JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to offer our feet to God to share His good news.

Jesus told His disciples to “Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations.”

He has entrusted us with a message to share with the world. Through Jesus, the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.

Some believers have traveled great distances to share this message overseas. Others have walked across the street to share this good news with their neighbors.

Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” As we go in Jesus’ name, we get to proclaim Jesus as the good news of God’s peace plan.

Offering our feet to God for spreading the Gospel 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 Timothy 1:13 and 14.

Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Do you ever feel insecure about being near a person because you think they are not safe? Christians had a good reason for not feeling safe with Paul before he came to Christ. When his name was Saul, he was a violent man who persecuted Christians for their faith. However, he became a follower of Christ when he saw the light of God’s mercy shining on him.

Paul’s testimony changed people’s perceptions about him. Instead of causing fear, his testimony was stirring praise for God. Through Jesus Christ, change is possible. When we follow Him, change is inevitable.

This Light Reflection inspires us to celebrate changed hearts by the grace of God in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Titus 3, verses 3 through 5.

“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

The love of God is a life-saver and life-changer for those who are receptive. His kindness leads us to make U-turns when we are going the wrong direction or need an attitude adjustment. This will make a difference in the quality of our relationships. In God’s grace, we come home to His peace and forgiveness. In God’s grace, we come home to godly contentment. That is where we learn that His plan for our lives is better than any plan we could have ever charted for ourselves.

This Light Reflection inspires us to respond favorably to the kindness and love of God 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 trusting God for guidance.

God has a plan for our lives, and that plan is good. Billy Graham once said that “the will of God will not take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us”. God accomplishes His purposes through willing servants who say “yes” to His plan for their lives.

Proverbs 3:5 shows us how trust is the foundation that leads us into the path of God’s ways.

“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 direct your paths.”

Trusting God for guidance 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 Psalm 18:27 and 28.

You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

David wrote this Psalm. He was full of faith and love for the Lord. He was writing this Psalm in a time of deliverance from his enemies. He was full of joy when he said about God, “He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support.”

This is what we can learn from David’s experience.  If God is for me, who can be against me? Just as God worked in David’s bleak situation, so God brings light into our dark times. He may be the light of comfort in our distress, or the light of assurance in our fear. He may bring the light of wisdom in our confusion. His light is a force to help us face the giants in our lives.

This Light Reflection inspires us to cling to Jesus for the deliverance we need in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

This week’s Praise & Worship playlist has Psalms in songs throughout, from Cody Carnes’ “Be Glad” to “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake and more. Plus, a mini-theme from John 14:6, where Jesus says “I am the way, the truth and the life.” And, new releases from Thrive Worship, Leeland, Jon Reddick, Elevation Worship with Maverick City Music and more!

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to delight in the LORD.

Psalm 37:4 says, “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

This is the starting place to a productive faith that is filled with meaning and purpose. As God plants His desires in our heart, we will be motivated to glorify Him with our ambitions, and serve people at their points of need.

Verse 5 says, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.”

Taking Delight in the LORD is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7tSsKG83ie37YlxCNqfwD2?si=4d1f1f5a6d6a4133

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is Speaking the Truth in Love.

Ephesians 4:15 explains what happens when God’s people follow through on this practice.

“We will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

Jesus came to us full of grace and truth. Grace gives second chances. Grace forgives sin, restores relationships, and builds faith. Grace extends life and peace to those who will embrace the Gospel.

Truth upholds God’s standards and reveals God’s will for our lives. Jesus equated the truth to His teachings, which has the power to set us free.

When the truth is spoken in love, God’s people are blessed with spiritual growth and greater unity in Christ.

Speaking the Truth in Love 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 Timothy 2:1 to 4.

“I urge then, first of all that petitions, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

On Thursday, Americans will gather in over 60,000 local community events to pray for this nation.

People will be praying for strong foundations among families.

For our churches to be salt and light for the Gospel.

For the wisdom of government leaders as they make critical decisions.

For businesses to be innovative and thrive with integrity.

And for educators to pass along wisdom and instruction for today’s generation of students. They will become the leaders of tomorrow.

This Light Reflection inspires us to pray for the leaders among us in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com