https://open.spotify.com/playlist/54JZUaA27pcNqrRixbynnY?si=2f0ac067a3d34040

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Generosity.

This is the quality of being kind and unselfish with our resources, and is moved by a grateful heart toward a gracious God.

Proverbs 22:9 tells us that “the generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”

Generosity is not measured in the amount of money or resources that we give, but the condition of our heart. There was a poor widow that put a small amount of money in an offering plate, but Jesus noticed what she gave, and commended her offering from a generous heart.

The Apostle Paul told a young pastor in First Timothy 6:18 to command those who are rich in this present world “to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”

Where generosity flows, people’s needs are met and the hungry are fed. The giver and receiver are both refreshed in the process.

Generosity is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Titus 2:11 to 13.

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

The grace of God not only saves us from our sins, but is also an incentive for holy living.  In gratitude for what Jesus did for us at the cross, we desire to live for Him with whole-hearted devotion as we anticipate the day when we see Him face to face. His love is the treasure of our heart that draws us closer to Jesus day-by-day.

These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to live under the influence of God’s grace in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Second Chronicles 7:14.

The LORD says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

This verse was specifically focusing on the nation of Israel. God would respond to the earnest prayers of His people to bring an end to droughts and plagues in their land. This verse also has relevance for believers today.

Just as humility, prayer, and repentance were the pathways to healing for the Israelites, so we can experience God’s forgiveness today by trusting in the One gift that God has provided for our redemption. That gift is Jesus. He came to offer us forgiveness and a place of belonging in His family through faith in His name.

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to humility, prayer, and repentance to follow Jesus in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Happy Mother’s Day! I’ve filled today’s Praise & Worship playlist with lots of lovely songs, beautiful instrumentation, songs from the garden and songs led by worship leader moms!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7la4KADCvXfyN3lMk3i7Ka?si=1af7ecf14ffd45d6&nd=1

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Extra Mile Service.

This is the kind of service that does more than what is requested.

In Genesis chapter 24, Abraham sent his senior servant to look for a wife for his son Isaac. As he went on his way, the servant took camels and came to a spring. Then he prayed, “May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’-let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac.”

Before he finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder and fulfilled the servant’s prayer request.

Having the extra-mile attitude demonstrates a willingness to serve, not out of obligation, but from a place of joy-not to fill a quota, but to bless above and beyond expectation.

Extra Mile Service is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Song of Songs 2:11 through 13.

“See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.”

Spring is a season of beauty. God is the creator of this beauty, which reveals His appreciation for variety, dazzling colors, and pleasing aromas. If we take a walk in woods this spring, we will see nature bursting forth with life, growth, and the hand of God behind it all.

These faith-building verses inspires us to marvel at the variety of God’s creation in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Zechariah 10:1.

Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.

Spring is a season for warmer temperatures, planting of crops, and showers of blessing. This verse acknowledges rain as a blessing from God’s hand to provide nourishment for the land and food for the people. This verse also encourages us to turn to God for these blessings in the springtime.

Acts 14:17 says about God, “He has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provided you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

This faith-building verse inspires us to ask God for showers of blessings to provide for our daily needs in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Encouragement toward Godly Integrity.

This was one of great accomplishments of Barnabas in the early church. His name meant, “Son of Encouragement” and he certainly lived up to the meaning of his name.

In Acts 11:22, Barnabas went to a place called Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God among the people, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

His words of encouragement inspired deeper devotion to Christ among existing believers and more conversions to Christ. Through his godly example and ministry of encouragement, a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Encouragement toward Godly Integrity is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com