John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus is found in Romans 11:33 to 36.

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them? For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.”

This doxology was a response to the reality of God’s mercy. The wages of sin is death, and since we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, we are deserving of judgment. But God has stepped in to release us from guilt, shame, and the punishment we deserve from those acts of disobedience. Instead of condemnation, we receive God’s favor and peace through faith in Jesus Christ. That is the marvelous mystery of the Gospel. A sinless Jesus was crucified so that guilty might be forgiven and set free. We may not fully fathom God’s love, but we can fully embrace Him and celebrate Him.

The richness of God’s wisdom and mercy are reasons to praise God in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the priority of prayer.

There is a very short verse in the Bible with a life-changing message.

First Thessalonians 5:17 simply says, “pray continually.”

This conveys the idea of staying connected with God throughout the day. Daniel was a man of God who prayed faithfully three times a day.  Jesus would spend time with His Heavenly Father very early in the morning. We can start our day with a faith focus by having a conversation with God. We can tell Him about our struggles and concerns. We can express our gratitude for His blessings. We can offer Him praise for who He is.

The conversation can keep going throughout the day as we think about God. Prayer expresses our dependency on His grace to do His will and honor His name. Prayer is vital communication that keeps our relationship with God vibrant.

The Priority of Prayer is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the prayer of Peter in Matthew 14:28.

Jesus was walking on the lake and called out to the disciples who were in a boat:

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

Peter replied, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come.”

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”

This is a good view of faith and prayer resulting in action-Calling on Jesus, and expressing a heart- felt desire to draw closer to Him. Then, responding to the invitation of Jesus to walk toward Him.

The prayer of Peter, seeking to walk toward Jesus, is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus is found in Judges 5:2.

“When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves-praise the LORD! Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I, even I, will sing to the LORD; I will praise the LORD, the God of Israel, in song.”

Whenever we see a bowed knee to the Lord, a raised hand in worship, or a heart that is fully devoted to the Gospel, that is a reason to rejoice in the Lord. God is moving in people’s hearts to this day, calling us to follow Jesus with a heart of faith and find salvation in His name. Colossians 1:6 tells us that the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world.

Changed Lives by the grace of God is a reason to praise God in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus is found in Psalm 113, verses 1 to 3.

“Praise the LORD, you his servants: praise the name of the LORD. Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.”

Wherever we are in this world, wherever we are in human history, the LORD is worthy of our praise.  He is enthroned as the Holy One. As we focus on His glory and grace, we are drawn to a place of worship that fills our heart with gratitude and joy.

The worthiness of God is a reason to praise God in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the prayer of David in Psalm 86:11.

“Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.”

In response to the faithfulness of God, David prayed for a heart that was faithful and loyal to Him. David did not want other priorities to interfere with his relationship with God. So, he spoke this prayer of dedication to honor God with his heart.

In the New Testament, God remembered David and spoke about him this way: “I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.”

The prayer of David, seeking God’s way, is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus is found in Psalm 66:16.

“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.”

What has God done for you? In whatever way He has moved in your life, that becomes your testimony of praise. It could be deliverance from an addiction or the restoration of a strained relationship. Sometimes, God works in very personal ways to reveal His goodness and the power of His love.

The death and resurrection of Jesus was a display of God’s love for the whole world. It was a demonstration of how we can be saved from our sins and enjoy a bright future in the presence of God. This is good news for God’s people to share with others, so that they too may taste and see the Lord is good.

The goodness and graciousness of God are reasons to praise God in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the prayer of Paul in Ephesians 1:17.

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”

This is a good prayer to set the tone for spiritual growth in the coming year. It is also a good prayer to be praying for our friends, family members, and loved ones. This reflects an open heart that is willing to seek God’s favor, listen to God’s Word, and follow God’s will. The purpose of hearing from God is to know Him better, and be a light for the Gospel.

The prayer of Paul, asking for wisdom and revelation, is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus is found in Colossians 1:18.

Speaking of Jesus, “He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”

Our sin separated us from God, but in His love for the human race, God pursued us by sending Jesus into the world. His death on the cross paved the way for us to be restored to a peaceful relationship with God. This happens when we receive the precious gift of grace that Jesus offers us through that sacrifice. Jesus did not stay in the tomb. He rose from the dead, and is the head of the body that unites His church.

The supremacy of Jesus is a reason to praise God in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at a prayer of thanks from Psalm 118:21.

“I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.”

Prayer involves more than simply offering our requests to God. In prayer, we have the opportunity to give Him thanks for answered prayer, His abundant blessings, and His unfailing love. Psalm 118 ends exactly as it begins with these words, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

This prayer of thanks is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com