John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Colossians 3:15 and 16.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

Being thankful is a quality that invites the peace of God in our lives. Remembering His goodness leads us to express praise to God with thanksgiving in our songs. Music is an instrument of praise. It is an instrument of instruction. It is an instrument of joy.

What is the influence that enables us to celebrate God’s goodness in these ways? It is the message of Christ-His good news that brings us the hope of forgiveness and eternal life with Him. His death and resurrection have paved the way for us to believe in the name of Jesus and to enjoy His presence forever.

The message of Christ reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Psalm 40, verse 3.

“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.”

The theme of our music has a way of changing when the throne of our heart belongs to Jesus.

Music is a gift from the Lord that enables us to express our love and gratitude to God for His marvelous grace. God put a new song in the heart of John Newton, who wrote the well-known hymn, “Amazing Grace.”  That hymn has endured through many generations and reflects the miracle of new life in Christ.

“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.”

The New Song that comes from God reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Psalm 100, verses 2 and 3.

“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”

When we belong to Jesus, we have a reason to sing with joy. His grace has touched our lives and brought us into His household of faith. We are refreshed by His peace and nourished by His Word. We are members of His family. Joy overflows when we ponder the extent of His love to accept us as one of His precious children.

God made us. He loves us. He invites us to know Jesus as the Lord of our lives, and to celebrate His glory with uplifting music.

The acceptance of God reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in First Corinthians 15:57.

“Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

In Jesus, death is swallowed up in victory, so He is the clear winner over the forces of darkness when it comes to the Gospel.

Jesus invites us to join Him on the winning team.  His grace is sufficient to help us overcome the forces of evil in the heavenly realms, the value system of the world, and our own sinful nature. He is able to help us gain victory over anxiety, discouragement, and the daily pressures that weigh us down. He leads us to victory over death by offering the gift of eternal life.

On the night before Jesus died on a cross, He said to His disciples, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” That’s encouragement to give us peace and hope as we follow Jesus.

Victory in Jesus reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Psalm 23:6.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

David was the writer of Psalm 23, where we see the yearning of his heart to be near God in a place of worship.

He was confident that the love and goodness of God would pursue him every day that he had breath. This is the confidence that we can have when we follow Jesus as our Good Shepherd. His favor shines on us with grace and mercy. We will find blessing and fulfillment giving Him the honor that is due His name.

The pursuit of God’s love reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Psalm 23, verse 5.

With the LORD as my Shepherd, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

David wrote Psalm 23 and certainly knew what it was like to have enemies. He also knew what it was like to experience God’s provision and protection. He had been anointed as King of Israel. We have a purpose too. It might not be a royal destiny, but it is a noble plan, because it has been orchestrated by God.

God’s plan for His followers is an abundant life that overflows with His grace and goodness. His spiritual blessings provide forgiveness for our sins, a place of belonging in His family of believers, and the presence of the Holy Spirit to empower our witness for Christ. Our cup overflows with peace, joy, love, and hope, because of what Christ has done for us and what He will do when He returns.

The provision of God reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Psalm 23, verse 4.

With the LORD as my Shepherd, “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me.”

Through faith’s journey, we are never alone. In the darkest valley of grief, God is there. In times of testing, God is there. In our temptations, God is there. In our disappointments, God is there.

The comfort of God’s Presence relieves our anxiety, stress, and fear. Life is not without danger, but because of Jesus, we are not without a Savior to help us in our time of need.

The faithfulness of God reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Psalm 23, verse 3.

With the LORD as my Shepherd, “He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”

As our soul is refreshed in the Presence of the LORD, our pathway is directed by the counsel of the LORD. The closer we move toward Jesus, the greater our clarity for understanding the way forward. His Word is a lamp to guide our way through climates of spiritual darkness. He shows us the way to go in His will. His grace not only saves us from sin, but is also a virtuous teacher in the ways of God. His kindness leads us to repentance.

Titus 2:11 and 12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”

The guiding hand of God reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Psalm 23, verse 2.

With the LORD as my Shepherd, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.”

In the presence of Jesus, there is peace for our soul. He is not a harsh task-master who places unrealistic demands on us. He comes alongside of us to bear our burdens and to refresh us with His love. The presence of Jesus is a place of security and serenity.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Rest and Refreshment for our souls reveal the goodness of God and are reasons to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Psalm 23:1.

“The LORD is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.”

This is how David knew the LORD of his life, as a shepherd whose grace was sufficient for his needs.

Having a relationship with God does not mean that our wish list will be met, but we will have grace for today and hope for tomorrow. We will have the comfort of His forgiveness and the assurance of His unfailing love.

Jesus said in John 10:14, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-and I lay down my life for the sheep.” He also said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

Knowing Jesus as our Good Shepherd reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com