John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Exodus 33:14.

“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

He was replying to His servant Moses who said, “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so that I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”

This conversation was happening as the Israelites were on the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Moses was telling the Lord, “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” He preferred to stay in place with God rather than to go forward without Him. Real progress is made on our spiritual journey when we are enjoying God’s Presence, moving at the same pace and in the same direction as His guiding hand. That is where we find rest for our souls.

Exodus 33:14-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 Together.

This is a word that is associated with companionship, friendship, community and family.

These kinds of connections are upheld in the Bible as meaningful and good. While times of solitude can be refreshing, we are not meant to journey through this life alone. We were made for community. We see the growth of the early church as believers in Christ met together and supported each other in the faith.

Acts 2:46 and 47 says about the church, “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

Discover how the word “Together” 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 18:37.

Jesus said to Pilate when He was on trial, “The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

Pilate responded to these words by saying, “What is truth?” And then he walked away. Pilate did not believe Jesus did anything worthy of death, but he wanted to satisfy the crowd who was shouting “Crucify Him.” So, under pressure, he gave in to the crowd instead of standing for what he believed.

There is a way to live by the courage of conviction-Be a truth-seeker rather than a crowd-pleaser. Aim to please God. This will help us to stand for what is right when we are under pressure from the crowd to do what is wrong.

John 18:37-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 Sowing.

This is a farming term that refers to planting seeds in the ground.

Jesus taught about sowing and reaping in His parables. In Luke 8, he taught the Parable of the Sower. The seed represents the word of God. The soil represents how different people respond to the word of God.

Some are not receptive to the word of God at all. Others receive it with joy, but the word of God does not take root in their lives, and they fall away in times of testing. Others hear God’s Word, but they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, and they never mature. The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

This parable reveals the significance of God’s Word to spiritual growth.

Discover how the word “Sowing” 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 18:36.

Jesus said to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

Anyone thinking that Jesus had come to overturn the Roman Empire   would have been disappointed. Jesus did not come with a military force, but offered Himself in service and sacrifice. His priority was not political revolution but spiritual intervention. He came for souls who needed a Savior. He came for souls who needed His forgiveness and grace. Jesus came for us. He came to earth so that we might take part in His glorious Kingdom.

John 18:36-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 Training.

This is a process of discipline or preparation for effective service.

Athletes train for sporting events. Musicians train for public performances. Follower of Jesus train for living out our faith with godly character and good deeds.

The word of God is vital for spiritual training, revealing the heart of God and His plan for our lives. He teaches us the difference between what is right and what is wrong. He shows us the way of love and the powerful influence it has in drawing people to Jesus.

Second Timothy 3:16 and 17 says that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Discover how the word “Training” 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 14:25.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Jesus was about to leave this earth and ascend to heaven, but He was assuring His followers that we would not be alone. The presence and power of the Holy Spirit is a gift from above. The Holy Spirit fulfills important functions in the lives of believers today. One of those functions is to instruct us in the ways of God.  He gives us deeper understanding of God’s kingdom. Another function is to remind us of the words of Jesus.

When we open our heart and mind to the words of Jesus, the Holy Spirit is there to guide our daily decisions in the way of Jesus.

John 14:25-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 Refuge.

A refuge is a shelter from danger or trouble. This reality suggests that we are not guaranteed a life freed from trouble. Yet, in a broken world, we have a refuge for our soul when we have faith in God.

His grace is available for us in our time of need. His peace calms our fears. His love reassures us that we are not alone.

Psalm 46:1 describes God as our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

And David wrote in Psalm 62:7, “My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”

Discover how the word “Refuge” 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 Acts 1:7 and 8.

Jesus told His disciples, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The disciples were wondering when Jesus was going to restore the kingdom to Israel. Many people today are curious to speculate on when Jesus might return to set up His kingdom. But Jesus was turning their attention to the task before them in the foreseeable future. His words are an important reminder for us to stay focused on being faithful witnesses for Jesus until His glorious return. As we are guided by the Holy Spirit, the Gospel will spread and bring salvation to many people around the world.

Acts 1:7 and 8-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 Sing.

This is the art of making musical sounds with our voices.

God’s love gives us plenty of reasons to sing with joy in our heart. When we receive His love, He fills us with His grace, and good gifts from above. He accepts us into His spiritual family. He guides us in His truth and shows the way to true freedom. He also gives us a living hope.

When faith is the theme of our heart, praise is the theme of our songs.

Psalm 33:1 to 3 says, “Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com