John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Acts 20:35.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

The Apostle Paul was quoting words from Jesus to encourage believers to help people who were in a place of need. The Gospel is about a Savior who came to rescue people who could not help themselves.

The love of Jesus moves us to be generous with our resources when we see someone in poverty. His love moves us to be generous with our time when we see someone who is lonely. His love moves us to be generous with words to build up someone who is discouraged.  The Gospel trains us to look for ways to help other people with generous acts of kindness.

Acts 20:35-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 Imitate.

To imitate someone is to copy their words, facial expressions, or actions.

There are certain role models who can motivate us to honor Jesus.

The Apostle Paul said in First Corinthians 11:1-Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. Sometimes, we will cross paths with someone who will demonstrate the character of Jesus in the way they live and love. They are vivid examples to inspire us toward a thriving faith.

Our ultimate example is Jesus, who lived a perfect life. Ephesians 5:1 says, “Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given himself for us, as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

Discover how the word “Imitate” 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 Luke 15:10.

“I tell you, there is more rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Jesus made this statement after telling a parable about a woman who lost one of her ten silver coins. She lit a lamp, swept the house, and searched carefully until she found it. Then she called her friends and neighbors together and said, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.”

Jesus told that story to highlight what happens in heaven when a person is found in God’s grace. There is a festive celebration.

Luke 15:10-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 “Belong.”

To belong is to be a member or part of a particular group.

In the Bible, we see the blessings of belonging to Jesus through faith in His name. We become part of His spiritual family, and live with resurrection hope beyond the grave.

Galatians 3:28 and 29 says, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

This inheritance includes the Kingdom of heaven. There will be eternal life with Jesus beyond physical death. First Corinthians 15:22 says, “As in Adam, all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits, then when he comes, those who belong to him.”

Discover how the word “Belong” 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 Psalm 50, verses 14 and 15.

“Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

These two verses serve as simple reminders of how we can stay connected with God in a vibrant relationship.

First-Express thanks to God. Remember His many blessings. Our gratitude may be displayed in words of praise or offerings of generous giving.

Second-Follow through on our commitments to God. Be true to the mission that He has for us.

Third-Call on His name and seek His help in our time of need. We can cast our cares on the Lord with the confidence that He cares for us.

Psalm 50, verses 14 and 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 Rooted.

One definition of “Rooted” is “very strong and firmly fixed. Deep loyalty.”

That is how our faith in God can grow and help us to stand firm, by being rooted in a relationship with Jesus Christ. The deeper the roots, the stronger the attachment, and the greater the fruit flowing out of our testimony for Jesus.

Colossians 2:6 and 7 shows us how we can live with a well-rooted faith. “So, then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

The Christian life is a journey of following Jesus-step-by-step, learning from Him, loving Him, and thanking Him for His kindness to us.

Discover how the word “Rooted” 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 9:31.

Jesus made this statement to His disciples: “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.”

The disciples did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. Sometimes, Jesus might say some things that we don’t completely understand or may be uncomfortable for us to hear. But He has a reason for what He says.

In this case, Jesus was preparing His disciples for future events that would shake their world. They would grieve for a short time, but they would rejoice again when He rose from the dead.

Jesus knew His mission and was willing to go to the cross, because of His great love for us.

Mark 9:31-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 Life.

Acts 17 points out that life comes from God. Verse 25 says that “He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” The Apostle Paul pointed out that he made us to inhabit the whole earth. He has marked out our appointed times and boundaries. We are not here by accident. God made us with purpose.

What is the meaning of life? That is a common question that people earnestly seek. Paul goes on to say in this sermon that “God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being.”

The Gospel is about life-New Life in Jesus, Abundant Life in His grace, Eternal life in His presence.

Discover how the word “Life” 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 Second Corinthians 12:9.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

This was how Jesus responded after Paul prayed for his thorn in the flesh to be taken from him. He learned a valuable lesson that day. Paul’s afflictions and limitations were not barriers to his witness for the Gospel. If anything, they served to strengthen his faith. When people see our lives and are reminded of Jesus, that is when we are shining brightly for the Gospel. It may involve personal hardships to shape our character and draw us closer to Jesus.

Paul responded to the words of Jesus in this way, saying, “Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” Paul was seeing a bigger picture beyond personal comfort.

Second Corinthians 12:9-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 Feast.

This is a delicious meal often tied in with joy, thanksgiving, and celebration.

When the Prodigal Son came home, the father was overjoyed and said, “Let’s have a feast and celebrate! For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” So, they began to celebrate.

Holidays and special occasions are opportunities to bring friends and food together to celebrate the goodness of God.

The LORD Almighty is planning a feast for His people in the future. Isaiah 25:6 tells us that “the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine-the best of meats and the finest of wines.” He will do this in a time of celebration, when he wipes away the tears from all faces.

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com