John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Mark 10:14.

Jesus said to His disciples, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

One of the familiar Sunday school songs learned by children at an early age is “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.” It is believed that the writer of that song, Herbert Woolston was moved by those statements of Jesus that spoke honorably of children.

While the disciples appeared to be annoyed by the little children, Jesus welcomed them, and challenged His disciples to become like children in certain ways. He said, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Jesus draws our attention to little children as examples of faith and humility.

Mark 10:14-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 Forgive.

Forgiveness is a decision not to hold someone’s sins against them. When this happens, we give up the right to retaliate against them for the way they mistreated us. We say no to revenge. This is an effective way to keep bitterness and anger from tearing us apart inwardly. We keep the door open for reconciliation to take place, which brings peace and harmony back into the relationship. Forgiveness is a form of extraordinary love.

Remembering what Jesus did for us at the cross gives us the courage to seek forgiveness rather than vengeance.

Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Discover how the word “Forgive” 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 Hosea 5:15.

“Then I will return to my place until they admit their guilt and turn to me. For as soon as trouble comes, they will earnestly search for me”.

This was a message to a nation who turned away from God toward idolatry. However, God had a word of hope for Israel as He does for people who are guilty of sin today.

Sin has consequences. We invite trouble whenever we wander from God. But God allows us to experience trouble in times like that so that we might come to our senses and turn back to God. That is what the Prodigal Son did in Luke chapter 15. He came to the end of his resources after squandering his money, and then he came to his senses, saying, “I will go home to my father and say, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you.’” What he found was a warm welcome from his Father. This is how times of trouble can be used of God to get our attention.

Hosea 5:15-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 Give.

This is a generous offer of something to someone without expecting any payment in return.

Giving is a big part of the Gospel, as we see that God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son….

When we receive God’s love, we are inspired to give to those who have material needs. We are moved to give our offerings and tithes to our local church and various ministries. We are thinking about how we might bless others with our giving. God’s love is a powerful influence to motivate us to give.

Second Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Discover how the word “Give” 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 Mark 8:34 and 35.

Jesus said this to the crowd and His disciples: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”

The Gospel is an invitation to die to ourselves and live for Jesus. This is a matter of setting Him apart as Lord and trusting Him to lead the way, whatever the cost. Even in death, our salvation is secure in Christ. Our hope is not found in the treasures of this world but rather the treasures of heaven.

Mark 8:34 and 35-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 Know.

This word refers to a relationship with God. It was the Apostle Paul’s ambition to know Jesus. He declared, “I want to know Christ-yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”

By participating in His suffering and resurrection, we will know a peace that the world cannot comprehend. We will know an extraordinary love that is willing to forgive and love our enemies. We will know an overflowing hope and a contagious joy. We will know the security of His grace and promising future. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Discover how the word “Know” 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 7:22 and 23.

Jesus said to messengers of John the Baptist, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

John was in prison, wondering about the identity of Jesus. Perhaps we can relate with John’s questions. We want to have the assurance that we are standing for the truth. We want to know that our sacrifice and service have meaningful purpose. Jesus was sending word back to John that he was not running the race in vain. The miracles of Jesus were signs that indicated He was the Messiah who was to come.

Luke 7:22 and 23-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 Taste.

This is one of the senses that enables us to enjoy food. We are drawn to the foods that taste good.

Psalm 34:8 invites us to taste and see that the LORD is good.

But how do we do that? The best way is simply to be receptive to the invitation of Jesus to follow Him. Examine His life. Study His Word. Call on His name daily in prayer. Follow His teachings. Embrace His love for you. He will teach us to love Him and to love others. He will show us how to live a fruitful life that demonstrates virtuous qualities, such as love, peace, and joy. We will see God more clearly each day when we come to the table of fellowship with Jesus.

The goodness of the Lord will give us an appetite for His righteousness, which is satisfied by faith in Jesus Christ.

Discover how the word “Taste” 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 31:33 and 34.

“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time. I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘know the LORD’ because they will all know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

This statement is repeated in Hebrews chapter 8 where we learn that the ministry of Jesus puts God’s law in our hearts and minds. It is the law of love that guides us to places of worship and freedom. His grace leads to the transformation of our hearts and minds into the likeness of Christ. His Gospel gives us a place of belonging in His eternal family.

Jeremiah 31:33 and 34-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 Immeasurable.

The definition of this word is “too large, extensive, or extreme to measure.”

Whatever is immeasurable is off the charts. It goes beyond our ability to comprehend.

A form of this word is used in Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

God is the One who offers us eternal life, a gift that extends beyond our imagination. Yet, we can look forward to enjoying an abundant life in His presence forever through faith in Jesus Christ. He is able to cleanse us from sin and restore us to a peaceful relationship with God.

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com