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

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

This word refers to greatness over something or someone else. It may refer to “size or importance or degree.”

There was a time when people were approaching John the Baptist to draw attention to the growing ministry of Jesus. In complete humility, John recognized the worthiness of Jesus and did not wish to compete for His audience.

Instead, John said about Jesus in John 3:30, “He must become greater, I must become less.”

The purpose of our lives is to draw attention to Jesus.  This is a sign of spiritual growth when we see the reality that Jesus is magnified in our lives, and we are fulfilled with joy.

Discover how the word “Greater” 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 Luke 5:31 and 32.

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

The Pharisees were asking, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

The response of Jesus reveals that love was His motive. He cares for people who need the grace of God, because He knows that this is vital for our redemption. He came on a rescue mission to be the ultimate cure for our sinful condition. His love is strong enough to restore us to spiritual health with a heart that beats consistently for the living God.

Luke 5:31 and 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 Today.

This speaks of the present time-right here, right now.

Sometimes the Bible uses the word “Today” to make note of an historic occasion. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you.”

At other times, “Today” is a call to urgent action. Don’t procrastinate on what God calls us to do right now. Hebrews 3:7 says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”

Today is an opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life for the better. Hebrews 3:13 instructs us to “Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

Discover how the word “Today” 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 Mark 8:34 and 35.

Jesus called the crowd to him along with His disciples when he said this:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”

Church history records that most of early disciples of Jesus died as martyrs. Yet, their bold faith stands today as a testimony to the truth of the Gospel. Following Jesus is an invitation for us to die to ourselves and live for Christ. The treasures of this world do not compare in value to the treasure of knowing Jesus. This is why Jesus asked, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

Mark 8:34 and 35-That’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com