John Shirk

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

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Matthew 5:8.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

When we become a follower of Jesus, our hearts are purified. Acts 15:9 talks about God purifying the hearts of the Gentiles by faith. Conversion to Christ is the beginning of a journey that sets us free from a corrupted heart. Our motives are purified to honor God in our actions.

Love replaces selfishness as our main motive-Love for God and love for people. Fixing our eyes and thoughts on Jesus helps us to live with pure motives.

Seeing God is the blessed place to be. As we focus on living for Jesus, our spiritual vision is clarified for doing God’s will until we see Him face to face in the future.

Matthew 5:8-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 Prayer.

This is an ongoing conversation with God, where we thank Him, confess to Him, petition Him, and worship Him.

Jesus taught us how to pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Philippians 4:6 shows how prayer to God invites the peace of God: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Matthew 5:7.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

Jesus taught us the blessing of mercy and He demonstrated mercy for us at the cross. God’s mercy to pardon our sin was reaching out to the world through Jesus. His influence teaches us to be merciful, which happens when we forgive someone who wronged us or show compassion to someone in need. Demonstrating mercy is a powerful way to represent Christ in a way that refreshes others with the awareness that they are loved by God.

The mercy of God has a transforming effect on how we relate with others. Jesus taught in Luke 6:36 “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Matthew 5:7-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Shine.

The influence of light overcomes the darkness. This is where the influence of Jesus shines boldly and brightly in our world to stir us to a radiant faith. The light of Christ awakens us to His love. Ephesians 5:14 says, “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

He gives us a new heart that beats after His heart of righteousness. He gives us a bold heart to declare His Word. He gives us a clean heart to live in freedom. He gives us a joyful heart to share His good news.

Philippians 2:14 says, “Do everything without grumbling or complaining, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky, as you hold firmly to the word of life.”

Discover how the word “Shine” 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 5:6.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

There is much joy and satisfaction in the righteousness of Jesus. An appetite for righteousness ultimately leads us to a trusting relationship with Jesus. It leads to holiness and godliness, which has great value for eternity. Jesus invites us to come to Him, walk with Him, and to know Him as Savior and Lord. As we follow Jesus with a faithful heart, we will have the opportunity to taste and see that He is good.

Matthew 5:6-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 Perceive.

This word is linked with wisdom and understanding.

With perception, we develop the ability to discern truth from error. We have the capacity to live with insight of the spiritual realities of God’s Kingdom. We need God’s wisdom to dig beneath the surface and perceive the heart of a spiritual matter.

The perception of God toward us is perfect. The person who knows God in a relationship is comforted by the awareness that God is keenly aware of all the details in our lives. In Psalm 139:1 to 3, David wrote these words:

“You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com