John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in John 20:29.

Jesus said to Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Jesus was talking about those who follow Him today. We were not the original witnesses to His resurrection, but we have the blessing of God’s grace through faith in our Risen Savior.

Peter would have been in the room when he heard Jesus say this to Thomas. He went on to tell believers in one of his letters just how blessed they were to live by faith rather than by sight.

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

John 20:29-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 “Reign.”

This refers to the royal dignity of a king. Jesus is the righteous King who is forever praised by His followers. His rule and reign from heaven is a reason for praise and joy.

Revelation 19:6 says, “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!”

The reign of earthly kings is for a season, and prone to flaws, but the reign of God’s One and only Son Jesus Christ is forever. He leads with Divine wisdom, righteousness, and strength, while loving His people with genuine care and concern. He will bless His followers with eternal grace and the treasures of His heavenly kingdom.

Discover how the “Reign of God” 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 20:27.

Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

This was an incredibly powerful moment for Thomas. Before seeing Jesus risen from the dead, he doubted the claims of the other disciples that they had seen Him alive. Now, Thomas was faced with the evidence and his doubt turned into faith and worship.  Thomas responded by saying, “My Lord and my God!”

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the turning point in history that transforms hearts with full confidence in God’s unfailing love.

John 20:27-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 Justified.

One definition of Justified is to be declared “not guilty” in the sight of God. A good way to remember this definition is to break down the word, “Just-as-if-I’d-not-sinned.”

Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Even though we have disobeyed God, His grace makes it possible for us to be counted as righteous in His eyes. His forgiveness brings us peace and healing. Romans 5:1 says, “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Discover how the word “Justified” 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 20, verse 26.

“Peace be with you!”

Jesus said this to His disciples after He rose from the dead.

Because Jesus lives, we can receive the peace that only Jesus can provide for us. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

John 20:26-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 Lavish.

The meaning of Lavish is “generous and extravagant.”

This is a word that aptly fits the way that God loves us. He has created the world with much beauty and splendor for us to enjoy.

He has provided breath and life for us to enjoy.

God gave His best for us when He sent Jesus into the world. This is the best evidence of His love to redeem us from sin.

The lavishness of God reveals His delight in blessing His people. First John 3:1 says, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

Discover how the word “Lavish” 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 Luke 24:46 to 48.

Jesus said to His disciples: “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”

As Jesus was saying this, He was opening their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He was also informing them of their very important mission, which continues in followers of Jesus today.

This is good news for us to embrace and to share with others. Jesus is alive and well. Through His name, we have forgiveness of sins Everyone who believes in Jesus is set free from every sin.

Luke 24:46 to 48-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 Fortress.

A good picture of a fortress is a castle. It is a place of protection against large-scale attacks.

In Psalm 59:17, David wrote, “You are my strength, I sing praise to you; You, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.”

There is no safer place for the soul than to be found in the grace of God. His grace is our source of help and serves as a refuge in times of trouble.

His grace offers us peace in times of turmoil. His grace protects us from the lies of the enemy. His grace helps us to say “No” to temptation. His grace saves us from our sin. His grace leads to eternal life. A Mighty Fortress is our God to provide security for our soul.

Discover how the word “Fortress” 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 16:33.

Jesus told His followers on the night before He died, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!”

Jesus was preparing His disciples for a hard day. Grief and sadness would cast their dark shadows over those who were in His inner circle.

Jesus was also preparing His disciples for the more distant future, when He would no longer be present with them in body. He was alerting them to persecution that they would experience. He was also encouraging them with the promise of the Holy Spirit.

In this world, we will have problems. But we are not left without power. Jesus has overcome the world by His death and resurrection, and because of that reality, we can experience His peace and joy no matter what tomorrow may hold.

John 16:33-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 Curtain.

The curtain served as a veil to separate the Most Holy Place from the rest of the temple. No one could enter this room except for the high priest once a year to make atonement for the sins of the people.

When Jesus died, the curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom.   The earth shook, the rocks split, and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.

God was opening the way for us to enter into His presence by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Now, we have access to His saving grace with a new life.

Ephesians 3:12 says, “In Jesus and through faith in Him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com