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Posts Tagged ‘relationship’

Vital Step to a Radiant Faith-Desire to Know Jesus

December 28th, 2023 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is a desire to know Jesus.

A relationship with Jesus is foundational for a life that pleases God and brings glory to His name.

This was the desire of the Apostle Paul-to know Christ.

He said in Philippians 3:8, “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ, and be found in him.”

Knowing Jesus Christ was his greatest joy and source of fulfillment. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” When we come to faith in Jesus, He becomes our source of righteousness, which is enough to satisfy our soul.

A desire to know Jesus is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Daily Challenge-Remember Why Jesus Died

March 31st, 2021 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to remember why Jesus died for us.

Here are three Bible verses that give us compelling reasons.

From Second Corinthians 5:15, “He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” That’s godly purpose.

From First Thessalonians 5:10, “He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.”  That’s a forever relationship between God and His people.

And 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.” That’s power to live out the good news.

The common thread is that Jesus died so that we might live. His grace moves us to live with godly purpose, in meaningful relationship, and with the strength to press on in the faith.

Take the daily challenge to remember why Jesus died to give us life on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Good News Focus-Relationship

October 22nd, 2020 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Good News Focus is on John 14:23.

Jesus said, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”

Doing good deeds does not always reflect love for Jesus with pure motives. However, a sincere love for Jesus always motivates us to obey the teachings of Jesus.  

Humility is the quality that we need to be teachable and to stay on track with God.

God gives grace to the humble and makes Himself at home with the humble heart. Isaiah 57:15 talks about the two dwelling places of God. One of those places is a high and holy place, but the other place is with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit. He revives the heart of the contrite.

Jesus is our Source of Good News, leading us to a place of meaningful relationship with God in the Year of Vision.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

2015-Year of Connection at WJTL

January 2nd, 2015 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – 2015 will be designated as the Year of Connection at WJTL. The Junction Center is the home of WJTL, and that word Junction is more than just the name of the road that we are on. The meaning of that word is closely associated with the vision of WJTL. Junction means “a point of connection.” And we really do sense that the Lord has brought us to this place to be a place of connection for people-A place where people can connect with the Lord in a meaningful relationship; a place where people can connect with each other, with the staff, and sometimes to connect with the artists through our Live From the Junction Center events.

The focus of making connections implies the building of relationships, and that is what the focus of 2015 is going to be about-focusing on cultivating life’s most important relationship with God, and developing thriving relationships with the people that God has placed in our lives. So, we invite you to join us in that journey throughout 2015, in our devotional thoughts and in the events that are held at the Junction Center.

Here is a good focus point for all of us in 2015, from Second Corinthians 5:9, echoing the words of Paul the Apostle, when he said, “So we make it our goal to please the Lord.” Let’s pursue that noble purpose together in 2015.

Moment Of Celebration-The Joy Of Listening

March 10th, 2014 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Moment Of Celebration reflects on the joy of listening to Jesus.

Mary and Martha were sisters who both loved Jesus. When He came to their house, they went into very different modes. Mary went into listening mode. Martha went into work mode.

Mary was sitting at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He said. Her heart was open to what Jesus had said to her. Meanwhile, Martha was caught up in household chores: cleaning, sweeping, getting dinner ready, that sort of thing. The Bible says she was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She starts to resent the fact that Mary is not helping her. She says to Jesus, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

Then comes Jesus’ gentle rebuke, which expresses His love for Martha and at the same time, His stamp of approval for Mary’s responsiveness to His words. “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Mary serves as an example for us to take time to enjoy our relationship with Jesus. Spend quality time with Him. Cherish His every word, and follow what He says to us.

The joy of listening to Jesus is a reason to be glad in the Year of Celebration.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com