John Shirk

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

JOHN SHIRK – From John 20, verse 29.

Jesus said to Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Thomas had refused to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead unless he saw the evidence. That is why he is sometimes called “Doubting Thomas.” However, he did not remain in doubt. After Jesus appeared to him, he acknowledged Jesus as his Lord and God.

The challenge that Jesus made to Thomas is the challenge he offers to skeptics today. He said, “Stop doubting and believe.”

Today, there are several influences that direct us to believe in Jesus as the Risen Lord. The Bible tells us that if we confess with our mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved. We also have the testimony of the early disciples who saw Jesus alive and remained true to their testimony, even in the face of martyrdom. Also, lives are being changed by the power of the Gospel today, which indicates that Jesus is alive and well. Even though we don’t physically see Jesus today, there are still compelling reasons to believe in the Gospel. Jesus calls us blessed when we believe without seeing.

Belief in the Resurrection of Jesus is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Second Chronicles 7:14.

The LORD told Solomon, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.”

According to this chapter in the Bible, the conditions that God might use to humble a nation are the absence of rain or the presence of locusts, or some kind of plague. These are wake up calls to God’s people to do some spiritual inventory on our lives. Are we putting our full trust in God? Are we walking in obedience to His Word? Is the Gospel the focus of our faith?

Sometimes, distractions take our focus off of Jesus and cause us to love the things of this world too much. God uses hardship to get our focus back on Him. If we can think specifically of ways in which we are not honoring God, He invites us to confess our sins to Him, and to turn from them. The path to healing for a broken land comes through the confessions of a broken heart. The obstacles are removed, and fellowship is restored to God, who is gracious and compassionate.

Humility, Confession, and Repentance are vital signs of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Hebrews 2:14.

Speaking of Jesus, “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death-that is, the devil- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”

Jesus was willing to be confined to a human body, so that we might  be set free from sin and death. He was willing to die on a cross so that we might live with Him in heaven. Because of His sacrifice, our view of death comes into a different focus.  Instead of seeing death as a permanent end, we see death as a promotion into the glorious presence of God. Death still causes tears, but it does not leave us in hopeless despair.  Death is still painful, but it does not have to paralyze us from living in freedom. With Christ as our Savior and Lord, death is not the end of our journey. It is the beginning of a new chapter that leads us to God’s throne in heaven, where His name is always honored in a place of joy and peace.

Being set free from the fear of death is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From First Corinthians 13:12.

“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

If you could ask the Lord one question, what would it be?  Maybe you have questions about His creation, or why bad things happen to God’s people, or perhaps you have a question from the Bible that no one has ever been able to answer to your satisfaction. The Apostle Paul was telling the church that we won’t have all our questions answered in this life. Our understanding is limited. But a day is coming when we will see clearly. Faith will become sight. Jesus will be right in front of us, and then, our relationship with Jesus will take on a new dimension. Our questions will be answered, including those questions about what heaven looks like.

In the meantime, there is a book that explains some important themes about life. The Bible explains where we came from, the impact of sin,  our purpose in life, why Jesus came, the meaning of His cross and empty grave, and what happens after we die. The Gospel reveals enough about God so that we can trust Him in the midst of life’s questions and challenges.

Trusting God through life’s questions is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Second Peter 1, verse 2.

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”

This is a greeting from Simon Peter to those who had received the message of faith in the Lord Jesus.  As we get to know God better, several things happen:

God’s grace and peace abundantly blesses us. We are filled with joy at the reality of His presence and forgiveness of our sins. The burden of guilt that we carried is released at the cross, and now, we don’t have to fear being condemned at the coming judgment.

God’s grace and peace also changes us, adjusting our priorities and reshaping our attitudes to reflect the image of Christ.

God’s grace and peace also equips us to be effective witnesses for Jesus, overflowing from our heart and spilling over into our relationships through our words and actions. Others will see the growing influence of Jesus in us as we know God better.

The abundance of grace and peace are vital signs of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Hebrews 13:8.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

The implication of this truth is that the identity of Jesus as the Son of God never changes. He is a dependable source of grace for the person who needs forgiveness. He is a constant presence in the life of His followers. He is a constant support to strengthen our faith in times of weakness, just as He was there to lift up Peter after denying Jesus three times.

It’s been said that life’s only constant is change. However, in the midst of changing times, there is another constant that remains a source of stability, and His name is Jesus. He is the One who said, “Before Abraham was born, I am.” He is the One Reality that we can trust with our lives. His love never fails.

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com