Thanks for Reading and Liking

Posted on March 11, 2025 by Mark Shields

I would like to take this time to sincerely thank each and every one of you for reading and liking the posts. This blog started from a small group with just a few followers and has now grown into a vibrant community of thousands. It has been an incredible tool in my journey through the Bible, and I am deeply grateful for your support. You, my readers, are truly instrumental in holding me accountable to daily Bible reading and study. Your engagement, comments, and encouragement mean the world to me, and I look forward to continuing this journey together. Thank you for being part of this amazing experience!

In our fast-paced world, where busy schedules often dominate our lives, it is truly a blessing to be able to share thoughts about this spiritual journey with others across the globe through the Internet. The ability to connect and inspire one another in our faith is a gift that we should cherish. Tomorrow, I will include Questions for Reflection that will encourage deeper thought and provide ideas for applying biblical principles in every aspect of our lives—at work, at home, and in all that we do. Let’s continue to grow together and support each other on this meaningful path.

Here is a link to all the devotionals done so far organized by book of the Bible and specific chapter within that book.

Index of devotionals

If you would like to get notified with each new post, I invite you to click on the follow button on the far top right of this page to join me on this spiritual journey. Another way to keep up with my spiritual journey is through the Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey.

Also, the concepts presented in God’s Perfect Timing offer ideas for using our time wisely and the lessons of God’s Plan for Us gives a method towards making an impact in the world in which we live. 

Again, thanks for reading. Please like, follow, and pass on to others … let us encourage each other along the journey.

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Spiritual Journey Through 2 John and 3 John

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word of God found in 2 John and 3 John. I’ve used the questions for reflection to collect thoughts. The greatest of all possessions are the guiding principles taught from the Word of God. These principles serve as a timeless foundation, giving strength and direction in times of uncertainty and moral ambiguity. They inspire us to lead lives of integrity, compassion, and faith, setting an example for those who follow. It is through these teachings that we can cultivate a legacy of wisdom and righteousness, ensuring that the Light of Truth continues to shine brightly through the ages.

Reading 2 John and shared in the post Overflowing Love is that many pursue dreams that deceive, as the world tends to mislead into materialism, power, and self-gain that last for the short term. Fortunately, the treasures of God’s Word provide a positive impact on our life now and into eternity.  Accepting Jesus changes everything as the path of following Jesus leads one home again, the home that cares and shares God’s love.

The key takeaway from 3 John and brought out in Replication of Kindness is to pay attention to those that need help and think about what you can do. If something needs to be done and you can offer anything to make it better, pass it on. It will make life a lot more pleasant for you and your friends.

Keep up with my spiritual journey over the next few weeks either through following this blog by clicking the follow button on the top right side of this page or by liking the Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey. Let’s share thoughts or ideas about applying our faith as we step ahead along the path to victory.

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Thought From Devotional 03-07-2025

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Mark Shields

A thought from reading John 18:1-27 is that Jesus was not afraid at all when they came to arrest Him and taught by example. He knew what the future held yet He was on a mission and had the courage to follow through. He faced His enemies to fulfill His purpose; to suffer in this world to set you and me free.

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Keep Jesus in Mind and Be Kind

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Mark Shields

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

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. – Hebrews 13:1-2

From “Replication of Kindness”, the thought is to pay attention to those that need help and think about what you can do. If something needs to be done and you can offer anything to make it better, pass it on. It will make life a lot more pleasant for you and your friends.

The following is inspired from the song Kind by Cory Asbury.

Jesus has always been kind
And He never changes His mind
So let us be patient and kind, 
Keeping Jesus in mind.

Index of devotionals

Thanks for reading. Please like, follow, and pass on to others … Offer help and be kind!

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Replication of Kindness

Posted on March 5, 2025 by Mark Shields

Like a single wildflower in a field, over the years the seeds produce many flowers just like one act of kindness replicates in God’s people to produce a community of faith. This day with God, let us be patient and kind, keeping Christ in mind.

In 3 John, there is further discussion of being kind and caring for others, being hospitable and sharing the truth of God’s love. Fellowship with others who walk in truth is of great importance. I remember when I got out of college, moved to Waco, and was looking to meet some good people that would help me grow in my faith, so I started going to a local church. I met a group of friends, and we would get together every Sunday morning and on Thursday evenings for Bible Study and prayer.

I remember a time when we organized a prayer chain. We each wrote up prayer requests on note cards and put them at the altar in the prayer chapel at our church. We each signed up for a time slot so that at least one person was praying at that chapel throughout the weekend. We would review the cards and pray about the concerns for about thirty minutes.

In today’s passage, John writes to a friend named Gaius. He prays for Gaius and encourages him with positive feedback about how faithful Gaius has been as he walks in the truth. That Gaius is beloved by all who are working together for the truth.

On the other hand, John warns about people like Diotrephes who spread gossip and did not welcome those who were spreading faith. There are people like Diotrephes in each of our neighborhoods or at our workplace who want others to follow their way and only provide negative feedback with constant complaints.

Think about specific ways we can be hospitable in our situation while following truth and love. Perhaps the best way to manage society’s problems is with neighbors helping neighbors. We can pay attention to those that need help and think about what we can do. If something needs to be done and we can offer anything to make it better, pass it on. It will make life a lot more pleasant for us and our friends.

This day with You God, we can affect those around us by sowing seeds of faith. Before long, these seeds will grow into something beautiful. Those in need will receive and more will begin to believe as seeds are planting into the hearts of many. Seeds of humility, of hospitality, and kindness built on Your kindness and patience with us in providing Jesus to meet our needs. Amen.

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