JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Isaiah 9:6.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

This prophecy describes Jesus, who came as a gift to the world from the Father’s gracious hand.

We can understand the power of the Gospel in the light of gift-giving at Christmas time. A gift was purchased by the giver, and put into the hands of the recipient, who opens the package and receives the gift. This is how Jesus becomes God’s precious gift to us-when we receive Him as He is-Lord and Savior. He purchased our salvation with the price of His blood.

He guides us as our Wonderful Counselor. He reigns over us as our Mighty God. He loves us eternally as our Everlasting Father. He restores us to friendship as our Prince of Peace.

The gift of 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 Luke 2:10 and 11.

The angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

The shepherds were moved by this angelic proclamation to go and see this baby who was lying in a manger. Then they were moved to tell others what they saw. After that, they were moved to praise and glorify God.

The angelic announcement to the shepherds invites us to behold Jesus as Savior, to publicly celebrate His arrival, and personally praise God for His precious gift.

The announcement of Christ’s birth 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 Second Corinthians 8:9.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

Jesus was willing to leave his place of honor and royalty in heaven to take on a human body here on earth. The king of heaven became a humble servant. The Lion of Judah became the Lamb of God. Jesus willingly accepted a demotion to earth so that we might receive a promotion to heaven.

This passage is not talking about having lots of money or possessions while we live on the earth. Rather, it is talking about the abundant life that Jesus came to bring that overflows with joy and peace and hope and love. It is also talking about the riches of heaven that we can look forward to receiving by His wonderful gift of salvation.

The Grace and Poverty of Jesus 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 Isaiah 9:2.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”

That light was Jesus, whose light was filled with life to defeat the power of death.  Faith in Him leads us to eternal life. That is the brilliant hope that Jesus offers us by His resurrection power. Where Jesus reigns, love conquers hatred, hope conquers despair, and life conquers death.

All it takes to break the power of darkness in a room is to shine light into it. 2,000 years ago, the life of Jesus broke into a dark world to renew hope for a relationship with God and a brighter future.

John 1:4 says about Jesus, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Light 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 Matthew 1:21.

An angel of the LORD appeared to Joseph in a dream saying, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

The name of Jesus carries the meaning that the Lord saves. That is why Joseph had specific instructions from heaven on what to name Him. Mary received the same message from the angel Gabriel.

As we celebrate the Holiday season this year, it is worth remembering the salvation that is found only in Jesus. That gives meaning to the celebration of Christmas. There is power in the name of Jesus to save us from our sins.

The name of 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 Ephesians 1:15 and 16.

The Apostle Paul said this to the church, “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”

Faith in God and love for His people flow out of a thriving relationship with God. There is always room to grow in these areas. When they are evident in our lives, that is good news for leaders like the Apostle Paul.

Church leaders are encouraged by the fruit of their labor as they see people responding to their preaching, teaching, and serving.

They are encouraged by the contagious effect of faith and love on their church and the surrounding community.

Church leaders are moved to thank God for the vibrant testimonies and spiritual growth of those who follow Jesus.

“Faith and Love among God’s people” 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 Ephesians 1:13.

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit…..”

Cliques might block outsiders from joining their group. But in the Kingdom of Heaven, no one is rejected who wants to be part of the family of God. There is space at the table to be with Jesus at the banquet that is being planned for His bride, the church.

Jesus said in Luke 14, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” The gospel extends the invitation for each person to follow Jesus and to know Him personally. Jesus said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.”

The Gospel of Salvation 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 Ephesians 1:8 and 9.

“With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ.”

Understanding of God’s will flows out of a relationship with Jesus. He gives us greater clarity for living a life that pleases God.

Jesus taught us that the Greatest Commandment was to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Jesus taught us the Great Commission, to make disciples of all nations and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

These are some of the big picture plans that God has for us to do with the breath and strength that He gives us.

Wisdom and Understanding 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 Ezra 3:11.

With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.

Today, the church is a place where God’s people assemble together for worship. It is a place for prayer. It is a place for fellowship. It is a place for unity. It is a place for grace and truth when its foundation is built on Jesus Christ. The Gospel is preached faithfully. God is glorified. His people are edified, unified, and sanctified. God’s love is expressed openly and fills the atmosphere with the fragrance of Christ.

Psalm 149:1 says, “Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.”

The Faithful Church 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 Second Kings 4:13.

A well-to-do woman showed kindness and hospitality to a prophet named Elisha. She urged him to stay for a meal. Whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. She said to her husband, “I know this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay whenever he comes to us.”

Elisha took note of her kindness. He said to his servant, “Tell her, ‘you have gone to all this trouble for us. Now what can be done for you?’”

First Peter 4:9 encourages God’s people to offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. This is a meaningful way to express our appreciation for God’s servants and to encourage them.

On the flip side, whenever we benefit from someone’s hospitality, that is also an opportunity to say “Thank you” and bless them for their act of kindness.

The practice of hospitality reveals the Goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com