John Shirk

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

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in First Samuel 16:7.

“The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

God spoke these words to Samuel who was seeking the next king of Israel. Samuel was impressed by physical appearances when considering Jesse’s sons. David was not even in the house at the time. He was only considered after Samuel had discerned that God was not calling any of his brothers.

God is able to look beyond the surface of our skin to see what is in our heart. Where He sees humility and love for God, He sees someone who is ready to honor His name by doing His will. David became the next king of Israel. God said about him, “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.”

First Samuel 16:7-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 Right.

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

As we focus on whatever is right from God’s point of view, we gain access to the peace of God.

Looking to Jesus and accepting the words of God in the Bible give us a focus point for doing what is right. Jesus was sinless, and the Bible is a God-breathed book. Psalm 19:8 says that “the precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.” Setting our sights on what is right gives us direction for honoring God’s name with our actions.

The prophet Jeremiah was inspired to write these words down by God’s authority-“Ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Discover how the word “Right” 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 11:28 and 29.

Jesus said, “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.”

A yoke is a wooden beam that is used between a pair of oxen. This beam helps them to pull together on a load when working in pairs.

Jesus is inviting us to do life with Him-to go in the same direction as He is going. Jesus is inviting us into a relationship where we can learn from Him in a supportive environment, and find rest for our souls. That is the impact of His grace.

Matthew 11:28 and 29-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 True.

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

As we focus our thoughts on the truth of God’s Word, we gain access to the peace of God.

That which is true is reality and can be considered trustworthy.

There is great freedom and transparency that we can experience by walking in a true relationship with God.

John 5:20 says, “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”

Discover how the word “True” 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 Mark 1:15.

Jesus said, “the time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

These are some of the first words recorded in the earthly ministry of Jesus. To repent is to change our mind about something. In the case of the Gospel, we were going in one direction away from God, but by His loving grace, He tapped us on our shoulder, got our attention, and provided a way for us to return to Him. That way is Jesus.

He is the good news that we can believe in. There is no better time than now to put our hope in Him and find our place in His Kingdom.

Mark 1:15-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 Praiseworthy.

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

As we focus our thoughts on the praiseworthy deeds and attributes of God, we gain access to the peace of God. Love overcomes hatred. Faith overcomes fear. Hope overcomes despair. This is how Jesus adds to the fullness of life when our mind is focused on Him.

It is not only beneficial to think about the praiseworthy dimensions of God’s character, but also to talk about His praiseworthy qualities. This is how our faith can leave an impact on future generations.

Psalm 78:4 says, “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

Discover how the word “Praiseworthy” 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 4:19.

Jesus says, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.”

This was His invitation to Peter and Andrew who left their nets at once and followed Jesus as His disciples. “Come, follow me.” That is the invitation of Jesus for us too. As we drop whatever is holding us back and take that first step toward Jesus, something amazing happens: We walk into a brand, new life that is directed by God.

Jesus said in John 8:12, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  Following Jesus is a walk in the light of His salvation. It’s the place where His favor shines on us, and shines through us to be an influence for the Gospel.

Matthew 4:19-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 Witness.

A witness is someone who reports what they have heard, seen, or experienced.

In the Bible, there were witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus, and He called them to testify about what they saw and heard from Jesus.

Jesus appeared to His disciples and said to them in Acts 1:8, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

That is the calling for the disciples of Jesus to this very day. A credible witness for Jesus is a truthful witness of God’s saving grace through Jesus Christ. As we share what God has done in the past and how He is moving in our lives today, we become witnesses of His good news to bring hope to the world.

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com