JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Acceptance of Little Children.

In Matthew 19:13, the people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

This was a great lesson of faith for the disciples to understand that Jesus loves the children of the world, and calls us to accept them.

We can be a voice of hope, truth, and encouragement for children by loving them with a tender heart. Look for opportunities to invest in their lives with the love of Jesus.

Jesus said in Mark 9:37, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.”

Acceptance of Little Children is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships draws a lesson of love from the heart of the Father toward a Prodigal Son.

In Luke 15, the Prodigal Son returned home after squandering his wealth in a distant country.

His father embraced him with open arms and kisses. Then, he did something extraordinary. He called for a celebration.

He said in Luke 15:22, ‘“Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.”

Luke 15 is all about celebrating the lost being found. This is what happens in heaven whenever someone turns to the Lord.

Celebrating changed lives by the Gospel is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Joshua 24:15.

Joshua motivated the Israelites to follow the LORD by his example.

He told them, “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

Joshua’s faith spoke through his commitment and strong example. He was consistent in taking courageous steps forward as he was led by God.  His integrity made him a credible voice to guide a nation toward devotion to God.

The people responded with these words, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods.”

Israel served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him. This is the kind of impact that is possible when our life speaks with devotion to God.

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to lead with a godly example in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Job 23:10.

In the midst of grief, pain, and affliction, Job said, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”

Job’s faith spoke through his perseverance. He endured suffering and saw the value of what suffering would produce in building his character. Not everyone responds to suffering in the same way. Suffering has the potential to make us bitter, but suffering also has the potential to refine our faith and build maturity into our character.

First Peter 1:6 and 7 says,, “For a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”  This genuine faith is more valuable than gold.

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us endure times of testing with God in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Isaiah 6:8.

Isaiah heard the voice of the LORD say, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

Isaiah said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Isaiah’s faith spoke with a willing spirit to serve God. This has been the response of many people who responded to God’s call on their lives.

Isaiah saw the LORD high and lifted up in a place of holiness. Seeing God’s holiness reminded Isaiah of his sinfulness and guilt. But one of the angels told him, “Your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”

Forgiveness frees us to serve God with a grateful heart. It is our honor to serve Him because He is merciful to His people and worthy of our praise.

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to make ourselves available to God to go where He sends us in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Daniel 6:10.

A decree was issued by King Darius forbidding prayer to anyone besides him. Anyone who disobeyed this decree would be thrown to the lions’ den.

When Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to God, just as he had done before.”

Daniel’s faith spoke through his consistent prayer life. He was grateful to God for His many blessings from above. Not even the threat of death would prevent Daniel from spending time with God in prayer.

Daniel did go to the lions’ den, but did not die there. God rescued him, by shutting the mouths of the lions. Afterward, God was honored throughout the world because of Daniel’s faithful prayer.

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to make time with God a daily priority in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is returning evil with good.

That is what Joseph did for his brothers in the Old Testament. They treated him very badly in his youth. The Bible says that they could not speak a kind word to Joseph. That is how envy, jealousy, and hatred can express themselves in harmful ways.

Toward the end of Joseph’s life, he had opportunity to get revenge, but instead, he repaid evil with good. Joseph’s brothers sought his help in Egypt. As the family was coming together, again, Joseph said to them in Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children. And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.”

This is how love and forgiveness can speak in redeeming ways. That is the way of Jesus toward a world that treated Him very badly.

Returning evil with good is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com