John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the motivation of a godly example.

In Philippians 3:17, the Apostle Paul said, “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters. And just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.”

If you think of someone who is a godly example in your life, you are probably thinking of someone with exceptional character qualities. They love Jesus and it shows in the way they live their lives and treat other people. They are grateful to God and serve others with an attitude of humility.  Observe how people like that live out their faith. They will motivate us to be faithful to God. As a mentor to others, Paul encouraged others to follow him as he followed Christ. 

Focusing on godly examples gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Good News Focus is on Romans 6:23.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

God’s grace is a gift extended to sinners. Instead of despair, we can live with hope, because God has remembered our desperate situation in our sinful condition, and provided a remedy through Jesus Christ.  

Just as employees earn wages by their work in the positive sense, so in the negative sense, we deserve death because of the sins we have committed. But when we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, God no longer holds our sins against us for judgment. He sets us free from condemnation and releases us from guilt. God’s grace is the ultimate gift to save us from our sins.

Jesus is our source of good news, leading us to live with hope on the road that leads to heaven in the Year of Vision.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on God’s faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22 says, “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him.’ The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.”

In the morning, some people see a sunrise. In his view of the sunrise, the writer of Lamentations saw more. He saw hope in the Lord. He was reminded of the faithfulness of God.

Focusing on God’s faithfulness gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian faith.

John Shirk

John @wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – 2020 is the Year of Vision at WJTL. Listen for our daily devotional features to provide greater clarity for the journey of faith. One devotional series will be the 20/20 Insight of the Day, which is intended to sharpen our spiritual vision. The other devotional series will turn our focus to a Bible verse, highlighting the good news of Jesus Christ.

In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on Jesus. 

Hebrews 12, verses 2 and 3 remind us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

To fix our eyes on Jesus means that we focus our faith on Him. Jesus is our ultimate example and source of inspiration. His example sets a pattern for our lives. His inspiration motivates us to press on in the faith. He endured opposition from sinners. As we consider what Jesus went through for us, we are inspired to endure in the faith for Him.

Focusing on Jesus gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Redemption, today’s Freedom Phrase is based on Luke 2, verses 10 and 11.

The angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

What an extraordinary moment for the shepherds. At first they were terrified when the angel appeared to them. But notice the first words spoken by the angel. “Do not be afraid.” Whenever the angels appear to someone in the events surrounding the birth of Christ, they are quick to mention that the person has no reason to fear. This was not a dreadful occasion. This was a moment for joy and celebration. The arrival of Jesus to the world was good news for the world, and when we receive His gift of grace, Jesus becomes good news for our soul.

Through Jesus, we are set free from fear to experience the great joy of embracing God’s good news.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Wisdom from the Red Letters is found in John 8:29.

Jesus said, “The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.”

Jesus knew two things about Himself that His skeptics did not know about Him. Jesus knew where He came from and where He was going. Jesus pointed that out to the Pharisees, and then said, “But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going.”

Jesus came from the Father in heaven. He was planning to go to the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. He and the Father made plans for His death even before the creation of the world. Jesus pleased the will of the Father by staying true to the mission. Then, after He rose from the dead, He ascended to heaven. That is where He is today.

The words of Jesus inspire us to acknowledge His heavenly origin, holy purpose, and victorious destiny in the Year of Redemption. 

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Redemption, today’s Freedom Phrase is based on Philippians 2:5.

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

Being in very nature God, Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

The mindset of Jesus was not pride, but humility.

His mindset was to obey the will of His Father, and to die as a sacrifice for our sins. This is the way of Jesus, which transforms our attitude from having selfish tendencies to look for service opportunities. This holiday season, think about how to reach out to someone in need with the mindset of a servant. Then, go do it.

Through Jesus, we are set free to pursue the attitude of Christ in the way we handle relationships.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Redemption, today’s Freedom Phrase is based on Isaiah 9:6.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Jesus was born 2,000 years ago as God’s gift to the world. Those who follow Him know Him in these various ways.

As our Wonderful Counselor, Jesus leads us in the path of God’s wisdom.

As our Mighty God, Jesus is our source of strength and is worthy of our worship.

As our Everlasting Father, Jesus is our faithful provider forever.

As our Prince of Peace, Jesus is our Mediator with God the Father. He bridges the gap to give us peace with God. 

Through Jesus, we are set free to receive the gift of God’s grace and enjoy His presence forever.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Redemption, today’s Freedom Phrase is based on Psalm 95, verses 1 to 3.

“Come let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.”

One of the ways that worship music is valuable to our lives is that we have opportunity to express our gratitude to God for who He is and His gift of salvation. The writer of this Psalm acknowledged that God is great and is King above all gods. There is no rival to His throne. This Thanksgiving season is a good opportunity to listen for those songs that reflect God’s greatness, and then sing along with all of our heart.

Through Jesus, we are set free to celebrate God as the rock of our salvation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Redemption, today’s Freedom Phrase is based on Psalm 106, verse 1.

“Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

This description about God shows up in the Bible at least nine times, and is always connected with giving thanks or praise to God.

Out of God’s goodness, God provides us with good and perfect gifts. His enduring love does not have an expiration date. That means that His love for His people will never wear out or fade or become irrelevant. God is good. God is love. That is His nature in the realm of eternity, and because of His attributes, His followers have reasons to give thanks forever.

Through Jesus, we are set free to give thanks to the LORD for His goodness and enduring love.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com