John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Ezekiel 11, verses 19 and 20.

“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.”

This was God’s Word for the Israelites living in exile away from their land. He promised to bring them back from the countries where they were scattered. They would remove all vile images and detestable idols from the land.

This is a vivid expression of true spiritual transformation. Our heart is no longer divided in loyalty but is fully committed to the living God. Where we once resisted the voice of God, now we are receptive. Hearts are changed forever when we turn to Jesus and follow Him daily.

Ezekiel 11:19 and 20-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 Washed.

Spiritually speaking, to be washed is to be cleansed from sin. Baptism is a good illustration of what happens to a person who has been cleansed by grace. The person comes out of the water as a new person with their sins forgiven by God. They went into the water and died to themselves and came out of the water alive to God. This is what happens spiritually to a person who has been converted to Christ.

First Corinthians 6:9 tells us that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God. The list includes those who engage in sexual immorality, idolatry, greed, and slander.

Verse 11 says, “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” His grace has the power to give us a fresh start and make us clean.

Discover how the word “Washed” 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 19:30.

“It is finished.”

Jesus spoke these words from the cross just before He died. They are significant words indicating that Jesus accomplished the will of God to be the sacrifice for our sins. The meaning of this statement is “Paid in full.”

With His own blood, He paid the debt of our sin so that we might be forgiven by His grace. Acts 10:43 declares that “everyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

The cross paved the way for that statement to become reality for us.

John 19:30-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 Resolve.

A Biblical view of this word is a true intention and commitment to do something. Much good can be accomplished when faith is the motivation behind our resolutions.

When King Jehoshaphat was informed of a vast army coming against him, he was alarmed, and resolved to inquire of the LORD.

In First Corinthians 2:2, the Apostle Paul said, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” He knew there was power in the message of the cross, and would not be distracted from that focus point in his ministry.

These examples from the Old Testament and New Testament are good reminders for us to be intentional about seeking the Lord and staying focused on the Gospel.

Discover how the word “Resolve” 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 20:29.

Jesus said to Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Jesus was talking about those who follow Him today. We were not the original witnesses to His resurrection, but we have the blessing of God’s grace through faith in our Risen Savior.

Peter would have been in the room when he heard Jesus say this to Thomas. He went on to tell believers in one of his letters just how blessed they were to live by faith rather than by sight.

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

John 20:29-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 “Reign.”

This refers to the royal dignity of a king. Jesus is the righteous King who is forever praised by His followers. His rule and reign from heaven is a reason for praise and joy.

Revelation 19:6 says, “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!”

The reign of earthly kings is for a season, and prone to flaws, but the reign of God’s One and only Son Jesus Christ is forever. He leads with Divine wisdom, righteousness, and strength, while loving His people with genuine care and concern. He will bless His followers with eternal grace and the treasures of His heavenly kingdom.

Discover how the “Reign of God” 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 20:27.

Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

This was an incredibly powerful moment for Thomas. Before seeing Jesus risen from the dead, he doubted the claims of the other disciples that they had seen Him alive. Now, Thomas was faced with the evidence and his doubt turned into faith and worship.  Thomas responded by saying, “My Lord and my God!”

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the turning point in history that transforms hearts with full confidence in God’s unfailing love.

John 20:27-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 Justified.

One definition of Justified is to be declared “not guilty” in the sight of God. A good way to remember this definition is to break down the word, “Just-as-if-I’d-not-sinned.”

Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Even though we have disobeyed God, His grace makes it possible for us to be counted as righteous in His eyes. His forgiveness brings us peace and healing. Romans 5:1 says, “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Discover how the word “Justified” 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 20, verse 26.

“Peace be with you!”

Jesus said this to His disciples after He rose from the dead.

Because Jesus lives, we can receive the peace that only Jesus can provide for us. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

John 20:26-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 Lavish.

The meaning of Lavish is “generous and extravagant.”

This is a word that aptly fits the way that God loves us. He has created the world with much beauty and splendor for us to enjoy.

He has provided breath and life for us to enjoy.

God gave His best for us when He sent Jesus into the world. This is the best evidence of His love to redeem us from sin.

The lavishness of God reveals His delight in blessing His people. First John 3:1 says, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com