John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Mark 2:14.

“Follow me.”

Those two words were life-changing to Levi who was sitting at the tax collector’s booth. The Bible records Levi’s response. “Levi got up and followed him.”

Right there in the middle of his workday, Levi was called by the Lord to abandon his old way of life and embrace the new path of following Jesus. He would become one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He would walk with Jesus. He would learn from Jesus. He would become a voice to lead others to Jesus. He is the author of the book of Matthew. It all started with two simple words, “Follow me.” Those two words are life-changing for anyone to says “yes” to this invitation of Jesus.

Mark 2:14-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 Companion.

A companion is someone who frequently spends time with us. We will likely enjoy their warm friendship and sweet fellowship. Jesus walked with companions who were His disciples. The Apostle Paul had companions on his missionary team. Having companions enables us to be part of a group or community that builds up our faith in the Lord. At the time of creation, God blessed all that He made and called them good. But one thing He said that was not good is for man to be alone.

Companions share common experiences together and learn from each other. That is why it matters what kind of person we are associating with on a regular basis.

Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

Discover how the word “Companion” 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 Revelation 1:18.

Jesus said, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

The resurrection of Jesus is the pivotal moment in history that makes all the difference for His followers. We serve a Risen Savior who is alive and well.

Because Jesus lives, we can live in relationship with Him today. He hears our prayers and guides us by His Spirit and the counsel of His Word.

Because Jesus lives, our faith overflows with real and lasting hope, He has defeated the powers of death and hell, and He lives and reigns forever, as the Lamb of God who is worthy of our praise.

Revelation 1:18-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 Disciple.

The meaning of a Disciple in the Bible is a student who learns from their teacher.

Jesus called His disciples to follow Him. Jesus taught His disciples that a student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

This is what happens to us when we follow Jesus step by step. We examine His life. We look to His example. We learn from His teachings. We put into practice what He says. As time goes by, we become more and more like Him, so that when people see us, they see the influence of Jesus making an impact on our lives.

Jesus said in John 8:31, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Discover how the word “Disciple” 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 28:16.

“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.”

This verse is applied to Jesus in First Peter chapter 2:6, saying, “the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”

Jesus is the firm foundation for our faith. We can rely on His grace to save us and set us free from the guilt of our sins. His love has been proven genuine at the cross, and His gift of eternal life that He offers is far more precious than the treasures of this world.

Isaiah 28:16-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 Day.

In the Bible, the word “Day” has several meanings. It may refer to a “24-hour period of time.” It may refer to “a period of Light.” It may refer to the “present time.” Sometimes, the word “Day” sheds light on the opportunity that we have in the present moment to respond to God’s grace and glorify His name.

Psalm 118:24 says “This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

And Second Corinthians 6:2 says, “Now it the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

Discover how the word “Day” 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 22:15 and 16.

Speaking of King Josiah, “He did what was right and just, so all went well with him. He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is this not what it means to know me?”

Having a relationship with God will affect how we view the cause of poverty. Helping those in poverty was a cause that united the early church, and it is a cause that unites followers of Jesus today, because we are moved by His compassion to make a difference for someone in a place of need.

Jeremiah 22:15 and 16-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 Fruit.

God made fruit for us to eat. In Genesis 1:29, God said to humans, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.”

Spiritually, fruit reflects the productive outcome of faithful actions and expressions.

There are different kinds of character qualities that make our faith more fruitful, such as love, joy, and peace. These qualities are found in the fruit of the Spirit. A productive witness for Jesus flows out of a faithful relationship with Him. In John 15:5, Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me, and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing.” And in verse 8, He said,  “This is to my Father’s glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” By being a fruitful witness for Christ, we can invite others to the table of fellowship where they can taste and see that the Lord is good.

Discover how the word, “Fruit” 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 Hebrews 1:6.

“Let all God’s angels worship him.”

This is what God said when He brought his firstborn into the world, which refers to Jesus. This statement was made to highlight the supreme name of Jesus, who is worthy of our worship too.

At the time of Christ’s birth, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel who announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds. They were praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

In the future, God’s children will have the opportunity to join the angels in the heavenly choir. What a day that will be!

Hebrews 1:6-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 Flourish.

This refers to a thriving faith that expresses praise for God with a heart of gratitude. We have the opportunity to flourish when we know God personally and live in confidence of His unfailing love for us.

We find this in Psalm 92, verses 12 to 15:

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon.

Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com