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

It’s All About Jesus

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Mark Shields

A lie the world tells us is to do things on our own without any help. Make things as complicated and difficult as possible so that character will be built through struggle. But maybe things in the technological age are complicated enough. How about working together, receiving the help God gives in Christ, and accepting the obvious as truth.

In the post Thoughts of Life Leading to Meaning and Purpose, Jacob gathered his sons together as he was in his last days and gave a talk to his sons on their character traits. It’s always important to listen to others, pray for direction, and make adjustments along the journey.

We all need a strategy and road map along the journey so it’s important to reflect on the past, come to the Lord in praise, have a heart of worship and realize it’s all about Jesus. Today’s video speaks about this approach: Heart of Worship – Matt Maher.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

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Posted in Generosity, Music, Video | Tagged Biblical Principles, Blessings, Christ, Future, God, God’s Word, Initiative, Music, Praise, Purpose, Simplification, Teamwork, Truth, Video, Vision, Worship | Leave a comment

Thoughts of Life Leading to Meaning and Purpose

Posted on June 22, 2015 by Mark Shields

Throughout his life, God spoke to Jacob in visions so he had the ability to predict or forecast the future. Jacob gives his last words to his sons as they gather around his bed in Genesis 49. Jacob goes over the past and puts value on their character. For example: Some of the sons would be blessed and others would be cursed. He saw Judah as a leader. Joseph, a prince among his brothers. Benjamin, a ravenous wolf that devours his prey.

In a way, it was like his sons were standing before the judgment seat. One day, we will all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. We should want to be remembered for attributes that impact the world in a positive way. The pathway set before us leads to that which is pure and good and lovely.

Biblical principles are principles for life that provide the stepping stones to where we need to go. Our experiences also provide guidance for the future. Use negative experiences not as stop signs but as guidelines so as to learn from the past and lead to a brighter future. Reflect about your past and what the heavenly Father may say concerning your life. Take the initiative at applying His word.

This day with You Lord, help to refine our character as we study great people of the Bible and the saints of past history. Provide assistance in understanding as we hunger for Your spiritual food; taking in what is good for the body and soul so that our life is full of meaning and purpose.

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Posted in Bible Study, Genesis | Tagged Biblical Principles, Blessings, Christ, Future, God, God’s Word, Initiative, Purpose, Vision | Leave a comment

Amazing God

Posted on June 20, 2015 by Mark Shields

We learn a lesson of how nothing is impossible with God by reading His Word. Reading in Genesis 18, Sarah was up in age but would have a child. There is always hope when God is in the driver’s seat and we are doing what is right.

I enjoy writing inspirational poems and my hope is that this one will set the tone for a blessed day. With poetry, thoughts can be narrowed down with just a few written lines and this aids in transferring inspiration from the mind to the heart so they are applied in our actions.

Step Ahead

We seek new heights
And continue the climb.
The impossible becomes possible
One day at a time.

Our great faith
Makes all things workable
With our Creator
Who is always is personal.

We intercede for others;
He listens to our prayers;
As we lift up concerns;
As we lift up our cares.

All things are possible
For the Creator of everything.
There is always hope
In what He may bring.

God pulls us through
And everything is okay.
As faith gained on Sunday
Helps us on Monday.

When God is in the driver’s seat
And we are doing what we should,
The path is made clear,
The mission understood.

From the highest peaks
To the lowest valleys,
He is with us
Providing our rallies.

He is unchangeable
But brings us new things
And a new beautiful day
To hear the birds sing.

By Mark Shields – © 06-18-2015
Inspired by…

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Posted in Devotionals, Poems | Tagged Angels, Direction, Faith, God, Inspiration, Possibilities, Prayer | Leave a comment

Redemption Wins

Posted on June 19, 2015 by Mark Shields

Jacob had lived a broken life. A good part of it, he thought his son Joseph had been killed by wild animals. Later in life, he found out that Joseph was alive. He was then reunited with him in Egypt for seventeen years. At an old age when he was feeling ill and worn out, he rallies his strength as Joseph and his sons come to see him. You can read more at this post Rally Strength with Spiritual Food for the Soul.

It’s important to pass on our spiritual treasure. This day with God, let us reflect back on memories and share our wisdom. Share about stories of how God has been with you. Bless future generations with the inspirational message that redemption wins. Here’s today’s video with these ideas in mind: Worn – Tenth Avenue North.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us. – Ephesians 1:7

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Posted in Genesis, Health, Music, Video | Tagged Blessing, Future, God, Grace, Hope, Joy, Memories, Music, Obedience, Peace, Purpose, Redemption, Soul, Trust, victory, Video | 2 Comments

Rally Strength with Spiritual Food for the Soul

Posted on June 18, 2015 by Mark Shields

In Genesis 48, Jacob became ill so Joseph took his two sons to see his father. While there, Jacob rallies his strength to bless his grandchildren Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob talks about his life; summing it up as one in which he wanted to let God guide him and be a blessing to others. He is now looking back on his life and sees how God was always with him and also looking forward; desiring to pass on this guidance from God to future generations.

Jacob looks at his present circumstances – politically, socially, and personally in light of God’s announced plans. Many times, God’s plans are not always what is expected. His ways are superior to our ways. He works in unconventional ways at times so when we notice someone doing something a little different, let us not always think we have to change them. They may be the way they are for a reason. They may be that way in order to fulfill one of God’s great purposes.

So, what we learn about God in today’s passage is that His plans do not always line up with our plans. In looking back on my own life, my mom struggled to fight cancer nine years ago. What gave her hope and a desire to defeat the disease was to see her grandchildren grow into adulthood; to attend their graduations, their marriages and even perhaps be there at the birth of their children. As with my mom who lost her struggle with the disease, many things in life do not turn out like we wished but we must maintain the thought that God’s plans are far superior to our own.

This day with God, let us trust and obey. His Word will provide food for the mind and His Son will provide light for our understanding. Sometimes it rains on our dreams but then He provides music for our ears, laughter for our souls, and a rainbow after the storm. So let Him take us away on this beautiful day. Let us create and store up great memories that last forever to help in times of worry or anger. Let us reminisce about good times or an old song that fills our thoughts with peace and joy.

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