JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Isaiah 55:10 and 11.

From the New Living Translation:

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.”

God compares the impact of His word to the rain cycle. He nourishes our soul with reminders of His love. He teaches us how to live by His wisdom. As we obey Him, He forms good fruit in us as we grow in His grace and live out our faith.

Isaiah 55:10 and 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 Mighty.

This word refers to impressive power or strength.

The hand of the LORD is Mighty. When He acts on our behalf, that is a source of comfort for us. We need the mighty hand of God to rescue us from sin. That is where Jesus comes into view. He fought for our redemption at the cross, and won the victory over death at the empty grave. He is coming back again to bring His people into His presence and to celebrate over His faithful followers.

Zephaniah 3:17 says “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love, he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Discover how the word “Mighty” 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 Matthew 6, verses 19 to 21.

Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there you heart will be also.”

The things of this earth are not made to last. We will not live in these physical bodies forever. At some point, we will say good-bye to this world and the things of this world. But if we have invested in the kingdom of God, we will have treasures in heaven beyond this life.

First Timothy chapter 6 shows us how we can store up treasures in heaven: Be rich in good deeds. Be generous. Be willing to share. Put your hope in God.

Matthew 6:19 to 21-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 Considerate.

To be considerate is to be kind and respectful of others. Consideration thinks about their needs and interests, seeking for ways to be helpful. It might mean raking leaves for an elderly neighbor. It might mean a listening ear for someone who is in a tough chapter of life. Or it might mean sharing a meal with someone who is injured or sick.

The Bible tells us that wisdom from heaven is considerate. Titus 3: 1 and 2 shows how consideration contributes to peaceful relationships.  “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”

Discover how the word “Considerate” 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 22:12 to 14.

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates of the city.”

If the Lord said He was coming soon 2,000 years ago, why has He not yet come? One answer is found in His great patience to give unbelievers ample opportunity to come to faith in Jesus and be saved. Second Peter 3:9 says, “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” This is how our robes can be washed clean in the presence of the Lord. Jesus has yet to return because He wants us to be ready to join Him in the Heavenly celebration to come.

Revelation 22:12 to 14-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 Intercession.

To intercede is to pray on behalf of someone else. They have a need, and we bring that need to God at His throne of grace.

First Timothy 2:1 urges us to make petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving for all people-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Those who follow Christ live with the assurance that Jesus Himself is at the right hand of God interceding for us. This is an expression of His love for us. In a similar way, praying for someone in their time of need is a loving way to support them. As we intercede for them, God might move us to further action to reach out to them in tangible ways.

Discover how the word “Intercession” 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 Jeremiah 9:23 and 24.

“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight.”

This highlights the value of knowing God personally and the delights of His heart.

Jeremiah 9:23 and 24-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 Thanks.

Giving thanks is an expression of gratitude. When we give thanks to God, we recognize Him to be the source of our blessings. We are also expressing our appreciation for His graciousness to us. We are greatly encouraged by reflecting on God’s bountiful blessings. The more specific we are in identifying His blessings, the better. Here are some expressions of thanks in the Bible.

From Romans 7:25-Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

From First Corinthians 15:57-Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

This expression is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. From Second Corinthians 9:15-Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Discover how the word “Thanks” 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 14:38.

Jesus told His disciples just before He was arrested, “Watch and pray, so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

After this statement, the disciples fell asleep. They became disoriented and scattered when Jesus was arrested. It was not their finest moment.

These words “Watch and pray” are relevant for us today. “Watch” implies vigilance. Keep our eyes open. Be alert. Be prepared. Stand guard against temptations. Satan attacks us where we are weakest.

To “pray” means that we stay closely connected with God. Tune in to His heart. Seek His wisdom. Ask Him for strength. Prayer is a vital weapon to help us win our spiritual battles.

Mark 14:38-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 Guard.

One definition of this word is to defend ourselves or others from harm during a serious attack.

We are in a spiritual battle that requires the armor of God. One of those pieces of armor is the shield of faith. Another is the breastplate of righteousness. These are effective qualities to have in place to guard us from the attacks of the enemy.

Proverbs 4:23 says: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” The heart is the seat of our desires. God gives us these words of wisdom to keep our ambitions from being corrupted.

“Keep your mouth free from perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com