JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to bear lasting fruit.

This happens when we remain in Jesus and draw our strength from His grace.

Jesus told His followers in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Wherever we go, whatever we do, whoever we reach; being a fruitful witness for Jesus flows out of a faithful relationship with Jesus. We are willing to follow wherever He leads us. We are willing to serve whatever He calls us to do. We are willing to love whoever He brings into our lives.

Jesus appointed His followers to go and bear fruit that will last. That can be our enduring legacy of faith as we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Bearing Lasting Fruit is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from John 15:5.

Jesus identified Himself by “I Am” statements, which are recorded for us in the Gospel of John. These statements open our eyes to the reality of who Jesus is and what He is able to accomplish on our behalf.

As Jesus was walking with His disciples in a garden, He said to them in John 15:5:

“I am the vine: you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Here we see that a productive faith flows out of an intimate relationship with Jesus. How can we stay connected with Jesus every day?

One way is through prayer. Ongoing communication builds thriving relationships. Prayer is how we have a conversation with God. Another way is by reading the Bible, which is God’s inspired word given to us. That is where God shows us how to live a life that pleases Him.

This Light Reflection inspires us to remain in Jesus and bear much fruit in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – 2023 has been designated the Year to Shine at WJTL. We will explore what it means to be the salt and light in this world that Jesus calls us to be. Listen for daily light reflections and for steps of faith that we can take to be a radiant witness for Jesus.

In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is Abiding in Jesus.

Fruitful service flows out of a vibrant relationship with Jesus-trusting Him, loving Him, worshipping Him, and following His lead with the direction of our lives.

In the New King James Version, Jesus says in John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing.”

Abiding in Jesus is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in the world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to stay connected with Jesus every single day.

The importance of relying on Jesus for each step of faith is highlighted in John 15:5. Jesus said to His followers, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

One of the ways that we remain connected to Jesus is through prayer. Relationships thrive through open communication. Prayer is how we can have a conversation with God.

Another way to have a conversation with God is to read the Bible. That is where God’s Word communicates to us and tells us how to live a life that pleases Him. When we follow through on God’s plan for our lives, there is fruit that brings glory to God.  Jesus said in John 15:8, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

Take the daily challenge to stay connected with Jesus every single day, every step of the way on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Promise of Hope is based on John 15:8.

Jesus said to His disciples, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

Jesus explained to them that their fruitfulness would depend on staying connected to Him. In verse 5, Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Flowing out of our relationship with Jesus will be spiritual fruit that makes a difference in God’s Kingdom for eternity. He invites us into the Great Commission of making and growing disciples for Christ. Without God, we can do nothing; but with God, the ordinary person becomes an extraordinary witness for Christ.

The evidence of spiritual fruit is a promise of hope for those who follow Jesus in the Year of Trust.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Moment Of Celebration reflects on the fruitful outcome of abiding in Christ.

Jesus said to His disciples in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

We are called to a relationship with Christ. Relationships flourish where there is love, faithfulness, honesty, and open communication. This is how our witness for Christ can thrive today. We know from the Bible that Jesus loves the people in the world; that He is faithful;  that He is the truth; and that He speaks openly and freely about the will of God. On trial, Jesus said, “I have spoken openly to the world.” As we respond to His voice, we get to know Jesus more and more. We learn to love Him more and more. We are also transformed into the likeness of His character more and more. A faithful relationship to Jesus leads to a fruitful witness for Jesus in a world that desperately needs Jesus.

In John 15:8, Jesus said, “This is to my Father’s glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

The fruitful outcome of abiding in Christ is a reason to be glad in the Year of Celebration.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com