John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in John 4:34.

Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”

This is what fulfilled Jesus-to know that He was in the center of His Father’s will. And what was His calling?  Philippians 2:7 tells us he made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant…..He humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross.

The cross of Jesus was the means to save us from our sins, and Jesus submitted to that plan for the sake of our redemption.

Jesus shows us by His example where our purpose in life will find the most fulfillment-in the center of God’s will.

John 4:34-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 Reconcile.

To reconcile is to restore a relationship to a place of harmony after having a dispute. In the Christian experience, Jesus is the peacemaker who brings us back into fellowship with God.

 Colossians 1:21 says, “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-if you continue in your faith, established and firm.”

That’s the power of Jesus to set us free from guilt and to present us as faultless in the eyes of God. Where there is forgiveness and genuine faith, there is reconciliation between God and His new creation.

Discover how the word “Reconcile” 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 Isaiah 57:15.

“I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”

God is in heaven, but He is not confined by space. He is also near the person who is humbled by their sins and failures. In their brokenness, they turn to God for forgiveness and desire to walk in the light of His grace and truth. Prideful thinking keeps God at a distance, forming a pattern of trusting ourselves more than trusting in God.

Humility invites God to come near to help us and to save us from our sins. God is right at home in the heart of the person who loves Him and recognizes their need for Jesus every single day.

Isaiah 57:15-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 Cling.

This refers to holding tightly to something or someone. It is a vivid word to illustrate someone holding on with all their might.

In the Bible, there is a beautiful scene in the book of Ruth, where Ruth is clinging to her mother-in-law. Naomi was trying to convince Ruth to go back to her people in Moab, but Ruth determined to go with Naomi to Bethlehem. Ruth stood by Naomi’s side. She clung and did not let go.

It is a beautiful scene whenever anyone clings to the Lord. Wherever He goes, we are willing to follow. David used this word to describe his relationship with God. In Psalm 63:8, he wrote, “I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.”

Discover how the word “Cling” 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 Hosea 10:12.

“Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.”

True prophets spoke for God, who inspired words like these.

This message is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who is our source of righteousness. Planting the seeds of righteousness means that our hearts are receptive to the word of God, the love of God, and the Son of God. To break up the unplowed ground means surrendering areas of our lives that we have not yet yielded to the Lord.  His unfailing love will fill our hearts with joy, peace, and security for our soul. He will also move us to share His love with others. We love because God loved us first.

Hosea 10:12-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 Think.

This is the exercise of our mind to ponder certain opinions, beliefs, and ideas. What we think about can greatly affect our decisions, attitudes, and emotions.

Philippians 4:8 is a great verse to focus our thoughts in a good direction. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”

Verse 9 points out what happens when our thoughts go there. The God of peace will be with us. We will face problems in the world that need to be addressed, but as we make our thought life obedient to Christ, we will have the framework for seeking solutions to the problems we face.

Discover how the word “Think” 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 John 14:30 and 31.

Jesus said to His disciples the night before He was crucified, “I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.”

It was the Father’s will for Jesus to go to the cross. Satan also wanted Jesus to die, because he entered into Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus. But their reasoning was very different. God the Father sent Jesus to the cross for the salvation of humanity. Satan’s purpose was the destruction of humanity.

By going to the cross, Jesus did exactly what His Father sent Him to do. This was motivated by His love for the Father and for sinners like us, who are desperate for grace. By rising from the dead, He proved that Satan had no hold on Him. Jesus was victorious over death.

John 14:30 and 31-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 Uphold.

In the Bible, this word is often used to show how God is able to support and sustain us from falling. He is the lifter of our heads through His encouragement by His love and power to save. This is a reason to put our confidence in God.

He says in Isaiah 41:10, “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.”

As we look into the New Testament, we find that this is where Jesus is right now. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that following His death and resurrection, Jesus sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. He upholds us with His unfailing love.

Discover how the word “Uphold” 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 Jeremiah 1:5.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

The LORD gave this word to Jeremiah. This is mind-boggling to think about the Sovereignty of God-that He knows about us before we were even formed in our mother’s womb.

God has a plan for our lives too. We do not have the same calling that Jeremiah had, but it is consistent with his overall purpose to know God and glorify His name. Our calling is specific and unique. In the course of time, God reveals what He wants us to do for Him, and will make a way for us to pursue His plan. He set us apart for His special purpose long ago.

Jeremiah 1:5-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 Prosper.

The Biblical definition of this word can be described as “Success with God’s Favor.”

Quite often, God’s view of prosperity and the world’s view of prosperity are different. If our efforts to serve God are carried out according to His will and lead to His glory, we can consider that effort a success.

A thriving faith begins with delight in God’s Word. Psalm 1:2 and 3 tells us that the one who is blessed is the one whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-whatever they do prospers.

Discover how the Word “Prosper” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com