JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is showing respect for the elderly.

Leviticus 19:32 says, “stand in the presence of the aged; show respect for the elderly and revere your God.”

We can learn so much from the elderly. They can offer us valuable wisdom through the lessons of life that they have learned by experience.

They have stories to share that give us insight into another time period before we were born. Deuteronomy 32:6 says, “consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you; your elders, and they will explain it to you.”

Many elderly people would welcome our visits and offers of a helping hand. If we are blessed to have an elderly person in our family or neighborhood, those are opportunities to check in on them and spend quality time with them.

Showing respect for the elderly is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is sharing the reason for our hope.

As we set apart Christ as Lord of our lives, our belief turns to conviction. God becomes our source of confidence. We hold dearly to the promises of blessing that He has declared for those who love Him.

The quality of our relationship with God overflows into the way we relate with other people. Because we have tasted that the Lord is good, we want others to experience the goodness of God in their lives too.

And so, in our conversations with people, we can look for timely moments to share the reason for our hope, friend to friend.

Here is how we can represent the Lord in meaningful conversations. First Peter 3:15 says, “In your hearts, revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Sharing the Reason for our Hope is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is devotion.

Romans 12:10 encourages us to “be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

We were made for relationships. Devoted love here is an affection love based on friendship. Our relationships have opportunity to thrive when we think beyond our own self-interests and look to the interests of others. In relationships, we can learn together, grow together, and build godly character in each other.

There is joy in friendships where affectionate love exists, where mutual respect is shared, and where each person thoroughly enjoys the companionship of the other.

Devotion is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to show respect for those in authority.

If we look closely into the Bible, we see a strong emphasis on respect for other people, including authority figures.

One of those places is First Thessalonians 5:12, which says, “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.”

With the stress of day-to-day ministry, leaders are refreshed by the respect and love from those who will support their work.

We can be a blessing to our spiritual leaders by partnering with them in ministry and praying for them. The Apostle Paul felt that respect from Timothy. He said in Philippians 2:22, “But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father, he has served with me in the work of the Gospel.” The name of Jesus is honored when we work together in a spirit of unity and respect.

Take the Daily Challenge to show respect for those in authority on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on First Peter 3:15.

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

This verse reveals an important sequence of events for being an effective witness for Jesus.

First, establish clearly that Jesus is Lord of our lives. Let Him take His rightful place on the throne of our hearts.

Second, be prepared to be a voice of hope. This happens with knowledge of God’s Word and experience in living out the Christian life.

Third, share the reason for hope with respectful conversation, not heated arguments. Anger builds up barriers, while respect builds bridges for the Gospel to have a life-changing impact.

Walking as a witness for Jesus is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Q and A Segment explores the question, “How can I evangelize my friends and family without turning them away from the Gospel?”

The Bible calls Christians “ambassadors for Christ.” It is good to remember that we are on a peace mission to proclaim the message of reconciliation through Jesus.

Before talking about God to our unsaved loved ones, we are wise to talk to God about our unsaved loved ones. Pray for them. Let God prepare the way through prayer.

Another thing to remember is treating our loved ones with dignity, not as a project. As we share the reason for our hope, First Peter 3:15 tells us to do this with gentleness and respect.

One of the best things we can do is live out the Gospel with integrity. Jesus tells believers to let our light shine before others that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.

Prayer, respect, hope, and living the Christian life are some effective ways to evangelize loved ones without turning them away from the Gospel in the Year of Exploration.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Leviticus 19:32.

“Rise in the presence of the aged; show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.”

Out of reverence to God, we are led to respect the elderly and those who are in authority over us. Those who are advanced in years have a wealth of experience and many have gained wisdom through that experience.  The book of Proverbs is an example of the voice of experience offering wisdom to the next generation, so that they might grow up to honor the LORD.

Proverbs 1:8 says, “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.”

One way we can show respect for the elderly is to listen to their wisdom and learn from their wisdom.  Consider their counsel seriously. The Bible also talks about respecting our church leaders and cooperating with them in service to God.

Respect for the elderly and reverence for God are vital signs of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com