JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Hebrews 4:14 to 16.

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Worship is a way of life that includes prayer. Jesus is our Mediator. He lives to intercede for us. A relationship with God is possible because of Jesus who died for us and rose again. Prayer is an opportunity to have a conversation with God-to tell Him what is on our mind and heart, and to seek the perspective of God’s mind and heart. We have access to His throne of grace anytime of the day, anywhere we happen to be.

These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to draw near to God in prayer in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

This week’s Praise & Worship Playlist has 4 new themes: Songs for God’s Presence, Songs for Your Household, a Don’t Worry Theme and Plans & Promises Theme. I hope these songs connect with your heart!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19Gpjmdzy9oYCusxKI4pdO?si=fc705242963449f8

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5fONrVX3fL3HV2HdXYm5Rw?si=95b8fbc3c0d74a97

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/41dgkbD36yhozPulbiWlI0?si=2ffda4d5d5614eb6

JOHN SHIRK-Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Psalm 1:1 to 3

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but 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.”

Worship is a way of life that includes meditation on God’s Word. This is vital for a thriving faith. A.W. Tozer has said that “the importance of reading the Bible is not reading, but fellowship with the Author.”  When we read from the Bible, we are seeing the inspired words of God through His trusted messengers. As we give God our attention, His words will be our delight, and His counsel will guide our steps to a fruitful place. Never underestimate the power of God to transform lives through His Word.

These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to meditate on God’s Words and to delight in them in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7smvd2eecObMje3ML6kr2K?si=d19d93f813074f1a

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Psalm 46:10.

God’s Word speaks to us with this counsel- “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

The key to a confident faith is time spent with Jesus. Worship is a way of life that includes time alone with God-away from the noise of the day. We have many gadgets that can speak into our lives, and some of the content in our podcasts, broadcasts, and telecasts can be quite edifying. But there are no substitutes for intimate moments with God where we meditate on His Word and seek His face.

Luke 5:16 tells us that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Finding a specific solitary place to be with God on a regular basis is an extraordinary step to shutting out distractions so that we can fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to be still and know the LORD in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Psalm 33:2 to 4.

“Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.”

Worship is a way of life that includes music. With a joyful heart, we can celebrate with shouts of joy for God’s grace and goodness. With a troubled heart, we can pour out our heart to God with words of lament and petition. This too can be a meaningful time of worship as we seek God in the midst of our trials. Music is given to us as a creative expression to glorify God.

Whether we sing from the hymnbook or the newest song on the radio, we have the opportunity to express our love for God in a way that honors His name and edifies our soul.

These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to use music as an instrument for worship in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6q67u0m17BBH3kDjzHW7BI?si=5459f5091fcf4d3d

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is First Peter 2:9.

But you are a chosen people-a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

When God transforms our heart to trust in Jesus, we live with the assurance that we belong to Him. He has given us a testimony of praise that reveals God’s mercy that was shown to us.

The goodness of His grace is the reason for our testimony. That is why He deserves the credit for the good ways that we are changed by the Gospel. The writer of Psalm 66:16 says, “Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.”

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to declare praise for God for His mercy and acceptance in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is following the Golden Rule.

These are the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:12: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

How do we want to be treated by others? This is a good question to ask ourselves when considering how to treat others. This will keep us from using careless words from a self-righteous attitude. This framework will train us to be more considerate about the impact of our actions on others. How do we want to be treated by others? Go and do likewise.

The Golden Rule is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com