John Shirk

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

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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

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JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to devote ourselves to the fellowship of the church.

The early church was a thriving church in Acts chapter 2. The Lord was adding to their number daily those who were being saved.

One of the dynamics of the early church was that the people devoted themselves to the fellowship of the church.

Acts 2:46 says, “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. This was a community that met together consistently, as they embraced the “one another” statements of the Bible.

They loved one another, They honored one another. They sought to live in harmony with one another. They accepted one another. They served one another. They encouraged one another. They were kind and compassionate to one another.

What might happen in our church congregation if we consistently live out the “One Another” commands in the Bible?

Take the daily challenge to be devoted to the fellowship of the church on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – This week, our words of Encouragement direct our attention to who we are as a new creation in Christ.

Today’s Word of Encouragement is “Disciple.”

In Matthew 12:49, Jesus pointed to His disciples, and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

A disciple of Jesus simply follows Him. We are students of His Word, learning to live a Christ-centered life. His teachings guide us to do the will of His Father in heaven. Wherever He leads, we follow Him as a beloved member of God’s family.

Find encouragement in following Jesus as one of His disciples in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – This week, our words of Encouragement direct our attention to who we are as a new creation in Christ.

Today’s Word of Encouragement is Child.

Galatians 4:6 and 7 says, “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child, and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.”

When we put our trust in Jesus to forgive our sins and lead our lives, we become His child. God’s children receive the rights to inherit the kingdom of God. We become a member of God’s family. We regard God as our Heavenly Father in an endearing way. We trust Him as a loving Father who works all things together for our good. We cry out to Him in our moments of pain. We praise Him for His glory and grace. We acknowledge His authority over us, and seek to live a life that reflects His goodness.

Find encouragement in following Jesus as a child of God in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – This week, our words of Encouragement direct our attention to who we are as a new creation in Christ.

Today’s Word of Encouragement is “Servant.”

In Matthew 25, Jesus told a story of a man who went away on a journey and entrusted his wealth to his servants. When the master returned from his journey, He settled accounts with his servants.

To some of them, he said, “Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.”

This is the smile of God on His faithful servants. This can be our experience when we use what He has given us for His Kingdom.

Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Find encouragement in following Jesus as a servant of God in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.

As the leaves change colors on the trees, we will soon see the bright colors of fall burst forth in God’s creation.

A walk in the woods is one way to enjoy God’s creation. A view of the sunrise or sunset is another way to enjoy the beauty of what He has made.

David wrote in Psalm 8:3, “When I consider the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”

He reasoned that the creation all around us points to a loving God, who has made all this for our enjoyment and for His glory. David was moved to worship by what he observed and declared, “How majestic is your name in all the earth!” That can be our experience too.

Take the Daily Challenge to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com