JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is “Completion.”

This word conveys the idea of fulfillment and accomplishment. Philippians 2:13 says that it is God’s who works in us to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

That is encouraging to know, because we learn here that we do not have to do God’s will on our own strength, nor are we capable of doing God’s will on our own strength. We need His gracious hand to help us and guide us. With God leading the way, we can live with confidence that He will accomplish what He started in us.

Philippians 1:6 says, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Our influence for Christ goes beyond our last breath on earth. God’s good work in us continues until the day of Christ Jesus. That’s a legacy of faith, passed along from generation to generation.

Discover how the word “completion” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in John 3:3.

“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

Jesus said this to a prestigious member of the Pharisees named Nicodemus. He was perplexed, wondering what Jesus meant by this.

Nicodemus was thinking in the realm of physical birth, but Jesus was talking about spiritual birth, which happens when God’s grace is received by faith. This conversation was leading to John 3:16, which says that “God so loved the world that He gave his One and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

That is how we can be born again and be part of the kingdom of God.

John 3:3-That’s today’s God Quote for us embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Rise.

One definition of rise is to “stand up.” Another definition is to “get up after a fall”. When it comes to the troubles and temptations that we face, Jesus is able to help us to stand by faith. But if we are weak and stumble on our journey of faith, God’s helping hand is available to help us rise again.

Peter was walking on water for a while. Then, he took his eyes off Jesus, and started to sink. But Jesus reached out His hand to save Peter and pull him out of the water. When we lose our focus point, Jesus is there to pick us up and help us to refocus.

Proverbs 24:16 says, “Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.”  The righteous hand of Jesus is our source of strength to raise us up after a fall.

Discover how the word “Rise” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Second Chronicles 7:14.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

This word from God shows His generous mercy for people who have lost their way and fell into sinful habits or places. There is no shame in confessing our sins before God. There are occasions when it is also fitting to confess our sins to another person, such as when we offend someone with our actions.

Bringing our sins into the light is the pathway toward healing. God is faithful to forgive and restore the contrite heart who turns back to Him.

Second Chronicles 7:14-That’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Obey.

To obey God is to hear His commands and follow them. We do not obey 100% of the time, which is why we need grace.

When God’s love is the motivating factor of our lives, we will develop patterns of obedience. It becomes our delight to serve God in this way. Out of gratitude for what He has done for us, we want to live for Him. Jesus said to His followers, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”

The more we know Jesus in relationship, the more we understand how good He is. We learn to respect His authority because His leadership is righteous and filled with grace. His laws are built on love and wisdom. His commands give us direction for doing God’s will.

Deuteronomy 13:4 says, “Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him.”

Discover how the word “Obey” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Jeremiah 15:19.

“If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.”

Repentance is a turning point for us. It means to change our mind. We were going in the wrong direction, but God convicted us of our waywardness and steered us in the right direction. This is how God was working in the life of Jeremiah, and how He works in the lives of His followers today. As we are aligned with God’s purposes, He gives us a platform to speak wisdom and grace into the lives of others.

As we heed God’s voice and turn to Him, don’t be surprised if He opens doors for us to serve Him faithfully. He invites us to go on mission with Him, to stay true to the Gospel, and be an influence for God’s Kingdom.

Jeremiah 15:19-That’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Comfort.

In times of distress and uncertainty, we look for comfort to encourage us and give us peace in the midst of the storm. Maybe we don’t want to feel alone. Maybe we need wisdom for guidance. Maybe we just need a friend to be there with us. Someone who has gone through a similar experience can be a great comfort to us in times of trouble.

Second Corinthians 1:3 says, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

This is how God can work redemptively through our trials, as we reach out to people with compassion in their time of need.

Discover how the word “Comfort” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Matthew 5:14 to 16.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Jesus made this statement in the Sermon on the Mount. As we follow Jesus, He gives us a light to shine to the world. The love of Jesus is the spark that ignites our faith into action with good deeds that glorify God.

What can we do today to serve someone in need? This is a good question to ask ourselves daily as we reflect the light of Jesus and point people to His saving grace.

Matthew 5:14 to 16-That’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Matthew 5:13.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”

Jesus made this statement in His Sermon on the Mount.

Salt is used as a flavoring for food and as a preservative. As we follow Jesus with a faithful heart, we flavor this world with the Gospel. We share His good news with every act of love. We serve to preserve this world from moral decay by standing for righteousness, truth, and justice.

God has placed us on the earth for such a time as this. As we come under the influence of the Gospel, God enables us to be an influence for the Gospel.

Matthew 5:13-That’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Attention.

One definition of attention is to regard someone or something as interesting or important.

It is common for us to give our attention to that which is a priority to us. When we consider Jesus as important and interesting, we will be like those in the Bible who heard His teaching and hung on His words.

There is a very good reason for giving Jesus our attention and to cling to His words. They are full of life and directed by God’s Spirit. Our faith will be strengthened as we take in the nourishment of His teachings.

Hebrews 2:1 says, “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”

Discover how the word “Attention” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com