JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the value of a purified heart.

Psalm 119, verse 9 asks the question, “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

God’s Word is able to purify our hearts when we approach the Scriptures with a teachable and prayerful heart. We find the writer of Psalm 119 both teachable and prayerful. To hide God’s Word in our heart is to be receptive to the teachings of Christ and the good news of His salvation. This allows God’s Word to take root in our lives, so that our faith is nourished and purified to shine brightly for Jesus and honor His name.

A purified heart is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Luke 1:49.

Mary said, “The Mighty One has done great things for me-holy is his name.”

John Piper is quoted as saying, “God is most glorified in you when you are most satisfied in him.”

From a point of reflection on God’s blessings, Mary honored God with words of praise. Out of the overflow of the heart, our mouth speaks. Where we take note of God doing great things for us, that is an opportunity to thank Him and lift up His name as holy.

In the Good News of Jesus Christ, we have the reality of His unfailing love and gift of salvation. These are great things to celebrate every day.

The great things done by God 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 the value of godly training.

First Timothy 4:7b and 8 offers these words of instruction for our faith-“Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Athletes train for their games. Musicians train for their concerts. That training prepares them to excel in their talents. Spiritual training prepares us to excel in how we exercise our faith. The Word of God is an adequate resource to train us for developing the attitude of Christ and living out our faith with Christian conduct.

Prayer trains us to seek God and to better understand His heart.

Acts of service are also part of godly training. As we serve with a generous heart, we get better at it and contribute to a healthier church. Ephesians 4:16 says about Jesus, “From him, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself in love, as each part does its work.”

The value of godly training is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Luke 1:46 to 48.

Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed.”

When Mary learned that she would deliver Jesus into the world, her heart was filled with praise for God. She accepted her calling with a willing heart. She said to the angel, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

It is a privilege for any of us to be included in God’s redemptive mission of sharing His good news with others. By His grace, He calls us into a relationship with Him and lifts us to a place of service that leaves a legacy of faith for the present and future generations.

God’s mindfulness of our humble state is a reason 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 the value of exercising our faith.

There is a proper balance that contributes to our physical health-rest, nutrition, and exercise. In the spiritual context, these patterns lead us toward a healthy relationship with God. Today’s Focus is on exercise.

This happens when we serve others with the gifts that God has provided for us. We see the body of Christ functioning in a healthy manner when each part fulfills its role with a Christ-like attitude.

Romans 12:6 says, “We have different gifts according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” This is how the exercise of our faith can meet the needs of others and make our witness for Christ productive.

The value of exercising our faith is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK-Today’s Praise Focus comes from Psalm 147, verse 5.

“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.”

This Psalm points out some of the ways that God’s power is evident in His handiwork. He determines the number of stars and calls them each by name. He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. He is the same God who delights in those who put their hope in his unfailing love.

The mighty power of God is a reason 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 the value of spiritual input and nourishment.

There is a proper balance that contributes to our physical health-rest, nutrition, and exercise. In the spiritual context, these patterns lead us toward a healthy relationship with God. Today’s Focus is on nutrition.

Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

We need the input of God’s Word, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the experience of God’s goodness for a fulfilling relationship with Him.

Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” He also has living water to offer us. His words of grace and truth point us to the good news of God’s salvation plan through Jesus Christ. The input of faith-based music, sound teaching, The Bible, and fellowship with other believers give us the taste of God’s goodness and encourage us to press on in the faith.

The value of spiritual input and nourishment is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Luke 23:47.

After Jesus breathed His last at the cross, there was a centurion, who saw what had happened. The Bible says that he praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” Matthew’s Gospel records him saying, “Surely, he was the Son of God!” Jesus had been accused of blasphemy, but the centurion’s claim directly contradicts the accusation. It was dawning on him that an innocent man had been put to death.

The centurion was an eyewitness to the crucifixion of Jesus, how He died, and what was happening at the time. Darkness came over the whole land. The curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus prayed for forgiveness for His persecutors. He offered salvation to the thief on the cross who recognized his need for grace.  By His wounds, we are healed.

The willingness of Jesus to go to the cross 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 value of resting in the Lord.

There is a proper balance that contributes to our physical health-rest, nutrition, and exercise. In the spiritual context, these patterns lead us toward a healthy relationship with God. Today’s focus is on rest.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

If we are going to serve God effectively, we need to spend time with Him personally. This involves taking time daily to reflect on His love, pray with thanksgiving, and meditate on His words. Jesus is our source of peace and rest. He has an ample supply of grace to provide for our journey of faith.

The value of resting in the Lord is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com