JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to honor God with our wealth.

That’s the word from Proverbs 3:9. Whenever the subject of money and giving comes up in Christian circles, there is a lot of emphasis on tithing. This is the practice of giving 10 percent of our income to the Lord. Jesus confirmed the value of tithing in His earthly ministry, but also said there were more important matters to focus on like justice, mercy and faithfulness.

The New Testament teaches us to be cheerful givers. This means, giving generously with a glad and willing heart.

First Timothy 6:18 tells us how to honor God with the wealth that He provides for us. “Do good, be rich in good deeds, be generous and willing to share.” This is how we can store for ourselves treasures in heaven.

Honoring God with our wealth is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Philippians 2:13.

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

The Gospel highlights God’s good purpose for our lives. After we come to faith in Jesus, we begin to wrestle with the question “What is God’s will for my life?” “Where is my place to serve Him?”

The good news is that we are not left alone to figure things out by ourselves. God promises to be with us. His Holy Spirit is available to guide us. His Word is available to help us grow in His grace and prepare for our mission. His love becomes the compelling force for our lives, driving us to be a voice of good news in a world that is looking for hope.

This Light Reflection inspires us to cooperate with God’s will and carry out His good purpose in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to offer our time to God.

David said to the LORD in Psalm 31:15, “My times are in your hands.”

There is faith in that statement and understanding that God has given us a window of time on the earth. We are not here by accident, but by Providence.

Without God in view, some people reason that since time is limited, ‘let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” But with God in view, we have another perspective for the way we use our time. That perspective seeks to do the will of God and please Him with a heart of faith.

Ephesians 5:14 says, “Wake up sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Be very careful then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

Offering our time to God is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Philippians 1:21.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Life on this earth is temporary. Our bodies are not made to last, but while we live in them, we can live for a purpose that leaves a legacy of faith.

The Apostle Paul loved Jesus and lived for the glory of His name. As a result, Paul lived with purpose and hope.

There is much fulfillment when we live according to God’s design for our lives. If we live, that means fruitful labor for us. If we die, that means that we are in the comfort of God’s presence forever. To live is Christ and to die is gain.

This Light Reflection inspires us to find our purpose and hope in Christ in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to offer our activities to God.

God made us with a purpose to glorify Him with whatever we do. As we follow Jesus, His plan becomes the priority of our lives. We come to a place of surrender by saying to the Lord, “Have your way in my life. I am your servant.”  Then, follow God’s plan with a faithful heart.

Mary said something like that and God established her as the mother of Jesus, and blessed throughout all generations.

David said something like that, and God established him to be the king over Israel. and a man after His own heart. God testified about David, “He will do everything I want him to do.” That can be true of us.

Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

Offering our activities to God is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to offer our future to God.

God holds the future in His hands. He knows the end from the beginning, and moves throughout history to bring glory to His name. He knows our future too. In Jeremiah 29:11, He declared, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”

God’s plans for our lives are hopeful when we seek Him with all of our heart. They include living out God’s purposes while we live on the earth, a life-changing relationship with Him, and the glories of heaven beyond our last breath. His presence is the key to a bright future.

Psalm 37:37 says, “Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.”

Offering our future to God is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from First Corinthians 1:22 to 25.

“Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”

Jesus did not conform to the expectations of the Jews and Greeks, but He is the fulfillment of what they were seeking. He is the ultimate miracle of love from heaven. He is also the supreme source of wisdom to guide us on our journey of faith.

Of all the philosophies around the world, there is one faith that shines brightly with the blessing of God’s grace. That is the faith that preaches Christ crucified and risen from the dead.

This Light Reflection inspires us to turn to Jesus as our source of strength and wisdom in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from First Corinthians 1:18.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.

The Apostle Paul, who wrote these words, lived with the awareness that the death of Jesus was his pathway to salvation. At the cross, Jesus shed his blood for the forgiveness of our sins. He willingly laid down His life so that we could be reconciled to God and live with Him forever. Embracing this message changes our values and priorities.

The message of the cross becomes the power source of our lives. That’s where God’s grace shines brightly as our source of salvation, and source of strength to live out the Christian life.

This Light Reflection inspires us to embrace the message of the cross in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to offer our hands to God.

This involves reaching up to God in worship, and reaching out to others with generous giving. Both expressions can be used to honor God. Psalm 134, verse 2 calls us to lift up our hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. This is a visible demonstration that reflects a heart surrendered to God.

As we reach out to others, we can be a useful instrument of God’s grace to meet needs and share the joy of God’s love with our service.

The grace of God is effective for changing the way we use our hands. Ephesians 4:28 says, “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”

Offering our hands to God is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com