JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Mark 1:15.

Jesus said, “the time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

These are some of the first words recorded in the earthly ministry of Jesus. To repent is to change our mind about something. In the case of the Gospel, we were going in one direction away from God, but by His loving grace, He tapped us on our shoulder, got our attention, and provided a way for us to return to Him. That way is Jesus.

He is the good news that we can believe in. There is no better time than now to put our hope in Him and find our place in His Kingdom.

Mark 1:15-That’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Praiseworthy.

Philippians 4:8 instructs us to think of that which is praiseworthy.

As we focus our thoughts on the praiseworthy deeds and attributes of God, we gain access to the peace of God. Love overcomes hatred. Faith overcomes fear. Hope overcomes despair. This is how Jesus adds to the fullness of life when our mind is focused on Him.

It is not only beneficial to think about the praiseworthy dimensions of God’s character, but also to talk about His praiseworthy qualities. This is how our faith can leave an impact on future generations.

Psalm 78:4 says, “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

Discover how the word “Praiseworthy” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Matthew 4:19.

Jesus says, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.”

This was His invitation to Peter and Andrew who left their nets at once and followed Jesus as His disciples. “Come, follow me.” That is the invitation of Jesus for us too. As we drop whatever is holding us back and take that first step toward Jesus, something amazing happens: We walk into a brand, new life that is directed by God.

Jesus said in John 8:12, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  Following Jesus is a walk in the light of His salvation. It’s the place where His favor shines on us, and shines through us to be an influence for the Gospel.

Matthew 4:19-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Witness.

A witness is someone who reports what they have heard, seen, or experienced.

In the Bible, there were witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus, and He called them to testify about what they saw and heard from Jesus.

Jesus appeared to His disciples and said to them in Acts 1:8, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

That is the calling for the disciples of Jesus to this very day. A credible witness for Jesus is a truthful witness of God’s saving grace through Jesus Christ. As we share what God has done in the past and how He is moving in our lives today, we become witnesses of His good news to bring hope to the world.

Discover how the word “Witness” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Jeremiah 31:3.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”

God’s love never fails and lasts forever. He has worked through history and He works in the present to redeem people who have lost their way. He speaks through His Word to communicate the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. His Word tells us that we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. This is why He sent Jesus into the world-to save us from our sin.

God’s kindness is an invitation to leave behind the empty way of our disobedience to pursue the fulfilling path of following Jesus.

Jeremiah 31:3-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Light.

Light is defined as the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible.

In the Bible, light comes into existence with God’s declaration, “Let there be light.” Light is sometimes symbolic for truth, holiness, hope, and God’s presence.

Jesus is the spiritual source of light that we need for an abundant and eternal life. He 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.”

As we follow Jesus into the light, we become light in this world like the stars in the sky, which declare the glory of God, and shine brightly in the darkness. By reflecting the light of Jesus with our words, actions and attitudes, we can help others see more clearly who Jesus is and why His grace is the light that we all need.

Discover how the word “Light” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Malachi 2, verses 5 and 6.

Regarding Levi, “My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name.  True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin.”

Levi was the third son of Jacob and became the head of the tribe of the Levites. His descendants would serve as priests, singers and caretakers in the worship of God.

God’s view of Levi’s life gives us some questions to ponder? What will God say about us in regard to reverence and integrity? Do we stand in awe of God and worship Him? Does our example motivate others to live a godly life? Do we walk with God in peace?

Malachi 2:5 and 6-That’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Wiser.

Wisdom comes from God. When we have honorable respect for His name and regard for His Word, our hearts are receptive to growing in His wisdom.

This requires having a teachable heart. An appetite for God’s Word will take us to the right source for knowing Jesus personally, learning His commands, and growing in the knowledge of His truth. We never have it all figured out this side of heaven. There is always room for learning God’s ways and growing in our understanding of God’s character.

Proverbs 9:9 says, “Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.”

Discover how the word “Wiser” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in John 17:17.

Jesus was praying to His Heavenly Father for His disciples when He made this request:

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

Because God’s Word is true, the Bible can be trusted to draw us closer to Jesus and to learn the ways of God.

Second Timothy 3:16 tells us that all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  So, as God’s Word speaks to us in these ways, we will have wisdom for building godly character and getting ready for the mission God is preparing for us.

John 17:17-That’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Beautiful.

To be beautiful is to have attractive qualities. Our culture often places emphasis on outward beauty, but the Bible focuses more on the beautiful qualities of character and godly integrity.

First Peter 3:3 offers this word of wisdom for wives. “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the. unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

Another quality that is beautiful in God’s sight is when someone shares the good news of God’s love with others.

Romans 10:15 says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.

Discover how the word “Beautiful” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com