JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Deuteronomy 31:6.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Moses spoke these words to the Israelites just before his death. They were preparing to enter the Promised Land, and God was bringing them to this place. The reason that they could go forward in confidence was because the LORD was with them. His presence makes the difference.

We will face opposition in our journey of faith. There will be times of testing and temptation. There will be enemies, such as the devil, who want to destroy us. But if we stay close to God and are guided by His word, we can go forward with the blessing of His favor and the promise of His peace. Faith in God keeps us from getting paralyzed by fear of others or fear of our circumstances.

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to be strong and courageous as we move forward in God’s plan in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is being a supportive friend.

There is an unusual story in Exodus 17 about a battle that took place between the Amalekites and the Israelites. As Joshua fought them in battle, Moses went to the top of a hill with Aaron and Hur.

Verse 11 says, “As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When the hands of Moses grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up-one on one side, one on the other-so that his hands remained steady till sunset. Joshua overcame the Amalekite army.”

So, how can we support a friend?  Give them a helping hand when their workload is heavy. Give them a place to rest when they are tired.  Lift them up when they feel discouraged. Walk with them. Pray for them.

Being a Supportive Friend is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Matthew 6:13b.

Jesus taught us to pray, “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

This is an acknowledgement of God’s Sovereignty over the world, human history, and the future.

He reigns on the throne with supreme power and authority. When we say this prayer to the LORD from the heart, we exalt His name in praise and worship.

In the context of a world torn by sin and strife, we need reminders that God is still in control, and is working through the situations of this world to bring about His glory.  Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to stand in awe of God’s glory in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Celebrating New Life.

Life is miraculous. Each baby should be welcomed into the world as a precious person who is loved by God.

The same is true whenever someone turns to Christ and is born again in His grace. In Luke 15, Jesus told several stories to critics who complained that He was welcoming sinners and eating with them.

One of those stories was about a woman who had ten silver coins, and lost one. She swept the house and searched carefully until she found it. She was filled with joy and called her friends to share her joy in finding it. In the same way, Jesus said, “there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

New life is miraculous. Each new child of God is welcomed into the family of God and is saved by God.

Celebrating new life is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Matthew 6:13.

Jesus taught us to pray, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

This is a prayer for victory over sin and temptation. Our battles in this area are spiritual in nature. Ephesians 6 mentions that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

In our battle against sin, prayer is a powerful weapon to help us overcome evil, because God’s strength is greater than the powers of our enemies.

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to seek God’s help to deliver us from evil in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is a commitment to doing what is good.

Good deeds will not save us, but those who are saved by God’s grace are instructed to do good deeds.

Titus chapter 3 talks about the value of good deeds in several places.

In verse 8, Paul instructed Titus to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Verse 14 says, “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.”

As we let our light shine for Jesus with good deeds, many people will be blessed and be moved to glorify our Father in heaven.

A commitment to good deeds is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Matthew 6:12.

Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

There is healing in confession, but confession requires humility. There is also healing in extending forgiveness to others. That too, requires humility. Forgiveness is a gift to receive, and an expression of grace toward others.

Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to seek God’s forgiveness when we have wronged Him and to forgive others when they have wronged us in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Eye Contact.

Giving someone eye contact is a sign that you are actively listening and giving them your full attention. Much of our communication is non-verbal, and eye contact is a significant form of non-verbal communication.

It might be tempting to check a text from a friend while we are in the midst of a conversation, and it might be necessary to do that in some situations. But checking that text might also disrupt the conversation right in front of us. So, think about the importance of eye contact in conversation to show the other person that we value their friendship.

In Acts chapter 3, a beggar asked Peter and John for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

What he received that day was a gift more valuable than money could buy. He was healed, and used his strength to praise God.

Eye Contact is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com