John Shirk

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

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Acts 13:22.

 God testified concerning him, “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.”

We know that David was not a perfect man. He had his share of flaws. But he was a person of integrity. David loved God. It was his tendency to seek God in earnest prayer and to praise Him for His goodness. He used his experience as a shepherd to lead a nation. We can gain much insight into David’s relationship with God by reading the Psalms.

As king of Israel, Psalm 78:72 says that David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.

God’s evaluation of David’s life is a reminder that He also accurately evaluates our lives, and He will honor those who honor Him from the heart.

Acts 13:22-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 Gate.

A gate is an opening in a wall or a fence.

As it relates to the Gospel, there is a wall separating us from God, and that wall is sin. Isaiah 59:2 says, “Your iniquities have separated you from your God.”

But Jesus has come to repair the damage. He made a way for our relationship with God to be restored by His grace.

That is why He is able to make this claim with credibility in John 10:9: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.”

There is a solution to our problem of sin, and his name is Jesus.

Discover how the word “Gate” 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 19:42.

Jesus was looking over the city of Jerusalem and wept over it, saying, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace-but now it is hidden from your eyes.”

He could look into the future and see great calamity coming on this city because they did not recognize the time of God’s coming to them. He saw the day when their enemies would encircle them and hem them in on every side. This was fulfilled about 40 years later when the Romans destroyed the temple. What can we learn from this sobering statement and from history? The key to a secure peace with God is a receptive heart to the Gospel, which is good news for the soul.

According to John 1:11 and 12-He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Luke 19:42-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 Goal.

A goal is the target of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.

Having goals in life provides a purpose for our activities.

When we come to faith in Christ, it is common for our goals to change, because His influence inspires new priorities. Love becomes priority. Relationships become priority. The glory of God becomes priority. God’s will for our lives becomes priority.

The Apostle Paul was transformed by the grace of God and his priorities changed after he became a follower of Jesus. He said in Second Corinthians 5:9, “So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com