JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus is found in Acts 21, verses 19 and 20.

Paul the Apostle went to see James and the elders in Jerusalem. Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. When they heard this, they praised God.

When we share with each other how God is working in our lives to advance the Gospel, that is an opportunity for encouragement, contagious enthusiasm, and joyful praise. This is how we can be a supporting friend by spurring them on to faithful service in the Lord.

Romans 12:15 instructs us to “rejoice with those who rejoice.” That is a form of fellowship that can turn into worship when we celebrate what God is doing among us.

Vibrant Ministry is a reason to praise God in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the way to eternal life with God.

Unless there is regeneration of our heart, we are separated from God. Isaiah 59:2 says that “Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you so that he will not hear.” Our sin is a serious barrier to God, but there is a solution. His grace has the power to break that barrier and restore us to Him. That is why Jesus came.

He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the way to life with God. He is the way to an ongoing relationship with our Heavenly Father that lasts forever.  Speaking of Jesus, Ephesians 3:12 says, “In him and through faith in him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”

Looking to Jesus for eternal life with God is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus is found in Exodus 18:9 to 11.

There was a conversation between Moses and his father-in-law Jethro. Moses was reporting about the hardships that the Israelites had faced on their way to the Promised Land and how the LORD had saved them.

Jethro responded with delight about all the good things the LORD had done for Israel. He said, “Praise be to the LORD, who rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians and of Pharoah, and who rescued the people from the hand of the Egyptians. Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods.”

This is how a testimony of a changed life can reflect the good news of Jesus Christ. In whatever way that God has set us free from some kind of slavery, whether it’s addiction or legalism, that is a testimony worth sharing, so that others may be persuaded of the power of the Gospel to save us from sin and lead us to freedom.

The Rescue Plan of the Gospel is a reason to praise God in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at a prayer for God’s help in times of trouble.

Psalm 22:11 says, “Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.”

When we feel alone or abandoned by our friends, God is near enough to hear our every prayer. He is responsive to the cares and concerns of our heart. His wisdom is available for those perplexing decisions that we need to make. His peace is a comforting presence when we feel the stress of the world weighing on us. Philippians 4:5 reminds us that the Lord is near.

Abraham Lincoln was our nation’s President in a time of crisis during the Civil War. He said this: “I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.”

Prayer for God’s help in times of trouble is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus is found in Psalm 16, verses 7 and 8.

“I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

How do we learn the ways of God? We place our focus on Jesus. He will never lead us astray. He will guide us in the way of grace and truth. He will guide us in the way of God’s will. The example of Jesus and the teachings of His Word will inspire godly living on a sure foundation of faith.

Instruction and Guidance from God’s wisdom is a reason to praise God in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the light of Jesus.

Jesus said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

This is what happens when we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and go where He leads us. He brings us out of the darkness of sinful ways and patterns and leads us into the way of peace, joy, and righteousness.

One of the ways that the light of Christ shines through us is when we carry out good deeds in His name. Another way is to live with gratitude. And another way is to be an influence for the Gospel so that others are brought into God’s Kingdom.

We can start this journey into the light with a prayer that was expressed by Ruth Bell Graham, “Lord Jesus, take this life of mine. Cleanse it. Fill it. And make it shine bright for You.”

The light of Jesus is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus is found in First Timothy 1:15 to 17.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Anyone who follows Jesus has a testimony of faith. Not all testimonies are the same, but they are meaningful because they share how the effective grace of God has saved and transformed someone from the inside out. Praise flows from our words when we acknowledge the change that the Lord has produced in our lives.

God’s mercy and patience are reasons to praise Him in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at way Jesus blessed children.

In Matthew 19:13, people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

Jesus has a tender place in His heart for children, and sees them with great value. Jesus shows us by example how to love children well with our prayers, affection, and spiritual training. Accept them as Jesus accepts them. Give them opportunity to come to Jesus.

The way Jesus blessed children is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus is found in Genesis 24:27.

Abraham’s servant bowed down and worshipped the LORD saying, “Praise be to the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”

This servant was entrusted with the task of getting a wife for Abraham’s son Isaac. On his journey, the servant prayed for success, and God gave him direction and clarity to find a wife for Isaac, namely Rebekah.

This is a good reminder for us to commit our plans to God, and trust Him to direct our paths. Whenever we see the evidence of God’s guidance and provision, that is an opportunity to give thanks for His help.

God’s guidance and provision are reasons to praise Him in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at Paul’s thorn in the flesh.

He talked about it in Second Corinthians 12:7. “To keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Many of us can relate with Paul’s thorn if we have any physical afflictions or personal limitations. We can identify with Paul’ request for God to remove that thorn. If He does, that is a tremendous breakthrough that we can celebrate. But God might also respond by saying, “My grace is sufficient for you.” Paul responded by saying, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” He learned the value of humility and depending on God’s strength in his personal weakness.

Paul’s thorn in the flesh is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com