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

The Power of His Word

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Mark Shields

God encourages Abraham in Genesis 15 through the power of His Word. The Word came to Abraham in a vision and said, “Do not be afraid, Abraham. I am your shield, your very great reward.” Abraham was where God wanted him to be and with the people He wanted him to be with but there is concern because he is childless. There is no one to pass on his possessions but then he gets the news that he would have children.

As Abraham sleeps, God gives him a dream about how his descendants would be enslaved and mistreated for four hundred years in a foreign land. Then they would be freed and return with great possessions (v. 14). Then He goes on to promise Abraham many descendants along with land from the Wadi of Egypt to the Euphrates River (v. 19).

Like the promise given to Abraham, God gives us a promise this day. Let us hold on to His promises for our life. Lord, You have power and go before us to make a way for our future. We can be encouraged because You are there for us. We can be encouraged from many examples in Your Word of those who accomplished Your perfect will in their life with the help of Your power. We can be encouraged today for You Lord will protect each of us individually like a cherished child. Amen!

Posted in Courage, Genesis | Tagged Children, Courage, Dream, Future, Life, Promise, Vision | 7 Comments

Here I am Lord

Posted on February 21, 2015 by Mark Shields

A while back, I wrote the post “Falling into the Trap of Deception” about the serpent deceiving Eve. This poem is based on this study of Genesis 3.

Step Ahead

The lie was believed
And Eve was deceived
Giving in to temptation
And the need for salvation

The devil would clap
For the falling into the trap
For humanity was led astray
And it was not a good day

Many blame others
Or God for troubles
Suffering and pain
And a whole lot of strain

Hiding from God
Hard times get broad
But God seeks after us
The cross our big plus

Providing the way to victory
To seize what’s contradictory
From the human condition
By fulfilling a mission

Because of the Savior
There is a change in behavior
Following where He leads
And doing good deeds

Accepting the truth
And teaching our youth
Learning His ways
And giving Him praise

Things fall into place
Because of His grace
Life is again restored
Here I am Lord

By Mark Shields – © 02-19-2015
Inspired by Study of Genesis 3
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Posted in Accurate Thinking, Genesis, Poems | Tagged Adam, Behavior, Cross, Deception, Eve, Garden of Eden, God, Good Deeds, Grace, Lord, Mission, Praise, Salvation, Savior, Temptation, Truth, victory, Youth | 2 Comments

Surround Yourself with People of Integrity

Posted on February 20, 2015 by Mark Shields

The post Association contained some written thoughts from the study of Genesis 14. A lesson learned was that the people we associate with are so very important. Lot was near the sinful city of Sodom and because of this association; he lost all his possessions and was taken captive. On the other hand, Abraham was where God wanted him to be and with the people He wanted him to be with.

Being around a negative environment can cause great damage in societies. Think of societies that begin to break down. Respect for people breaks down, respect for authority breaks down, and respect for keeping the surroundings upright breaks down.

Like in Genesis 14, the area became a crime riddled wasteland and wars broke out. What once was the place to be, near prosperous activity and growth became a devalued area not because of location but because of the lack of integrity around it.

We need today more people of integrity like Abraham who promised God not to take the spoils of war. He kept his promise when he refused to take anything from the king of Sodom. Here is a video that inspires integrity: Search me Lord – Gaither Vocal Band.

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Posted in Genesis, Integrity, Music | Tagged Abraham, Bible, Genesis, God, History, Hope, Integrity, Jordan, Lot, Path, Pray, Purpose, Relationships, Salvation, Spiritual Growth, Success, Truth, War | 2 Comments

Association

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Mark Shields

Remember that Lot had settled the land along the Jordan which was the most watered land. It was thought to be the best place to raise his cattle but reading now in Genesis 14, war broke out in this area and Lot’s possessions were carried away along with Lot himself (v. 12). This is the first instance of war in all of history.

News about Lot got to his uncle Abraham who gathered up his men to help rescue Lot. They routed those who had Lot, gathered his possessions, and returned back to safety. King Melchizedek of Salem blessed Abraham. Even though the two were strangers, Abraham and Melchizedek felt a unity immediately because they both served the ONE true God.

The relationship between Abraham and Melchizedek was strong and positive because they were both of high integrity. Their worship of the ONE true God immediately put them on the same page with the same purpose. They treated each other with respect and blessed each other. They were both creating a climate of success.

We become like those we associate and close association with ungodly people has many dangers. Usually, this close association pulls a person into a negative surrounding that creates a barrier to success. We live in this world with others and life is at times a challenge, therefore we should want to associate with people who create a climate for success. If not, things can get out of control fast.

This day with You God, we pray to learn and apply the principles You teach in the Bible; We pray that You surround us with others so we can build strong positive relationships that lead to a climate of spiritual growth. We ask that You search inside our soul and clear out what shouldn’t be there. Amen!

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Posted in Genesis, Integrity | Tagged Abraham, Bible, God, History, Integrity, Jordan River, Lot, Pray, Purpose, Relationships, Spiritual Growth, Success, War | Leave a comment

Caring for Others

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Mark Shields

Abram demonstrated that he cared for others. As writers, we also show that we care for others by giving back what we have learned in life to our readers. What we make happen for others, God will make happen for us.

You may have a child or friend with an issue at school or work and you can be there for them; offering ideas or suggestions. Your purpose in life may not be a great preacher, singer, or teacher but just being free to be you as explained in this video: Free to be Me – Francesca Battistelli.