JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to step toward the character of Jesus.

First John 2:6 says, “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”

When we give our lives to Christ, we have a new leader. Jesus becomes the focus of our faith as Lord and Savior. He is also our ultimate role model. Not only are His teachings reliable for living a godly life, but His example is also worthy of our imitation.

Ephesians 5:2 shows us how to follow the pattern of Jesus’ life: “Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” The example of Jesus moves us in the direction of authentic love.

Take the daily challenge to walk in the footsteps of Jesus on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1r2UZsN3gbqyLccFFrBIdd?si=Z2VQ5-AxQnK-KqU1Rolh5A

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to step into the light of transformation.

This process starts with a proper view of God’s mercy. His mercy spares us from the punishment that we deserve because of our sin. John Newton, the writer of Amazing Grace, observed near the end of his life, “I remember two things clearly, ‘I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.’”

Romans 12:1 says, “In view of God’s mercy, offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Transformation happens when we respond to God’s mercy with a heart of gratitude and worship, and renew our mind to follow Gods’ will.

Take the daily challenge to walk in the transformation that embraces God’s purposes on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Challenge motivates us to take a step toward meaningful connections with other believers.

One of the ways that God helps us to grow in our walk with Christ is to bring other believers into our lives for encouragement. And we can support others in the faith with our friendship.

Hebrew 10:24 and 25 says, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

The Pandemic has limited larger gatherings over the past year.  However, the principle of connecting with other believers is still relevant, whether that means online connections or meeting in a socially distant setting. We bring out the best in each other through encouragement. That happens through meaningful connections in the body of Christ.

Take the daily challenge to walk in relationship with other believers on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1KeNyDepDN0ErWPr20PUGT?si=RlMLCKcxTUuU4YpimCcaaA

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Challenge motivates us to take a step toward hope.

Romans 15:4 tells us that “everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope.”

The Bible is not designed to be a weapon to condemn us, but rather a tool to help us to fight the good fight of faith.

In reading God’s Word, we will find encouragement from the examples of those who lived before us and walked with the Lord. We will learn the ways of God’s wisdom, which give direction for our lives. We will also see the evidence of God’s love at the cross and empty grave.  The good news of the Bible will give us an eternal perspective that sees life through the eyes of God.

Take the daily challenge to walk in the way of God’s Word toward hope on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK -Today’s Word of Encouragement is Acceptance.

Peter learned about this encouraging word through a vision and spoke about it in Acts 10:34.

He said, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” He went on to speak about the forgiveness of sins for everyone who believes in the name of Jesus.

Through Jesus, we are accepted into the family of faith as a child of God. That becomes our source of identity and source of security. We belong to Jesus, and He belongs to us. Acceptance is a key word in the greatest love story ever told.

Find encouragement in the acceptance of God as His dearly loved child in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com