John Shirk

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

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to stay connected with Jesus every single day.

The importance of relying on Jesus for each step of faith is highlighted in John 15:5. Jesus said to His followers, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

One of the ways that we remain connected to Jesus is through prayer. Relationships thrive through open communication. Prayer is how we can have a conversation with God.

Another way to have a conversation with God is to read the Bible. That is where God’s Word communicates to us and tells us how to live a life that pleases Him. When we follow through on God’s plan for our lives, there is fruit that brings glory to God.  Jesus said in John 15:8, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

Take the daily challenge to stay connected with Jesus every single day, every step of the way on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to walk with Jesus for the light that we need.

Jesus said to the people in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

This is an open invitation for us to join Jesus on a journey of faith. He is qualified to lead us in the pathway of life.

This is a new life that brings us a fresh start. Our sins are washed away in forgiveness, and we have a new focus to glorify God.

This is an abundant life that overflows with grace, gratitude, and hope.

This is the way of eternal life that leads us to our home in heaven.

Take the daily challenge to walk with Jesus in the light of life on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6kb6vnnmlazjiO4imO6dr0?si=JlHtdzLxQmOPToYKOecjyg

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

Author Ray Stedman has said that when you take the whole range of Bible teaching on the subject of prayer, you will find that prayer is simply conversing with God. As the famous hymn declares, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!”

Jesus taught us to how to pray in Matthew chapter 6, verse 9.

“Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be your name,

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread,

And forgive us our debts and we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

Find encouragement in prayer to the God who made us and loves us in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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

There are two common meanings of mercy found in the Bible. One way to define mercy is the withholding of punishment for the sins we have committed.  Another meaning of mercy refers to compassion.

Both meanings describe God’s heart for those who follow Jesus. He withholds punishment and is deeply compassionate.

God’s mercy is life-changing, taking hatred and bitterness from our heart and replacing those attitudes with love and forgiveness.

Consider the difference that God’s mercy made in the life of Paul the Apostle. He said in Titus 3:3, “At one time, we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”

Find encouragement in the mercy of God to rearrange our lives in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to accept Jesus as the Bread of life.

One of the ways that God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness was to send them manna from heaven. Without food, our bodies cannot survive. In the spiritual realm, our souls would not survive without the grace of the Lord Jesus.

That is why we need Him. Our souls are dependent on Him for survival. We need Him for every breath, and we need Him beyond our last breath to receive eternal life.

In John 6:35, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” His grace will forever sustain and satisfy our soul.

Take the daily challenge to embrace Jesus as the Bread of Life on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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

One of the definitions of worthy is “deserving of honor or respect.”

When we worship God, we are really celebrating His worthiness to be praised and honored and adored.

One of the activities that makes heaven so heavenly is the unhindered worship that happens there.

In Revelation 5:11, the Apostle John heard the voice of many angels, encircling the throne along with the living creatures and elders. In a loud voice they were saying, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

Find encouragement in the worthiness of Jesus to receive our worship in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6I5bUsYotiAppVZKB6dgul?si=2bItbw6cSJu_Z3XiLWsoFg