JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, we are examining more of God’s purposes for our lives with our 20/20 Insights this week.
Today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on God’s purpose for our lives to be saved from our sins.
That is why Jesus came to the world. John 3:17 tells us that “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
Jesus is God’s plan of redemption. There is no plan B. Our sin put us in a desperate place. It was like we were rafting downstream and crossed the point of no return. We were on a collision course with a waterfall. The only thing that can save us is a sturdy branch that is extending from the bank. It is within our grasp. In the spiritual realm, Jesus is the Branch of the LORD, and He is strong enough to rescue us, so we can reach for Him today. He is mighty to save.
Romans 10:13 says that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Focusing on the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Good News Focus is on Romans 12:3.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “For by the grace given to me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”
Pride gets us into trouble, leading us to think of ourselves as better than other people around us and better than we really are. With pride in our heart, we are not willing to take an honest look at our character flaws to see where changes might be needed.
But if we see ourselves as God sees us, we will see ourselves as dearly loved by God, and at the same time, dependent on His grace. We will also see the need to be connected with other believers, who can speak truth into our lives and offer support for living the Christian life. Humility puts our heart in the right place for God to work out His purposes in our lives.
Jesus is our Source of Good News, leading us to a place of humble service in the body of Christ in the Year of Vision.
Today’s playlist has brand new music from Kim Walker-Smith, Jason Upton, Mack Brock and Mosaic MSC. Plus, mini-themes of PEACE, GARDENS springing to life and LIGHT breaking through!
One of my favorite new songs in that GARDENS mini-theme is “Cherry Blossoms” by MoveSomebody. I talked with BJ & Lisa Sullivan and loved learning all about this song (and how the saxophone was instrumental in the recording process!)
Another song that is on my heart a lot this season is “Let The Light In” by Cody Carnes. I caught up with him recently and was thrilled to know it’s his pick for this season, too. He told me the story behind the song on the P&W Podcast. Listen right here!
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, we are examining some of God’s purposes for our lives with our 20/20 Insights this week.
Today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on God’s purposes for our lives to love Him first.
In Matthew 22, an expert in the law tested Jesus with this question, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied in verse 37, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.”
God loved us before we loved Him. He went to extreme measures to show the depth of His love for us in the form of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross was the ultimate expression of love. His grace is offered to us as a gift to be received. This is our first step into a life of loving God first and walking in the path of His commands.
Focusing on loving God more and more everyday gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Good News Focus is on Second Corinthians 9:7.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
The Apostle Paul was appealing for generous gifts to help other Christians in need. But he was not appealing to their sense of obligation. Rather, he was appealing to their sense of generosity to give what they wanted to give. If I am forced to give, I am giving out of duty. If I give voluntarily, I am giving out of delight.
In verse 8, he said, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
It is refreshing to know when our offerings to God are building up the church and helping people in need. The Gospel inspires us to consider the needs of others, and to honor God with our wealth.
Jesus is our Source of Good News, leading us to places of generous and cheerful giving in the Year of Vision.
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, we are examining some of God’s purposes for our lives with our 20/20 Insights this week.
Today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on God’s purpose for our lives to trust Him.
Proverbs 3:5 and 6 says, “trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
To trust in God fully means to lean all of our weight on Him, believing that He will save us from our sins and guide us in His righteousness. Our own understanding can lead us astray, but God’s wisdom will lead us in the path of God’s will.
Psalm 119, verse 105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” His wisdom gives us direction for our lives. His truth gives us freedom. His grace gives us peace.
Focusing on trusting God day by day gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
This morning’s playlist is filled with songs led by worship leading moms! Moms who know highs and lows, the process of adoption, the journey of infertility, the pain of loss, and delight of many children. Each one encouraging us to bring our praise in every season.
I recently spoke with Kirby Kaple, who experienced a 7-year infertility journey before her daughter Lollia arrived! She shares her story, and we compare a few notes in the latest Praise & Worship Podcast.
There’s also an episode of the podcast with David Leonard. He and his wife also had a discouraging season involving waiting and miscarriage. He talks about it, and the songs that came out of that experience.
Personally, after a loss this year, I’m feeling like this Mother’s Day is lemon juice on my raw heart. Click here to hear a little more of my story, and my encouragement to you if you’re in the same boat!
Here’s a link to my Spotify Playlist. Songs that really helped me fix my eyes (and heart and hopes) on Jesus through my own journey to becoming a mom.
Our circumstances are extra unusual and discouraging this year, but I hope today is still special and meaningful for you moms!
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the nourishment of spring rains and the word of God.
In Isaiah 55:10, the LORD compares the rain cycle with the nourishment of His Word to feed our soul.
From the New Living Translation, “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.”
Just as the soil needs rain for the crops to grow, so we need God’s Word for our faith to grow. That is one dependable place where we can turn to taste and see that the Lord is good.
Focusing on God’s Word daily gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
Episode 11 features special guest, Kirby Kaple of Housefires! I’m truly thrilled to bring you our conversation. Housefires is releasing brand new singles these days, with a very special new studio version of “I’ll Give Thanks”. Kirby co-wrote and sung it while on a 7-year infertility journey, and now is talking about it from the other side. IVF is part of her story, so listen for details on her process. There are also keys here for worship leaders, leading through their own very difficult seasons. And, as Kirby and I are both quarantined at home for this interview, spoiler alert, our kids and dogs adorably interrupt!
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the beauty of a flower and the brilliance of God’s glory.
Jesus said in Matthew 6:28, “See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”
Flowers have their season when they burst forth in brilliant color and decorate our world with breathtaking beauty. But they don’t last forever. Eventually, their beauty fades. That is one of the ways we are similar to a flower. We have a moment on earth that God has given to shine. Our most brilliant moments occur when we are fulfilling our God-given purpose to reflect His glory. This moment is our opportunity. This is our season to shine by sharing His grace, and standing for His truth.
Focusing on God’s glory gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
