John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in John 12:46.

Jesus said, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”

This statement shows how the presence of Jesus is able to bring hope, righteousness, and joy into our lives. We can live a quality life of loving relationships with neighbors, family members, and with God Himself, because of the effective grace of Jesus in our hearts. The sinful nature loses control by the goodness and graciousness of God.

Isaiah 9:2 foretold the influence of Jesus in this way: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

 The presence of Jesus has brought light into the world. Faith opens the window of our heart to receive the light of God’s love.

John 12:46-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 Advocate.

An advocate is someone who defends or pleads another’s cause.

An advocate is a helper and a friend. Because of our sins, we are in a place of guilt unless someone steps in to plead our case.

Thankfully, Jesus took our place on the cross and paid the penalty for our sin so that we can be set free from our guilty condition.

First John 2:1 says, “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”

The Holy Spirit is also a worthy advocate to help us live out the Christian life in a way that is worthy of the Gospel. Jesus said in John 14:16, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever-the Spirit of truth.”

Discover how the word “Advocate” 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 3, verses 20 and 21.

Jesus said, “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”

Stepping into the light of God’s grace and truth is the beginning of a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. Confession is a turning point from darkness into light, where we acknowledge our sins to God and express our need for His grace. This is a humbling and freeing moment that releases us from the guilt of our past. God is faithful to forgive us when we confess our sins to Him. Then, we walk in the light of His fellowship and freedom, enjoying the journey of knowing Him better and loving Him more deeply. Then, we will learn to dance in the light as we celebrate with joy what God has done in our lives.

John 3:20 and 21-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 Act.

One definition of Act is “to behave in a certain manner.”

In a spiritual sense, our actions reflect how we live out our faith. When those actions are consistent with the way of Jesus, we express our faith in love. These are the kinds of actions that have a way of meeting needs and pointing people to the love of Jesus.

Proverbs 3:27 says, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”

Discover how the word “Act” 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 Isaiah 43:1 to 3.

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

If we belong to the Lord, we may encounter the waters of affliction. They are not meant to drown us, but to purify us. We may encounter the fire of adversity. They are not for the purpose of destroying us, but refining us. We can trust Him to be with us through the various seasons of life as our firm foundation.

Isaiah 43:1 to 3-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 Same.

This word refers to the unchanging nature of God’s character.

Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

This is an encouragement to His followers, because it means that we can count on Jesus to remain Savior forever. His grace is applied to the believer in Christ and provides secure salvation for eternity. He will always be on the throne. No one can take His throne away. His love endures forever. His promises are trustworthy.

So, as we go on our faith journey with Jesus leading the way, we can be confident of this-that he who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Discover how the word “Same” 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 7:1.

Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

In this statement, the word “judge” means “to decide” someone’s guilt or innocence. In our relationships, there is great danger in playing the part of the judge when only God is qualified to give the final verdict about someone’s life. It is hard to love someone that we dismiss as a lost cause. As long as people have breath, they have opportunity to repent. Sharing the kindness of Jesus with them extends that opportunity.

Matthew 7:1-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 Church.

The church is the body of Christ, and Jesus is the Head of the church. His leadership unites His followers together in love and worship. The church has been commissioned by Jesus to preach the Gospel. We have good news to share with the world that can change lives for eternity.

Jesus loves the church to the degree that He died for the church, so that we might be saved and purified in His presence.

Ephesians 5:25 tells us that “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”

Discover how the word “Church” 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 Exodus 3:14.

“I AM WHO I AM”.

That is how God identified Himself to Moses at the burning bush. He then said, “This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.”

This name reveals God as self-sufficient, always present, eternally existent. There has never been a time when God was not God.

When Jesus stepped on to the scene, He would use the phrase “I Am” to identify Himself.

“I am the Bread of Life.”

“I am the Good Shepherd.”

“I am the Resurrection and the Life.

“I am the Light of the world.”

“I am the way and the truth and the life.”

These are statements referring to the Deity of Jesus and revealing what He can do for us when we come to Him by faith.

Exodus 3:14-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 Purpose.

To have a purpose is to have a goal or intention to get something accomplished. With purpose, we wake up in the morning with motivation and direction.  The Gospel gives us the meaningful purpose for living out the will of God in our lives.

Philippians 2:13 says, “It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” That is where we find great joy, when we see God working in us and through us to make a difference in this world for the Gospel.

His love is the compelling influence for doing His will because His love has captured our heart. Rick Warren has said, “If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born BY His purpose and FOR his purpose.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com