John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Luke 7:22 and 23.

Jesus said to messengers of John the Baptist, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

John was in prison, wondering about the identity of Jesus. Perhaps we can relate with John’s questions. We want to have the assurance that we are standing for the truth. We want to know that our sacrifice and service have meaningful purpose. Jesus was sending word back to John that he was not running the race in vain. The miracles of Jesus were signs that indicated He was the Messiah who was to come.

Luke 7:22 and 23-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 Taste.

This is one of the senses that enables us to enjoy food. We are drawn to the foods that taste good.

Psalm 34:8 invites us to taste and see that the LORD is good.

But how do we do that? The best way is simply to be receptive to the invitation of Jesus to follow Him. Examine His life. Study His Word. Call on His name daily in prayer. Follow His teachings. Embrace His love for you. He will teach us to love Him and to love others. He will show us how to live a fruitful life that demonstrates virtuous qualities, such as love, peace, and joy. We will see God more clearly each day when we come to the table of fellowship with Jesus.

The goodness of the Lord will give us an appetite for His righteousness, which is satisfied by faith in Jesus Christ.

Discover how the word “Taste” 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 31:33 and 34.

“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time. I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘know the LORD’ because they will all know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

This statement is repeated in Hebrews chapter 8 where we learn that the ministry of Jesus puts God’s law in our hearts and minds. It is the law of love that guides us to places of worship and freedom. His grace leads to the transformation of our hearts and minds into the likeness of Christ. His Gospel gives us a place of belonging in His eternal family.

Jeremiah 31:33 and 34-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 Immeasurable.

The definition of this word is “too large, extensive, or extreme to measure.”

Whatever is immeasurable is off the charts. It goes beyond our ability to comprehend.

A form of this word is used in Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

God is the One who offers us eternal life, a gift that extends beyond our imagination. Yet, we can look forward to enjoying an abundant life in His presence forever through faith in Jesus Christ. He is able to cleanse us from sin and restore us to a peaceful relationship with God.

Discover how the word “Immeasurable” 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 Matthew 7:15 and 16.

Jesus said, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.”

Jesus went on to say that every good tree bears good fruit and every bad tree bears bad fruit. So, when hearing someone speak or sing with their platform, the fruit helps us to recognize who they truly represent.  They might dress the right part and speak impressively. But are they encouraging people to follow after Jesus? Are they representing Him accurately in their words and in their lives?

In Acts 20, the Apostle Paul expressed concern about men arising and distorting the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. His counsel was, “Be on your guard!” That is consistent with the words of Jesus to “watch out for false prophets.”

Matthew 7:15 and 16-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 Glorify.

To glorify God is to give Him honor and praise. In our words, songs, and actions, we lift up His name in worship.

The writer of Psalm 34:3 said, “Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.”

The shining moments of the church happen whenever God’s people come together in unity to lift up the name of the Lord. Worship is a light that acknowledges Jesus as Lord and Savior.

In Romans 15:5, the Apostle Paul wrote to the church, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Discover how the word “Glorify” 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 Acts 13:47,

“I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Two influential church leaders, Paul and Barnabas said that this was the Lord’s command to them. They would share the testimony of Jesus with the Gentiles and see the fruit of their labor expand around the world. Acts 13:48 says that when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

Paul lived with the conviction that the Gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes-for Jews and Gentiles. This is a relevant message for each one of us to embrace and to share with those who need God’s saving grace.

Acts 13:47-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 Eternal.

That which is eternal lasts forever.

If you find yourself wanting to live forever, that is not a coincidence. Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that God has set eternity in the human heart.

Through Jesus, eternity becomes reality for those who belong to Him.

The Bible reveals who and what is eternally valuable to us.

According to Deuteronomy 33:27, God is eternal.

According to Psalm 119:89, God’s word is eternal.

According to Psalm 136, God’s love is eternal.

According to Daniel 4:34, God’s Kingdom is eternal.

According to Romans 6:23, the gift of God is eternal life.

Whoever believes in Jesus shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Discover how the word “Eternal” 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 Habakkuk 2:14:

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.”

This will be a time of unprecedented peace and blessing under the rule and reign of King Jesus. In every part of the world, His name will be recognized and His glory will be revealed.

In Jeremiah 31:34, the LORD says, “No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.”

Isaiah prophesied about Jesus, “Of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end.” His kingdom will be upheld with justice and righteousness. This points to a joyful future for those who put their hope in Jesus today.

Habakkuk 2:14-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 Renewal.

One definition of Renewal is to restore freshness, life, or quality.

There are some activities that renew our bodies such as rest, eating food, and exercise. They each have a part to play in physical renewal.

Spiritual renewal happens when we come to faith in Jesus Christ. His love refreshes us.  His Word inspires us. His truth guides us in God’s will. His grace gives us rest for our soul. We become a new person by the restoration of the Gospel.

For the believer, renewal is a day-by-day process. Second Corinthians 4:16 says, “though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly, we are being renewed day by day.” And Romans 12:2 offers this word of encouragement: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com