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JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Isaiah 9:2.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”

This is a prophecy concerning Jesus who would come hundreds of years later to break the darkness of sin with His light of grace and truth.

He did not come for people who were lovable and perfect. He came for people who needed a Savior, and by His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead, He fulfilled God’s plan of redemption.

Jesus is the great light that we need to find our way out of spiritual darkness. 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.”

This Light Reflection inspires us to step out of the darkness and follow Jesus 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 the exercise of spiritual gifts.

When God’s people serve with love and with their spiritual gifts, the church has a significant light to shine in the local community.

The Bible teaches us that different members of the church have different gifts. Romans 12:6 says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

This is a picture of the body of Christ serving freely by the grace of God for the glory of God.

Exercising our Spiritual Gifts 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 Ephesians 6:18.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Prayer is part of the armor of light that enables us to fight the good fight of faith.

There is power in prayer. As we seek God, we draw closer to Him. Prayer opens our eyes to the needs around us. Prayer gives us opportunity to intercede for others, which means that we go to God on their behalf.  When someone comes to our mind, that is a good time to pray for them and lift their needs to God’s throne of grace.

This Light Reflection inspires us to be committed to praying for others 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 Light Reflection is from Ephesians 6:17.

Take….the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.

The sword of the Spirit is armor of light that helps us to go on offense in our spiritual battles. This sword is God’s Word.

Many of the weapons of righteousness are defensive in nature, designed to protect us from the attacks of the enemy in the heavenly realms. But the sword of the Spirit helps us to advance the Gospel by applying the word of God in our conversation and daily activity.

In order to apply God’s word, we need to know it. That is where we are blessed by opening our mind and heart to what God is saying to us in the Bible.

The word of God is effective for helping us to know God, overcoming temptation, preparing us for effective service, and for sharing good news with others.

This Light Reflection inspires us to stand firm in the faith with the sword of the Spirit 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 wholesome thinking that is focused on Jesus.

The Apostle Paul had the practice of taking captive every thought and making it obedient to Christ. Our thoughts are important in shaping our decisions, desires, and destiny. Words that come out of our mouth generally start with thoughts.

This was what Paul wrote in Philippians 4:8, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”

Jesus fits the description of these words. When we focus on Him, we are fixed on what is true, right, and pure in our lives. This focus invites the peace of God to shine through our lives.

Wholesome thinking is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Please keep the people of Syria and Turkey in your prayers.  Please also pray for those being deployed to lend aid and wisdom for all who are leading those efforts.

The massive Feb 6 earthquakes and aftershocks have been devastating to the region are resulting in widespread fatalities and injuries.  Freezing temperatures are also affecting relief and rescue efforts.

As we learn of opportunities to provide aid, we will post links here.

Barnabas Aid      Sending containers of food, blankets and medical supplies.  Supplies of rice, lentils, beans, chickpeas, bulgar and noodles were sent 3 days after the earthquake and distributed immediately.

Do Something – A group with Do Something/Petra Church is going to Turkey in May through a partnership with Dwell Global.  They will be helping to build sheds to house 2 families per shed, provide practical needs and spend time playing with children.  Opportunities to give toward trip expenses at Petra.church/give  or DwellGlobal.kindful.com and following the link to give a tax deductible gift.  Questions can be directed to Dosomething4christ@gmail.com  Lin Fisher will also be our guest on the Morning Show on Monday March 6.

Food for the Hungry  is rushing clean water, sanitation, hygiene training and kits, shelter, and other emergency aid to victims to help children and families survive.

MCC is working with partners in Aleppo, Syria to provide emergency assistance such as food baskets, clothing, hygiene supplies, winterization supplies and water resources. MCC will also be providing partners with psychological and trauma training.

Samaritans Purse  Staff are on the ground working along side partners to assess needs and share the love of Christ with those who are hurting.  They are deploying a 52 bed Emergency Field Hospital and staff to address immediate medical needs.  They also will be airlifting in critically needed emergency supplies.

Tying Vines crisis response team is working with partners on the ground to bring relief to those in need. All donations to this campaign directly support the effort to get vital resources and supplies to these communities.