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

To be gentle is to be kind and tender-hearted. A word that is compatible with gentleness is meekness. A gentle person lives with humility and restraint. They are not known for lashing out in anger or seeking revenge. They are gracious in the way they relate with imperfect people. Gentleness is not a weak trait, but an honorable trait that was demonstrated by Jesus Himself.

He entered Jerusalem as a gentle king, riding on a donkey.

Ephesians 4:1 and 2 says, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Discover how the word “Gentle” 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 Mark 10:45.

Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The disciples were seeking the place of honor in the kingdom of God, but Jesus was redirecting their focus to a place of service. Jesus said that no servant is greater than his master. Jesus has shown the way of greatness through His service in ministry and His sacrifice on the cross.

Mark 10:45-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 Citizens.

A citizen of a particular nation has certain legal rights and privileges, along with certain responsibilities. In the U.S. that involves the right to vote and to travel with a U.S. passport. It also involves being eligible to run for elected office.

When we become a child of God, we are given certain blessings and promises. We receive a higher calling and future hope as citizens of heaven. This fact encourages us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Philippians 3:20 says, “Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” By his power, He will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Discover how the word “Citizens” 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 Ezekiel 34:26.

“I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. The trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land.”

This statement points to a time of future restoration, healing, and peace. Showers of blessing flow from the hand of God to those who enjoy His favor. Charles Spurgeon has said that God’s grace is given in good supply. “If God gives a blessing of grace, He usually gives it in such a measure that there is not enough room to receive it.”

In God’s grace, there is security for our soul, fruitful qualities that build character, and the blessing of knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord. Faith overcomes fear. Love overcomes hatred. Joy overcomes grief in the Presence of the Lord.

Ezekiel 34:26-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 Mercy.

One of the meanings of mercy that applies to the Christian life has to do with God’s kindness and compassion toward us. He does not treat us as our sins deserve. Our sinful condition is in desperate need of a merciful Savior. That is where Jesus enters the scene.

This was very personal for Paul the Apostle, who was a harsh man before his encounter with Jesus. He wrote in First Timothy 1:15 to 17: Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason, I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”

Discover how the word “Mercy” 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 Acts 20:35.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

The Apostle Paul was quoting words from Jesus to encourage believers to help people who were in a place of need. The Gospel is about a Savior who came to rescue people who could not help themselves.

The love of Jesus moves us to be generous with our resources when we see someone in poverty. His love moves us to be generous with our time when we see someone who is lonely. His love moves us to be generous with words to build up someone who is discouraged.  The Gospel trains us to look for ways to help other people with generous acts of kindness.

Acts 20:35-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 Imitate.

To imitate someone is to copy their words, facial expressions, or actions.

There are certain role models who can motivate us to honor Jesus.

The Apostle Paul said in First Corinthians 11:1-Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. Sometimes, we will cross paths with someone who will demonstrate the character of Jesus in the way they live and love. They are vivid examples to inspire us toward a thriving faith.

Our ultimate example is Jesus, who lived a perfect life. Ephesians 5:1 says, “Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given himself for us, as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

Discover how the word “Imitate” 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 Luke 15:10.

“I tell you, there is more rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Jesus made this statement after telling a parable about a woman who lost one of her ten silver coins. She lit a lamp, swept the house, and searched carefully until she found it. Then she called her friends and neighbors together and said, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.”

Jesus told that story to highlight what happens in heaven when a person is found in God’s grace. There is a festive celebration.

Luke 15:10-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 “Belong.”

To belong is to be a member or part of a particular group.

In the Bible, we see the blessings of belonging to Jesus through faith in His name. We become part of His spiritual family, and live with resurrection hope beyond the grave.

Galatians 3:28 and 29 says, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

This inheritance includes the Kingdom of heaven. There will be eternal life with Jesus beyond physical death. First Corinthians 15:22 says, “As in Adam, all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits, then when he comes, those who belong to him.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com