John Shirk

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

This is what the crowd was shouting in Matthew chapter 21 when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey. “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven.”

Hosanna is a term that means “Save.” It was an expression of praise, celebrating Jesus as the source of salvation.

The Old Testament expressed a plea for salvation. Psalm 118:25 says, “LORD, save us! LORD, grant us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.”  Later, Jesus would enter Jerusalem, coming in peace while riding on a donkey, and presenting Himself as Israel’s king.

Hosanna speaks the compelling truth that through Jesus, our plea for salvation turns into an expression of praise when we welcome Him as our King, Savior, and friend.

Find encouragement in the shouts of Hosanna in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/02iWNWHcgIp9rk4VY5LRkb?si=320kdJmwTKeL2_wf4F1TOg

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

This is a term that refers to God as our Father. It expresses a close, intimate relationship, where we can approach God with a childlike trust. Sometimes, Abba is equated with the term “Daddy”, which is an affectionate way to refer to our Father.

This is the kind of relationship that Jesus had with His Heavenly Father. In the Garden, just before going to the cross. Jesus prayed in Mark 14:36. “Abba Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

The Holy Spirit also prompts us toward an intimate relationship with God. Romans 8:14 and 15 says this, “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him, we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Find encouragement in knowing God as “Abba, Father” in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to share God’s love with others.

When we share something with someone, it means that we are taking something that we possess and giving it to someone else so that they can enjoy it too.

God has not given us His love so that we keep it to ourselves. He wants us to share it with others with acts of service, kindness, humility, and words that tell His good news.

First John 4, verses 10 and 11 says, “This is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

Receiving God’s love is the first step that enables us to give it away.

Take the Daily Challenge to share God’s love with a friend, family member, or neighbor in need on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/12NLScbOXfI2YMesXHDwk5?si=JVkTidpmRMOWAEleLCmG9Q

JOHN SHIRK -Today’s Word of Encouragement is Excellence.

One definition of Excellence is the quality of being outstanding or extremely good.

The Bible tells us to focus our thoughts on that which is excellent.

God will take our work that is carried out in excellence to significant places. Proverbs 22:29 asks the question, “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.” God can give us a voice of influence through acts of service committed in excellence.

When we talk about excellence, we also have to bring love into the conversation. This is the most excellent way described in First Corinthians 12:31. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs….Love is the most excellent way.” Love adds excellence to our skills and service opportunities.

Find encouragement in the excellence of serving God with love from the heart in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to give to God with a cheerful heart.

Second Corinthians 9:7 tells us that God loves a cheerful giver.

The Gospel motivates us to give out of delight rather than mere duty.  That’s because God gave His very best to us when He sent Jesus to the world. Jesus went to the cross and offered His grace willingly, not  begrudgingly.

God’s love for us moves our heart to places of gratitude, praise, and giving to others in need.

Second Corinthians 9:11 says, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” That’s how cheerful giving can bless others and lead us to a place of blessing.

Take the daily challenge to walk as a cheerful giver on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Efi7xO2eNw3u512oFiRmv?si=XKrXykxyTdy1wkrzp-cZRA

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to spread good news rather than keep it to ourselves.

In the Old Testament, there is a story of 4 lepers who came to a camp deserted by Israel’s enemies. They said to each other in Second Kings 7:9, “We’re not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves.”  They decided to report what they found at the royal palace.

The Gospel is a message of God’s grace. This good news is bearing fruit around the world wherever people put their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.  This is what motivated Paul the Apostle to get out of bed in the morning.

In Acts 20:24, he talked about his goal to finish his race and complete the task the Lord Jesus had given him-the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.  Who do you know that might benefit from hearing about God’s grace today?

Take the daily challenge to spread good news on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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

One of the definitions of “right” is “that which is morally correct, just, or honorable.”

The Bible tells us to focus our thoughts on that which is right.

When we think about Jesus, we are focusing on the Only person who always did what was right and never sinned. He is the Righteous One. We need His righteousness to be accepted by God, and thankfully, His righteousness is available to us when we trust in Him to forgive our sins.

Romans 3:22 tells us that this righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.

Jesus is the right solution for anyone who has done what is wrong before a holy God. His grace motivates us to change course and do what is right in the eyes of God.

Find encouragement in the righteousness of Jesus Christ in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com