JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from First Corinthians 4:5.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.”

We all have an appointment with the Lord someday. This verse gives us a warning about judging someone else’s motives. Don’t be the judge and jury of someone else’s motives. What if we are wrong? What happens if we assume that someone’s motives are impure when they are really pure? It would have a harmful impact on that relationship, and would likely cause discouragement.

Ultimately, God knows the condition of their heart even as He knows the condition of ourheart. Pure motives matter to God, and that is why we are wise to commit our activities to God. He will reward us for the good deeds we have done for His glory.

This Light Reflection inspires us to align our motives to the purposes of God in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – A defense attorney represents someone facing a lawsuit or criminal prosecution.

In the courtroom of heaven, God is the judge, and Satan is the prosecuting attorney. He is our accuser. He makes a compelling case for our guilt, as he recites the list of sins that we have committed in our lifetime. But then another voice comes forward to defend us. Jesus makes the case for our innocence, not by denying we did those things, but by acknowledging the shedding of His blood to cover our sins. This is what it’s like for the person who confesses their need for Jesus to save them from their sin.

First John 2:1 says, “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

The redemption of Jesus as a defense attorney in a courtroom is a lesson of faith worth remembering.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com