John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in John 3:17.

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

This statement highlights the mission of Jesus to save us, not to condemn us. He threw a lifeline to a world that was drowning in sin.

Eugene Peterson says in the Message about this verse, “God did not go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.”

These words of Jesus inspire us to put our trust in Him to save us from our sin. He will respond to the prayers of a pleading heart for salvation and give us a place in His kingdom forever.

John 3:17-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 Freedom.

To be free in Christ is to live in the refreshment of God’s forgiveness and to walk in the teachings of Christ.

Galatians 5:1 tells us that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

And Jesus said in John 8:31 and 32, “if you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Freedom flows out of a relationship with Jesus as we follow Him as Lord and Savior. He leads His people with wisdom and gentleness. His heart is filled with compassion. His commands are not a burden for us to follow. They are liberating for our faith to flourish in the center of God’s will.

Discover how the word “Freedom” 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 5:17.

Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.”

This verse gives us a new understanding of the Old Testament. For example, the observance of Passover in the book of Exodus is more than a story of God delivering the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. That was significant. But it becomes even more meaningful when we read in First Corinthians 5:7 that “Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed.” This is one way in which Jesus fulfilled the Law.

Jesus also fulfilled many Prophecies, such as Isaiah 53:5 and 6. “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Matthew 5:17-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 Workmanship.

Ephesians 2:10 uses this word to convey the idea that we are masterpieces by the design of our Creator.

The New King James Version puts it this way: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” What are some skills that God has provided for you? Where do you have opportunities to serve with those skills? Look for those opportunities.

Our workmanship is a form of worship to God. As we do good deeds for others in the name of Jesus, we become instruments of grace to meet their needs and build them up in the faith.

This is how God designed us-to live out His purpose for our lives, expressing our faith with love. This is how God works through His people to be a light in this world.

Discover how the word “Workmanship” 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 Amos 5:4.

“Seek me and live.”

To seek God is the pursuit to know the living God, and to experience the joy of being in His presence. It is a desire to be in relationship with Him and to acknowledge Him for who He is.

The writer of Ecclesiastes sought meaning in various pursuits such as wealth, pleasure, and work. However, he ended up saying that these things were meaningless. They do not satisfy our soul in the long run.

There is a place of satisfaction for our soul in the grace of God. Jesus said to a woman at the well, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” This invitation remains open. “Seek the LORD while He may be found: call on Him while He is near.”

Amos 5:4-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 Grace.

To be in God’s grace is to have God’s unmerited favor. By God’s grace, sinners are converted to saints, and receive blessings beyond measure.

Ephesians 2:8 says. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

And Romans 3:22 says, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement through the shedding of his blood-to be received by faith.”

That is what the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus was all about-to offer us the gift of grace, so that we might be redeemed, restored, and reconciled to God.

Discover how the word “Grace” 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 Genesis 12:2 and 3.

The LORD said to Abraham, “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

This blessing to the world is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus who came through the line of Abraham’s descendants. God keeps His promises. It may take many years, but God is always true to His Word. He will bring to light what He has promised in due time.

Another lesson we learn is that God blesses us to be a blessing.  Whenever God blesses us, that is an opportunity to pass the blessing along through generous giving, hospitality, and acts of service that meet people’s needs.

Genesis 12:2 and 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 “Delight.”

In the Bible, delight is sometimes used to describe our satisfaction and joy in a relationship with God.

Psalm 37:4 instructs us to “take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

God’s grace is our source of joy and satisfaction because that is where we find salvation. God’s will is our source of joy and satisfaction because that is where we find our purpose.

As we delight in the LORD, He will place those desires in our heart that are from Him. God’s desires will become our passion. That passion will fuel our mission to shine for the glory of God.

Discover how the word “Delight” 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 21, verse 22.

Jesus said this to Simon Peter about the Apostle John. “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

Jesus had just mentioned how Peter would glorify God in his death. Peter looked back to see John following them, then turned to Jesus and said, “Lord, what about him?”

Jesus was encouraging Peter not to concern himself with what would happen to John. Instead, Peter was to focus on following Jesus.

It can be easy to compare ourselves with others, especially if we perceive that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. But this becomes a distraction from where God wants our focus to be. That focus point is following Jesus. Look to Him. That is where we see life with greater clarity and can move forward in faith with clear purpose.

John 21:22-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 Confidence.

One definition of confidence is having trust or faith. This is how we can approach God with our needs, concerns, and petitions, knowing that He cares for us.

Hebrews 4:15 and 16 says, “We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Jesus sees us, He loves us. He cares for us in our time of need and is able to help us. He is uniquely qualified to save us from sin and to purify us from all unrighteousness.

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com