JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Psalm 23, verse 5.

With the LORD as my Shepherd, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

David wrote Psalm 23 and certainly knew what it was like to have enemies. He also knew what it was like to experience God’s provision and protection. He had been anointed as King of Israel. We have a purpose too. It might not be a royal destiny, but it is a noble plan, because it has been orchestrated by God.

God’s plan for His followers is an abundant life that overflows with His grace and goodness. His spiritual blessings provide forgiveness for our sins, a place of belonging in His family of believers, and the presence of the Holy Spirit to empower our witness for Christ. Our cup overflows with peace, joy, love, and hope, because of what Christ has done for us and what He will do when He returns.

The provision of God reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Psalm 23, verse 4.

With the LORD as my Shepherd, “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me.”

Through faith’s journey, we are never alone. In the darkest valley of grief, God is there. In times of testing, God is there. In our temptations, God is there. In our disappointments, God is there.

The comfort of God’s Presence relieves our anxiety, stress, and fear. Life is not without danger, but because of Jesus, we are not without a Savior to help us in our time of need.

The faithfulness of God reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Psalm 23, verse 3.

With the LORD as my Shepherd, “He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”

As our soul is refreshed in the Presence of the LORD, our pathway is directed by the counsel of the LORD. The closer we move toward Jesus, the greater our clarity for understanding the way forward. His Word is a lamp to guide our way through climates of spiritual darkness. He shows us the way to go in His will. His grace not only saves us from sin, but is also a virtuous teacher in the ways of God. His kindness leads us to repentance.

Titus 2:11 and 12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”

The guiding hand of God reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Psalm 23, verse 2.

With the LORD as my Shepherd, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.”

In the presence of Jesus, there is peace for our soul. He is not a harsh task-master who places unrealistic demands on us. He comes alongside of us to bear our burdens and to refresh us with His love. The presence of Jesus is a place of security and serenity.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Rest and Refreshment for our souls reveal the goodness of God and are reasons to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Psalm 23:1.

“The LORD is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.”

This is how David knew the LORD of his life, as a shepherd whose grace was sufficient for his needs.

Having a relationship with God does not mean that our wish list will be met, but we will have grace for today and hope for tomorrow. We will have the comfort of His forgiveness and the assurance of His unfailing love.

Jesus said in John 10:14, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-and I lay down my life for the sheep.” He also said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

Knowing Jesus as our Good Shepherd reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Luke 11, verses 2 through 4.

The disciples said to Jesus, ‘Lord, teach us to pray’.

He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

In His reply to the disciples, Jesus gives us a guide for how to pray. Acknowledging the greatness and holiness of God; inviting His kingdom to be among us on earth as it is in heaven; requesting that God provides for us, forgives us and guides us in His holy will. These are the prayers from the heart that draw us closer to God

The prayer guide taught by Jesus reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Exodus 33, verses 18 and 19.

Moses said to the LORD, “Now show me your glory.”

And the LORD said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”

This conversation happened as the Israelites were on their way to the Promised Land. The Presence of God is what Moses desired. He requested this of the LORD, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”

On our journey of faith, this can be our request of God. “Wherever You are, that is where I want to be. Wherever You are working, that is where I want to be involved. Wherever You guide me, that is where I want to go. Wherever Your name is honored, that is where I want to be found.”

The glory of God reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Isaiah 2:4.

“He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”

God has a peace plan for the world. His name is Jesus. He is described by the prophet Isaiah as the Prince of Peace. The first time Jesus came on a mission to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. The next time He comes will be as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He will disarm the nations and establish His Kingdom with justice and righteousness.

God has a peace plan for our souls too. His name is Jesus. Romans 5:1 says that “since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

God’s peace plan through Jesus reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com