JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to take a step toward discipleship.

In the days of Jesus, a disciple was someone who would learn from their mentor and follow them wherever they went. Jesus called His disciples to follow Him and then prepared them for leadership.

Mark 1:16 and 17 records the appointment of two of Jesus’ disciples: As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. Jesus said, “Come follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

Just as Simon and Andrew spent time with Jesus and were trained for productive service, so we can have a voice for God today that leads others to faith in Christ. The starting place for that kind of platform is to accept the invitation of Jesus to follow Him.

Take the daily challenge to walk as a disciple of Jesus and learn from Him on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

I caught up with Centricity Music singer/songwriter Chris Renzema on Groundhog Day: the perfect occasion for a conversation about seasons and learning how God works as we observe nature’s process! In 2020, he released the album “Let The Ground Rest”–and in 2021, he put out the “Let The Ground Rest B-sides” EP! Chris’ latest music is rich with lyrics encouraging listening hearts to hold on for the harvest. (The instrumentation, especially the strings, conveys that potential, too!) Chris and I talked about the standouts: “Springtime”, “Not Finished Yet”, “Tear My House Down” and the title track. He shared stories behind the songs, what he’s gotten out of his own music after its release and the thing that makes him feel like he’s having a good gig.

https://soundcloud.com/user-254508556/wjtl-praise-worship-podcast-chris-renzema

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is Healing.

The meaning of healing is to be made whole or well.

One of the reasons that Jesus came to this earth was to provide healing for our souls. Sin is a spiritual sickness that leaves us with a heart condition that needs repair. Jesus has the power to restore our heart because of what He did for us on the cross.

First Peter 2:24 says about Jesus, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Jesus is the cure for the human condition, forgiving our sin, and rearranging our priorities to live for righteousness.

Find encouragement in the power of God’s love to heal our heart from the sickness of sin in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to step toward the character of Jesus.

First John 2:6 says, “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”

When we give our lives to Christ, we have a new leader. Jesus becomes the focus of our faith as Lord and Savior. He is also our ultimate role model. Not only are His teachings reliable for living a godly life, but His example is also worthy of our imitation.

Ephesians 5:2 shows us how to follow the pattern of Jesus’ life: “Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” The example of Jesus moves us in the direction of authentic love.

Take the daily challenge to walk in the footsteps of Jesus on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1r2UZsN3gbqyLccFFrBIdd?si=Z2VQ5-AxQnK-KqU1Rolh5A

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to step into the light of transformation.

This process starts with a proper view of God’s mercy. His mercy spares us from the punishment that we deserve because of our sin. John Newton, the writer of Amazing Grace, observed near the end of his life, “I remember two things clearly, ‘I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.’”

Romans 12:1 says, “In view of God’s mercy, offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Transformation happens when we respond to God’s mercy with a heart of gratitude and worship, and renew our mind to follow Gods’ will.

Take the daily challenge to walk in the transformation that embraces God’s purposes on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Challenge motivates us to take a step toward meaningful connections with other believers.

One of the ways that God helps us to grow in our walk with Christ is to bring other believers into our lives for encouragement. And we can support others in the faith with our friendship.

Hebrew 10:24 and 25 says, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

The Pandemic has limited larger gatherings over the past year.  However, the principle of connecting with other believers is still relevant, whether that means online connections or meeting in a socially distant setting. We bring out the best in each other through encouragement. That happens through meaningful connections in the body of Christ.

Take the daily challenge to walk in relationship with other believers on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1KeNyDepDN0ErWPr20PUGT?si=RlMLCKcxTUuU4YpimCcaaA