JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is the Pursuit of Wisdom.
The starting place for finding wisdom is NOT in gaining knowledge. The starting place for wisdom is reverence for God and walking in His ways. There are opportunities to grow in wisdom every day that we grow with God.
Proverbs 16:16 highlights the value of wisdom to our lives. “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver.” We are blessed by the Lord when we seek wisdom and find it.
Wisdom is consistent with the attitude of Jesus and is expressed in these productive ways. James 3:17 says that “the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
The pursuit of Wisdom is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK -Today’s Light Reflection is from First Corinthians 1:30.
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.
When Jesus steps into our lives, He brings the influence of His grace and truth to redirect our path in a new direction.
His Light overcomes our darkness. His Clarity overcomes our confusion. His Wisdom overcomes our folly.
The wisdom of Jesus leads us into paths that are righteous, holy, and redemptive. James 3:17 tells us that the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
This Light Reflection inspires us to fully embrace Jesus and live out His wisdom in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is Discernment.
To discern is to be able to perceive the difference between what is right and wrong, true and false.
The Bible often links discernment with the exercise of wisdom. Proverbs 1:5 says, “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” Proverbs 10:13 says that “wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning.”
The Bible reveals the wisdom of God and helps us to develop a discerning heart as we seek out God’s will on a daily basis. This will keep us on track to grow in our understanding of God.
In the early church, the Berean Jews were described as having noble character. They received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scripture every day to see if what Paul said was true.
Discernment is a vital step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is James 1:5.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Some sources claim that adults make an estimated 35,000 decisions each day. Some decisions will be easier to make than others. Anyone who makes that many decisions will need wisdom from above. God invites us to seek Him for it.
When Solomon became king, he was given the opportunity to ask God for anything. Solomon requested wisdom, and was honored for that request. First Kings 10:24 says that the whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.
With wisdom, we are given the ability to discern what is right in God’s eyes, and then follow through with the right course of action.
This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to seek God for the wisdom we need in the Year of Relationship.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Wisdom.
The way of wisdom leads to character qualities that build better relationships.
Wisdom can be defined as “the ability to discern what is true, right, or lasting.”
James 3:13 asks the question, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
Verse 17 in that same chapter says, “Wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
Wisdom is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is “Wisdom.”
One way of looking at wisdom is “knowing how to apply truth to life’s decisions with sound judgment.” It is not just about having knowledge. It also involves knowing how to use knowledge with good discernment.
Wisdom has a starting place. Proverbs 9:10 tells us that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. If we lack wisdom, God invites us to ask Him for it.
Wisdom has qualities that align with the nature of Jesus. James 3:17 tells us that the “wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
Wisdom is more valuable than money. Proverbs 16:16 says, “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!”
Find encouragement in the wisdom that God gives us for living out the Christian life in the Year of Endurance.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the mountainside where Jesus prayed.
It happened in Luke chapter 6, verse 12: “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.”
A mountainside is sometimes a place of isolation where we can have undistracted, quality time with God. Jesus prayed the night before making some important appointments. When we have significant decisions to make, we have the opportunity to approach God in prayer and to seek His direction. Prayer invites God’s wisdom for our decisions.
Focusing on quiet time with God gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on Solomon’s dream.
It happened in First Kings chapter 3. At Gibeon, the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” If God gave you this opportunity, how would you respond?
Solomon had just ascended to the throne as king of Israel. He said to the LORD, “I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
The Bible says that the LORD was pleased that Solomon had asked for discernment. Proverbs 8:11 tells us that wisdom is more precious than rubies. If we lack wisdom, God invites us to ask Him, and He is generous to provide what we lack.
Focusing on God as our source of wisdom gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the wisdom of God’s counsel.
In Isaiah 48:17, This is what the LORD says-your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”
God has a plan for our lives. His instruction is for our benefit. He made us, so He knows how we are wired, and what is ultimately for our good. Trusting in God’s guidance is foundational for being teachable. Why would we follow someone if we thought they were leading us to a dead-end? God’s plan is NOT a dead end. He is leading us somewhere good. God supplies us with His sufficient grace for our journey of faith. He leads us by His Word, in His will, and for His glory.
If we don’t know where God is leading us in the present time, we can start with a prayer like this recorded in Psalm 143, verse 10: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.”
Focusing on the wisdom of God’s counsel gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
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
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on Jesus as the Light of the world.
Jesus said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
There are two key points that we can learn from this statement regarding Jesus’ followers.
The first point is that following Jesus is a step-by-step journey. He leads the way, and we follow Him. As we follow Jesus, we can hear His voice more clearly by staying close to Him in relationship.
The second point is that Jesus is our source of light. His divine wisdom is greater than human reasoning, and is the guidepost for our lives that leads us to abundant and eternal life.
Focusing on Jesus as the Light of the world gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
