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

Journey Home

Posted on April 23, 2025 by Mark Shields

I remember one time leaving work for a long weekend, I saw a vehicle with traveling items strapped on top heading down the highway on their return journey home. Some thoughts entered my mind like where were they from and what memories were made during their vacation. Anyway, it was fun to think about as I headed home looking forward to some rewarding days off from work on a long weekend.

This day with God, we are reading Isaiah 49. Along the journey, let us enjoy being guided into a great adventure with His guidance. Let us live for the day, the hour, and even the moment. Sometimes, many save the rewards from their hard work but may never get around to appreciating what they do have and celebrating. The Good News about faith is that we can revel in what we have, share with others, and look forward to more rewards in the future. There is an unlimited supply, so we can be grateful, celebrate, and enjoy!

In today’s passage, Isaiah prophesied about a servant who would be the instrument and author of eternal salvation. Jesus became that servant who prepared a path home where fear and doubt are never known. He became the escort for the Israelites on their return journey. We may feel at times that God has too big a job on his hands. It seems impossible but God has done the impossible in the past and will do the impossible in the future.

This day with You God, help us to be prepared for the challenges, to stay strong, and never give up. We rely on You and accept Your guidance along the journey as we build memories, as we look forward to the future, and know that there is no place like our eternal home with You. Amen

Posted in Bible Study, Rewards | Tagged Adventure, Bible Study, Celebration, Faith, Grateful, Guidance, Journey, Memories, Photo, Praise, Prayer, Reward, Worship | 1 Comment

Fill Your Bucket With God’s Goodness

Posted on April 22, 2025 by Mark Shields

In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. – Ephesians 3:12

Pointed out in “Spooked by Something New”, sometimes obedience seems like a hardship. We had rather stick to our difficult or complicated situation rather than turn to God for the necessary steps to freedom.

Today’s song is Goodness of God by CeCe Winans. When we desire peace and joy like waves that continue to hit the shore with a soothing music to the ear, we don’t worship man-made idols. We worship the Sovereign Lord! We use a shovel to fill our bucket with God’s goodness.

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Thanks for reading. Please like, follow, and pass on to others … Let’s fill our buckets with God’s goodness!

Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.

Posted in Devotionals, Initiative | Tagged Courage, Devotional, Discover, Dream, Dreams, Explore, Freedom, Initiative, Joy, Peace, Photo, Praise, Video, Worship | 1 Comment

Spooked by Something New

Posted on April 21, 2025 by Mark Shields

Reading Isaiah 48, God gave the explicit command to leave Babylon with joy (v. 20), but the people did not want to leave and go back to the holy land. They had raised families, built houses, and settled in their bondage.

Anything experienced for the first time can be scary. I remember my dog’s first Halloween as she experienced the new inflatable ghost pumpkin in our neighbor’s yard. She walked slowly and kept an eye on the spooky new thing.

We can also be spooked by something new when we experience things for the first time. Think about riding a bike for the first time, or jumping off the diving board, or public speaking. My dog had experienced something for the first time, but the next day, it was no problem … been there, done that and so it is with us, once we’ve experienced something that was scarry at first. The next time, we don’t have the fear anymore, but just get out there and explore, dream, and discover.

Sometimes obedience seems like a hardship. We had rather stick to our difficult or complicated situation rather than turn to God for the necessary steps to freedom. Yes, things may be difficult at first, but in the long run our future is beyond our wildest dreams if we just take the first step. If we just get away from the comfort zone and experience new things. If not, we may be disappointed by the things we did not do.

Think of the benefits if we obey and the consequences if we disobey. There are blessings of peace and joy if we obey. On the other hand, disobeying God results in conflict and sadness. Think about a child going to the beach. They don’t use a teaspoon to play in the sand. They use their toy shovel and toy bucket. When we desire peace and joy like waves that continue to hit the shore with a soothing music to the ear, we don’t worship man-made idols. We worship the Sovereign Lord! We use a shovel to fill our bucket with God’s goodness.

Help us today Lord to not carry a teaspoon to fill our bucket with Your goodness but use a shovel. We desire not just a ripple but a large wave, so our difficulties turn into hope to lift one another up. Something small can turn into something large if we just get started. It may be scarry at first but then things will fall into place. Open the door Lord and give us the courage to walk through. This day will be the ultimate adventure as we seize the day to bless others, encourage others, and face the challenges together so that all the glory is given to You Lord. Amen.

Posted in Bible Study, Initiative | Tagged Bible Study, Courage, Discover, Dream, Dreams, Explore, Freedom, Initiative, Joy, Peace, Photo, Praise, Prayer, Worship | 3 Comments

Thought From Devotional 04-18-2025

Posted on April 18, 2025 by Mark Shields

One thought from John 20:11-18 is that God’s unlimited love for us shines through in the sacrifice of Jesus, who gave His life so we could be redeemed. Once His work on the cross was complete, God’s perfect plan of salvation was fulfilled. By welcoming Jesus into our hearts, we are offered a fresh beginning and the promise of a hopeful and incredible future. With joyful hearts and excitement, we are called to share this Good News with others, spreading hope and love far and wide. Through our enthusiasm, we inspire others to join in this transformative mission, working together to make the world a brighter and better place for all.

Posted in Thoughts From Devotional | Tagged Bible Study, enthusiasm, Excitement, Good News, Interest, Joy, Passion, Peace, Photo, Prayer | 1 Comment

Better Forever and Ever

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Mark Shields

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

As brought out in “Trust in the Way, the Truth, and the Life”, Only the Lord can make a person feel secure. We shouldn’t be overconfident in our own abilities but trust the ONE who made heaven and earth and by writing the law of Christ in our heart, there is peace and everlasting joy.

Following the wrong way can lead to dark days but songs like Your Way’s Better by Forrest Frank point out that following the Light is better. Peace and joy come through realigning priorities; through controlling our thoughts, through working together as one, and giving it our best shot. Then things are made better forever and ever.