John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the priority of making things right with those we have wronged.

Jesus highlighted this priority in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:23, He taught, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

Truth and grace prevail when relationships fractured by sin are restored. God cares about our relationships and calls us to seek reconciliation when we are aware that we have done something to hurt someone else. It is a humble, necessary step toward the path of a mended relationship.

The priority of making things right with those we have wronged is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Philippians 1:6.

“Being confident in this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

God has a good work for us to complete while we live on the earth. The fruit of our labor in the Lord will have a lasting impact until the day of Christ Jesus. That means the good work He starts in us has the power to endure beyond our last breath on this earth.

This is a legacy of faith that leads us to be filled with gratitude and joy, for it is only by God’s grace and with His strength that we get to be included in the redemptive story of His gospel. First Corinthians 15:58 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

God’s good work in us is a reason to praise Him in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Psalm 7:17.

David said, “I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.”

There is a strong connection in the Bible between thanksgiving and praise. From a heart of gratitude, we are moved to lift up the name of the LORD Most High. It is our joy to give Him glory, knowing what He has done for us to rescue us from sin and shame.

What is more amazing is that through faith in Jesus, God declares us as righteous in His eyes. It is not our personal righteousness that He sees. It is His righteousness placed on us through Christ. Second Corinthians 5:21 says about Jesus, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

The righteousness of God 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 Elisha for his servant.

They were surrounded by a hostile army. It was a strong force coming against them. The servant of Elisha was perplexed about what to do. Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then, Elisha prayed in Second Kings 6:17, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.”

Then, he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. God’s power was protecting them.

In our daily struggles, through temptations and opposition, God wants us to see the spiritual reality that if God is for us, who can be against us? The one who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world. God’s grace is strong enough to keep us in His love.

The prayer of Elisha for his servant is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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

In Psalm 86:5, David prayed, “You Lord are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.”

Where do we turn in times of trouble? David was a man after God’s own heart, and his tendency was to lean on the Lord in dire circumstances. One of his statements highlights his unwavering trust in God in crisis moments. He said, “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.”

What we believe about God’s ways and character affects whether or not we will trust Him in our moments of distress. The Bible is a dependable place to turn to see God’s faithfulness to His word and His people.

David’s cry for mercy is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Revelation 21, verses 3 and 4.

The Apostle John wrote, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

There is a new heaven and a new earth planned for God’s people. It will be a new order of peace, and love, and joy, and worship in the presence of God. It will be so full of life. No graves will ever be dug. No hospitals will need to be built. There will be no more suffering.

There is a certain mystery to this future place of glory and grace. But we do know that the death and resurrection of Jesus is what makes it possible for us to live with this certain hope. Romans 6:23 says that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The promise of a new heaven and a new earth 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 a prayer for restoration.

It’s found in Psalm 51:10 to 12.

David prayed “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

Sometimes, God’s people lose spiritual focus, and lose their moral direction. Such was the case with David, who committed adultery with Bathsheba and plotted her husband’s death. When he was confronted about his sin, David did not try to justify his actions. Rather, he humbly confessed them to God and asked Him for a cleansing.

Sin keeps us from experiencing the joy of sweet fellowship with God. Because He loves us so much, God convicts us of our sin, so that we might confess it, uproot it, and be set free from its control. Confession is key to restoration of our joy in the Lord.

A prayer for Restoration is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Revelation 19:6 and 7.

“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.”

There is a great celebration coming in heaven with shouts of Hallelujah. Multitudes will enjoy a festival of praise to the Lord around the throne. The angel said to the Apostle John, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb! These are the true words of God.”

This is a glorious day that God’s people anticipate-being in the presence of the Lord, seeing Him face to face, enjoying His peace and grace.

The Reign of the LORD Almighty 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 vibrancy of living with zeal.

Sometimes, indifference can creep in when we lose our passion for the Lord. But there are ways that we can keep our zeal for the Lord vibrant.

A marriage has opportunity to thrive when the communication lines stay open. So it is with our relationship with God. Prayer and Bible reading keep the communication lines open with God and train us to abide in Jesus with a Spirit-controlled zeal.

Whenever we serve God with our spiritual gifts, we are investing in God’s Kingdom and going deeper in our commitment to Christ.

Expressing love for God and sharing His love with others is a life-giving experience. Staying connected with members of God’s family in fulfilling relationships also has an encouraging impact on our faith.

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

Living with zeal for the Lord is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Psalm 33, verses 1 to 4.

“Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.”

God’s word is a trustworthy blueprint for building our lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ. His word directs us to follow Jesus. That is where we find the freedom. That is where we find true love. That is where we find real joy-in the arms of a gracious God who watches over us and cares for us. That is good news that puts a song in our heart to praise the Lord.

The faithfulness of God is a reason to praise Him in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com