JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Second Peter 3:18.

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

Our conversion to Christ marks the beginning of our faith journey where we follow Jesus step by step with a heart that trusts in Him.

God’s will for our lives is to grow in our relationship with Jesus and know Him on a deeper level. This happens when we spend time with Him in prayer and take His words to heart from the Bible.

A closer walk with Jesus will more clearly define our mission. We will be in tune with His voice and moved by His love for us.

Colossians 2:6 says, “Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him.”

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is measuring our worth by how God sees us.

In Second Corinthians 10:12, the Apostle Paul wrote, “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”

The unwise thing about making comparisons is that they tempt us toward feelings of inferiority or superiority. King Saul became jealous of David when the crowd compared David’s victories with Saul’s victories. Their relationship broke down.

A better way to measure our worth is by understanding how God sees us. Jesus said in Luke 12:7, “the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” This sense of value frees us to share God’s love with others and treat them with respect and dignity.

Measuring our worth by how God sees us is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Acts 13:38.

“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”

No matter how many sins we may have committed, we are not without hope. Jesus came precisely for that reason-to be the remedy for our sin. His grace is the perfect cure.

In Luke chapter 7, there was a woman who was forgiven of her many sins, and this abundant grace was evident in the love that she displayed for Jesus.

The Gospel offers abundant grace to forgive all our sins and change the direction of our lives to love God with full devotion. There is hope available, and his name is Jesus.

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to reach out to Jesus for the forgiveness that we need in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Revelation 3:20.

Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

One of the visuals of meaningful and intimate friendship is two people sitting down together at the dinner table enjoying a meal.

This is the vision that Jesus has for His church-to be in fellowship with Him, following Him faithfully, and enjoying His presence.

Jesus was standing at the door of a church that was self-sufficient. They did not sense their need for Jesus, and were shutting Him out. In those moments when our self-sufficiency keeps us from experiencing the peace of God, we can remember this picture of Jesus knocking on the door of our heart, waiting for us to respond to His voice.

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to open our heart to the joy of knowing Jesus in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is to seek counsel for difficult decisions.

Sometimes, God works through the wise counsel of others to guide our decisions in a successful direction.

Proverbs 15:22 says that “plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

It is important for us to know who to consult. For financial advice, we would go to someone who has experience as a financial counselor.

For spiritual direction, we would seek someone who has experience walking with the Lord, who cares about us, and is willing to listen.

Good advice is often available by the input of people who know us and understand our situation.

Seeking Counsel for Difficult Decisions is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Jeremiah 33:2 and 3.

“This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it-the LORD is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

It’s amazing to think that the Creator of the Universe invites us into a personal relationship.

God is in heaven, but He is also close enough to hear the prayer of the contrite heart. He is close to the broken-hearted. His grace is with those who are humble. Psalm 25:14 says, “The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.”

God’s Wisdom reveals the mystery of His love and the nature of His kingdom. His Gospel reveals the good news of forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ.

These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to have an ongoing conversation with God in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is freedom.

Second Corinthians 3:17 says “Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

The Spirit of God is about life and freedom. Where there are elements of coercion, intimidation, or manipulation in relationships, the Spirit of the Lord is not the influence behind them.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, people are free to express their love for God with the personalities that God has given them.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, people are free to worship God openly, using a variety of songs that glorify His holy name.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, people are free to share with each other what they are learning and how God is moving in their lives.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, people are free to serve others with their God-given abilities.

Freedom is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Revelation 17:14.

They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings-and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.

The end of the age in the book of Revelation reveals a world that has rebelled against the authority of God and declared war against Him.

But their effort to fight against God will fail. Jesus is the victor. His kingdom is coming and will prevail over every force that opposes Him.

The Gospel reveals how we can enjoy peace with God and be among His faithful followers.

Romans 5:1 says, “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This is how we are reconciled with God to enjoy His favor.

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to be on the Lord’s side in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is to follow Jesus rather than the crowd.

Exodus 23:2 instructs us with these words, “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.”

Peer pressure can lead us into trouble if the crowd is bent on doing what is wrong. William Penn once said, “Right is right even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong even if everyone is for it.” While it can be so easy to follow the crowd, Jesus has another message for us, “Follow me.”

As we do this consistently, day-by-day, step-by-step, His grace and truth will be the influence that guides our pathway forward to a fruitful faith. The disciples are an example of this: They spent time with Jesus. Then, after they were taught and trained, they preached the Gospel and persuaded many in the crowd to put their faith in Jesus.

Following Jesus rather than the crowd is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com