JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Devotion to the fellowship of the saints.

The early church was made of imperfect people who were committed to the Gospel. As the Holy Spirit moved among them, their witness for Jesus had a great impact on the world.

One of the dynamics that contributed to this impact was their commitment to each other. Acts 2:42 tells us that these early disciples devoted themselves to fellowship.

That word “fellowship” refers to spiritual relationships, where believers in Jesus share in the goodness of God. It was the practice of the early church to meet together in the temple courts every day.

God’s plan for believers is to be in relationship with others believers so that we might spur one another on toward love and good deeds and encourage each other to be true to the Lord.

Devotion to the fellowship of the saints is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Romans 6:23.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The journey of faith leads us to eternal life where we will be with the Lord forever in the new heavens and the new earth someday.

One time, C.S. Lewis arrived at a conference where the question was raised, “What makes Christianity different from all the other religions of the world?”

He responded without hesitation, “Oh, that’s easy. It’s grace.” Eternal life is a gift that we receive, not a paycheck that we earn, nor is it a product that we purchase.  Jesus paid the price for our pardon with His blood at the cross. That is why we all need Jesus.

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to receive the gift of God’s grace in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Devotion to the teaching of our spiritual leaders.

The early church was made of imperfect people who were committed to the Gospel. As the Holy Spirit moved among them, their witness for Jesus had a great impact on the world.

Acts 2:42 tells us that these early disciples of Jesus devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.

They recognized that they were people in process. They had room for growing in God’s grace, and they knew it. Their humble disposition brought them to the place of being teachable, so they opened their ears and hearts to the teaching of those who had spent time with Jesus and learned from Him.

If we know someone who has spent time with Jesus, and if their lives show evidence of being in relationship with Him, that is a great opportunity to learn from their words and example.

Being devoted to the teaching of spiritual leaders is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are John 10:9 and 10.

Jesus said, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

There is a big difference between what Jesus offers us and what the devil offers us. Satan seeks to take away what Jesus came to give. But he will not succeed if we run to the One who gave His life for our sins at the cross.

One of those blessings that Jesus provides for us is a full and abundant life. This is not the kind of abundant life that is often equated with American prosperity and material wealth. The full life that Jesus offers us is abounding in God’s goodness and grace, overflowing with hope and joy, and filling our hearts with the love and peace that only Jesus can provide. These blessings fill our lives when we walk with Jesus as one of His disciples day-by-day.

These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to live an abundant life under the influence of Jesus in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is the removal of distractions from conversations.

In today’s busy world where we are connected to technology, there are many factors that can prevent us from having meaningful interactions with loved ones. Computers, cell phones, and televisions can capture our attention at the expense of meaningful relationships.

In Martha’s case, it was not technology distracting her, but busyness and worry. In Luke 10:38, Jesus came to her house. Martha was working on preparations. Meanwhile, her sister Mary sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said.  When Martha complained to Jesus that Mary was not helping her, Jesus tenderly said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Clearing the distractions of our day will help us have focused time with Jesus and focused conversation with others.

The removal of distractions is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Colossians 3:23 and 24.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Worship is a way of life that includes our work. We serve customers, and we serve our supervisors in the workplace, but ultimately, our service is for Christ. His eyes are on us in the workplace. He is honored through service that is motivated by love for God. That does not mean that we have to be a pastor or a missionary to glorify God in our work. We can honor Him right where we are by being responsible stewards of our time and skills on the job.

Work gives us opportunity to serve and be a blessing to those we serve for the glory of God.

These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to worship God in our work in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Hebrews 10:24 and 25.

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.

Worship is a way of life that includes fellowship with other believers.

Church is one place where we can find edifying relationships for our faith. As we seek out friendships with other people who sincerely love God and care about us, there will be opportunities to learn, grow, and find support for our faith. And the same thing can happen for others through our encouragement. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise.” The local church is a place where we can help each other grow in our walk with Christ.

These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to form friendships that will move us closer to God in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Hebrews 4:14 to 16.

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Worship is a way of life that includes prayer. Jesus is our Mediator. He lives to intercede for us. A relationship with God is possible because of Jesus who died for us and rose again. Prayer is an opportunity to have a conversation with God-to tell Him what is on our mind and heart, and to seek the perspective of God’s mind and heart. We have access to His throne of grace anytime of the day, anywhere we happen to be.

These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to draw near to God in prayer in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com