John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to give thanks to God in all circumstances.

These are the words of First Thessalonians 5:18-“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Not everything that happens to us is a good thing, but through the good, bad, and ugly circumstances of our lives, God is able to accomplish good things. If He used the cross in the redemptive plan of Jesus, then He can use our circumstances for redemptive purposes.

Earlier in life, a man named Joseph was badly treated by his brothers. He went to Egypt because of their bad treatment. But Joseph stayed close to God, and when his brothers needed his help many years later, Joseph treated them with forgiveness rather than revenge. Joseph said to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” This story encourages us to see how God can overcome evil with good.

Take the Daily Challenge to give thanks to God in the present circumstances of our lives on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to rejoice in the Lord.

First Thessalonians 5:16 instructs us to “rejoice always.” Philippians 4:4 reiterates the point. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

How can joy be fulfilling part of our Christian journey? When we look into what the Bible says about “joy” and “rejoicing”, we will often see those words connected with worship.  With the eyes of our faith focused on magnifying Jesus, the door is open for us to experience His joy. We see His greatness, we taste His goodness, and we experience His forgiveness.

Psalm 68, verses 3 and 4 connects joy with worship: “May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him-his name is the LORD.”

Take the Daily Challenge to rejoice in the Lord on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2V3Is8TDSPRz2pQXl3oZwQ?si=75dfcbcff00f4cef

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to show respect for those in authority.

If we look closely into the Bible, we see a strong emphasis on respect for other people, including authority figures.

One of those places is First Thessalonians 5:12, which says, “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.”

With the stress of day-to-day ministry, leaders are refreshed by the respect and love from those who will support their work.

We can be a blessing to our spiritual leaders by partnering with them in ministry and praying for them. The Apostle Paul felt that respect from Timothy. He said in Philippians 2:22, “But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father, he has served with me in the work of the Gospel.” The name of Jesus is honored when we work together in a spirit of unity and respect.

Take the Daily Challenge to show respect for those in authority on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is “Blessed.”

One definition of “Blessed” is a favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness.

To be blessed by God is to receive His favor.  His face is turned toward us in relationship, and we enjoy the benefits of His grace.

While God will bless us with material things, His spiritual blessings have far greater value that last forever.

Ephesians 1:3 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

What follows is a list of specific blessings: Adoption, Redemption, Forgiveness, Acceptance, and the promised Holy Spirit. These are blessings that reflect God’s unfailing love for us.

Find encouragement in the blessing of being united with Christ in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to proclaim the Gospel boldly.

We have a life-giving message to share with the world.

The disciples declared this message about Jesus 2,000 years ago. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

How could these men be so bold about their faith? We gain insight from Acts 4:13, where the rulers and elders of the people saw the courage of Peter and John and took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Spend time alone with Jesus is the key to learning from Him and gaining confidence to share the reason for our hope. In Ephesians 6, The Apostle Paul asked the church to pray that he would declare the Gospel fearlessly, as he should.

Take the Daily Challenge to proclaim the Gospel boldly on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is “Gift.”

A gift is a thing given willingly to someone without payment; a present.

Some gifts are priceless, such as the grace of God. We cannot put a monetary value on grace. It is the gift that saves our soul and lasts forever.

Ephesians 2:8 says, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

We cannot buy God’s grace with money or earn God’s grace by good works, but we can receive it as a gift, and enjoy a relationship with God that lasts forever. Revelation 22:21 says, “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” That is how the Bible ends, and how things will be in the picture of eternity.

Find encouragement in the gift of God’s grace in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5reY1SooXdMAtTrwTBdrZe?si=f80ec25a1591458c

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to do everything for the glory of God.

John Piper has said that “God created us for this: to live our lives in a way that makes Him look more like the greatness and the beauty and the infinite worth that He really is. This is what it means to be created in the image of God.”

Whenever God’s love moves our faith into action, we have opportunity to draw attention to God’s greatness.  It could be singing a love song to Him, or serving in the children’s ministry at church, or visiting the elderly at a retirement community. It might mean saying an encouraging word to a co-worker having a rough day, or inviting a neighbor to our place for a meal.

First Corinthians 10:31 says, “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” This is God’s purpose for our lives.

Take the Daily Challenge to do everything for the glory of God on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is “Stronghold.”

A stronghold is a defensive structure that serves as a fortress of protection.

Spiritually speaking, a stronghold is a safe place to be when we are under the protection of God’s grace.

We are protected from condemnation. He is our source of salvation.

We are protected from the destructive tactics of the enemy. God’s truth sets us free from deception.

We are protected from isolation. The Lord is near to us in our times of crisis. We are not left alone in our distress.

Psalm 37:39 says, “The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.”

Find encouragement in knowing the LORD as our stronghold in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com