John Shirk

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

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Luke 5:31 and 32.

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

When Jesus said this, He was responding to this question from the Pharisees, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

The response of Jesus reveals His love for sinners in need of God’s grace. He came on a rescue mission to be the ultimate cure for our sick condition called sin. His love calls us out of selfish ambition and misplaced trust. He invites us to follow Him. As we say “Yes” to Jesus, He is faithful to restore us to spiritual health with a heart that beats consistently for the living God.

Luke 5:31 and 32-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 “Ambassador.”

An ambassador is a diplomat in a foreign land, representing their leader on a mission of peace.

This is a good description of the person who follows Jesus. This world is not our home. We are serving the King of Kings in a foreign land, representing Jesus on a peacemaking mission. That is a high calling, and a privilege to serve in such a way.

The Apostle Paul said in Second Corinthians 5:20, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

Representing Jesus is a mission of peace to share why Jesus came to the earth. We have 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.

Discover how the word “Ambassador” 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 6:38.

Jesus said, “I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”

Jesus was aware of His mission on earth. His focus was on doing and completing the Father’s will. His example gives our lives a meaningful focus point-Align our will with God’s will.

Later, Jesus explains the Father’s will with more detail.

“This is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

John 6:38-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 “Redemption.”

This is a significant word to the Christian faith, meaning to “buy out.”  It refers to the purchase for a slave’s freedom.

This is relevant to our spiritual condition, because sin leads us to a place of slavery. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. That is why we need a Savior. That is where Jesus enters the picture to be our Redeemer. He came to the world, then went to the cross to pay the price for our redemption. This is the hope of the Gospel. We are set free from the penalty and control of sin by the blood of Jesus.

Ephesians 1:7 says, “In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”

Discover how the word “Redemption” 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 3:17.

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

This statement highlights the mission of Jesus to save us, not to condemn us. He threw a lifeline to a world that was drowning in sin.

Eugene Peterson says in the Message about this verse, “God did not go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.”

These words of Jesus inspire us to put our trust in Him to save us from our sin. He will respond to the prayers of a pleading heart for salvation and give us a place in His kingdom forever.

John 3:17-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 Freedom.

To be free in Christ is to live in the refreshment of God’s forgiveness and to walk in the teachings of Christ.

Galatians 5:1 tells us that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

And Jesus said in John 8:31 and 32, “if you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Freedom flows out of a relationship with Jesus as we follow Him as Lord and Savior. He leads His people with wisdom and gentleness. His heart is filled with compassion. His commands are not a burden for us to follow. They are liberating for our faith to flourish in the center of God’s will.

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com