JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Romans 15:4.

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope.”

The words of the Bible have the power to provide us with hope and encouragement as we learn about Jesus.

The Bible is where we learn about His salvation for all who call on the name of the Lord. The Bible is where we learn about God’s love for us, and the demonstration of His love at the cross and empty grave.  The Bible is where we learn about the truth that sets us free. The Bible is also where we learn about heaven, and the eternal promises that God has planned for those who love Him.

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – This week’s Light Reflections examine some of the bright spots in the book of Acts when God was on the move in the hearts of people.

One of those places is Acts chapter 11, verse 24 when Barnabas made a trip to Antioch. He was sent by the church in Jerusalem to follow up on the news that a great number of people there were believing and turning to the LORD.

When Barnabas arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their heart. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

How might God use our words of encouragement to build the church? He might make us a motivational influence for someone to keep serving God. Or He might make us a persuasive influence for someone to take that first step of faith.

This Light Reflection inspires us to encourage others to live with true devotion to the Lord in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to connect with people who love God.

Christian Headlines dot com recently reported on a statement by the U.S. Surgeon General noting loneliness as a public health threat.

Loneliness can increase the risk of physical ailments along with depression and anxiety.

In the book of Genesis, God said “it is not good for the man to be alone.” We were made to live in relationships. Connecting with people who love God opens the door for fellowship, encouragement, and a healthy support system.

Hebrews 10:24 and 25 says, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”

Connecting with people who love God 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 Romans 15:4.

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope.

Bible history is a light to help us learn from the successes and failures of those who have gone before us.

First Corinthians 10 recalls moral failures of the Israelites who wandered in the wilderness in the days of Moses. Verse 6 says, “These things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.”

On the positive side, James 5:10 says, “As an example in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

This Light Reflection inspires us to find hope and encouragement in the lessons of Bible history in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Supporting Vibrant Ministry.

Jesus had a support system during His earthly ministry. It’s found in Luke chapter 8 as Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.

The Twelve were with him, and also some women, who were helping to support them out of their own means. Mark 15:41 adds that these women followed Jesus and cared for the needs of Jesus.

There are various ways to support churches and ministries who spread the Gospel with integrity and enthusiasm: Prayer, Words of Encouragement, Financial Assistance, Volunteering and Hospitality.

In Philippians 4:16, the Apostle Paul told the church, “You sent me aid more than once when I was in need….I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied.” This is how ministries can be refreshed by the support of God’s people.

Supporting Vibrant Ministry is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Hebrews 10:24 and 25.

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Worship is a way of life that includes fellowship with other believers.

Church is one place where we can find edifying relationships for our faith. As we seek out friendships with other people who sincerely love God and care about us, there will be opportunities to learn, grow, and find support for our faith. And the same thing can happen for others through our encouragement. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise.” The local church is a place where we can help each other grow in our walk with Christ.

These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to form friendships that will move us closer to God in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Encouragement toward Godly Integrity.

This was one of great accomplishments of Barnabas in the early church. His name meant, “Son of Encouragement” and he certainly lived up to the meaning of his name.

In Acts 11:22, Barnabas went to a place called Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God among the people, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

His words of encouragement inspired deeper devotion to Christ among existing believers and more conversions to Christ. Through his godly example and ministry of encouragement, a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Encouragement toward Godly Integrity is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – 2022 is the Year of Relationship at WJTL. We will examine what the Bible has to say about key elements that lead to thriving relationships, including our relationship with God.

Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Encouragement.

First Thessalonians 5:10 and 11 say this about Jesus:

“He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

The presence of Jesus is a comfort to our soul. We were not left alone to live the Christian life. Jesus is right there with us, guiding us, helping us, interceding for us, and blessing us with His grace. When we die, Jesus will be right there to welcome us to our new heavenly home. One way we can encourage one another in the faith is to be voices of hope about the presence of Jesus.

Being a voice of encouragement is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to persevere in love.

God’s will for our lives is to express our faith in love. He wants us to have thriving relationships.

In First Thessalonians 4:10, the Apostle Paul commended that church for loving God’s family throughout Macedonia, and then said, “Yet, we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more.”

When it comes to sharing God’s love with others, there is always room for us to grow.

First Corinthians 13:6 tells us that love always perseveres.

It shows in the form of showing compassion to one another, forgiving one another, being kind to one another, offering encouragement to one another, and serving one another. There are many opportunities to demonstrate God’s love every day.

Take the daily challenge to persevere in love on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Challenge motivates us to take a step toward hope.

Romans 15:4 tells us that “everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope.”

The Bible is not designed to be a weapon to condemn us, but rather a tool to help us to fight the good fight of faith.

In reading God’s Word, we will find encouragement from the examples of those who lived before us and walked with the Lord. We will learn the ways of God’s wisdom, which give direction for our lives. We will also see the evidence of God’s love at the cross and empty grave.  The good news of the Bible will give us an eternal perspective that sees life through the eyes of God.

Take the daily challenge to walk in the way of God’s Word toward hope on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the contagious effect of motivation.

While the Coronavirus is having a contagious effect on the world in an unhealthy way, there are contagious influences that have a positive effect on our lives.

One of those influences is motivation.

Hebrews 10:24 encourages us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

We can all probably remember an influential teacher, pastor, or coach who has mentored us to reach the next level of personal growth. They brought out the best in us and inspire us to be that kind of influence for others. The call of the Christian is to be a voice of encouragement for others to grow in love and good deeds. How can we do that? We can motivate others by our example, with words of hope, and by connecting with them on a regular basis.

Focusing on ways to motivate others in the faith gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com