John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Exodus 13:21.

Speaking of the Israelites on the way to the Promised Land.

“By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.”

Just as God provided for the Israelites so that they could continue on their journey, so God provides us with the means for moving forward in our faith. He gives us His Word in the Bible. He sent Jesus to provide forgiveness that covers our sins. He sends the Holy Spirit to guide us in the truth that sets us free from the slavery of sin.

We are on a journey in life. We can make good progress by walking in the guidance of His Word, and by the counsel of the Holy Spirit.

Walking in the footsteps of Jesus is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Luke 8:15.

Jesus said, “The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”

This statement was the end of a parable where Jesus talked about seed being planted on different kinds of soil. It’s a story about a farmer, but it is also a story about God’s Kingdom. The seed in the story is the word of God. Some seed fell on the path, but never became rooted. The devil came and took away the word from the hearts of those who represented the path. Other kinds of soil are more receptive at first, but along the way, influences such as wealth, pleasure, or worry keep certain people from growing in maturity. Still others believe for a while, but fall away in times of testing.

Jesus shows us how we can be the good soil, by being receptive to God’s Word, growing in it, and being fruitful in how we live out God’s word.

Walking in the way of God’s word is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Person of Integrity from the Bible is Jeremiah.

The LORD called him to be a prophet even before Jeremiah was aware of his calling. The LORD said to him in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Initially, Jeremiah responded like Moses did when God called him at the burning bush. Jeremiah said, “Ah, Sovereign LORD, I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.”

But the LORD said, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child’. You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.”

From that moment on, Jeremiah went forth in the authority of the LORD’s name and declared His word. His message was not popular to a nation attached to their idols. But his words were true, and they call us to “ask where the good way is, and walk in it.” Then, we will find rest for our souls.

The faithfulness of Jeremiah to speak truth to his generation inspires us to follow God’s calling and live a life of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Deuteronomy 8, verses 17 and 18a.

Moses gave the Israelites some words of preparation before they would enter the Promised Land, where they would prosper.

“You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”

Moses was warning the people about the dangers of pride. If we forget God, we open the door to arrogance. But thanksgiving and praise to God keeps us joyful in the Lord and humble in His presence. Moses told the Israelites, “When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you.”

Walking in remembrance of God’s blessings is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Hosea 6:1.

“Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.”

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were prone to wandering from God. They were similar to many of us today. It is interesting that Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, and His followers as sheep. Sheep are prone to wandering without a shepherd to direct them.

When the Israelites wandered, they would experience the Lord’s discipline, because the Lord loved them. It’s the same way when we wander away from Him. In His love, God disciplines us for our good so that we might share in His holiness. His discipline is meant to get our attention so that we might correct our course and return to Him.

He is ready to welcome us with open arms.

Returning to God through His discipline is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Galatians 6, verses 9 and 10.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

As long as we have breath, God has a purpose for us to fulfill. What is that mission? Whatever God calls us to do specifically, it involves doing good for other people. It might be acts of service, or building someone up with our words, or giving someone the gift of our time with someone who needs a listening ear. For the endurance to complete God’s work, we can gain inspiration from Jesus Christ who endured the pain and agony of the cross on our behalf. We can also gain inspiration from God’s promises of blessing to us that will be fulfilled at the proper time. A third incentive is to see the difference in other people’s lives through our expressions of love for them.

Walking in the endurance of doing good deeds for others is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Proverbs 2, verses 6 through 11.

This passage in the Bible highlights the benefits of embracing wisdom for our lives. “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk in blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair-every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.”

This chapter gives us a few clues on how to gain the wisdom that we need for taking every good path. The first clue is to accept God’s words as wisdom. The second clue is to look for it as a treasure. And the third clue is to fear the LORD with holy reverence. According to Proverbs 9:10, “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Walking in the way of wisdom is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Person of Integrity from the Bible is a man delivered from demons.

When this man approached Jesus, the demons were terrified. They begged Him repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. Instead, they came out of the man and entered a herd of pigs.

The pigs then rushed down a steep bank into a lake and drowned. This shows the destructive tendencies of these demons that were cast out of the man.

After his deliverance, the man begged to go with Jesus, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” According to Luke 7:39, he went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

The faithfulness of the man set free from demons to talk about his deliverance inspires us to share with others what Jesus has done for us and to live a life of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Jeremiah 9, verses 23 and 24.

“This is what the LORD says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight.’”

Any wisdom, strength, or wealth that we have is very limited compared to the treasures of knowing God. A relationship with God will change us so that we learn to delight in that which delights the LORD.

Walking in relationship with God is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Proverbs 17:17.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

There is a lasting bond in an authentic friendship. When we face turbulent times, like a job loss or an unexpected diagnosis from the doctor, or a broken marriage, our true friends become a support system that help us to get through those difficult times.

Friends are loyal. That does not mean they will approve of everything we do, but it does mean they care about us and are willing to speak truth into our lives if we have wandered off course. They will encourage us when we are disheartened.

They will walk with us through the valleys of despair.

They will celebrate with us when we reach the mountaintops of victory.

Walking as a faithful friend is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com