John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the value of praying for teachers.

With the new school year getting underway, we can be in prayer for the teachers in the classrooms, that they might experience the joy of seeing their students learn knowledge, grow in character, and develop their personal skills.

Pray for them to have the strength they need to meet the demands of a busy schedule. Pray for their instructions to be clear and helpful to facilitate learning.  Pray for patience. Pray for wisdom. Pray that they might be an encouraging voice for their students. Pray that they might be encouraged by the difference they are making as they invest in those they serve. Pray that they might be a positive example.

Titus 2:7 says, “In everything, set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech.”

The value of praying for teachers is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Isaiah 63:7.

“I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us-yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses.”

The LORD shows His kindness to us in creation such as the morning sunrise, the rain that falls from the sky to provide food for us, and the rainbow after a storm.

The LORD has also shown His kindness to us in the testimony of Jesus, His teaching ministry, miracles, what He accomplished at the cross, and His resurrection from the dead. God is full of compassion, and saves those who believe the Gospel.  In Isaiah 63:8, the LORD said, “Surely they are my people, children who will be true to me:’ and so he became their Savior.

The kindness of the LORD is a reason to praise Him in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at a prayer request for greatness.

The mother of James and John had a special request of Jesus on behalf of her sons.

It happened in Matthew 20:21. In a kneeling position, she said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”

Jesus responded by saying, “You don’t know what you are asking.” He left the question open-ended by saying “These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”

He used this request as a launching point to talk about the meaning of true greatness. It’s not about being in a place of honor; it’s about being in a place of service. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant.” If we want to be great in the eyes of Jesus, that is the pathway that will lead to a place of honor in His kingdom.

A Prayer Request for Greatness (the Jesus way) is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes 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.”

That word “acclaim” refers to the act of praising or applauding someone with great enthusiasm and approval.  The applause of a crowd is often expressed in clapping and cheers for a performer on stage or an athlete who makes a good play.

Praise for the LORD is often expressed among God’s people in songs, with clapping, and with a joyful noise. When we acclaim God’s righteousness, His name is glorified and we are blessed with the awareness that we are in the Presence of the God who sees us, who knows us, who loves us, and has redeemed us through Jesus.

The righteousness of God is a reason to praise Him in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at instrumental prayer.

Our worship songs can be offered to the Lord as a prayer. It can be life-changing.

Brian Doerksen wrote “Refiner’s Fire” to express his request for God to purify his heart, and to be holy.

Chris Tomlin recorded a song called “I Will Follow”, expressing his commitment to be wherever the Lord leads him.

Whenever we listen to the radio, or join in on a worship chorus at church, or write our own song, that is an opportunity to pour out our heart to the Lord with our deepest desires.

Psalm 42, verse 8 says, “By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me-a prayer to the God of my life.”

Instrumental Prayer is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Jeremiah 9, verse 24.

This is what the LORD says, “Let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.

As we delight in the LORD, we will learn to delight in the exercise of His kindness, justice, and righteousness. Jesus is the vivid demonstration of these qualities when He lived on the earth and died on a cross. He lived the perfect life. God’s justice toward sin was placed on Him at the cross. God’s kindness was extended to us when Jesus stretched out His hands and became the sacrifice for our sins.

The Kindness, Justice, and Righteousness of God are all reasons to praise Him in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at prayer for the spread of the Gospel.

Jesus said in Matthew 9:37 and 38, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

There are many souls to reach with the good news of God’s love. Jesus encourages us to pray that workers will be mobilized into those places where the Gospel needs to be shared. God hears these requests. Only eternity will reveal how God has answered these kinds of prayers to bring people to faith in Jesus Christ.

We can also pray for overseas missionaries serving in other nations, our church leaders, and local ministries touching lives with God’s love.

Praying for the Spread of the Gospel is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Psalm 34, verses 1 to 3.

“I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.”

This is one of the most satisfying, joyful places in the Christian experience-where fellowship and worship meet. There is great value in extending an invitation for another brother or sister in Christ to join us in exalting the name of the Lord.

That can happen at a church service or at a Bible study gathering. It can happen at a banquet or a fellowship meal where we meet with other believers to share about the good things that God is doing in our lives. Relationships have opportunity to thrive when the name of Jesus is lifted up among His people who are deeply moved by His grace.

The glory of the Lord is a reason for us to praise Him in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at praying through the news.

Jesus said in Matthew 24:7, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.”

We see that unfolding in our news headlines today. We need to be careful about how much news we hear in a given day or it might overwhelm us. But when we do learn of disasters in the world, there are some responses that are healthier than others.

With eyes of love and concern, we can pray for those who are affected by bad news. If we hear an Amber alert, pray for that missing child, and if we are in the same area, be vigilant. When we hear of droughts, famines, and floods, we can intercede on behalf of those people who are affected. We can support a relief organization or homeless shelter that reaches out to those who are struggling to survive. Prayer is a good starting point, followed by action steps as God leads us.

Praying through the News is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from First Timothy 1:17.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The eternal King is the One who is worthy of our praise forever. His name is Jesus Christ, who is described in the book of Revelation as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His name is above all names. He is the only One who can save us from our sins, because He is the Only One sent from heaven to die for us at the cross.

His death and resurrection 2,000 years ago is changing lives to this day. Paul the Apostle had a dramatic conversion to Christ. Just before writing these words of praise, he said, “I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” The grace of God moves us to glorify the name of Jesus.

The eternal reign of Jesus is a reason to praise Him in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com