JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to Give Thanks to the Lord.

We have a good reason to give thanks to the Lord. Psalm 136 tells us that He is good. His love endures forever.

This Psalm points to other reasons that we have to give thanks to God. He does great wonders. He is our Creator. He is our Provider. He guides us with His mighty hand and outstretched arm.

There is an interesting structure to this Psalm. There are 26 verses in Psalm 136, and in each verse, we see the phrase, “His love endures forever.” This is the reality that brings stability and security to our faith. This is a truth that we can celebrate every day in every season of life, because every day we wake up, God is there with His love reaching out to us.

Giving Thanks to the Lord is a vital step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Hebrews 3:12 and 13.

“See to it brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today’, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

Without meaningful relationships, we are capable of drifting from where God wants us to be.

One of the ways we can look out for each other is to stay connected in relationships. The writer of Hebrews would later talk about the importance of committed relationships when he said, “Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing.” This commitment provides opportunities for encouragement.

Barnabas was a leader in the early church known for his encouragement. His ministry was vibrant. Acts 11:24 says, “He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.”

This Light Reflection inspires us to encourage others to be faithful to God in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to be honest about our weaknesses.

This is the starting place toward character growth and spiritual maturity.

The Apostle Paul came to understand the value of facing his weaknesses when he had a thorn in the flesh. The reason that the Lord allowed this thorn was to keep him from becoming conceited.

He said in Second Corinthians 12:8, “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.” But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weaknesses.”

This is how our weaknesses can turn into strength-when we learn that God’s grace is sufficient for our needs. This will keep us humble. It is not by might or by power that the work of the Lord gets done. Rather, it happens by His Spirit, living in us, working through us, and producing fruit for the Gospel. Then, we will be in a place to give Him the glory that He deserves.

Being honest about our weaknesses is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Psalm 35:28.

“My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long.”

This statement was made by David in the midst of much opposition. He did not reserve his praise for God only in times of victory. He also praised God in the midst of his battles.

His enemies were plotting to ruin his life. God had plans to raise him up as a godly influence for his generation.

In our generation, we have an opportunity to stand for God with words of faith and praise. He has not left us alone in our struggles. He is right there with us to guide us and be our source of help. We can praise Him through our spiritual battles and find grace to help us win.

This Light Reflection inspires us to praise God publicly with the opportunity He gives us in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to build up the church.

You could find reasons to criticize the church. That’s because God’s church is made of imperfect people.

But the question before us is this: Will we be part of the solution to build up the church or contribute to the problem and tear it down?

Ephesians 5:25 says that Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. The way we can become part of the solution is by having the attitude of Christ for the church.

Start with a loving heart for the people in the church, and then be a source of encouragement through our words and acts of service.

Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Building Up the Church is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to stand in the gap for someone who needs Jesus.

In the days of Ezekiel, his nation was on the verge of Divine judgment. They were in a moral crisis. Ezekiel 22:29 records the land practicing extortion and committing robbery. They oppressed the poor and needy and mistreated foreigners, denying them justice.

The LORD says, “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.”

Thankfully, in the Gospel, Jesus has come to our defense. We are protected by grace. His followers today have the opportunity to stand in the gap for those who are vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy.

We can do that through prayer. We can also do that by being a light for the person in spiritual darkness, by being a godly example and sharing God’s love with them.

Standing in the Gap for someone is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from John 9:4.

Jesus said, “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.”

This statement from Jesus motivates us to use our time and energy wisely. Stay focused on doing the will of God. He has a plan for our lives, and that plan is good.

Jesus found fulfillment in God’s will. When Jesus launched His ministry, He said, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor, He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.”

The calling of God on our lives will be consistent with the mission of Jesus, to serve in ways that lead to healing, freedom, and bringing good news to a world that needs God’s grace.

This Light Reflection inspires us to serve God faithfully with the days that He gives us in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to overcome evil with good.

This step is often seen in acts of love and forgiveness.

Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery to Egypt when he was in his youth. After many years, Joseph rose to a place of prominence and was second-in-command in Egypt. God was working in Joseph to provide food for many people, including his brothers who were facing famine in their homeland. They traveled to Egypt for help. That is when they encountered Joseph. They were concerned that he would seek revenge.

Instead, Joseph offered forgiveness. He said in Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” Evil was overcome by good.

This reflected the attitude of Jesus, who responded to the hatred of humanity against Him by pouring out His love for us at the cross. That too has led to the saving of many lives.

Overcoming evil with good is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Psalm 89:15 and 16.

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness.

There is a joy in the celebration of God’s grace, righteousness, and majesty.

Each day is an opportunity to praise Him for the blessings that He has poured into our lives.

Each day is an opportunity to praise Him for His salvation that He has provided for us through Jesus.

Each day is an opportunity to praise Him for the beauty of His creation.

And each day is an opportunity to praise Him for His holiness. There is no one like our God, majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders.

This Light Reflection inspires us to celebrate Jesus with the days He gives us in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com