John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Matthew 8:10.

Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”

Jesus was not talking about a priest or even one of His disciples in this statement. He was referring to a Roman soldier.

This Centurion came to Jesus seeking help for his servant who was paralyzed at his home and suffering. He said, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” This man’s statement of faith was so impressive that even Jesus was amazed.

With faith, we trust the words of Jesus to be true and accept them as reality. With humility, we acknowledge His holiness and appeal for His graciousness.

Matthew 8:10-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 “Gospel.”

This word is associated with the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.

When we receive the grace of God as a gift, we are embracing good news for our soul.

The Apostle Paul was moved by the Gospel to preach it. He said in Romans 1:16 and 17, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed-a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.”

The Gospel is good news that brings us hope, affecting our view of the world today and how we live out our faith in the Lord Jesus.

Discover how the word “Gospel” 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 Jeremiah 32:40 and 41.

I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul.

The Lord was talking about restoring the fortunes of Jerusalem in the future. Charles Spurgeon has said, “How encouraging to the believer is God’s delight in his saints! As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so does the LORD rejoice over his people.”

God’s goodness gives us an opportunity to celebrate His love with a heart of reverence and awe. What amazing grace that God would faithfully love us, bless us, and give us a place in His family of faith.

Jeremiah 32:40 and 41-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Today’s Word from God’s Word is Ebenezer.

This word shows up in First Samuel 7:12, when the prophet Samuel set up a stone and named it “Ebenezer” saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”

This stone was set up to remind the Israelites of God’s faithfulness to them. Sometimes, they would be unfaithful to Him, and He would discipline them. But the purpose of the discipline was not to destroy the Israelites. Rather, His purpose was to turn their hearts back to Him.

Ebenezer means “Stone of Help.”  There are reference points that remind us that God has come to help His people.  Those places are at the cross and empty grave. Jesus is the evidence of God’s faithfulness, and we can count on Him to save us from our sins.

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

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Matthew 14:27.

“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Jesus said these words to His disciples as He appeared to them in the middle of a storm. They were terrified when they saw Jesus walking on the lake, thinking He was a ghost. But their fears turned to faith and worship after Jesus identified Himself and calmed the raging storm. When Jesus got into the boat, the disciples worshiped Him saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

In the storms of our lives, Jesus is the voice of encouragement that we need. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…”

Matthew 14:27-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 Joy.

John Piper defines Christian joy as a “good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as He causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world.” Joy takes great delight in God’s grace. This is the fruitful experience that flows out of walking in step with the Spirit of God. It is found among the ingredients in the Fruit of the Spirit.

One of God’s followers named Nehemiah said in the Bible, “The joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Joy sustains our passion for God day-after-day. Joy moves us to sing songs of praise to God for His righteousness and amazing grace.

The writer of Psalm 71:23 said, “My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you-I whom you have delivered. My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long….”

Discover how the word “Joy” 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 Amos 5:24.

“Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”

God was pointing out to the Israelites what they were doing wrong and giving them warnings of what would happen if they continued in disobedience. He also was showing them how they could change course and honor Him with their lives.

Let justice flow. Uphold righteousness and truth. Stop the oppression of the innocent and poor. Maintain justice in the courts. This is what the Lord was calling Israel to do. It is a reminder for us to treat people fairly, love our neighbor as ourselves, comfort the grieving, help those in poverty, defend the oppressed, and look after orphans and widows in their distress. These are actions that reflect the love of Jesus.

Amos 5:24-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 Covenant.

In basic terms, a covenant in the Bible is an agreement between two parties. There were times when God made covenants with His people. He made a covenant with Noah, Abraham, the people of Israel, and with David. These covenants also point us to the faithfulness of God to His promises.

When Jesus came on the scene, He made a new covenant with His followers. At the Last Supper, He took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to His disciples, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.” Then He said in Matthew 26:28, “This is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

His blood was shed on the cross and paid the price for our redemption.

Discover how the word “Covenant” 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 Revelation 3:20.

To the church at Laodicea, Jesus said,

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

This is a knock on the door of a church that was feeling self-sufficient. They were relying on themselves and their wealth rather than Jesus. However, Jesus was giving them an opportunity to change their mind and depend on Him. Jesus does that with us too when we become lukewarm to the Gospel. His knock is an invitation to open the door of our heart to Jesus and experience sweet fellowship with Him forever. That is where we find lasting fulfillment and true contentment.

Revelation 3:20-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 Direct.

To direct someone is to manage or to guide by advice, helpful information, and instruction.

This is one of the ways that the Lord leads His people. He gives us counsel and direction by His wisdom.

From Isaiah 48:17, “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”

When God directs us in a particular mission or assignment, He knows what He is doing. He has the best plan for our lives to enable our faith to thrive for His glory. Proverbs 3:5 and 6 reveals the importance of trusting God to guide us in His will. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will direct your paths.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com