John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Hosea 11:1b.

“Out of Egypt I called my son.”

Originally in Hosea, this was a reference to Israel, which was called out of Egypt in the time of Moses. In the New Testament, this verse also applies to Jesus and is noted in Matthew 2:15.

He lived in Egypt for a period of time until the time of King Herod when it was safe to return to Israel.

God’s purpose for the Israelites to come out of Egypt was to set them free from slavery so that they could worship Him in the desert. God’s purpose for His Son to come out of Egypt was to set His people free from slavery to sin, and worship Him forever. In Jesus, our redemption is complete.

Hosea 11:1b-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 Myrrh.

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.

Myrrh was a spice used for embalming. It was one of the ingredients used to prepare bodies for burial.

Nicodemus brought myrrh after Jesus was crucified and used it when he wrapped the body of Jesus in strips of linen. The gift of Myrrh was a foreshadow of the suffering that Jesus would endure for our sins.

His death was for our healing. First Peter 2:24 says about Jesus, “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness. By His wounds, you have been healed.”

Discover how the meaning of the word “Myrrh” 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 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