John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Revelation 3:7 and 8.

Jesus had a message for the faithful Church at Philadelphia.

“These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”

One thing we learn through Jesus’ words here is that when God opens a door for us, no one can thwart God’s plan. This is an encouraging message from our Savior. He knows the struggles and hardships we endure. We might be weak, but God is strong. In our weakness, we can lean on His grace to help us face challenges, obstacles, and opposition. In our faithfulness to His plan, God will get the glory, and we will be honored in His presence.

Revelation 3:7 and 8-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 Honor.

The meaning of honor is to show great respect toward someone. As we look through the Bible, we learn who God wants us to honor.

We are called to honor our parents.

We are called to honor the elderly.

We are called to honor our marital partner.

We are called to honor government leaders.

We are called to honor our supervisors at work.

We are called to honor our church leaders.

We are called to honor brothers and sisters in Christ.

And then there Jesus, who is worthy of the honor that is due His name. His name is the name above all names. He is described as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Revelation 5:12 describes Jesus as the Lamb who was slain and is worthy of our honor.

Discover how the word “Honor” 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 Revelation 2:5.

Jesus had a message for the church at Ephesus, who had forsaken their first love.

He said, “Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.”

In our journey of faith, sometimes, we might lose that love we had at the beginning when we served God with enthusiasm. Our faces were radiant whenever we thought about God.

Jesus gives us hope by showing us how to get back to that place. Remember the mountaintop where we encountered God and marveled at His grace. Return to those things that we were doing when we were in love with Jesus.

Revelation 2:5-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 Help.

When we help someone, we may give them something they need or assist them in a task or accomplishment.

We all have needed help at some point in our lives, especially when we were babies. We are living and breathing because someone helped us when we could not help ourselves.

Spiritually, we need help from above to save us from sin and to fulfill our God-given purpose. We can start every day requesting help to live out the Christian life in a way that pleases God. We are not able to do this by our own strength.

In Isaiah 41:10, the LORD says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Discover how the word “Help” 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 Revelation 1:8.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Alpha is the first letter in the Greek alphabet. Omega is the last letter in the Greek alphabet.  This reference shows us that Jesus is the Beginning and the End. Jesus was on the throne at the beginning of time, and He will be on the throne at the end of time.  He is also on the throne right now. He always has been and always will be God. Jesus was there in the first verse of Genesis, and Jesus is there at the last verse in the book of Revelation. From everlasting to everlasting, He is God.

Revelation 1:8-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 Heart.

In the Bible, this word often refers to someone’s inner being. The heart speaks of a person’s place of desire or ambition. It sometimes refers to someone’s motives for why they do what they do.

According to First Corinthians 4:5, at the Lord’s coming, He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. Many people are impressed by outward appearances, but the Lord looks beneath the surface to see the condition of our heart.

The Greatest Commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart.

Loyalty to God flows from an undivided heart.

Real love for other people flows from a sincere heart. First Peter 1:22 urges us to love one another deeply, from the heart.

Discover how the word “Heart” 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 Luke 6:41 and 42.

Jesus said, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye?’ You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Jesus was talking about the danger of using a double standard with this statement. It would be hypocritical for us to look past our own flaws to see the smaller flaws of another person.  Dealing with the speck in someone else’s eye diverts attention away from the plank in our own eye. Jesus wants us to examine the sin in our own lives and remove it first. Then, we will be in a better place to help our friends to overcome their issues that hinder spiritual progress.

Luke 6:41 and 42-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 “Celebrate”.

Celebrations are special occasions that often bring friends and food together in a joyful atmosphere.

We celebrate Holidays, Birthdays, Graduations, and Weddings. In the church, baptism is a celebration of new life in Christ.

In Luke 15, Jesus told the story of a Prodigal Son who left home and squandered his wealth in wild living. Later he came to his senses while working on a pig farm. That is where he decided to return home.

His father welcomed him with open arms and called for a feast. He said in Luke 15:24, “This son of mine was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found.” So, they began to celebrate. This is how we can respond whenever someone turns to Jesus with a heart of faith.

Discover how the word “Celebrate” 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 Luke 6:40.

Jesus said, “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.”

Jesus took time to mentor His disciples. He taught them about the kingdom of God and the way of righteousness. In the training process, Jesus was preparing His disciples to become apostles in the early church. They would become influential voices to lead thousands of people to faith in Jesus. But before being effective leaders, they would learn to follow Jesus. And as they followed Jesus, they would become transformed into His likeness. The teachings of Jesus will build our character and prepare us for our mission as we take His words to heart.

Luke 6:40-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 Remain.

The meaning of Remain is to abide or to dwell. As it describes our relationship with Jesus, it is the picture of making our home in His presence and staying there. To remain in Jesus is to have a steadfast faith.

It is a word that reflects a journey of walking in fellowship with God. His grace is our source of strength and is necessary for our faith to flourish.

Jesus used this word when discussing our need for Him. He told the disciples in John 15:4: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 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.”

Discover how the word “Remain” can have an impact on your Life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com