JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Mark 8:34 and 35.

Jesus called the crowd to him along with His disciples when he said this:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”

Church history records that most of early disciples of Jesus died as martyrs. Yet, their bold faith stands today as a testimony to the truth of the Gospel. Following Jesus is an invitation for us to die to ourselves and live for Christ. The treasures of this world do not compare in value to the treasure of knowing Jesus. This is why Jesus asked, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

Mark 8:34 and 35-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 “Look.”

In the physical sense, looking is directing our gaze toward someone or something.

In the spiritual sense, the Bible gives us a focus point for our faith. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

“For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” His endurance in the face of opposition inspires our faith to be bolder for the Gospel. Jesus gives us a vision of hope and perseverance when we are completely committed to following Him.

First Chronicles 16:11 instructs us to “look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.”

Discover how the word “Look” 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 John 11:44.

“Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

This is what Jesus said when one of his good friends, Lazarus rose from the dead. This statement has wider implications for the friends and followers of Jesus today.

Beyond physical death comes life with the Lord forever. We will not remain bound by our grave clothes. We will rise again and be set free.

Evangelist Dwight Moody once said, “One day you’re going to read in the newspaper that Dwight Moody is dead. Don’t believe it.” He believed in the resurrection of Jesus and life after death for His faithful followers.

John 11:44-That’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’ Word from God’s Word is Shepherd.

In Bible Times, the role of the shepherd was to protect their sheep and lead them to places where they could be well-nourished. That would mean giving them access to a gentle stream and fertile pasture.

David knew what it was like to be a shepherd. He wrote in Psalm 23:1-The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”

Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd. In John 10:14, Jesus said, “I know my sheep and my sheep know me-just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

Discover how the word “Shepherd” 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 6:8.

“Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

Isaiah heard the LORD say this, and responded by saying, “Here am I. Send me!”

These questions are still relevant for today. God has a plan for our lives to know Jesus Christ and share the good news of His saving grace with others.  Just as the prophets and apostles knew God and were willing to serve Him, we have that opportunity to know Jesus Christ, and to make Him known. There will be trials and opposition along the way, but we will always have God’s presence to help us and give us what we need for faithful service.

Isaiah 6:8-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 Persevere.

The literal meaning of Perseverance is “to bear up under.”

David Jeremiah says this word “describes someone who remains steadfast in the face of severe trials, obstacles, and suffering. Perseverance is a never-give-up attitude, a commitment to move forward when everything is conspiring to hold you back.”

Sometimes, feelings give us enthusiasm to serve the Lord, but sometimes our feelings work against that incentive. Perseverance helps us to push through negative emotions to finish the race we started.   There is a reward for faithful service at the end of faith’s journey.

James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Discover how the word “Persevere” 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 Luke 22:31 and 32.

Jesus said, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

If you are ever tempted to think that God is waiting to zap you the moment that you fail Him, remember this interaction between Jesus and Simon Peter. Jesus knew that Simon would deny knowing the Lord three times the next day. Yet, Jesus did not give up on Simon. He prayed for Simon’s faith to prevail over the forces of darkness.

Hebrews 7:25 says about Jesus, “He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

Just as Jesus moved in Simon’s life to become courageous, He can take our personal weaknesses and turn them into strengths for the Gospel.

Luke 22:31 and 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 Praise.

In the Bible, this is a term of exaltation to God. One of the meanings of Praise is to honor or commend. Hallelujah is an expression of praise to God. There are times when praise and thanks are closely connected, as we reflect on what God has done for us and praise Him for His blessings.

Psalm 150 is a great place to turn for words that celebrate God’s greatness with music. The word “Praise” is found 13 times here. This is what we find in verses 1 and 2, “Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.”

Today is our opportunity to join the chorus. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.

Discover how the word “Praise” 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 Joshua 1:9.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

God was encouraging Joshua with these words just before the Israelites would enter the Promised Land.

From this statement, we find three realities that build courage in the follower of Jesus.

• The Promise of God to be with us wherever we go.
• The Plan of God to fulfill His promises.
• And the Word of God to encourage us to move forward in His plan.

Joshua 1:9-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 Resurrection.

This is a significant word in the Christian faith. Without the resurrection of Jesus, our faith would be futile and we would be lost without hope.

The resurrection of Jesus means that He came back from the dead. He is not the only one to rise from the dead into a glorious future. His followers also live with that hope some day.

First Corinthians 15:20 says, “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ, all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com