JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Hosea 10:12.

“Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.”

True prophets spoke for God, who inspired words like these.

This message is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who is our source of righteousness. Planting the seeds of righteousness means that our hearts are receptive to the word of God, the love of God, and the Son of God. To break up the unplowed ground means surrendering areas of our lives that we have not yet yielded to the Lord.  His unfailing love will fill our hearts with joy, peace, and security for our soul. He will also move us to share His love with others. We love because God loved us first.

Hosea 10:12-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 Think.

This is the exercise of our mind to ponder certain opinions, beliefs, and ideas. What we think about can greatly affect our decisions, attitudes, and emotions.

Philippians 4:8 is a great verse to focus our thoughts in a good direction. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”

Verse 9 points out what happens when our thoughts go there. The God of peace will be with us. We will face problems in the world that need to be addressed, but as we make our thought life obedient to Christ, we will have the framework for seeking solutions to the problems we face.

Discover how the word “Think” 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 14:30 and 31.

Jesus said to His disciples the night before He was crucified, “I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.”

It was the Father’s will for Jesus to go to the cross. Satan also wanted Jesus to die, because he entered into Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus. But their reasoning was very different. God the Father sent Jesus to the cross for the salvation of humanity. Satan’s purpose was the destruction of humanity.

By going to the cross, Jesus did exactly what His Father sent Him to do. This was motivated by His love for the Father and for sinners like us, who are desperate for grace. By rising from the dead, He proved that Satan had no hold on Him. Jesus was victorious over death.

John 14:30 and 31-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 Uphold.

In the Bible, this word is often used to show how God is able to support and sustain us from falling. He is the lifter of our heads through His encouragement by His love and power to save. This is a reason to put our confidence in God.

He says in Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

As we look into the New Testament, we find that this is where Jesus is right now. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that following His death and resurrection, Jesus sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. He upholds us with His unfailing love.

Discover how the word “Uphold” 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 Jeremiah 1:5.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

The LORD gave this word to Jeremiah. This is mind-boggling to think about the Sovereignty of God-that He knows about us before we were even formed in our mother’s womb.

God has a plan for our lives too. We do not have the same calling that Jeremiah had, but it is consistent with his overall purpose to know God and glorify His name. Our calling is specific and unique. In the course of time, God reveals what He wants us to do for Him, and will make a way for us to pursue His plan. He set us apart for His special purpose long ago.

Jeremiah 1:5-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 Prosper.

The Biblical definition of this word can be described as “Success with God’s Favor.”

Quite often, God’s view of prosperity and the world’s view of prosperity are different. If our efforts to serve God are carried out according to His will and lead to His glory, we can consider that effort a success.

A thriving faith begins with delight in God’s Word. Psalm 1:2 and 3 tells us that the one who is blessed is the one whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-whatever they do prospers.

Discover how the Word “Prosper” 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 Job 28:28.

In his time of distress, Job told his companions that God looked at wisdom and appraised it. He confirmed it and tested it. And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord-that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”

To live in the fear of the Lord is to be fully aware that we are in the presence of Someone greater than us. God is not our equal. His ways are higher than our ways. His understanding is deeper than our understanding. His love is greater than our love. His strength holds the power to defend or destroy. We are blessed to have respect for God’s authority and to have reverence for His name.

In such a place of fearing the Lord, our fears are relieved. We are grateful to have God as our friend. His wisdom gives us insight and incentive to follow the way of Jesus.

Job 28:28-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 Gather.

A gathering is where people come together and assemble. The church is an assembly of many saints who are still in process. No one is perfect. We all have lessons of faith to learn. The gathering of the church is an opportunity for God’s people to grow together and grow in grace. It is a time for fellowship and worship. It is a time for learning God’s word with others. Friendships are formed. Prayer happens. Sound Preaching explains the Gospel and encourages the audience to a closer walk with Jesus. Music celebrates the glory and the grace of our Savior.

Jesus said in Matthew 18:20 that “where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

A gathering in the name of Jesus invites the power of His presence.

Discover how the word “Gather” 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 9:35.

“This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”

This statement was made on a mountain, where the appearance of Jesus changed and his clothes became bright as a flash of lightning. His companions consisted of Moses and Elijah from the Old Testament and Peter, James, and John from the New Testament. They were all together in view of what was happening. Then, a voice came from a cloud saying these words, expressing the Father’s appointment of Jesus to be His chosen One. That is what the term “Messiah” means, “Chosen One.”

In this statement, the Father expresses the authority of Jesus over His followers. His teachings have wisdom for life. Listen to Him. Pay attention to His words and put them into practice. He knows how to lead us in the path of righteousness that leads to eternal life.

Luke 9:35-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 Understand.

To live with understanding is to grasp the significance or explanation of something. The Bible brings to light the Gospel for us to understand. God’s grace gives us better understanding of the depth of His love for us. God’s truth gives us better understanding of His wisdom.

Knowing Jesus is the key to this treasure. First John 5:20 says, “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”

Following Jesus is the foundation for having a good understanding of the Bible, the nature of God’s Kingdom, the qualities of God’s character, and His purpose for our lives.

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com