JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Acts 1, verses 4 and 5.

Jesus gave His disciples this command, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

That is what they did, and when Pentecost arrived, the Holy Spirit came in power. The disciples shared the Gospel, and three thousand people were added to the church that day.

There is wisdom in waiting on God’s timing. Keeping in step with Him is where we find that sweet spot of thriving in God’s will. There is power in the witness of a Christ-follower who is led by the Spirit of God.

Acts 1:4 and 5-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 Restored.

This refers to a returning back to its original condition, only better.

Jesus has the power to restore broken relationships through His sacrifice on the cross. That includes our relationship with God that was separated by our sinful condition.

When the Lord becomes our Good Shepherd, He restores our soul. We are brought to a place of peace with God. We become new creations in Christ. He puts love in our heart for others who are struggling in a cycle of sin.

Galatians 6:1 says, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” In this way, God can use us as instruments of grace to help others to find freedom in Christ.

Discover how the word “Restored” 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 Psalm 85:8.

The writer said, “I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants-but let them not turn to folly.”

From the pages of Israel’s history, they escaped the oppressive hand of Pharoah, but on their journey toward the Promised Land, they set up a golden calf as an idol and indulged in revelry. It did not end well for them.

God has a plan for our lives that is meant to bring us peace with Him. That plan is the Gospel. Jesus is the good news that we need for this promise to be fulfilled in us. Embracing Jesus as our Savior and Lord opens the way for us to experience the love of God that fills our heart with peace. Where Jesus reigns, His peace remains.

Psalm 85:8-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 Zeal.

To have much zeal is to have great enthusiasm. When we delight in the Lord, we are energized by His love to serve with a cheerful heart. Galatians 4:18 tells us that it is fine to be zealous provided the purpose is good. The Gospel is a good purpose.

Zeal for God moves us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. His priorities matter to us. We wake up with a sense of adventure and wonder how God is going to work through us today to reach someone with His love.

Romans 12:11 says, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

Discover how the word “Zeal” 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 Isaiah 45:18.

“He who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited-he says, ‘I am the LORD, and there is no other.’”

There is one God who created the heavens and the earth, and is worthy of our worship. His creation of people started with a man and a woman in a garden and increased from there. Today, there is a population of over 8.2 billion people living around the world.

The same God who made earth to be inhabited desires heaven to be full of people who love Him and adore Him. His invitation goes out for us to come to Jesus and acknowledge Him as Lord.

Isaiah 45:18-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 Contentment.

To be content is to be mentally and emotionally satisfied with things as they are. This can be seen in a negative light if it means that someone is satisfied in their comfort zone and is not willing to grow and expand their horizons.

But there is a contentment that is healthy when it is paired with godliness. This kind of contentment overcomes the materialistic tendency to want more things to be satisfied. It is the kind of contentment that experiences peace in a relationship with Jesus. We learn that His grace is sufficient for our needs.

First Timothy 6:6 to 8 tells us that godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

Discover how the word “Contentment” 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 Joel 2:32.

“And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, even among the survivors whom the LORD calls.”

In the Bible, we see an open invitation for anyone who is thirsty for salvation to come to the Lord and take the free gift of the water of life.

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. This statement is repeated several times in the Bible. At the time of Messiah’s birth, Joseph was instructed to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. That is what the name of Jesus means, “The Lord Saves.” So, when we call on the name of Jesus, we are asking Him to save us from our sins. And He is faithful to answer such a request from a humble heart with His mercy and grace.

Joel 2:32-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 Surely.

This word is used to emphasize the speaker’s firm belief that what they are saying is true. When this word is used in the Bible, it brings to light the confidence and assurance that we have as we hear God’s Word with a believing heart.

Here are two examples:

From Psalm 23:6, David said, “Surely, your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

When Jesus commissioned His disciples to go into the world and preach the good news, He made this promise to them. “Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Discover how the word “Surely” 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 28:19 and 20.

Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always to the very end of the age.”

After Jesus rose from the dead, He commissioned His disciples for the task of making disciples. This is the mission of the church until the end of the age. And Jesus promises to be with us as we go forth in His name. He will be our source of help to get the word out about His generous love.

Matthew 28:19 and 20-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 Prepared.

To be prepared is to be ready to be useful.

God’s Word is a vital tool for preparing us for useful service in God’s Kingdom. As the Scripture teaches us, corrects us, and trains us in righteousness, we become thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Life’s experiences also have a way of preparing us to serve others. Second Corinthians 1:3 talks about God comforting us in our troubles so that we can comfort others in trouble. The experiences of life enable us to empathize with people.

Yielding to Christ as Lord is foundational for preparing us for God’s mission. First Peter 3:15 says, “In your hearts, revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone to asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com