JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to keep our spiritual fervor.

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

When someone serves the Lord with fresh enthusiasm, they can have a contagious effect on people’s lives for the Gospel.

It is good to be aware of those influences which damage our enthusiasm for God and stay away from them, including sinful patterns, discouraging voices, and hurried schedules.

It is also good to be aware of those influences that increase our enthusiasm and move toward them: Jesus, faithfulness in prayer, supportive believers, meaningful Bible study, and service for God in the ways He has gifted us.

Jesus said, “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.”

Take the daily challenge to keep spiritual fervor alive on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is “Anchor.”

An anchor is a device that holds a ship in place. It is especially useful during a storm, to give it stability.

During the writing of the New Testament, an anchor became a symbol of hope for believers.

Hebrews 6:19 says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”  Our hope, security, and strength come from having a relationship with Jesus, where we follow Him as Savior and Lord.

God’s love is strong and secure. His promises are true and trustworthy. We can rely on His love and trust His Word. Then, when the storms of life bring turbulence into our world, the grace of God will be the firm foundation that keeps hope in view.

Find encouragement in knowing Jesus as the anchor for our soul in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is the Church.

Some people think of church as a building, but in reality, the church is the people of God. Jesus is the Head of the church and the builder of the church. He has designed the church to take the gospel to the world, and today, that assignment is still in motion.

It is also significant to note that Jesus loves the church. He died for the church and is in the process of purifying the church until He returns for His followers.

Ephesians 5:25 compares the relationship between Christ and His church to the intimacy of a marriage relationship. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”

Find encouragement in God’s love and purpose for the church in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is Pleasant.

When you think of a pleasant experience, what do you think of?  It could be quality time with friends or family members. Or it might be your favorite vacation spot.

A pleasant moment is usually a satisfying experience. We find enjoyment in them. There are some moments that the Bible describes as pleasant.

Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

And Psalm 135:3 encourages us to praise the name of the LORD, for that is pleasant.

Find encouragement in the pleasant experiences of worshiping God and fellowship with His followers in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to grow in God’s Word.

When Jesus taught a parable in Luke chapter 8, He spoke of seeds scattered on four different kinds of soil. There were three different soils where the seed did not produce a crop. They represent people who either don’t embrace God’s word, or are distracted from God’s word to pursue something else, like wealth or pleasure.

But there was one type of soil that did produce a thriving crop.  That soil represents the person with a noble and good heart, who hears the word, retains it, and by persevering, they produce a crop.

This is a description of someone whose heart is receptive to God’s Word, believes Gods Word, obeys God’s Word, and continues in God’s Word. By God’s grace, this is how we can live out a productive Christian life and stand tall as a witness for Christ.

Take the daily challenge to grow in God’s Word on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to persevere in the will of God.

These are the words of Hebrews 10:35 and 36-“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”

God has promised rewards to His followers for faithful service. This promise reflects the heart of God to bless His people in the picture of eternity. Those promised rewards also give us incentive to serve the Lord faithfully today. He is watching our actions and knows our motives.

At the end of our lives on earth, the most reassuring words we can hear from the voice of God is “Well done, good and faithful servant.” So, as Galatians 6:9 instructs us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Take the daily challenge to persevere in the will of God on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to be committed to prayer.

Ephesians 6:18 encourages us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Every day is an opportunity to approach God in prayer with the confidence that He hears us, He loves us, and responds to the prayers of His people.

When someone comes to our mind, that is a good time to pray for them. God may be bringing a particular person to our mind so that we lift up their needs to the throne of grace. There are additional ways that we can be a supportive friend, but prayer is a good starting place.

Take the daily challenge to be committed to prayer on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to persevere in helping people.

God is watching us. He sees everything we do and knows everything about us. He is also able to remember every single thing we do with pure motives. One of the ways that we demonstrate love for God is by serving His people.

Hebrews 6:10 says “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”

God saw their faithful service in the past, but He also noted their ongoing work of being helpful. And we can draw the conclusion that the writer is urging us to continue in the good work that God began in us. Remember the smile of God on you as you express His love  generously to people in need.

Take the daily challenge to persevere in helping people on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com