John Shirk

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

This is a diplomat in a foreign land, representing their leader on a mission of peace.

Isn’t that a true description of the Christian in a spiritual sense? This world is not our home. We are serving the King of Kings in a foreign land, representing Jesus on a peacemaking mission. That is a high calling, and a privilege to serve in such a way.

The Apostle Paul said in Second Corinthians 5:20, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

To be a faithful ambassador, we need to make sure that we are at peace with God. Stay connected to Him. Walk in His love and truth. Establish relationships with neighbors, co-workers, and peers at school. Reach out to them with God’s love and be ready to share the good news of Jesus Christ with them.

Find encouragement in the opportunity to be an ambassador for 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 learn loyalty from the example of Ruth.

She was a widow, along with her sister-in-law Orpah, and her mother-in-law Naomi. Together, they set out for Bethlehem from Moab.

But Naomi urged them to go back to the homes of their mothers. Orpah kissed Naomi good-bye, but Ruth clung to her, saying, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die and there I will be buried.”

Ruth was committed to Naomi and her God for the rest of her life.  This decision was the beginning of a journey that would bring Ruth into the genealogy of Jesus. That is what happens spiritually when we put our faith in Jesus with a loyal heart. We are included in God’s family of believers.

You can read about the loyalty of Ruth in the book of Ruth from the Bible.

Take the daily challenge to learn loyalty from the example of Ruth on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s word of Encouragement is “Gospel.”

This word is associated with the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.

When we receive the grace of God as a gift, we are embracing good news for our soul.

The Apostle Paul was moved by the Gospel to preach it. He said in Romans 1:16 and 17, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed-a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.”

That is good news that brings us hope, and will affect how we see the world today.

Find encouragement in the Gospel to live it out and share it with others in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5atex4RAmuwZIv0IIalZFQ?si=feea650c495545cf

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is Psalm.

A psalm is a song or poem used in worship. When you ask people their favorite book of the Bible, it is not uncommon for people to say “the Psalms.” Today, we may speak many of the Psalms to each other, but these writings were actually meant to be used as worship songs.

Today, many artists continue to record songs based on the Psalms, and many listeners are greatly encouraged by their content.

Ephesians 5:18 encourages us to “be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Find encouragement in the words of the Psalms to lead you to a place of worship in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to learn forgiveness from the example of Joseph.

In the book of Genesis, Joseph was badly mistreated by his brothers, having been sold to slavery in Egypt. But God was with Joseph and over time, raised him to a place of being second in command over Egypt, where he provided food for many during a drought.

His brothers traveled to Egypt to seek food from Joseph. At this point, he could have sought the pathway of revenge and cursing, but he chose the path of forgiveness and blessing instead.

Joseph said to them 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. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” He reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

Joseph understood that God is able to overcome evil with good, and pursued the same objective with a forgiving heart to his brothers.

Take the daily challenge to learn forgiveness from the example of Joseph on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to learn from the example of Mary to listen for the voice of Jesus.

In Luke 10:38, Jesus went to the home of Martha. She had a sister named Mary who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.

Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She asked Jesus, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

Jesus answered, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

By listening to the Lord, Mary had opportunity to learn from Jesus, to focus on what matters most, and build a stronger faith in Him.

Take the daily challenge to learn from the example of Mary and listen to the voice of Jesus on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is Shield.

This is an instrument of protection for the spiritual battles of our lives. In Ephesians 6:16, the shield of faith is mentioned as a defensive weapon in the armor of God. As we take up the shield of faith, we can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Faith serves as a shield in the sense that it helps us to overcome fear, doubt, and temptation. The shield helps us to take our position on the spiritual battlefield and to stand firm when the forces of spiritual darkness attack us.

Ultimately, the LORD is our shield and protector. David wrote in Psalm 3, “Many are saying of me, ‘God will not deliver him.’ But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”

Find encouragement in knowing God as our shield who protects us from the evil one in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5VJ6unnd5NZ7eciR0llX3h?si=7f8e617a76af4862

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

To take delight in something or someone is to find enjoyment and satisfaction in the source of our delight.

Psalm 37:4 instructs us to “take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

This passage is encouraging us to enjoy time with the LORD. Find satisfaction in His grace, because His grace is sufficient for our needs. Find joy in worshipping Him because He is worthy of our praise and delight.

As we delight in the LORD, He will rearrange our desires to His purposes. The words of the Bible will be meaningful in building our relationship with God. We will find joy in the journey of following Jesus and being in relationship with Him. We will take delight in God’s work among us, leading to changed lives for His glory.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Find encouragement in the opportunity to delight in the Lord in the Year of Endurance.