John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the heart of God toward those who are hurting.

Psalm 34:17 and 18 says, “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

In our time of urgent need, we recognize that we need a strong arm to rescue us. That strong arm is Jesus, who stretched out His hands on the cross with the saving power of His shed blood. He was extending His love to us in that moment, and because He is alive, He is mighty to save those who call on Him. He listens to the prayer of our heart with His compassion. He can sympathize with us. He knows about our broken circumstances. He has the power to deliver us from the troubles of this world. We have the help of heaven through an ongoing relationship with Jesus.

The heart of God toward those who are hurting is worth examining for a faith focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Colossians 3, verses 23 and 24.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Those who belong to Jesus are servants of Jesus. He is worthy of our very best efforts, whether we are working at our job, doing chores on the home front, or volunteering at our local church. Ultimately, it is what we do for Jesus that matters. He sees what we do for Him. He knows when our heart is in it for the right reasons.

Hebrews 6:10 says, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”

The reward of God’s inheritance is a reason to praise Him in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul to fulfill their calling.

It happened among prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch in Acts 13. Verse 2 says, “while they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ “So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”

As they went, they were guided by the Holy Spirit in their travels.

Whenever someone is being sent into the mission field, whether it is across town or overseas, that is a good opportunity to pray for them and commission them with the blessing of God. This sends the message that the church community is in full support of their plans to serve God and make disciples.

The commissioning of Barnabas and Saul to fulfill their calling is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Psalm 140, verses 11 and 12.

“I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.”

One of the compelling realities of the Christian faith is that Jesus loves us in the midst of our weaknesses and frailties. He is mindful of our need for a Savior. He stepped into the world to reveal Himself as the One who can help us in our time of need. He offers the most essential gift for the needs of our soul. That gift is forgiveness.

His heart is with the humble, the needy, and the broken-hearted. His grace is strong enough to lift us up to a place of dignity and honor in His royal Presence. This will be the reality for all who trust in Jesus for salvation and yearn to be near Him.

The support of God’s help to uphold us is a reason to praise Him in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the prayer of Stephen during persecution.

In Acts 7:59, religious leaders of the Sanhedrin were not receptive to the words of Stephen when he confronted them about rejecting Jesus.

Their first reaction was to cover their ears and yell at the top of their voices. Their second reaction was to stone Stephen.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” His last recorded words were also spoken in a prayer, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

Sometimes, God allows suffering in the life of His children. Many followers of Jesus have been martyred for their faith. Stephen was the first one.  His example in death reflected the words of First Peter 4:19, “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator, and continue to do good.”

The prayer of Stephen during persecution is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from 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.”

When we follow Jesus, we walk in the light of His grace and truth. The darkness of guilt, shame, and sin are overcome by the light of His forgiveness.

When we follow Jesus, we walk in the light of His blessing. His favor shines on us to give us good and perfect gifts such as the Holy Spirit and eternal life. He brings us into His household of faith, where we belong to Him and His church. He becomes our identity and source of life. His peace is a precious gift that fills our heart with joy.

When we follow Jesus, we walk in the light of His hope. He has plans for a bright future for us in the realm of eternity. He has a purpose for us to fulfill today, and that purpose is the glory of His name.

Knowing Jesus as the Light of Life is a reason to praise God in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at David’s prayer for God’s mercy.

He said in Psalm 86:14, “Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God; ruthless people are trying to kill me-they have no regard for you. But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength in behalf of your servant.”

This is a pattern that we can follow when we are praying to God in a jam. First, state the situation, then, reaffirm our faith in God and his holy attributes, and then make our request. David’s prayer here is fully honest about his situation, and fully trusting in the Lord.

Focusing on God’s compassion, graciousness, patience, and faithful love can be a great source of comfort in times of distress. These attributes of God add confidence to our faith in Him.

David’s prayer for God’s mercy is worth examining in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from John 6:35.

Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

By telling us who He is, Jesus was saying that His grace is essential for life and provides nourishment for our soul. He invites us to taste and see that He is good. His love brings refreshment. His peace provides comfort. His words bring us joy and fulfillment.

Knowing Jesus as the Bread of Life is a reason to praise God in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the prayer of Samuel for the Israelites.

It happened in First Samuel 7, verses 8 and 9. Prayer became a vital weapon of protection as the Israelites were facing fear in the face of the Philistine army. They said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.” The Bible says that he cried out to the LORD on Israel’s behalf, and the LORD answered him.

After Israel’s victory in the battle, Samuel set up a stone, naming it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us.’

This highlights the value of seeking God’s help in the midst of our battles and thanking God for His help in our victories.

The prayer of Samuel for the Israelites is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Psalm 118, verses 22 to 24.

“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.”

This Psalm is a reference to Jesus who is the firm foundation for the church and for all who call on the Lord in faith. He was rejected by men, so that we could be accepted by God. He was forsaken at the cross, so that we could be forgiven of our sins. The Gospel is good news that brings great joy for the heart that believes in Jesus.

Knowing Jesus as our Cornerstone is a reason to praise God in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com