JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Good News Focus is on Second Corinthians 9:7.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
The Apostle Paul was appealing for generous gifts to help other Christians in need. But he was not appealing to their sense of obligation. Rather, he was appealing to their sense of generosity to give what they wanted to give. If I am forced to give, I am giving out of duty. If I give voluntarily, I am giving out of delight.
In verse 8, he said, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
It is refreshing to know when our offerings to God are building up the church and helping people in need. The Gospel inspires us to consider the needs of others, and to honor God with our wealth.
Jesus is our Source of Good News, leading us to places of generous and cheerful giving in the Year of Vision.
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, we are examining some of God’s purposes for our lives with our 20/20 Insights this week.
Today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on God’s purpose for our lives to trust Him.
Proverbs 3:5 and 6 says, “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 make your paths straight.”
To trust in God fully means to lean all of our weight on Him, believing that He will save us from our sins and guide us in His righteousness. Our own understanding can lead us astray, but God’s wisdom will lead us in the path of God’s will.
Psalm 119, verse 105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” His wisdom gives us direction for our lives. His truth gives us freedom. His grace gives us peace.
Focusing on trusting God day by day gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
This morning’s playlist is filled with songs led by worship leading moms! Moms who know highs and lows, the process of adoption, the journey of infertility, the pain of loss, and delight of many children. Each one encouraging us to bring our praise in every season.
I recently spoke with Kirby Kaple, who experienced a 7-year infertility journey before her daughter Lollia arrived! She shares her story, and we compare a few notes in the latest Praise & Worship Podcast.
There’s also an episode of the podcast with David Leonard. He and his wife also had a discouraging season involving waiting and miscarriage. He talks about it, and the songs that came out of that experience.
Personally, after a loss this year, I’m feeling like this Mother’s Day is lemon juice on my raw heart. Click here to hear a little more of my story, and my encouragement to you if you’re in the same boat!
Here’s a link to my Spotify Playlist. Songs that really helped me fix my eyes (and heart and hopes) on Jesus through my own journey to becoming a mom.
Our circumstances are extra unusual and discouraging this year, but I hope today is still special and meaningful for you moms!
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the nourishment of spring rains and the word of God.
In Isaiah 55:10, the LORD compares the rain cycle with the nourishment of His Word to feed our soul.
From the New Living Translation, “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.”
Just as the soil needs rain for the crops to grow, so we need God’s Word for our faith to grow. That is one dependable place where we can turn to taste and see that the Lord is good.
Focusing on God’s Word daily gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
Episode 11 features special guest, Kirby Kaple of Housefires! I’m truly thrilled to bring you our conversation. Housefires is releasing brand new singles these days, with a very special new studio version of “I’ll Give Thanks”. Kirby co-wrote and sung it while on a 7-year infertility journey, and now is talking about it from the other side. IVF is part of her story, so listen for details on her process. There are also keys here for worship leaders, leading through their own very difficult seasons. And, as Kirby and I are both quarantined at home for this interview, spoiler alert, our kids and dogs adorably interrupt!
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the beauty of a flower and the brilliance of God’s glory.
Jesus said in Matthew 6:28, “See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”
Flowers have their season when they burst forth in brilliant color and decorate our world with breathtaking beauty. But they don’t last forever. Eventually, their beauty fades. That is one of the ways we are similar to a flower. We have a moment on earth that God has given to shine. Our most brilliant moments occur when we are fulfilling our God-given purpose to reflect His glory. This moment is our opportunity. This is our season to shine by sharing His grace, and standing for His truth.
Focusing on God’s glory gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
On the way today: brand new local worship from Providence Worship! Their project, “Live On The Hill” just came out on Friday and all 5 songs are in this morning’s lineup!
I checked in on release day with Providence Worship’s Philip, Holly and Collin (Taco!) Lots of fun to talk and hear stories behind the new songs. Click to watch the video here.
I also wanted to include the post from Rend Collective’s frontman, Chris. I love his balanced perspective on JOY!
Today’s playlist includes Matt Maher’s title track to “Alive & Breathing”, a song–and a project–that we dug into on the P&W Podcast.
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the Lord’s strength.
David said in First Chronicles 16:11, “Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.”
A thriving faith is only possible through an ongoing relationship with Jesus. In John 15, He told His followers, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
God invites us to spend time with Him every day and to depend on His grace to live the Christian life. Here are some of the specific practices that can bring greater clarity into our relationship with God. Take time to thank Him for His blessings. Name them one by one. Take time to praise Him for His greatness. Remember the reference points of history that prove His love and power such as the cross, the empty grave, and the day of Pentecost. Take delight in studying His Word. That is where He reveals His grace and guides us in wisdom.
Focusing on the Lord’s strength gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
Episode 10 features special guest, Matt Maher! The conversation is centered on his latest project: “Alive & Breathing”, with a definite theme of singing through difficult and uncertain circumstances. Listen for the special story behind the compelling album artwork. And, Matt talks abut how he and his wife are helping kids process life in quarantine. (Bonus content, courtesy of his daughter Rowan!)
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the search for meaningful worship.
In Psalm 27:4, David wrote, “One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.”
The temple was known as a place for worship. That is what gave David great delight-dwelling in the house of God and seeing Him in His glory. Churches today are known as houses of worship, but we don’t have to go to church to worship God. We can honor Him right where we are, because the body of the believer is identified as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Focusing on God’s glory and grace gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
