John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Exodus 8:1.

“Let my people go, so that they may worship me.”

The LORD told Moses to go to Pharoah with these words. The Israelites were living in slavery at the time, but God was at work to set them free.

What does freedom look like to you? What does it mean to be truly free? Through Jesus, God offers us real and lasting freedom from the chains of sin. The grace of Jesus delivers us from the penalty and control of sin.  Jesus told a woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you, go now and leave your life of sin.”

The grace of Jesus frees us from the slavery of sin so that we might walk in fellowship with God and glorify Him. That’s real freedom.

Exodus 8:1-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 Snow.

In the Bible, snow is sometimes used to express purification from corruption. When a significant amount of snow falls, it covers the fields like a blanket. In a similar way, the blood of Jesus, when applied to our heart, covers our sin and purifies us from our corrupted condition.

All of our sins are washed away and covered by the grace of God. That is why we need Jesus to cleanse our hearts.

After committing a destructive sin, David confessed his sin to the Lord and pleaded for forgiveness. He trusted in God’s mercy, and said in Psalm 51:7, “Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” So, the next time we see snow, we can think of the hope and opportunity to come clean with a changed heart.

Discover how the word “Snow” 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 14, verses 1 to 3.

“Let not your hearts be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”

As Jesus was preparing His disciples for the cross, He was also giving them words of eternal hope. Death would not have the last word.

Jesus rose from the grave, ascended into heaven, and currently is preparing a place for His followers. Someday, He will come back for His faithful followers. According to First Thessalonians 4:16, “the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we shall always be with the Lord.”

John 14, verses 1 to 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 Excellent.

As we focus on the excellence of God’s love, we gain access to the peace of God.

Love was described by the Apostle Paul as the most excellent way.

Being excellent in this quality means that we excel in the way of loving other people. God’s love for us makes us complete, so that we have the capacity to love other people as God loves us. This translates in doing good deeds that glorify God.

Titus 3:8 says, “I want you to stress these things so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”

Discover how the word “Excellent” 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 11:25 and 26.

Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

These words were said by the graveside of Martha’s brother Lazarus. He died four days earlier, but Jesus would raise him to life again to demonstrate the truth of His claims.

Martha believed. She replied to Jesus with this statement of faith, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

John 11:25 and 26-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 Admirable.

As we focus on the admirable qualities of God’s character, we gain access to the peace of God.

Whatever is admirable is worthy of respect and approval.

Psalm 86:15 reflects on some of those qualities of God that are worthy of our respect. “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

Around heaven’s throne, the four living creatures are heard constantly saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”

Discover how the word “Admirable” 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 21:17.

“Do you love me?”

This was the third time Jesus asked Peter this question. After Jesus was arrested a few days earlier, Peter denied that he even knew Jesus three times.  Now, Peter would have the opportunity to affirm his love for Jesus three times. And he did. He said, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus responded by saying “Feed by lambs.” By saying this, Jesus was reinstating Peter to a place of ministry.

This question from Jesus is also relevant for our response, no matter how many times we may have failed Him in the past. “Do you love me?” If our answer is “Yes”, He will be there to give us a fresh start into a meaningful purpose.

John 21:17-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 Lovely.

Philippians 4:8 instructs us to think of that which is lovely.

As we focus on the presence of Jesus and the beauty of worshipping Him, we gain access to the peace of God.

The writer of Psalm 84 said, “How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”

There are several majestic descriptions of heaven found in the Bible, but none are likely to compare with the picture of God dwelling with His people forever in a peaceful relationship. Around heaven’s throne, Jesus will be honored as He deserves.

Discover how the word “Lovely” 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 16:15.

“What about you? Who do you say I am?”

Jesus made statements, spoke parables and taught about the Kingdom of God. He also asked people questions. By doing this, He invites us into the conversation for a response.

Jesus asked His disciples what they thought about His identity. Peter was blessed for saying, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”  Jesus pointed out that Peter’s insight was not revealed to him by flesh and blood, but by his Father in heaven.

What about us? Who do we say that Jesus is?”

Matthew 16:15 to 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 Pure.

Philippians 4:8 instructs us to think of that which is pure.

As we focus on the purity of Christ and His plan to cleanse His followers as a radiant church, we gain access to the peace of God. The example of Christ will inspire us to a place of purity.

There are sinful influences in this world trying to corrupt our hearts, and it is important to be aware of those influences so that we take measures to guard our heart. Sinful desires also wage war on our souls.

Paul mentored a young pastor named Timothy with these words in Second Timothy 2:22-“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com