JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is Belonging.

To belong to something is to have a sense that we fit in somewhere, and that we are connected to a group.

We were not made to be isolated from people.  The LORD said at the time of Creation that it is not good for man to be alone. So, He created a helper for him.

The grace of God opens the way for us to be part of God’s family and His kingdom. First Peter 2:9 says to the faithful church, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

Belonging to God is a precious connection that brings joy to our heart, light to our day, and praise to our words.

Find encouragement in the opportunity of belonging to God and His family in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to submit to God’s authority.

Before we are willing to do that, it is quite likely that we need to be convinced that God is good and that His love is real.

The truth is that God’s goodness and love were revealed at the cross where Jesus died for our sin. Then, His resurrection power came to life 3 days later. Today, His redemption plan invites us to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior. This step requires humility, an awareness that we need God’s forgiveness.

James 4:6 tells us that ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. 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.’

As we respect God’s authority and rely on His grace, He will be faithful to save us and lift us up at the proper time.

Take the daily challenge to submit to God’s authority and find grace for the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is Secure.

The most secure place to be is in the grace of God. That is where the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin. Our guilt is removed. Forgiveness is our reality, Jesus is our firm foundation, and His love is our source of confidence. Heaven is our destiny. With our focus on Jesus, faith becomes stronger than fear.

Psalm 112:6 says, “Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.”

No matter what happens today, God is still on the throne, and His grace sustains us through times of trial and triumph. Our true security is ultimately found in Jesus Christ.

Find encouragement in the security of God’s grace in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to keep walking with Jesus.

Faith is a relational journey. Step-by-step we are moving on a pathway toward a specific destiny. If we are walking with Jesus by faith, we are moving in the narrow path of God’s will toward a place called heaven. That is where Jesus is right now. Someday, we will meet Him face-to-face and give an account of our lives to Him.

First John 2:28 instructs us to “continue in Him, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.”

When sin entered the human race, Adam and Eve attempted to cover themselves because they felt shame. But in Christ, our shame is removed and is replaced with confidence in His grace to purify us. His righteousness covers us and gives us garments of praise.

Take the daily challenge to walk with Jesus on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to keep our spiritual fervor.

Romans 12:11 says, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

When someone serves the Lord with fresh enthusiasm, they can have a contagious effect on people’s lives for the Gospel.

It is good to be aware of those influences which damage our enthusiasm for God and stay away from them, including sinful patterns, discouraging voices, and hurried schedules.

It is also good to be aware of those influences that increase our enthusiasm and move toward them: Jesus, faithfulness in prayer, supportive believers, meaningful Bible study, and service for God in the ways He has gifted us.

Jesus said, “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.”

Take the daily challenge to keep spiritual fervor alive on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is “Anchor.”

An anchor is a device that holds a ship in place. It is especially useful during a storm, to give it stability.

During the writing of the New Testament, an anchor became a symbol of hope for believers.

Hebrews 6:19 says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”  Our hope, security, and strength come from having a relationship with Jesus, where we follow Him as Savior and Lord.

God’s love is strong and secure. His promises are true and trustworthy. We can rely on His love and trust His Word. Then, when the storms of life bring turbulence into our world, the grace of God will be the firm foundation that keeps hope in view.

Find encouragement in knowing Jesus as the anchor for our soul in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is the Church.

Some people think of church as a building, but in reality, the church is the people of God. Jesus is the Head of the church and the builder of the church. He has designed the church to take the gospel to the world, and today, that assignment is still in motion.

It is also significant to note that Jesus loves the church. He died for the church and is in the process of purifying the church until He returns for His followers.

Ephesians 5:25 compares the relationship between Christ and His church to the intimacy of a marriage relationship. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”

Find encouragement in God’s love and purpose for the church in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is Pleasant.

When you think of a pleasant experience, what do you think of?  It could be quality time with friends or family members. Or it might be your favorite vacation spot.

A pleasant moment is usually a satisfying experience. We find enjoyment in them. There are some moments that the Bible describes as pleasant.

Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

And Psalm 135:3 encourages us to praise the name of the LORD, for that is pleasant.

Find encouragement in the pleasant experiences of worshiping God and fellowship with His followers in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6mEDbMi1H9KVyJ37RaDFIL?si=e9d0f853142f404a