John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – From Romans 8:5.

“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”

Our minds have a way of focusing on the desires of our leader, whether that be our sinful nature or the Spirit. Galatians 5 likens  these two opposing forces to a tug of war. They are constantly working against each other, and if our heart is torn by divided loyalties, we will remain unsettled until we make an intentional commitment to serve the Lord. The Bible teaches that the mind of sinful man is death and is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, and cannot please God. On the other hand, the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind controlled by the Spirit is empowered to put to death the misdeeds of the body. In Galatians 5:16, the Apostle Paul said, “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”

We can live by the Spirit through faith in Christ and obedience to His Word as an expression of our love to Him.

Having our minds set on Christ is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – from First Peter 3, verses 15 and 16.

“In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Some key ingredients to being an authentic, effective witness for Jesus are found in these few words.

By setting apart Christ as Lord, we have a firm conviction in where our faith is planted. The Apostle Paul said, “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.”

Being prepared to give an answer for our hope does not suggest that we have all the answers to the problems of the world. But this statement does challenge us to know why we believe in Jesus. Reading and applying God’s Word is an important step to being ready to share the hope of being a Christian.

Doing this with gentleness and respect indicates that our attitude is in the right place. God’s love teaches us to have sincere concern for unbelievers, and to be patient with them in the process of representing Jesus to them.

Being a bold and respectful witness for Jesus is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Psalm 98:1.

“Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things, his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.”

The LORD has provided music as an instrument of worship. As time passes, we listen for new songs as instruments of worship.  Why is that? New songs have a fresh impact on us. They give us lyrics that stir us to holy passion, or maybe the lyrics connect with us because they describe an emotion or situation that we are experiencing at the current time. A new song may expand our awareness of God’s character as we praise Him for who He is and what He has done.

Have you ever thought of writing your own song to God? This can be a fulfilling exercise as we express personally what God means to us, or how He has transformed our lives by His grace. Whether we sing a new song that we have written or one written by someone else, music is a powerful expression of worship when it comes from the heart.

Singing a new song to the LORD is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Philippians 2:13.

“It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”

This verse is packed with significant details concerning the Christian life. Let’s break down these phrases for a closer look:

God is working in us. He is actively working in the life of the believer to build godly character and make our witness fruitful for His glory.

To will and to act. His love is the compelling influence that motivates us to carry out His redemptive work in the world. It could be a burden to help the poor, to reach out to troubled youth, or comfort someone grieving the loss of a loved one. In God’s plan, good intentions are followed up by obedient actions.

According to His good purpose. The work that God has for us to do is always in line with His will, consistent with His character, and brings honor to His name.

The work of God carried out in a believer is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Matthew 18:20.

Jesus said, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Jesus draws close to His devoted followers who come together in worship. One of the implications of the Lord’s presence in the midst of His followers is the evidence of unity. God’s love and purpose brings people together in a strong bond of fellowship. Those who enjoy this fellowship are refreshed by the reality of God’s grace, and the encouragement of the saints.

Where God’s presence is welcomed, there is respect for His authority. His Word is received as truth.  Sometimes, His voice will break through to challenge certain individuals to change some things in their lives. At other times, His wisdom will break through to give direction for their journey of faith. Jesus invites His followers to assemble together to enjoy His presence in fellowship and worship.

A commitment to Christian fellowship and worship is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Romans 6:13.

“Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.”

Our feet can be instruments of righteousness as we go where the Lord leads us.

Our hands can be instruments of righteousness as the love of Christ motivates us to serve others.

Our mouth can be an instrument of righteousness with words that honor God and build up others.

Our ears can be instruments of righteousness by being receptive to God’s Word.

Our mind can be an instrument of righteousness by taking our thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ.

Our heart can be an instrument of righteousness by making the Gospel our main ambition.

Offering our bodies to God as instruments of righteousness is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Proverbs 3, verses 31 and 32.

Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.

The Bible highlights the journey of one man who struggled with “envy of the wicked” and eventually won the struggle with a godly perspective.  His name is Asaph. He shares his firsthand account of the struggle in Psalm 73. Here is a summary of what he had to say:

“I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong….Pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. This is what the wicked are like-always carefree, they increase in wealth. Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure.  When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.

When we lose perspective, there is a way to get it back. Seek God’s perspective with a heart of worship. He will offer an eternal perspective that brings us back to the reality of His unfailing love. Asaph was comforted by the truth that the LORD guided him with counsel and afterward, would take him into glory.

A Godly perspective on life is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Galatians 6:14.

The Apostle Paul said, “May I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

We often think of the word “boasting” in a negative light, put in the context of bragging about one’s own accomplishments. But Paul puts a positive spin on that word by redirecting the focus of boasting to the  cross of Christ.  How ironic that the most humiliating form of execution could be the subject of boasting!  Yet, that is the way it is in the Christian faith. The shame that Jesus took upon Himself was the very event that offers to release us from the shame of our sin. We tend to be enthusiastic about the things that are important to us.

As we respond to this expression of grace with a thankful heart, we are changed. Our loyalty shifts to the priorities of God’s Kingdom. We become unresponsive to the values of the world, and become responsive to the virtues of the Gospel. Jesus becomes our Lord and Savior. His love draws us to wake up in the morning with a desire to honor His name in our activity. Our purpose is to draw attention to Jesus.

Boasting in the cross of Christ is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Jeremiah 10:24.

“Correct me, LORD, but only with justice-not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing.”

There are times when we need correction from the Lord, but we could never survive the outpouring of His wrath. The prophets were well aware of the destructive capacity of His holy anger. This is why one of the prophets appealed to the LORD with this prayer: “In wrath, remember mercy.”

His discipline serves to correct us when we have gone astray from His commands. His discipline humbles us to acknowledge that His ways are higher than our ways. And His discipline trains us to live a holy life that seeks to honor Him. For God’s discipline to be effective, we have a responsibility to be teachable.

Proverbs 3:11 says, “Do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves.”

If we are facing some kind of hardship, we might be experiencing the LORD’s discipline. He may be trying to correct us or build maturity into our faith. The important thing for us in those times is to have a willing heart to learn His lessons of faith.

Having a teachable spirit is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – from John 8:31 and 32.

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

It is worth noting the first words of instruction by Jesus to His disciples. He said, “Follow me.” It was an invitation to join Him in a life-changing relationship and to join His redemptive work in the world. First came the relationship, then the mission.

Over the Fourth of July, this nation celebrates freedom. We have picnics. We have fireworks displays. We sing the National Anthem, and reflect on the blessings of various freedoms, acknowledging that a price was paid for the liberties we enjoy.

However, spiritual freedom is not American-made. This kind of freedom is the result of walking in the truth, and truth is linked to Jesus, who paid the price for our freedom at the cross.  Through Jesus, we are free from the control and penalty of sin. We are free to serve and to worship the LORD. So, as Jesus said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Spiritual Freedom is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com