John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Micah 5:2.

Concerning Bethlehem, “Though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

In Matthew 2:1, this prophecy was fulfilled with the words that “Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea during the time of King Herod.”

The town Bethlehem means “House of Bread.”  It was in this community that the Bread of Life was born.  Our hunger and thirst for righteousness is satisfied in Christ. Our celebration of Jesus is what makes the festive holiday season complete.

Micah 5:2-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Frankincense.

This was one of the gifts that the Magi gave to Jesus when they came in a spirit of worship. Matthew 2:11 says that they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Frankincense was a fragrance that burned as a pleasant offering to God in worship. In the Old Testament, it was not to be used for just any occasion. It was to be used at the altar where Moses would meet with God. The incense would be most holy. The day would eventually come when Jesus would offer Himself as a pleasing sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:2 tells us that Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Discover how the meaning of the word “Frankincense” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Isaiah 7:14.

 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” This was fulfilled at the birth of Jesus.

When Gabriel the angel announced to Mary that she would give birth to a son, she asked him, “How will this be since I am a virgin?”

That is when the angel explained how this would happen: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”

The name “Immanuel” means “God with us.” Jesus was God’s visitation to the world. He came near to us so that we could be near to Him forever in His holy Presence.

Isaiah 7:14-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Gold.

This was one of the gifts that the Magi gave to Jesus when they came in a spirit of worship. Matthew 2:11 says that they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Gold is a precious metal referring to the royalty of Jesus. The Magi were bringing this gift to honor Jesus as their king.

His leadership has value for leading His servants to be faithful ambassadors of the living God. As the Magi demonstrated on their knees, Jesus is worthy of our honor and worship. Revelation 19 identifies Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Discover how the meaning of the word “Gold” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Isaiah 9:6.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Jesus is God’s ultimate gift to the world. Love moved the heart of God to reach out His hand to humanity with His salvation plan. These are some of the ways we come to know Jesus when we receive His precious gift of grace into our lives.

The counsel of Jesus leads us to His truth and righteousness.

He reigns on the throne of our hearts as our King and Savior.

Jesus embraces us as God’s children in His unfailing, everlasting love.

And He fulfills our yearning for peace by restoring us to God.

Isaiah 9:6-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Immanuel.

At the birth of Jesus, the Bible records in Matthew 1:22, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord has said through the prophet, ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him ‘Immanuel’, which means ‘God with us.’

God did not keep His distance from the human experience. He stepped right into it in the form of Jesus.

Jesus did not keep His distance from our pain and suffering and grief. Instead, He stepped right into it by going to the cross.

Jesus stepped into a world that needed a Savior, and showed us how we can be with Him forever. God cares and is close enough to hear every humble prayer that reaches out to Him.

Discover how the word “Immanuel” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Isaiah 9:2.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

New hope was born for us at the birth of Christ. Jesus fulfilled this Old Testament prophecy in His ministry.

He is the great light that we need to find our way out of spiritual darkness. The message of Jesus was to repent-to turn from selfish ways and false beliefs and turn toward Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. That is where the real hope for a brighter day can be found-following in His footsteps.

Jesus said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

Isaiah 9:2-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Glory.

This word reflects the light of God’s many attributes: His beauty, majesty, power, and purity, to name a few.

We were made to bring God glory. When our actions and attitudes reflect His character, we become agents of light to share His good news.

The light of God’s glory is brilliant, and leaves people overwhelmed with a sense of awe and wonder. When the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds at the time of Christ’s birth, the Bible tells us that they were terrified. But in Luke 2:10, the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

The glory of God shines light on Jesus Christ, His identity, and His worthiness of praise. That is good news for us to embrace.

Discover how the word “Glory” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in John 10:10.

Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

One of Satan’s agendas is to rob the blessings of God from us. He seeks to devour us, but Jesus came to destroy the devil’s work. Jesus has the power to save us from our sins. That is because He rose from the dead. And by His grace, we can say, “Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Instead of death apart from Jesus, we can enjoy life with Jesus. Walking with Him is an experience of peace and joy in His redeeming love, thanksgiving for His worthy sacrifice, and hope in His promise of eternal life. He gives us opportunities to shine His light with a thriving faith. His abounding grace and dependable Word encourage us to grow more mature, and to bear fruit for God’s glory.

John 10:10-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Water.

This substance is necessary for life. It is a basic need for survival. Jesus talked about our need for the water that He offers.

In John 4:13, Jesus said to a woman at the well, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

The living water that Jesus offers us provides us with hope and refreshment. If we are weary, Jesus invites us to drink from His well that does not run dry.  In John 7:37, Jesus said these words in a loud voice. “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this, he meant the Spirit.” Those who believed in Jesus would later receive Him. Faith gives us access to the fountain of life.

Discover how the word “Water” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com