JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Mark 1:17.

Jesus said to Simon and Andrew, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.”

The Bible tells us that they left their nets and followed him at once. There was no hesitation. They were ready for a new life, and they found it in Jesus.

Following Jesus is a step-by-step journey, where we walk with Him and go in His direction. Just as Jesus gave Simon and Andrew a new mission, so Jesus calls us to believe the good news of the Gospel and share it with others. When God’s love brings us joy, we will look for opportunities to spread the joy of this life-changing reality.

Mark 1:17-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 Remember.

One definition of “Remember” is to have in the mind a thought or idea that had been in the mind before.”

Remembering the goodness of God is vital to a thankful and humble heart.

The writer of Psalm 77 was a musician named Asaph. When he had questions for God with a troubled mind, he wrote down this thought in verses 11 and 12.

“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” These are some moments worth remembering.

Discover how the word “Remember” 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 20, verse 44.

“You will know that I am the LORD, O people of Israel, when I have honored my name by treating you mercifully in spite of your wickedness. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken.”

One of the sins that the nation of Israel committed was idolatry. They wanted to be like the nations around them who served idols of wood and stone. But God would send reminders to them that He sat on the throne, and He alone was worthy of their worship. He did not treat them as their sins deserved, but treated them with mercy.

That is the power of the Gospel to change lives from the inside out. He reaches out with grace to move us away from misplaced priorities. He works in the circumstances of our lives to get our attention until we recognize our need for Jesus. We have reached the moment of truth when we come to know that He is God.

Ezekiel 20:44-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 Drawn.

This word is used in the Bible to describe how God brings us to Jesus by the influence of His love. He is the One who initiates the relationship with us. Drawn refers to being dragged or pulled, much like a magnetic attraction.

Without God drawing us to Himself, we would never come to Jesus. In John 6:44, Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

God draws us with unfailing kindness. The cross was the greatest evidence of this. That is where Jesus died for our sins and extended forgiveness instead of condemnation for our offenses. Jesus said in John 12:32, “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” The cross and empty grave of Jesus are compelling forces of God’s love to invite us to follow Jesus, today, tomorrow, and forever.

Discover how the word “Drawn” 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 Romans 14:11.

“As surely as I live, every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.”

We each have an appointment to meet God someday. The Apostle Paul was pointing out this quote to emphasize that we will all give account of ourselves to God. We are all going to stand before God’s judgment seat. He alone is the worthy Judge to evaluate our lives with perfect vision and justice.

One of the implications of this statement is warning us about passing judgment on one another. We are not the final judges of our brother or sister in Christ. God is the final judge of their lives as He is the final judge of ours. That future reality can have a great impact on our lives today to focus on serving Christ faithfully and loving others sincerely.

Romans 14:11-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 Reveal.

To reveal something is to release previously unknown information to others. This word is found in the Bible to show us that God is speaking to us about who He is and how much He loves us.

God has revealed evidence of His grace and character at different points of history, including each day, with every sunrise.

God reveals Himself through His creation. The heavens declare the glory of God.

God reveals Himself in His Word and Work. Psalm 33:4 tells us that the word of the LORD is right and true. He is faithful in all he does.

God has revealed Himself through the testimony of Jesus Christ. Second Timothy 1:10 tells us that His grace has “now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Luke 11:13.

Jesus said, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

You probably can reflect on some meaningful gift that someone gave you. It meant even more because it came from someone you love. Friends and family members will give us gifts that they think we might need or want, and those gifts are an expression of their love.  Jesus is saying that if people with moral shortcomings can come through with good gifts, our Father in heaven knows how to give us perfect gifts.

One of those perfect gifts is the Holy Spirit. He is our Advocate to remind us of Jesus’ words and guide us in the truth of those words. God is faithful to provide this gift to those who ask Him.

Luke 11:13-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 Peacemakers.

Jesus came to earth on a peacemaking mission to reconcile us to God. We were enemies of God, but through the blood of Jesus, we can become friends of God and His faithful followers. He has a plan for us to serve Him as peacemakers.

Jesus is described by the prophet Isaiah as the Prince of Peace. So, when we point people to faith in Jesus, we are serving as peacemakers in a world fractured by sin. We are leading them toward grace, where they can find peace in a relationship with God.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Discover how the word “Peacemaker” 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 Hebrews 13:5.

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

This is a confidence-building statement for our faith. We know that because of the writer’s own response to this statement.

So, we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’

The Presence of God is our source of help, confidence, and contentment. He is our Confidante. We can trust Him with the deepest concerns of our heart, knowing that He cares for us.

We will have times of trouble in this world, but if we hold on to Jesus during those times, we will experience grace that is greater than our adversity. His Presence will be our source of encouragement.

Hebrews 13:5-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com