JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from First Corinthians 1:22 to 25.
“Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”
Jesus did not conform to the expectations of the Jews and Greeks, but He is the fulfillment of what they were seeking. He is the ultimate miracle of love from heaven. He is also the supreme source of wisdom to guide us on our journey of faith.
Of all the philosophies around the world, there is one faith that shines brightly with the blessing of God’s grace. That is the faith that preaches Christ crucified and risen from the dead.
This Light Reflection inspires us to turn to Jesus as our source of strength and wisdom in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from First Corinthians 1:18.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.
The Apostle Paul, who wrote these words, lived with the awareness that the death of Jesus was his pathway to salvation. At the cross, Jesus shed his blood for the forgiveness of our sins. He willingly laid down His life so that we could be reconciled to God and live with Him forever. Embracing this message changes our values and priorities.
The message of the cross becomes the power source of our lives. That’s where God’s grace shines brightly as our source of salvation, and source of strength to live out the Christian life.
This Light Reflection inspires us to embrace the message of the cross in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from First John 4:9.
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
The light of the Gospel gives us power to live out the Christian life.
His love shines brightly to inspire us to walk in His love and express His love wherever we go.
We cannot do this alone. We need God’s help. Looking to Jesus on a daily basis is the focus point we need for shining His light to people who need His grace. With His help, we can live productive lives that yield much fruit for the Kingdom of God.
Jesus said 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.”
This Light Reflection inspires us to delight in God’s power to live out the Christian life in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Moment of Celebration reflects on the message of the cross.
The good news of Jesus speaks of His coming to the earth, His death on a cross, His resurrection from the dead, and His promise to return.
These are vital elements of the Gospel that deserve our full attention for real and lasting hope.
First Corinthians 1:18 underscores the different reactions to the message of the cross. The Apostle Paul said, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”
Death is hard to think about, especially when it involves suffering. But Jesus was willing to face death, even though He did not deserve death. Why did He do this? There was an important reason for Jesus going to the cross. His death satisfied the wrath of God against sin, and expressed the love of the Father toward sinners. This is amazing grace that forgives the sins of those who embrace the message of the cross. This is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
The message of the cross is a reason to be glad in the Year of Celebration.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
