John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Luke 6:27.

Jesus said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

Living out the Gospel in the way of Jesus goes against the grain of human understanding. The way of the world is to love those who love us back and to do good to those who treat us well. That is how ordinary love is expressed. But extraordinary love seeks to bless those who curse us, and pray for those who do not treat us respectfully.

You might say this is humanly impossible, but with God’s grace having an impact on our heart, this becomes a powerful expression of God’s love flowing through us.

Jesus went on to say that if we love our enemies and do good to them, then our reward will be great.

Luke 6:27-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 Small.

The prophet Zechariah asked the question in Zechariah 4:10, “Who dares despise the day of small things?”

Evidently, God is able to provide big blessings with small offerings. Jesus blessed the widow who put two very small copper coins into the offering plate. He fed over 5,000 people with the offering of five small barley loaves and two small fish. And mighty breakthroughs are possible when we have faith as small as a mustard seed.

So, if we feel like we have a small amount to offer God, remember what a mighty God is able to do with our time, talents, and resources.

Jesus said in Luke 16:10, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Starting small is a good starting place for doing great things for God.

Discover how the word “Small” 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 Ezekiel 39, verse 28a.

“Then they will know that I am the LORD.” This was said in the context of the people of Israel gathering in their land from among the nations. The LORD says He will pour out His Spirit on the people of Israel.

When God moves in miraculous and redemptive ways, it is always for a reason. That reason is to draw attention to His greatness. By seeing God’s great power, wisdom and mercy, we are drawn to worship Him with a humble heart.

The empty grave is the most vivid and compelling reason for believing the Gospel. When Thomas saw the nail marks in the hands of Jesus, he stopped doubting the resurrection and exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” Watching God’s work in the world helps us to see Him with eyes of faith and to believe in Him with a heart of faith.

Ezekiel 39, verse 28a-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 One.

One definition of One is “Being in agreement or union.”

Just before going to the cross, Jesus had a conversation with His Heavenly Father. He was praying for His followers in this way in John 17:21.

“That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me, and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

Genuine believers may have different opinions on different topics, but we have in common our faith in Jesus Christ. He is our Lord and Savior. He is our Faithful Friend who gave His life for us. We share a common love together, inspired by His grace to express God’s love as a shining light. The prayer of Jesus reflects God’s will for the church to be unified under His leadership.

Discover how the word “One” 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 17:20 and 21.

After praying for His disciples, Jesus then prayed for believers in future generations with this request: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

Unity in the body of Christ is possible through a relationship with God. This involves being moved by His love to live for His glory. This involves a humble spirit that is teachable to grow in the teachings of the Bible. This involves renouncing gossip, slander, and condescending attitudes.   This involves upholding grace and truth. As we are aligned with Jesus, we are better prepared to share God’s love in a way that builds unity in the Church. This is a testimony to people everywhere that God was moved by love for us to send Jesus into the world.

John 17:20 and 21-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 Honesty.

Truthfulness is the foundation of honest words and expressions.

Proverbs 12:17 brings this word of wisdom to light: “An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.”

To be a credible witness of the Gospel, we need to be honest with each other about who God is and how God is working in our lives. We all have room for growth, and it is okay to admit that we don’t have it all together.

Proverbs 24:26 tells us that “an honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” That means that honesty is key to building stronger, healthier, more intimate relationships. The New Testament teaches that as we speak the truth in love, we will grow in every way more and more like Christ. Strong relationships are built from the seeds of honesty.

Discover how the word “Honesty” 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 17:3.

Jesus prayed, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

Jesus was talking about having a relationship with God. The ambition of the Apostle Paul radically changed after encountering Jesus. As a follower of Jesus, he said, “I want to know Christ-yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings.”

Our first step into eternal life begins when we say yes to the invitation of Jesus to follow Him. We receive His grace as a gift. We trust Him to forgive us and save us from our sins. He leads us by His grace, truth and words of life found in the Bible. As He leads, we learn to walk with Him daily with a faithful heart that loves Him with all of our being.

John 17:3-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 Rest.

This is a state of relaxation and refreshment. Without rest, we would burn out physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

Thankfully, God has provided a place of rest for our souls, and that place is in a relationship with Jesus. We are at peace with God through faith in His name to save us.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites us to draw near to Him: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls”

In the presence of Jesus, there is refreshment and peace.

Discover how the word “Rest” 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 15, verse 32.

“We had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”

In the story of the Prodigal Son, the Father had a feast to celebrate his son’s return. But the other son was angry about such a lavish occasion.

He refused to go in. That is when the Father pleaded with him to join the celebration.

The lost matter to God. He celebrates anyone who recognizes their need for His grace and comes to Jesus for forgiveness. The heart of the Father extends mercy and expresses joy when someone experiences new life in Christ. He wants His people to share in the celebration whenever a lost soul finds their place in God’s family.

Luke 15:32-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 Devoted.

This word relates to loyalty and commitment. When we are devoted to a group, we apply our time and energy to supporting that group. We contribute to their strength and unity. We are willing to serve and make sacrifices for the well-being of others.

The Good News of Jesus is worthy of our devotion. Jesus started the church, which is a group of imperfect people, and dearly loved by God. When we are devoted to the Gospel and God’s people, we are committed to a worthy cause.

Romans 12:10 says, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” This was what it was like at the birth of the early church. Acts 2:42 records that believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” These kinds of commitments enable us to support each other in our loyalty to Jesus.

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com