JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from First Timothy 1:13 and 14.

Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Do you ever feel insecure about being near a person because you think they are not safe? Christians had a good reason for not feeling safe with Paul before he came to Christ. When his name was Saul, he was a violent man who persecuted Christians for their faith. However, he became a follower of Christ when he saw the light of God’s mercy shining on him.

Paul’s testimony changed people’s perceptions about him. Instead of causing fear, his testimony was stirring praise for God. Through Jesus Christ, change is possible. When we follow Him, change is inevitable.

This Light Reflection inspires us to celebrate changed hearts by the grace of God in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on Paul’s vision of a man in Macedonia.

It happened in Acts, Chapter 16. Paul and his traveling companions were trying to preach the word in Asia, but the Holy Spirit kept them from entering.  During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”  After Paul had seen the vision, they got ready to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called them to preach the gospel to them.

This marked the advance of the Gospel into Europe. God had used this vision to redirect Paul’s missionary journey. God may close doors to our plans in order to open other doors of opportunity later. That is what he did through Paul’s vision in Acts 16.  

Focusing on God’s agenda for our lives gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Person of Integrity from the Bible is Gaius.

He was one of the few people that the Apostle Paul personally baptized. After he was converted to Christ, it appears that he excelled in the area of hospitality.

In Romans 16:23, Paul wrote to the church in Rome, “Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings.”

Gaius not only made room for Paul to stay at his house, he served in such a way that Paul thoroughly enjoyed being there.

The faithfulness of Gaius to show hospitality to the early church inspires us to offer hospitality with a cheerful attitude and to live a life of integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Q and A Segment explores the question, “What were some tangible differences in Paul’s life after he converted to Christ?”

The conversion of the Apostle Paul to Jesus Christ was one of the more dramatic conversions in the whole Bible.

He was on his way to Damascus on a mission to persecute Christians, but as he was arriving, he became a follower of Jesus Christ. That changed everything regarding his purpose. Instead of wanting to destroy the church, he wanted to bless the church and build it up in the faith.

Where he once pursued legalistic religion, he saw the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus Christ as his Lord.

Where he once took pride in his own righteousness, he was learning to gain the righteousness of Christ built on faith.

And his attitude changed. In Titus 3:3 he said, “At one time, we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”

Paul’s transformation shows us that through Christ, our priorities and attitudes have a way of changing in the Year of Exploration.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Moment of Celebration reflects on the power of prayer and praising God.

Paul and Silas were in prison. They had been stripped and beaten and carefully guarded. Their feet were in stocks.

That is the setting when they do something amazing. About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. The other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, which shook the foundations of the prison. The prison doors swung wide open, and everybody’s chains came loose.

This incident led to the conversion of the jailer, who believed in the Lord Jesus and was saved.

Paul and Silas could have responded differently. They could have had a pity party. They could have been feeling despair. We might understand why under the circumstances. However, they were praying and praising God, and He opened up more doors for them to be an effective witness for Jesus.

Look for God to open up doors of opportunity as you seek Him with all your heart and praise Him with all your strength.

The power of prayer and praising God are reasons to be glad in the Year of Celebration.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com