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JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to remember the empty grave.
Second Timothy 2:8 tells us to “remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David.” Paul the Apostle noted, “This is my gospel.” Jesus is our source of good news too when we belong to Him through faith. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the reason for our victory over sin, death, and the pressures of this world.
Jesus told His followers the night before He died, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Even though we face temptation, turbulence, and the trials of life, we have much reason for optimism. Jesus is alive today. We do not worship a dead Christ, but the risen Christ. Because of that, we have a living hope that outshines the brilliance of the sunlight and endures forever.
Take the daily challenge to remember the empty grave and the reason for our hope on the journey of faith.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to remember why Jesus died for us.
Here are three Bible verses that give us compelling reasons.
From Second Corinthians 5:15, “He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” That’s godly purpose.
From First Thessalonians 5:10, “He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.” That’s a forever relationship between God and His people.
And First John 4:9, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” That’s power to live out the good news.
The common thread is that Jesus died so that we might live. His grace moves us to live with godly purpose, in meaningful relationship, and with the strength to press on in the faith.
Take the daily challenge to remember why Jesus died to give us life on the journey of faith.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK-In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to remember Jesus’ prayer in the Garden just before He was arrested.
Jesus understood the gravity of the moment. Hope for the human race depended on the mission of Jesus. That time was approaching for Him to be handed over to the Gentiles for crucifixion. He was in great anguish.
In Luke 22:42, Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
The next day, Jesus hung on a cross. This request is a powerful reminder that Jesus was God’s Plan A, and there was no Plan B.
Jesus yielded to His Father’s will, even though it was the way of suffering. His example moves us to be humble before God and submit ourselves to His plan whatever the cost.
Take the daily challenge to remember Jesus’ prayer in the Garden and yield to God’s will on the journey of faith.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is Hosanna.
This is what the crowd was shouting in Matthew chapter 21 when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey. “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven.”
Hosanna is a term that means “Save.” It was an expression of praise, celebrating Jesus as the source of salvation.
The Old Testament expressed a plea for salvation. Psalm 118:25 says, “LORD, save us! LORD, grant us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.” Later, Jesus would enter Jerusalem, coming in peace while riding on a donkey, and presenting Himself as Israel’s king.
Hosanna speaks the compelling truth that through Jesus, our plea for salvation turns into an expression of praise when we welcome Him as our King, Savior, and friend.
Find encouragement in the shouts of Hosanna in the Year of Endurance.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
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JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is “Abba.”
This is a term that refers to God as our Father. It expresses a close, intimate relationship, where we can approach God with a childlike trust. Sometimes, Abba is equated with the term “Daddy”, which is an affectionate way to refer to our Father.
This is the kind of relationship that Jesus had with His Heavenly Father. In the Garden, just before going to the cross. Jesus prayed in Mark 14:36. “Abba Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
The Holy Spirit also prompts us toward an intimate relationship with God. Romans 8:14 and 15 says this, “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him, we cry, “Abba, Father.”
Find encouragement in knowing God as “Abba, Father” in the Year of Endurance.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to share God’s love with others.
When we share something with someone, it means that we are taking something that we possess and giving it to someone else so that they can enjoy it too.
God has not given us His love so that we keep it to ourselves. He wants us to share it with others with acts of service, kindness, humility, and words that tell His good news.
First John 4, verses 10 and 11 says, “This is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
Receiving God’s love is the first step that enables us to give it away.
Take the Daily Challenge to share God’s love with a friend, family member, or neighbor in need on the journey of faith.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
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JOHN SHIRK -Today’s Word of Encouragement is Excellence.
One definition of Excellence is the quality of being outstanding or extremely good.
The Bible tells us to focus our thoughts on that which is excellent.
God will take our work that is carried out in excellence to significant places. Proverbs 22:29 asks the question, “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.” God can give us a voice of influence through acts of service committed in excellence.
When we talk about excellence, we also have to bring love into the conversation. This is the most excellent way described in First Corinthians 12:31. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs….Love is the most excellent way.” Love adds excellence to our skills and service opportunities.
Find encouragement in the excellence of serving God with love from the heart in the Year of Endurance.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com