JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Serving the Lord side by side.

A deeper connection with other people sometimes happens when we work together. A youth group may draw closer together after serving together on a mission trip. Or a family might grow closer by volunteering together at a homeless shelter or nursing home. These kinds of services train us to look beyond ourselves to the needs of others. We can see God working through our acts of service and share the joy with those who serve with us.

There is a prophecy in Zephaniah 3:9, revealing that the LORD will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder.

And Ephesians 4:16 talks about the body of Christ growing and building itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Serving the Lord side by side is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Revelation 22:21.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.

These are the final words that we see in the Bible. This is a picture of eternity, when the people of God are united with the Lord forever in a place of peace and rest. Grace is how we are saved, and grace is how we are sustained forever. God will wipe away every tear from the eyes of His people. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

Billy Graham has said, “I have read the last page of the Bible. It is going to turn out all right.” This is good to remember in the midst of a difficult day or when it seems that our world is crumbling apart. Our troubles today are not the end of our story if our ultimate hope for salvation is found in Jesus.

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to live with the hope of heaven in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is turning burdens into blessings.

One example of this is Nehemiah, who heard the report from Jerusalem, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”

Nehemiah responded to this news with weeping. Then he prayed and fasted before God. After that, he took action by building a wall in Jerusalem. It was finished in just 52 days. His story is found in the book of Nehemiah in the Bible.

Sometimes, God puts burdens in our heart, which stir us to action when we see someone in trouble. An orphan or widow in distress, a marriage that is falling apart, the homeless, the sick, or a family who suffered loss from a storm. We can take those burdens to God and ask for opportunities to reach out with the love of Jesus.

Turning our burdens into blessings is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Supporting Vibrant Ministry.

Jesus had a support system during His earthly ministry. It’s found in Luke chapter 8 as Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.

The Twelve were with him, and also some women, who were helping to support them out of their own means. Mark 15:41 adds that these women followed Jesus and cared for the needs of Jesus.

There are various ways to support churches and ministries who spread the Gospel with integrity and enthusiasm: Prayer, Words of Encouragement, Financial Assistance, Volunteering and Hospitality.

In Philippians 4:16, the Apostle Paul told the church, “You sent me aid more than once when I was in need….I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied.” This is how ministries can be refreshed by the support of God’s people.

Supporting Vibrant Ministry is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Romans 8:1 and 2.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

The phrase, “In Christ Jesus” in the Bible refers to relationship.  This is how Jesus changes the direction of our lives when we follow Him. He turns our outlook from negative to positive. He changes our plight from despair to hope. He moves us into a culture of life that is built on love, grace, truth, and freedom. He no longer holds our sins against us, but releases us from the weight of our guilt.

These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to celebrate the new life that is found in Christ Jesus in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Psalm 7:17.

“I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.”

Of all the people who have a reason to be grateful, it would be those who believe in God and belong to His family.

That does not mean that every prayer we say has to be a word of thanks. The Psalms give us a glimpse into the wide range of prayers flowing from a man who sought after God’s own heart. But there are many spiritual blessings that we have in Christ-Adoption into His family, Acceptance, Forgiveness, Redemption, Salvation, and the hope of heaven forever in the presence of God.

These blessings are only possible because of the righteousness of Christ that is placed on us when we trust in Him to save us from sin.

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to give thanks to God and sing His praises in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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

Relationships have opportunity to flourish when communication between two parties is open, honest, and frequent.

Good communication is vital to healthy relationships as nutritious food is vital to a healthy body.

This is true in our relationship with God. First Thessalonians 5:17 instructs us to “pray continually.” This is an important part of staying connected with God.

This is also true of our relationships with others. Acts 2 reveals the early church as a thriving church. Verse 46 says that one of the dynamics of this growing church was that they continued to meet together in the temple courts every day. The Lord was adding to their number daily those who were being saved.

Intentional Communication is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is taking time to rest and worship.

In our fast-paced culture, we can easily get caught up in a busy lifestyle that leads to burnout. That leaves us with less energy to invest in relationships that really matter to us.

Exodus 20:8 says, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God.”

The Pharisees in the time of Jesus turned this into a legalistic practice of do’s and don’ts. But this law was given for our benefit and refreshment. Jesus taught, “the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”

So, one day out of the week is a good pattern to take time for rest and use that opportunity to worship God in the assembly of the saints.

Taking time for rest and worship is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK- Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Exodus 15:13.

There were songs of celebration after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea safely and were delivered from slavery in Egypt.

They celebrated God’s deliverance with these words: In your unfailing love, you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

This was not only true for the Israelites, but also a picture of the Gospel for those who follow Jesus faithfully today. With His blood shed at the cross, He has redeemed us from sin and condemnation. He leads us in His unfailing love, and He has a glorious destiny for us in His holy dwelling at His heavenly throne.

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to trust in God’s unfailing love to guide our steps in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com