John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on John 8:12.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Darkness is a place of confusion, despair, and death. Those are the places where sinful choices lead us. But there is a way out of the darkness. Jesus is the source of light. He brings clarity and direction where there was once confusion. He brings hope that overcomes despair. He puts us on the road that leads to heaven. He knows how to guide His followers to their eternal home.

Darkness is overcome by light when we follow Jesus.

Walking in the light of Jesus’ footsteps is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on James 1, verses 2 to 4.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

It is not unusual to come out of a trial with a very different mindset than when we entered into a trial. Something happens in the midst of a trial that humbles us to recognize our dependence on Jesus.

Coming out of a trial, we can usually be more sympathetic to other people in similar circumstances, because we have been there.

We rarely seek trials before they happen, but after they happen, we can often look back on their value to our faith. James has wise advice for our trials-Persevere. Another way of saying that is “Don’t give up.”

Walking in perseverance and maturity are virtues to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on First Peter 3:15.

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

This verse reveals an important sequence of events for being an effective witness for Jesus.

First, establish clearly that Jesus is Lord of our lives. Let Him take His rightful place on the throne of our hearts.

Second, be prepared to be a voice of hope. This happens with knowledge of God’s Word and experience in living out the Christian life.

Third, share the reason for hope with respectful conversation, not heated arguments. Anger builds up barriers, while respect builds bridges for the Gospel to have a life-changing impact.

Walking as a witness for Jesus is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Psalm 139, verses 23 and 24.

David prayed, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

It takes humility to pray this kind of prayer. David was inviting God into the very heart of his ambitions and desires. He was also open to the correction of the Lord. David did not want anything in his life to offend God. He wanted sinful ambition to be replaced by godly ambition.

Like an operating physician, God digs beneath the surface of our lives to probe the mind and heart for the purpose of purification and healing.

Walking with an open heart to God is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Psalm 40, verse 3.

David said this about the LORD, “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.”

When the grace of God moves the heart, praise for God becomes the theme of our songs. Jesus said, “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” That is what was happening in David’s life. His music became an instrument of praise that became a public testimony of what God had done in his life. This kind of music continues to have an impact on people’s lives today.

Using music as an instrument of praise for God is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye On Integrity is based on James 4, verses 7 and 8.

“Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

This statement was addressing believers who were torn by conflict. They were quarreling and fighting each other. They were struggling with pride and selfish motives. James is showing how this problem can be overcome. Submit to God. Resist the devil. Approach God with a humble heart. He will rearrange priorities and do a cleansing of the heart that will produce peace with God and unity in the body of Christ.

Walking in submission to God is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on First Thessalonians 5, verses 21 and 22.

“Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.”

There is wisdom in using spiritual filters whenever we hear a sermon or watch a movie, or read comments on social media forums.

The Bereans were a group of people commended for their discernment. When Paul came to teach them, they were receptive to his message and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. They took time to evaluate Paul’s words in light of what the Bible says. That is a valuable exercise that can keep our faith well-rooted in the truth of God’s Word.

Walking in discernment is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Deuteronomy 10:12.

“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”

These were Moses’ instructions to the Israelites after they had been delivered from slavery and were preparing to enter the Promised Land. In light of God’s blessings and promises to us, we have that same opportunity today to express our gratitude to God by dedicating ourselves completely to Him. God has a pattern of doing extraordinary things in people who fully trust in His love and revere His Divine authority.

Walking in complete devotion to God is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Matthew 5:16.

Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

There is a way that practicing good deeds does NOT honor God. Jesus talked about the Pharisees praying, fasting, and giving their offerings to God in order to be seen by others. But there is a way that practicing good deeds DOES honor God. It happens when our motivation is prompted by God’s love and overflows into our actions.

God uses our good deeds to serve people and meet them at their point of need. As they benefit from our generous gifts or labor of love, they will see the extension of God’s love flowing through us. What opportunities are before you today?

Glorifying God with good deeds is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Person of Integrity from the Bible is Mordecai.

He was a cousin to Queen Esther during a time when the Jews were living under the reign of the Persian Empire. There were a number of noble qualities about Mordecai.

He had taken Esther as his own daughter before she became queen. Esther did not have a father or mother. As her cousin, Mordecai became a father-like figure to her. He was a man of compassion.

He also broke up an assassination attempt against the king. He was a man of courage.

It also appears that Mordecai was loyal to God. When the king ordered the royal officials to kneel down and honor a man named Haman, Mordecai refused to comply. He was a man of conviction.

The faithfulness of Mordecai to live with compassion, courage, and conviction inspires us to do what is right in the eyes of God and live a life of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com