JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Hosanna.

According to Matthew 21:9, this is what the crowd shouted as Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey.

Hosanna is a term that means “Save.” It was an expression of praise, celebrating Jesus as the source of salvation.

The Old Testament expressed a plea for salvation. Psalm 118:25 says, “LORD, save us! LORD, grant us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.”  Later, Jesus would enter Jerusalem, coming in peace while riding on a donkey, and presenting Himself as Israel’s king.

Hosanna speaks the compelling truth that through Jesus, our plea for salvation turns into an expression of praise when we welcome Him as our King, Savior, and friend.

Discover how the word “Hosanna” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in John 12:32.

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

The Apostle John explained why Jesus said this-to show the kind of death he was going to die.

Jesus would take a humiliating form of execution such as the cross to redeem people lost in sin, to draw us to Himself, and bring glory to His name. That is the wisdom of the cross to provide forgiveness and salvation to anyone who puts their faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord.

First Corinthians 1:18 says, “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

John 12:32-That’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in First Corinthians 11, verses 24 to 26.

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Whenever we eat this bread or drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

First Corinthians 11:24 to 26-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Worth.

The meaning of worth is having a particular value.

This word is used in the Bible to describe our value to God and His value to us.

In Luke 12:7, Jesus said, “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

God created us and proved His love for us. He sent a worthy Savior to redeem us by the shedding of His blood on the cross. That was the price that Jesus paid for our sins, and His payment was a worthy sacrifice.

In Philippians 3:8, the Apostle Paul pointed out the great value of being in relationship with Jesus, “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.”

Discover how the word “Worth” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in John 13:14 and 15.

Jesus said, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

Jesus was showing His disciples the greatness of being a servant. No task is too small or insignificant for the follower of Jesus. A task like washing the feet of the disciples was a very humble and practical good deed. Jesus was demonstrating an example of a servant’s heart for us to follow.

He added in verse 17, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

John 13:14 and 15-That’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Dwelling.

This refers to a shelter where people live.

When we run to the LORD as our dwelling place, we have a place of protection for our soul. We will experience hardships in this life, but with Jesus overseeing our soul, we do not face them alone. His saving grace is our source of comfort.

Psalm 26:8 says, “LORD, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. Do not take away my soul along with sinners.”

And Psalm 84:1 adds, “How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”

Discover how the word “Dwelling” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Ezekiel 18:30 to 32.

“Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone. Repent and live!”

God was speaking to a nation who had lost their way.

God is showing us here that He cares about each person. He desires life for us, not death.

He also is passionate about purifying His people with a clean heart.

The Gospel reveals God’s desire for us to be in relationship with Him forever, not set apart from Him. That is why Jesus went to the cross.

Ezekiel 18:30 to 32-That’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Proclaim.

There are two definitions of Proclaim that have great relevance to the Gospel.  One definition is “a public statement.” Another definition is “Praise, Extol.”

If we pair them together, proclaiming the good news of Jesus is a public statement of praise for all that He has done for us, is doing, and will do in the future.

Psalm 19:1 tells us that the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

We can shine like the stars of the universe by proclaiming the work of His hands when Jesus shed His blood for us at the cross.

Discover how the word “Proclaim” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

This week’s lineup includes a few favorites from Elevation Rhythm after their concert in our area a couple days ago. They led us in a fun, sweet and powerful time of worship! Plus, mini-themes celebrating the Name of God and the Love of God.

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Isaiah 30:15.

In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.

God was saying this to a nation that rejected His message, relied on oppression and depended on deceit. Yet, the LORD was reasoning with them to change course.  He was pointing the way back to a place where they would experience God’s compassion and grace.

This is a good direction for our lives too-to repent of our sins and turn to Jesus. That is where we will find rest in God’s salvation. In quietness and trust, we will find our strength in God.

Isaiah 30:15-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com