JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Malachi 3:6 and 7.

“I the LORD do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you.”

In this book of the Bible, the Lord was confronting various issues of disobedience in the land. Yet, God kept the door of invitation open for the unfaithful to become faithful servants of God. We live in a time right now when God is inviting us to come to Jesus for the cleansing that we need. James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and He will come near to you.”

Through Jesus, change is possible, and so is a close relationship with God.

Malachi 3:6 and 7-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 Longing.

This word is often used in the Bible to describe a deep desire and yearning for God. It describes our heart-felt ambition to be near God.

We see this yearning expressed throughout the Psalms. One of those places is Psalm 119:81. “My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.”

There are many blessings from God’s hand to enjoy on the earth, but in a world broken by sin, we also know the pain of sickness, grief, death, and injustice.

The picture of eternity reveals better days to come for those who love the Lord and long for His salvation. C.S. Lewis once said, “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” Heaven is where we find our longing for God fulfilled completely.

Discover how the word “Longing” can have an impact on our 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 12:46.

Jesus said, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”

This statement shows how the presence of Jesus is able to bring hope, righteousness, and joy into our lives. We can live a quality life of loving relationships with neighbors, family members, and with God Himself, because of the effective grace of Jesus in our hearts. The sinful nature loses control by the goodness and graciousness of God.

Isaiah 9:2 foretold the influence of Jesus in this way: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

 The presence of Jesus has brought light into the world. Faith opens the window of our heart to receive the light of God’s love.

John 12:46-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 Advocate.

An advocate is someone who defends or pleads another’s cause.

An advocate is a helper and a friend. Because of our sins, we are in a place of guilt unless someone steps in to plead our case.

Thankfully, Jesus took our place on the cross and paid the penalty for our sin so that we can be set free from our guilty condition.

First John 2:1 says, “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”

The Holy Spirit is also a worthy advocate to help us live out the Christian life in a way that is worthy of the Gospel. Jesus said in John 14:16, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever-the Spirit of truth.”

Discover how the word “Advocate” 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 3, verses 20 and 21.

Jesus said, “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”

Stepping into the light of God’s grace and truth is the beginning of a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. Confession is a turning point from darkness into light, where we acknowledge our sins to God and express our need for His grace. This is a humbling and freeing moment that releases us from the guilt of our past. God is faithful to forgive us when we confess our sins to Him. Then, we walk in the light of His fellowship and freedom, enjoying the journey of knowing Him better and loving Him more deeply. Then, we will learn to dance in the light as we celebrate with joy what God has done in our lives.

John 3:20 and 21-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 Act.

One definition of Act is “to behave in a certain manner.”

In a spiritual sense, our actions reflect how we live out our faith. When those actions are consistent with the way of Jesus, we express our faith in love. These are the kinds of actions that have a way of meeting needs and pointing people to the love of Jesus.

Proverbs 3:27 says, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”

Discover how the word “Act” 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 Isaiah 43:1 to 3.

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

If we belong to the Lord, we may encounter the waters of affliction. They are not meant to drown us, but to purify us. We may encounter the fire of adversity. They are not for the purpose of destroying us, but refining us. We can trust Him to be with us through the various seasons of life as our firm foundation.

Isaiah 43:1 to 3-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 Same.

This word refers to the unchanging nature of God’s character.

Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

This is an encouragement to His followers, because it means that we can count on Jesus to remain Savior forever. His grace is applied to the believer in Christ and provides secure salvation for eternity. He will always be on the throne. No one can take His throne away. His love endures forever. His promises are trustworthy.

So, as we go on our faith journey with Jesus leading the way, we can be confident of this-that he who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Discover how the word “Same” 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 Matthew 7:1.

Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

In this statement, the word “judge” means “to decide” someone’s guilt or innocence. In our relationships, there is great danger in playing the part of the judge when only God is qualified to give the final verdict about someone’s life. It is hard to love someone that we dismiss as a lost cause. As long as people have breath, they have opportunity to repent. Sharing the kindness of Jesus with them extends that opportunity.

Matthew 7:1-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com