John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the cry for help among the Israelites.

They were slaves in Egypt for a long time. Exodus 2:23 records that they groaned in their slavery and cried out for help.

Verse 25 says that “God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.” Eventually, God did lift the Israelites out of their misery and provided for their freedom.

In our times of weakness, we may experience the chains of oppression coming from others or wrestle to break the chains of our own sinful desires. Those are times to cry out to God for help.  God hears us with compassion. We have confirmation in God’s Word that He loves us and is concerned about us when we are in a vulnerable place. His grace is a strong source of help to deliver us from evil.

The cry for help among the Israelites is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Psalm 116, verses 1 and 2.

“I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.”

This is a very good description of how God is able to save us from our sins and give us a new heart that is filled with gratitude and love for Him.

The Bible tells us that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Jesus is Lord. His name means, “The Lord saves.” When we call on Jesus to save us from our sins, He hears our cry for mercy. He is faithful to do what He promised.

This begins our faith journey of following in the footsteps of Jesus, learning from Him, loving Him, and praising Him for all that He has done for us.

God’s attentiveness to our cry for mercy 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 quiet time with God.

Isaiah 50, verse 4 says, “The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.”

Jesus was the perfect example of making fellowship with His Heavenly Father top priority. Mark 1:35 records that Jesus got up very early in the morning, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Billy Graham has said, “Nothing can take the place of a daily devotional life with Christ. Your quiet time, your prayer time, the time you spend in the Word, is absolutely essential for a happy Christian life. You cannot possibly be a happy, dynamic, and powerful Christian apart from a daily walk with Christ.’

Quiet Time with God is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from First Corinthians 1:31.

“Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

The Gospel is the ultimate source of joy for the follower of Jesus. His grace has pardoned our sin and brought us into His household of faith. Our destiny is changed forever because of what Jesus has done for us at the cross. First Corinthians 1:30 tells us that Jesus has become for us wisdom from God-that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Because of Jesus, we have a noble reason to boast in Him.

The wisdom of God’s redemption 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 importance of remembering God’s mighty deeds.

The writer of Psalm 77 was Asaph, who recalled seeking the Lord when he was in distress.

In verse 10, he wrote “Then I thought, ‘To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

Remembering God’s faithfulness is a source of encouragement when our faith is in distress. There are reference points in history to remind us that God loves us and redeems His people. From the manger to the cross to the empty grave of Jesus, God’s plan of salvation reminds us of the miracle of His love and gives us hope for our journey of faith.

Remembering God’s Mighty Deeds is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Luke 1, verse 53.

Mary said about God, “He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.”

Dwight Moody once said, “We can stand affliction better than we can prosperity, for in prosperity, we forget God.”

That is the danger of relying on our riches-We lose sight of our dependency on God for life, for grace, and for His blessings.

Jesus pronounced a blessing on those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. He said they would be filled. Filled with what? Filled with His righteousness. When we realize that God’s righteousness is more valuable than the riches of the world, then we will be craving after lasting treasure.

The good things in our lives filled by God are 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 the unending grace of God.

John Newton wrote the familiar hymn “Amazing Grace.” The hymn has stood the test of time, reaching generation after generation with the impact of its lyrics.

“Amazing grace (how sweet the sound) that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.”

Grace saves us from hell and leads us to heaven. Grace brings us home to be part of God’s family forever. Grace gives us the vision to see the wonders of God’s love for us. Someday, by God’s grace we will see Jesus face to face.

Ephesians 6:24 says, “Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.” And Revelation 22:21 says, “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” That is the picture of eternity. Each day is an opportunity to thank God for His amazing grace that lasts forever.

The unending grace of God is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Luke 1:51 and 52.

After Mary learned that she would deliver Jesus into the world, she glorified the Lord with these words:

“He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has lifted up the humble.”

Pride takes credit for accomplishments that were made possible only by God’s grace. Humility is a posture of acknowledging that the blessings we have, and the good that comes from our lives is because of God’s grace and goodness. Pride leads us to destruction. Humility leads us into a place of honor.

James 4:6 tells us that God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble.

God’s favor to those who are humble 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 a purified heart.

Psalm 119, verse 9 asks the question, “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

God’s Word is able to purify our hearts when we approach the Scriptures with a teachable and prayerful heart. We find the writer of Psalm 119 both teachable and prayerful. To hide God’s Word in our heart is to be receptive to the teachings of Christ and the good news of His salvation. This allows God’s Word to take root in our lives, so that our faith is nourished and purified to shine brightly for Jesus and honor His name.

A purified heart is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Luke 1:49.

Mary said, “The Mighty One has done great things for me-holy is his name.”

John Piper is quoted as saying, “God is most glorified in you when you are most satisfied in him.”

From a point of reflection on God’s blessings, Mary honored God with words of praise. Out of the overflow of the heart, our mouth speaks. Where we take note of God doing great things for us, that is an opportunity to thank Him and lift up His name as holy.

In the Good News of Jesus Christ, we have the reality of His unfailing love and gift of salvation. These are great things to celebrate every day.

The great things done by God are reasons to praise Him in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com