JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Leviticus 19:11.

“Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.”

These commands are repeated in the New Testament in Ephesians chapter 4. God’s will for our lives is to speak the truth in love. This means using honest words to build up people with encouragement rather than to tear them down.

God’s plan for our lives is also to be generous with people. This means using our hands to give away something that belongs to us rather than to take away something that belongs to them.

According to Romans 13:9, the commandments of God are summed up in this one command, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” That phrase is originally found in Leviticus chapter 19.

Leviticus 19:11-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 Close.

One definition of close is to be very near to someone. When someone says they are close to someone, it signifies a relationship that is harmonious and peaceful. Lines of communication are open. There is comfort, affection, and trust found in a close relationship.

God’s heart is close to His followers. Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd. He cares for His flock. Isaiah 40, verse 11 says, “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”

We can find fulfillment in a close relationship with God by paying close attention to His voice and responding to His grace. Through the Bible, the cross, and the empty grave, His message consistently speaks of His love for us as He invites us to taste and see that He is good.

Discover how the word “Close” 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 Revelation 3:19.

“Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.”

God works through discipline to build wholly devoted disciples of Jesus. Hebrews 12:10 says, “God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Discipline does not seem pleasant when we are enduring hardship, but it brings out fruitful results if we are teachable through the process. So, when we are enduring a difficult trial, it is good to be sensitive to God’s voice. What is He saying to me through this experience? How does He want me to grow?

Revelation 3:19-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 Sufficient.

The meaning of sufficient is “enough, adequate.”

In the Bible, God’s grace is described as sufficient. When the Apostle Paul suffered a thorn in his flesh, Jesus said to him in Second Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

God works through the circumstances of our lives, even the painful circumstances, to show us the sufficiency of His grace.

The thorns in our lives have value to keep us or make us humble so that we realize that our competence to do anything productive depends on the grace of God. The lesson of faith that Paul learned from his thorn was this: “When I am weak, then I am strong.”

Discover how the word “Sufficient” 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 36:26 and 27.

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”

This was a statement that God made about the Israelites, which reveals how they have a future hope. That is the same kind of hope that we have for a changed heart by the Gospel of Jesus.

God’s love breaks down our resistance to His authority over us. We come to recognize that God is good, and His plan for our lives is good. His grace has the power to move us to live with the desire to follow the Jesus way. That’s the way of love, truth, compassion, and forgiveness.

Ezekiel 36:26 and 27-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 Strong.

The meaning of strong is “powerful, having or using great force or control.”

Strong is one word used to describe God. When we trust in Him, He becomes the stronghold of our lives. He becomes our Mighty God, our strong Advocate, and worthy Savior. Satan is a real enemy who seeks to destroy us.

First John 4:4 says, “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” That is the key to being an overcomer against the forces of evil-knowing Jesus as the source of our strength.

Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Discover how the word “Strong” 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 5:19.

Jesus said this to a man who had been possessed by demons, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”

After this, the man went away and began to tell how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

If Jesus has transformed your life, you have a testimony of His amazing grace to share with others. Psalm 66:16 says, “Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.”

Mark 5:19-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 Awe.

This is where reverence for God’s holiness and wonder for God’s love meet. We are aware that we are in the presence of someone greater than ourselves. We are humbled and amazed in the presence of God. When we stand in awe of God, our hearts are moved to praise.

An expression of awe is found in Exodus 15:11, just after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea safely on dry ground and delivered them from the hand of the Egyptians. “Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you-majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?”

In Luke chapter 5, when Jesus performed miracles, “everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe, and said, ‘We have seen remarkable things today.”

Discover how the word “Awe” 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 Genesis 4:6 and 7.

“Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

Cain was angry after God did not look with favor on his offering. God was reasoning with Cain to turn away from sinful temptation. This is a good message for us to heed when our mind and heart take us to dark places spiritually. Stop. Turn around. Do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. Let the voice of the Lord be our guiding influence.

The Gospel is our key to freedom. Romans 8:1 tells us that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Where the Spirit of God reigns over us, sin and death lose control. The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Genesis 4:6 and 7-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 Genuine.

The meaning of genuine is something that is authentic.

A person with a genuine faith is not perfect, but they are sincere about living out their faith in a way that honors God. They are motivated by God’s love to live for His glory.

One of life’s realities that bring genuine faith to light is a trial-some kind of hardship that comes into our life. It could be sickness, grief, or some kind of persecution. God is at work in times of testing.

Peter was addressing believers experiencing hardship, and he encouraged them with these words on First Peter 1:6 through 8.

“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com