JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to put our heart into worshipping God.
A chapter in Judah’s history captured this kind of worship in Second Chronicles chapter 30 under the reign of King Hezekiah.
Verse 21 records that “The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great rejoicing, while the Levites and priests sang to the LORD every day, accompanied by the LORD’s instruments of praise. Hezekiah spoke encouragingly to all the Levites, who showed good understanding of the service of the LORD.”
This was a moment of joy and celebration from the heart of God’s worshippers. They were not just putting in time or going through the motions. The assembly was so moved by praising the LORD that they agreed to celebrate the festival seven more days. Worshipping God from the heart leaves us with the joy of the Lord and a longing in our soul to love Him more.
Take the daily challenge to worship God from the heart on the journey of faith.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK -In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to rejoice in the Lord.
It was Nehemiah who said, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Having joy does not mean that we are always happy about our circumstances. But the joy of the Lord does lead us to a place of serving God with a willing heart and worshipping God with a grateful heart.
First Chronicles 16:10 says, “Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.”
The salvation of God gives us a glad heart. His promise of a new life, abundant life, and eternal life in Christ brings joy to our soul. We are encouraged by God’s faithful love for us, and rejoice in His goodness, greatness, and graciousness toward us.
Take the Daily Challenge to rejoice in the Lord with a heart of worship on the journey of faith.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK -Today’s Relationship-Building Principle comes from Acts 2:46 and 47.
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
You can imagine how exciting that would be to wake up every day and wonder, “Who is going to join the Christian community today?” New converts were coming to Christ every day in the early church. Rich fellowship was also building up the strength of the church. As believers met together daily in worship and sharing food together, a strong bond was forming among believers with each other and with God. A devoted heart to God will affect how we treat other people. One of those differences will be sharing the joy of the Lord with others. The grace of Jesus compels us to live with an honest ambition to glorify God and share His love in various ways.
Being Intentional about Worship and Fellowship is a vital relationship-building principle to take to heart in the Year of Connection.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
