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Posts Tagged ‘understanding’

Light Reflection-Psalm 119:130 Understanding

February 8th, 2023 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Psalm 119, verse 130.

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

The Bible is a light that leads us to a greater understanding of Jesus. The eyes of our heart become open to the truth in Scripture and help us to gain insight into the Kingdom of heaven.  The Bible addresses the basic soul-searching questions of life. Where did I come from? Why am I here? What is my purpose in life? What is God’s plan for my life in the future?

These basic questions are clarified in the light of who Jesus is and what He has done for us at the cross and empty grave.

This Light Reflection inspires us to read the Bible for greater understanding of who Jesus is in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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Good News Focus-Opened Minds to the Scriptures

September 30th, 2020 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Good News Focus is on Luke 24:44 and 45.

Jesus said to His disciples, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

There were times during Jesus’ ministry when He would tell the disciples that He was going to the cross and then would rise from the dead.  They had no idea what He was talking about.  But after the fact, and after Jesus explained the meaning of it all, then they understood. 

Sometimes, when we read the Bible, we might not understand everything we read. But the more we search the Scriptures, the more we will learn, and the more we learn, the better we will understand. Jesus invites us to approach Him and learn from Him. He guides the humble and teaches them His way.

Jesus is our Source of Good News, leading us to places of understanding the Scriptures in the Year of Vision.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

20/20 Insight-God’s Purpose for our Lives-Trust Him

May 13th, 2020 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, we are examining some of God’s purposes for our lives with our 20/20 Insights this week.

Today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on God’s purpose for our lives to trust Him.

Proverbs 3:5 and 6 says, “trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” 

To trust in God fully means to lean all of our weight on Him, believing that He will save us from our sins and guide us in His righteousness. Our own understanding can lead us astray, but God’s wisdom will lead us in the path of God’s will.

Psalm 119, verse 105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” His wisdom gives us direction for our lives. His truth gives us freedom. His grace gives us peace. 

Focusing on trusting God day by day gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Reason To Believe-Understanding

February 16th, 2016 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Exploration, today’s Reason to Believe is the gift of understanding.

Without God’s revelation of the Gospel, we would not be prepared to understand the mystery of His love.

After Jesus died and rose from the dead, He spent some time with the disciples. Luke 24:45 records that Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

Likewise, in the book of Acts, there was a woman named Lydia who met Paul the Apostle. She was receptive to the truth. And the Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.

When it comes to hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ, it is good to be open-minded. It will give us understanding of God’s love for us and open our heart to believe in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins.

First John 5:20 says, “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true.”

The gift of understanding is a reason to believe in God’s good news.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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LIFE APPLICATION TRUTH-DISCERNING GOD’S WILL

November 2nd, 2012 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – from Ephesians 5:16 and 17.

“Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

God has a purpose for our lives. He made us so that we might enjoy fellowship with Him and make Him known to others.

How can we discern where the Lord is leading us? There are various factors that help us to understand God’s will for our lives.

God’s will is consistent with His Word. So, we can be confident that God would not lead us to live in such a way that contradicts the principles found in His Word. As we commit ourselves to God, He increasingly gives us clarity on what to do.

God’s will is also revealed through opportunities. The talents He gives us, along with our passions can become a platform for us to glorify God. Awareness of people’s needs provides opportunities to make a difference for them.  The burdens that He gives us stir us to speak out and take a stand for Biblical virtues. Proverbs 3:6 tells us that as we acknowledge the LORD in all our ways, He will direct our paths. He will clear the way for us to do His will.

Making the most of God’s opportunities is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com