John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Jeremiah 9:23 and 24.

“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but 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.”

This highlights the value of knowing God personally and the delights of His heart.

Jeremiah 9:23 and 24-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 Thanks.

Giving thanks is an expression of gratitude. When we give thanks to God, we recognize Him to be the source of our blessings. We are also expressing our appreciation for His graciousness to us. We are greatly encouraged by reflecting on God’s bountiful blessings. The more specific we are in identifying His blessings, the better. Here are some expressions of thanks in the Bible.

From Romans 7:25-Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

From First Corinthians 15:57-Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

This expression is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. From Second Corinthians 9:15-Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Discover how the word “Thanks” 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 Mark 14:38.

Jesus told His disciples just before He was arrested, “Watch and pray, so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

After this statement, the disciples fell asleep. They became disoriented and scattered when Jesus was arrested. It was not their finest moment.

These words “Watch and pray” are relevant for us today. “Watch” implies vigilance. Keep our eyes open. Be alert. Be prepared. Stand guard against temptations. Satan attacks us where we are weakest.

To “pray” means that we stay closely connected with God. Tune in to His heart. Seek His wisdom. Ask Him for strength. Prayer is a vital weapon to help us win our spiritual battles.

Mark 14:38-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 Guard.

One definition of this word is to defend ourselves or others from harm during a serious attack.

We are in a spiritual battle that requires the armor of God. One of those pieces of armor is the shield of faith. Another is the breastplate of righteousness. These are effective qualities to have in place to guard us from the attacks of the enemy.

Proverbs 4:23 says: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” The heart is the seat of our desires. God gives us these words of wisdom to keep our ambitions from being corrupted.

“Keep your mouth free from perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.”

Discover how the word “Guard” 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 Job chapter 1, verse 8.

“Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”

God said this to Satan, who had been roaming throughout the earth.

The devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. He plots harm, tempts us to sin, and seeks to separate us from God so that we might be swallowed into his dominion of darkness. Satan is not the only one who roams the earth.

Second Chronicles 16:9 tells us that the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. The devil preys on the worst in us, but God looks for the best in us. He notices our exceptional qualities of faithfulness and works in our lives to build an even stronger faith. That is what he did in the life of **Job, and that is what He can do for us.

Job 1:8-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 “Overflow.”

One definition of this word is “to flow over the brim.” Water overflows when it fills a container and then spills over the top.

The word “Overflow” shows us how contagious the Gospel can be when God’s love fills the hearts of His people and spills over into our relationships.

An overflowing faith will reveal the evidence of true generosity, thanksgiving, and joy in the Lord.

Another quality that springs from faith is hope. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Discover how the word “Overflow” 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 8:10.

Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”

Jesus was not talking about a priest or even one of His disciples in this statement. He was referring to a Roman soldier.

This Centurion came to Jesus seeking help for his servant who was paralyzed at his home and suffering. He said, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” This man’s statement of faith was so impressive that even Jesus was amazed.

With faith, we trust the words of Jesus to be true and accept them as reality. With humility, we acknowledge His holiness and appeal for His graciousness.

Matthew 8:10-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 “Gospel.”

This word is associated with the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.

When we receive the grace of God as a gift, we are embracing good news for our soul.

The Apostle Paul was moved by the Gospel to preach it. He said in Romans 1:16 and 17, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed-a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.”

The Gospel is good news that brings us hope, affecting our view of the world today and how we live out our faith in the Lord Jesus.

Discover how the word “Gospel” 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 Jeremiah 32:40 and 41.

I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul.

The Lord was talking about restoring the fortunes of Jerusalem in the future. Charles Spurgeon has said, “How encouraging to the believer is God’s delight in his saints! As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so does the LORD rejoice over his people.”

God’s goodness gives us an opportunity to celebrate His love with a heart of reverence and awe. What amazing grace that God would faithfully love us, bless us, and give us a place in His family of faith.

Jeremiah 32:40 and 41-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Today’s Word from God’s Word is Ebenezer.

This word shows up in First Samuel 7:12, when the prophet Samuel set up a stone and named it “Ebenezer” saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”

This stone was set up to remind the Israelites of God’s faithfulness to them. Sometimes, they would be unfaithful to Him, and He would discipline them. But the purpose of the discipline was not to destroy the Israelites. Rather, His purpose was to turn their hearts back to Him.

Ebenezer means “Stone of Help.”  There are reference points that remind us that God has come to help His people.  Those places are at the cross and empty grave. Jesus is the evidence of God’s faithfulness, and we can count on Him to save us from our sins.

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