JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Psalm 27:1.

The LORD is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?

The light of God’s favor on David made a difference in his life. In the presence of dangerous circumstances, he was able to go forward with confidence and courage in the LORD rather than shrink back in fear.

The LORD’s salvation is a comfort for the person who follows Jesus. He is our source of security. His grace has a firm grip on us. We can live with the confidence that He is able to protect us from the schemes of our spiritual enemies. Nothing in all creation is able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus. If God is for us, who can be against us?

This Light Reflection inspires us to keep our focus on Jesus as the stronghold of our lives in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Steps to a Radiant Faith are repentance and baptism.

This was the message that Peter shared with the crowd on Pentecost in Acts chapter 2.

He centered his message on Jesus, explained His death and resurrection, and spoke of His identity as Lord and Messiah.

This generated the question from the crowd, “What shall we do?”

That is when Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”

This is the message for anyone who is longing for a fresh start in God’s grace. Freedom and forgiveness are offered for anyone who changes the course of their lives to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior.

About 3,000 people embraced that message during Pentecost and were added to the church.

Repentance and Baptism are Vital Steps to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK -Today’s Light Reflection is from First Corinthians 1:30.

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

When Jesus steps into our lives, He brings the influence of His grace and truth to redirect our path in a new direction.

His Light overcomes our darkness. His Clarity overcomes our confusion. His Wisdom overcomes our folly.

The wisdom of Jesus leads us into paths that are righteous, holy, and redemptive. James 3:17 tells us that the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

This Light Reflection inspires us to fully embrace Jesus and live out His wisdom 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 to honor God with our wealth.

That’s the word from Proverbs 3:9. Whenever the subject of money and giving comes up in Christian circles, there is a lot of emphasis on tithing. This is the practice of giving 10 percent of our income to the Lord. Jesus confirmed the value of tithing in His earthly ministry, but also said there were more important matters to focus on like justice, mercy and faithfulness.

The New Testament teaches us to be cheerful givers. This means, giving generously with a glad and willing heart.

First Timothy 6:18 tells us how to honor God with the wealth that He provides for us. “Do good, be rich in good deeds, be generous and willing to share.” This is how we can store for ourselves treasures in heaven.

Honoring God with our wealth is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Philippians 2:13.

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

The Gospel highlights God’s good purpose for our lives. After we come to faith in Jesus, we begin to wrestle with the question “What is God’s will for my life?” “Where is my place to serve Him?”

The good news is that we are not left alone to figure things out by ourselves. God promises to be with us. His Holy Spirit is available to guide us. His Word is available to help us grow in His grace and prepare for our mission. His love becomes the compelling force for our lives, driving us to be a voice of good news in a world that is looking for hope.

This Light Reflection inspires us to cooperate with God’s will and carry out His good purpose 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 to offer our time to God.

David said to the LORD in Psalm 31:15, “My times are in your hands.”

There is faith in that statement and understanding that God has given us a window of time on the earth. We are not here by accident, but by Providence.

Without God in view, some people reason that since time is limited, ‘let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” But with God in view, we have another perspective for the way we use our time. That perspective seeks to do the will of God and please Him with a heart of faith.

Ephesians 5:14 says, “Wake up sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Be very careful then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

Offering our time to God 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 Philippians 1:21.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Life on this earth is temporary. Our bodies are not made to last, but while we live in them, we can live for a purpose that leaves a legacy of faith.

The Apostle Paul loved Jesus and lived for the glory of His name. As a result, Paul lived with purpose and hope.

There is much fulfillment when we live according to God’s design for our lives. If we live, that means fruitful labor for us. If we die, that means that we are in the comfort of God’s presence forever. To live is Christ and to die is gain.

This Light Reflection inspires us to find our purpose and hope in Christ 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 to offer our activities to God.

God made us with a purpose to glorify Him with whatever we do. As we follow Jesus, His plan becomes the priority of our lives. We come to a place of surrender by saying to the Lord, “Have your way in my life. I am your servant.”  Then, follow God’s plan with a faithful heart.

Mary said something like that and God established her as the mother of Jesus, and blessed throughout all generations.

David said something like that, and God established him to be the king over Israel. and a man after His own heart. God testified about David, “He will do everything I want him to do.” That can be true of us.

Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

Offering our activities to God is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to offer our future to God.

God holds the future in His hands. He knows the end from the beginning, and moves throughout history to bring glory to His name. He knows our future too. In Jeremiah 29:11, He declared, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”

God’s plans for our lives are hopeful when we seek Him with all of our heart. They include living out God’s purposes while we live on the earth, a life-changing relationship with Him, and the glories of heaven beyond our last breath. His presence is the key to a bright future.

Psalm 37:37 says, “Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.”

Offering our future to God is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com