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

Spiritual Journey Through Isaiah 7-13

Posted on September 25, 2024 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in Isaiah 7-13 and sharing some thoughts that not only can benefit us now but also help the next generation too! The greatest of all possessions one can hand off to future generations are the guiding principles taught from the Word of God.

A takeaway from the post Stand Firm in Your Faith is that God in His time will solve pressing problems. He gave a sign during the time of Isaiah that Jesus would be born. It took time for the birth of Jesus, but things needed to be set up and fulfilled in His perfect timing. God cares for us and will set things right if we just have patience during times of difficulty.

As pointed out in Clarity Fills Emptiness With Greatness, we face tough challenges, opponents, and those who just hate who we are but God can help. God’s Way is the best way, so let us take courage to stand firm in faith, go to Him in prayer, and be determined to step ahead with patience in carrying out His plan for us.

The people were living in dark times as Isaiah prophesized about Jesus being born. As brought out in Dawning Light, God’s plan breaks through in the darkness, because hope is in the living God and the Wonderful Counselor. In Christ, who lived on earth, was crucified, rose, and continues to live. He changed the world in every way and has had the most extensive impact on this day and on future tomorrows.

A takeaway from reading Isaiah 9:8-10:19 and giving some thought to our current situation in the world is that strengths and talents are given by God. Brought out in the post Inabilities Are God’s Possibilities is the need to be humble and give the credit to Him. Let us not put too much pressure on ourselves and take life too seriously because the only one who can get us out alive is God himself.

A thought from New Growth Takes Courage is that when things are cleared and emptied, something new can come about that is unique and neat that helps us to grow. All one has to do is clear the weeds, thorns, and briars that stop growth from occurring. Then, something new begins to grow and we can celebrate with songs like Here Is Our King – David Crowder Band.

As explained in Planning for the Future, God has a purpose in everything that happens. To fit into that purpose and glorify His name, we need to constantly be aligned with His way by studying scripture and going to Him in prayer. Also, to constantly think about what we can do, what we need to read, and who to ask for help. By accepting Jesus, there is direct access to the Holy Spirit for direction.

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.

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals | Tagged Bible Study, Career, Community, Faith, Family, Hope, Journey, Lessons, Life, Love, Prayer, Purpose, spirituality, Values, victory, Wisdom, Worship | 2 Comments

Steps Directed by the Lord

Posted on September 24, 2024 by Mark Shields

A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? – Proverbs 20:24

As explained in “Planning for the Future”, God has a purpose in everything that happens. To fit into that purpose and glorify His name, we need to constantly be aligned with His way by studying scripture and going to Him in prayer. Also, to constantly think about what we can do, what we need to read, and who to ask for help. By accepting Jesus, there is direct access to the Holy Spirit for direction.

As the song Your World by Jonathan McReynolds points out, God has the whole world in His hands. We’re just living in it and walking through it.

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

Posted in Accurate Thinking, Devotionals | Tagged Business, Decision, Devotional, Direction, Future, Planning, Praise, Prayer, Purpose, Thinking, Video, Worship | Leave a comment

Planning for the Future

Posted on September 23, 2024 by Mark Shields

Who in the Bible have the greatest business plans? The prophets^{. [1]}A business that knows the future is far ahead of their competition.

One of those prophets in the Bible was Isaiah. A prophecy that Isaiah saw in Isaiah 13 for all to see is that God was taking well-timed aim at pride and idolatry. He prophesied the destruction of cities.

At one time, the city of Babylon was a magnificent place with a wall to protect invaders and the Tower of Babylon in the center contained a golden statue. Isaiah prophesied that their pride and idol worship would be overthrown using the Assyrians as instruments of wrath.

God has a purpose in everything that happens. To fit into that purpose and glorify His name, we need to constantly be aligned with His way by studying scripture and going to Him in prayer. Also, to constantly think about what we can do, what we need to read, and who to ask for help. By accepting Jesus, there is direct access to the Holy Spirit for direction.

This is Your world Lord and we are grateful that we can live in it for a while and walk through it trying to fulfill Your plan for us in this life and into eternity. Help us to read Your word so we understand, and it coaches us toward holiness. We need guidelines and we find them in Your Word. Jesus is the Light that enables us to see and understand the world around us, to solve the most pressing issues, and make decisions for the future. Thank You for sending the Light as we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

[1] PARADE – 45 Funny, Clean Christian Jokes. https://parade.com/1196835/kelseypelzer/christian-jokes/

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

Posted in Accurate Thinking, Bible Study | Tagged Bible Study, Business, Decision, Direction, Future, Photo, Planning, Prayer, Purpose, Thinking | 2 Comments

Thought From Devotional 09-20-2024

Posted on September 20, 2024 by Mark Shields

A thought from reading John 9:18-41 is that the evidence to know Jesus is God comes from the witnesses of His life as documented in the Gospel, from sermons, from Sunday school lessons, from those that talk or sing about Him, and experiences in our own life.

Posted in Bible Study, Devotionals, Faith | Tagged Bible Study, Evidence, Experiences, Faith, Guidance, Photo, Prayer, Sermons, Truth, Vision, Worship | Leave a comment

Be Unique to Reach a New Peak

Posted on September 19, 2024 by Mark Shields

Jesus makes it possible to clear and empty out so we can start over, make a new climb, become unique, and reach a new peak. We can then make Isaiah 12:2 our reply to the gloom and doom around us.

Surely God is my salvation;
   I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;
   He has become my salvation. - Isaiah 12:2

A thought from “New Growth Takes Courage” is that when things are cleared and emptied, something new can come about that is unique and neat that helps us to grow. All one has to do is have courage to clear the weeds, thorns, and briars that stop growth from occurring. Then, something new begins to grow and we can celebrate with songs like Here Is Our King – David Crowder Band.