John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Ezekiel 18:30 to 32.

“Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone. Repent and live!”

God was speaking to a nation who had lost their way.

God is showing us here that He cares about each person. He desires life for us, not death.

He also is passionate about purifying His people with a clean heart.

The Gospel reveals God’s desire for us to be in relationship with Him forever, not set apart from Him. That is why Jesus went to the cross.

Ezekiel 18:30 to 32-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 Blessed.

To be blessed is to be in a state of happiness. The favor of God is a source of blessing to the follower of Jesus. When we walk in the love of God and are set free by His truth, we are in a very blessed condition.

In Matthew 5, verses 3 through 10, Jesus declared a series of blessings in the Sermon on the Mount when He said,

Blessed are the poor in spirit.

Blessed are those who mourn.

Blessed are the meek.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Blessed are the merciful.

Blessed are the pure in heart.

Blessed are the peacemakers.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness.

Jesus taught us the way to live and showed us how to live a life that honors God and invites His blessing.

Discover how the word “Blessed” 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 Hosea 4:6.

“My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.”

The problem here was that the people were intentionally rejecting knowledge and ignoring the law of God. As a result, there was no faithfulness, no love and no acknowledgement of God in the land. Rejection of God’s law led to lawlessness.

There is wisdom in learning from history, including moral failures from the past. In the midst of our moral failures, there is hope. The righteousness of Jesus is the remedy for our sin. Hosea 10:12 says, “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.”

Hosea 4:6 and Hosea 10:12-Those are today’s God Quotes for us to embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Gentle.

To be gentle is to be kind and tender-hearted. A word that is compatible with gentleness is meekness. A gentle person lives with humility and restraint. They are not known for lashing out in anger or seeking revenge. They are gracious in the way they relate with imperfect people. Gentleness is not a weak trait, but an honorable trait that was demonstrated by Jesus Himself.

He entered Jerusalem as a gentle king, riding on a donkey.

Ephesians 4:1 and 2 says, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Discover how the word “Gentle” 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 10:45.

Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The disciples were seeking the place of honor in the kingdom of God, but Jesus was redirecting their focus to a place of service. Jesus said that no servant is greater than his master. Jesus has shown the way of greatness through His service in ministry and His sacrifice on the cross.

Mark 10:45-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 Citizens.

A citizen of a particular nation has certain legal rights and privileges, along with certain responsibilities. In the U.S. that involves the right to vote and to travel with a U.S. passport. It also involves being eligible to run for elected office.

When we become a child of God, we are given certain blessings and promises. We receive a higher calling and future hope as citizens of heaven. This fact encourages us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Philippians 3:20 says, “Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” By his power, He will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Discover how the word “Citizens” 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 Ezekiel 34:26.

“I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. The trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land.”

This statement points to a time of future restoration, healing, and peace. Showers of blessing flow from the hand of God to those who enjoy His favor. Charles Spurgeon has said that God’s grace is given in good supply. “If God gives a blessing of grace, He usually gives it in such a measure that there is not enough room to receive it.”

In God’s grace, there is security for our soul, fruitful qualities that build character, and the blessing of knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord. Faith overcomes fear. Love overcomes hatred. Joy overcomes grief in the Presence of the Lord.

Ezekiel 34:26-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 Mercy.

One of the meanings of mercy that applies to the Christian life has to do with God’s kindness and compassion toward us. He does not treat us as our sins deserve. Our sinful condition is in desperate need of a merciful Savior. That is where Jesus enters the scene.

This was very personal for Paul the Apostle, who was a harsh man before his encounter with Jesus. He wrote in First Timothy 1:15 to 17: Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason, I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”

Discover how the word “Mercy” 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 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