John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Matthew 14:27.

“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Jesus said these words to His disciples as He appeared to them in the middle of a storm. They were terrified when they saw Jesus walking on the lake, thinking He was a ghost. But their fears turned to faith and worship after Jesus identified Himself and calmed the raging storm. When Jesus got into the boat, the disciples worshiped Him saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

In the storms of our lives, Jesus is the voice of encouragement that we need. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…”

Matthew 14:27-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 Joy.

John Piper defines Christian joy as a “good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as He causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world.” Joy takes great delight in God’s grace. This is the fruitful experience that flows out of walking in step with the Spirit of God. It is found among the ingredients in the Fruit of the Spirit.

One of God’s followers named Nehemiah said in the Bible, “The joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Joy sustains our passion for God day-after-day. Joy moves us to sing songs of praise to God for His righteousness and amazing grace.

The writer of Psalm 71:23 said, “My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you-I whom you have delivered. My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long….”

Discover how the word “Joy” 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 Amos 5:24.

“Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”

God was pointing out to the Israelites what they were doing wrong and giving them warnings of what would happen if they continued in disobedience. He also was showing them how they could change course and honor Him with their lives.

Let justice flow. Uphold righteousness and truth. Stop the oppression of the innocent and poor. Maintain justice in the courts. This is what the Lord was calling Israel to do. It is a reminder for us to treat people fairly, love our neighbor as ourselves, comfort the grieving, help those in poverty, defend the oppressed, and look after orphans and widows in their distress. These are actions that reflect the love of Jesus.

Amos 5:24-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 Covenant.

In basic terms, a covenant in the Bible is an agreement between two parties. There were times when God made covenants with His people. He made a covenant with Noah, Abraham, the people of Israel, and with David. These covenants also point us to the faithfulness of God to His promises.

When Jesus came on the scene, He made a new covenant with His followers. At the Last Supper, He took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to His disciples, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.” Then He said in Matthew 26:28, “This is my blood of the covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

His blood was shed on the cross and paid the price for our redemption.

Discover how the word “Covenant” 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 3:20.

To the church at Laodicea, Jesus said,

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

This is a knock on the door of a church that was feeling self-sufficient. They were relying on themselves and their wealth rather than Jesus. However, Jesus was giving them an opportunity to change their mind and depend on Him. Jesus does that with us too when we become lukewarm to the Gospel. His knock is an invitation to open the door of our heart to Jesus and experience sweet fellowship with Him forever. That is where we find lasting fulfillment and true contentment.

Revelation 3:20-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 Direct.

To direct someone is to manage or to guide by advice, helpful information, and instruction.

This is one of the ways that the Lord leads His people. He gives us counsel and direction by His wisdom.

From Isaiah 48:17, “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”

When God directs us in a particular mission or assignment, He knows what He is doing. He has the best plan for our lives to enable our faith to thrive for His glory. Proverbs 3:5 and 6 reveals the importance of trusting God to guide us in His will. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will direct your paths.”

Discover how the word “Direct” 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 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