) there was corruption and violence. People were just living out their lives with no concern for a flood. During the time of Lot (See Gen. 19:12-26) people were eating, drinking, buying and selling, planting and building (Luke 17:28). Those who Lot tried to warn thought he was joking right before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

When Lot’s wife looked back on the cities upon their escape, she became a pillar of salt. We are to measure the purposes and consequence of our life with this verse: Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it (Luke 17:33).

Never go back to the way it used to be; the time before accepting Christ. Instead, be optimistic about His return. This day with you God, we know that You have made more stars than we can count and You can bless us with joys more numerous than the stars. We are thankful that Your Spirit lives deep in our heart Lord! Amen.

Image Source

Posted in Bible Study, Holy Spirit, Optimism | Tagged Blessings, Christ, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Joy, Messiah, Optimism, religion | Leave a comment

Sermon Thoughts – 08-23-2015

Posted on August 23, 2015 by Mark Shields

God doesn’t need anything from us but He has something for each of us. It’s encapsulated in one word … grace! Jesus made God’s grace available and it’s just what we needed. Enjoy this video: Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) – Chris Tomlin Cover by Shirin George/ Joshua/ Marshal/ Daniel.