John Shirk

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

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at keeping God as top priority.

First John 5:21 is a short exhortation worthy of our attention. “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”

Idols are objects of worship. An idol can be anything or anyone that is more important to us than Jesus.

We can protect our heart from competing influences by delighting in the Lord, where our focus is on Jesus:

• Remembering His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection from the dead
• Treasuring the value of His grace
• Enjoying the freedom of walking in His truth
• Meditating on His word
• Spending time with Him in prayer
• Healthy relationships with other believers are also vital for encouragement and growing in our faith.

Keeping God as top priority is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Romans 8:28.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

This is an encouraging word to each person who loves the Lord with all their heart. God has worked through the Gospel and is working through the circumstances of daily life to work out His good purposes in our lives.

Not everything that happens to us is good. Joseph learned that in the book of Genesis. He was badly mistreated by His brothers, but he persevered in trusting God and remained tender toward His love. Much later in life, when he had the opportunity for revenge, he showed forgiveness instead. Through eyes of faith, he saw God’s goodness through their evil intent many years ago. He said in Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

God’s good purposes are reasons 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 prayer support for the Apostle Paul.

This is how Paul recognized the value of prayer support:

He said to the church in Second Corinthians 1:10 that God “has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”

The prayers of God’s people were making a difference for Paul and his co-workers to deliver them from harm. Our prayers for God’s servants today will be a blessing to support their ministries. God moves powerfully in our churches and communities when His people pray.

Prayer Support for the Apostle Paul is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Romans 12:11.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Having zeal for God means we are enthusiastic about belonging to Him and lifting up the name of Jesus with praise.

There are various ways to praise the Lord-with our songs, with our love for people, with our words, and in our service. When we think of the ways that God has gifted us to serve, those are opportunities to be a blessing to people in our worship for God.

We can be consistent in our zeal by staying close to God and delighting in His love for us. His zeal is the key to His accomplishments on our behalf, which motivates us to serve Him with zeal.

The zeal of the Lord is a reason to praise Him in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com