John Shirk

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

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Micah 6:8.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

This is a key passage for living out God’s good requirements:

To act justly means treating people fairly without partiality. It means relating with others on a level of respect and dignity.  Justice stands for the oppressed and calls to account those who are found guilty of crimes.

Loving mercy involves reaching out to those in need with a compassionate heart. It also includes extending forgiveness when someone wrongs us.

Walking Humbly with God keeps us in step with Jesus, depending on His grace to save us from sin and lead us on the path of life and liberty.

Micah 6:8-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 Care.

We have assurance from God’s Word that the Lord cares for us. He is attentive to the needs and details of our lives. He has compassion for us. Jesus Christ is our strong and worthy advocate.

This is why we can trust Him. This is why we can take those anxious moments to His throne of grace and talk with Him in prayer.

First Peter 5:7 invites us to “cast all our anxiety on him, because He cares for us.”

He can handle all the weight of our anxiety. Philippians 4:6 and 7 tells us that as we submit our prayers and petitions to God, His peace will guard our heart and mind. His care for us delivers us from our fears.

Discover how the word “Care” 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, verses 10 to 12.

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Through the generations, many believers have suffered and died for Jesus. Those scars are a badge of honor. Their righteousness shines as a bright light of faithfulness and devotion to Jesus. Persecution may take on different forms and severity. However, if we are persecuted in any way because of our witness for Jesus, we have words of assurance from Jesus Himself that we are blessed by God and can look forward to a great reward in heaven.

Matthew 5:10 to 12-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 Patience.

This is an expression of love and a quality in the Fruit of the Spirit. With patience, a person is willing to give others time and opportunity to grow. We are slow to become angry in times of testing and slow to complain in times of adversity.

God has been patient with us, and when we realize the extent of His kindness, it can become a turning point that humbles us and leads us to follow Jesus. His patience toward us enables us to be patient with others and patient in times of personal pain.

Ephesians 4:2 urges us to be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

And Romans 12:12 instructs us to be patient in affliction. This involves waiting on God with a faithful heart until the Lord intervenes in His own timing and in His own way.

Discover how the word “Patience” 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 5:9.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker who came to bring us peace with God. As we follow Jesus and find peace in His grace, here are some ways that the influence of Jesus turns us into peacemakers.

Number One-Living at Peace with others: Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Number Two-Being an Influence for Peace in Conflict-Paul the Apostle appealed to two women in the faith to settle their disagreement.

Number Three-Reconciliation with God. Second Corinthians 5:20 describes followers of Jesus as His ambassadors. We have a message to share with the world on Christ’s behalf-Be reconciled to God.

Matthew 5:9-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 Empathize.

Times of sadness cry out for support and comfort. A response of empathy shows understanding. A person with empathy has experienced something similar and can feel the pain of the grieving heart, even as they come alongside to provide comfort.

The cross is evidence that no matter how deep our pain, Jesus understands. He came to the world and experienced the human existence with our wide range of emotions. Hebrews 4:15 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.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com