John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus is found in Philippians 4:4.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

The Apostle Paul was moved by the joy of the Lord, and he wanted to impress this quality on the people of God. Because God is good all the time, we can rejoice in the Lord always, not just sometimes.

We can rejoice in the Lord always when we keep the good news of Jesus in view. His saving grace is the reason for our hope, and has the power to carry us through the trials of this life.

The joy of knowing Jesus is a reason to praise God in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the fasting of Queen Esther in a time of crisis.

Her people were facing the threat of genocide. Esther had influence to do something to stop it. She was Queen in Persia, but she was not free to enter the king’s presence at any time. In fact, she could lose her life in approaching him unless he extended the gold scepter to her.

She sent word to her cousin Mordecai about her plan to go to the king to intervene in Esther 4:16: “Go, gather together all the Jews….and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esther called her nation to prayer and fasting, and God intervened on their behalf.

In times of crisis, we are not helpless. We have a loving God who hears the cries of our heart and responds with grace and compassion.

The fasting of Queen Esther in a time of crisis is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the prayer of David seeking God for instruction.

If we want to understand the heart of David in pursuit of God, we can examine some of his prayers. They reveal a heart that is teachable and open to correction. They reveal a heart that understood the wisdom of God to be higher than his own.

In Psalm 25:4 and 5, David prayed, “Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”

The prayer of David, seeking God for instruction, is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus is found in Second Samuel 22, verses 31-33.

“As for God, his way is perfect: the LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.”

When we have faith in God, we are entrusting ourselves to Someone far greater than ourselves. His ways and wisdom are greater. His love is the perfect standard. His righteousness is infinitely pure. His power is the source of our strength. In Him, we live and move and have our being. We can trust His words to be true. We can depend on His grace to lead us home into His glorious Presence, where He is honored as He deserves.

The perfection 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 the value of listening for God to speak to us.

Prayer is more than just talking to God. It also involves listening for His heartbeat. It involves waiting for His gentle whisper to speak before we enter the noise of a given day, or perhaps after the noise of a given day.

It was at bedtime when Samuel heard the call of God on his life when he was a boy. The LORD called Samuel several times before Samuel recognized His voice. The Lord’s message was made clear after Samuel said this in First Samuel 3:10.

“Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Samuel grew up to be Israel’s trusted prophet. Opening our ears and heart to God’s will is the first step to fulfilling our calling. God can be trusted to guide us to a place of productive service.

The value of Listening to God is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’ Praise Focus is found in Matthew 16:16.

Peter responded to a question raised by Jesus. “But what about you? Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus blessed him for saying this. He acknowledged the truth of this claim when He told Peter that it was revealed by His Father in heaven.

This is the reality that builds and unifies God’s church. This reality also confirms His worthiness of our faith and praise. That word, “Messiah” refers to God’s anointed one. Jesus has been set apart by God the Father for the specific purpose of saving people from sin and restoring us to a right relationship with God.

The identity of Jesus as the Messiah is a reason to praise God in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at God’s love for us.

First Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.”

We do not have to carry our burdens alone. Jesus Himself invites us to come to Him with our burdens so that we might find rest for our souls.

His grace is our source of help in times of need.

We can be honest about our feelings, our fears, and our doubts as we go to God in prayer. He is close to the broken-hearted. He is at home with the contrite. His wisdom is available for guidance. His strength is available to support us. His compassion is available to empathize with us.

God’s love is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus is found in Matthew 5:16.

Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

He was comparing our deeds to lighting a lamp so that everyone in the house might benefit by the light that it gives. Our lives are meant to reflect the light of God’s love and truth through good deeds. Whenever we notice a need, that is an opportunity to put compassion into action. It might be shoveling snow for a neighbor, visiting an elderly person who lives alone, or supporting a child in another country who lives in poverty. There are countless ways to make a difference. When compelled by the love of Christ, they are acts of service that bring glory to God and meet human needs.

The Light of God shining on our hearts 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 the prayer of the early church leaders for guidance.

It happened in Acts chapter 1, as Simon Peter raised the issue of finding someone to take the place of leadership that Judas once had.

The believers nominated two men, namely Joseph and Matthias. They were not sure which person should take over this ministry, and so they prayed these words in Acts 1:24:

“Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias, so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Good, quality Leadership is important for the spiritual growth and health of a church. The actions of the early church leaders reveal the need for us to seek God’s will when appointing leaders.

The prayer of early church leaders, seeking guidance for leadership, is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus is found in Nehemiah 9:6.

“You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.”

God is our Creator, and the Creator of our universe. His Creation is both vast and personal. The heavens declare the glory of God. He also wants us to shine brightly for Him with how we live our lives. God is familiar with all our ways. He knows what we will say before we say it. He knows us better than we know ourselves. We are fearfully and wonderfully made.

With that knowledge of God, we can use our breath and energy to praise the Lord in words and deeds.

The Life-Giving Breath of God is a reason to praise Him in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com