John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from John 15, verse 5.

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

By identifying Himself as the vine, Jesus was telling us that our fruitful labor depends on the nourishment of His grace. A productive faith flows out of our relationship with Him. Jesus invites us to come to Him for the strength and support that we need. This involves staying connected to Him in quiet moments of Bible study and prayer. This also involves walking with Him in obedience to His will. Jesus speaks to us in His word and guides us in truth. As we follow Jesus, He will refresh us with His grace and give us a productive place to serve in His Kingdom.

Knowing Jesus as the Vine is a reason to praise Him in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the value of heeding the voice of Jesus.

In John 10:27, Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

You can’t go in the wrong direction by following the voice of Jesus. One of His disciples by the name of Peter acknowledged that Jesus has the words of eternal life. When Jesus says, “Come to me,” He is inviting us out of spiritual darkness into the light of His grace and truth. He knows how to lead us to eternal life. He is the only One capable of bringing us to the throne of heaven where we can celebrate Jesus forever in an atmosphere of peace and worship.

Heeding the voice of Jesus is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the contrite heart of David.

After committing a grievous sin against God, David confessed his sin in Psalm 51. He came clean and declared his sincere intent to willingly follow the Lord. That is called repentance. We grieve our sinful condition, call on Jesus for forgiveness, and go in a different direction. That direction is following Jesus with a willing heart that trusts Him and loves Him above all other loves.

In Psalm 51:17, David said to the Lord, “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”

We can be honest with God about our weaknesses and ask for His grace to be our source of strength to help us overcome our weaknesses. Honesty and Humility lead us to places of greater intimacy with God.

The contrite heart of David is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus comes from Genesis 50, verses 20 and 21.

Joseph said to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

When Joseph was a young man, he was badly mistreated by his brothers. Later in life, he arose to second in command in all of Egypt. During a drought, his brothers came to Joseph and pleaded for food. Joseph could have chosen revenge for all the harm that they did to him, but instead he offered forgiveness. Here, he spoke of the goodness of God, and was moved by the compassion of God to extend a helping hand. That is how the cycle of hatred and bitterness can be broken-by the love of God.

The wisdom of God’s redemptive plan 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 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