John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Genesis 4:6 and 7.

“Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

Cain was angry after God did not look with favor on his offering. God was reasoning with Cain to turn away from sinful temptation. This is a good message for us to heed when our mind and heart take us to dark places spiritually. Stop. Turn around. Do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. Let the voice of the Lord be our guiding influence.

The Gospel is our key to freedom. Romans 8:1 tells us that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Where the Spirit of God reigns over us, sin and death lose control. The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Genesis 4:6 and 7-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 Genuine.

The meaning of genuine is something that is authentic.

A person with a genuine faith is not perfect, but they are sincere about living out their faith in a way that honors God. They are motivated by God’s love to live for His glory.

One of life’s realities that bring genuine faith to light is a trial-some kind of hardship that comes into our life. It could be sickness, grief, or some kind of persecution. God is at work in times of testing.

Peter was addressing believers experiencing hardship, and he encouraged them with these words on First Peter 1:6 through 8.

“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

Discover how the word “Genuine” 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 Second Corinthians 6:16.

“I will live with them and walk among them, I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

This quote was written to highlight the fact that believers are the temple of the living God.

Charles Spurgeon said that the term “My people” expresses a special relationship. He has bought them with his blood. He has brought them near to Himself. He has set His great heart upon them. He has loved them with an everlasting love.”

This is the view of the new heaven and new earth among those who are redeemed of the Lord. “They will be His people, and God himself with be with them and be their God.”

Second Corinthians 6:16-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 “Rescue.”

To be rescued is to be saved from danger or a distressful situation.

We are desperate for someone to rescue us from sin and the world’s system of greed, pride, and lust. These influences are toxic to the soul.

The Gospel reveals God’s rescue plan to save us through Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1:3 and 4 says, “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.”

As we walk in friendship with God, we walk in the protection of His grace. Our soul is secure with Him. Grace and peace prevail over the toxic influences of this world.

Discover how the word “Rescue” 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 Mark 1:17.

Jesus said to Simon and Andrew, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.”

The Bible tells us that they left their nets and followed him at once. There was no hesitation. They were ready for a new life, and they found it in Jesus.

Following Jesus is a step-by-step journey, where we walk with Him and go in His direction. Just as Jesus gave Simon and Andrew a new mission, so Jesus calls us to believe the good news of the Gospel and share it with others. When God’s love brings us joy, we will look for opportunities to spread the joy of this life-changing reality.

Mark 1:17-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 Remember.

One definition of “Remember” is to have in the mind a thought or idea that had been in the mind before.”

Remembering the goodness of God is vital to a thankful and humble heart.

The writer of Psalm 77 was a musician named Asaph. When he had questions for God with a troubled mind, he wrote down this thought in verses 11 and 12.

“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” These are some moments worth remembering.

Discover how the word “Remember” 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 Ezekiel 20, verse 44.

“You will know that I am the LORD, O people of Israel, when I have honored my name by treating you mercifully in spite of your wickedness. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken.”

One of the sins that the nation of Israel committed was idolatry. They wanted to be like the nations around them who served idols of wood and stone. But God would send reminders to them that He sat on the throne, and He alone was worthy of their worship. He did not treat them as their sins deserved, but treated them with mercy.

That is the power of the Gospel to change lives from the inside out. He reaches out with grace to move us away from misplaced priorities. He works in the circumstances of our lives to get our attention until we recognize our need for Jesus. We have reached the moment of truth when we come to know that He is God.

Ezekiel 20:44-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 Drawn.

This word is used in the Bible to describe how God brings us to Jesus by the influence of His love. He is the One who initiates the relationship with us. Drawn refers to being dragged or pulled, much like a magnetic attraction.

Without God drawing us to Himself, we would never come to Jesus. In John 6:44, Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

God draws us with unfailing kindness. The cross was the greatest evidence of this. That is where Jesus died for our sins and extended forgiveness instead of condemnation for our offenses. Jesus said in John 12:32, “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” The cross and empty grave of Jesus are compelling forces of God’s love to invite us to follow Jesus, today, tomorrow, and forever.

Discover how the word “Drawn” 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 Romans 14:11.

“As surely as I live, every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.”

We each have an appointment to meet God someday. The Apostle Paul was pointing out this quote to emphasize that we will all give account of ourselves to God. We are all going to stand before God’s judgment seat. He alone is the worthy Judge to evaluate our lives with perfect vision and justice.

One of the implications of this statement is warning us about passing judgment on one another. We are not the final judges of our brother or sister in Christ. God is the final judge of their lives as He is the final judge of ours. That future reality can have a great impact on our lives today to focus on serving Christ faithfully and loving others sincerely.

Romans 14:11-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 Reveal.

To reveal something is to release previously unknown information to others. This word is found in the Bible to show us that God is speaking to us about who He is and how much He loves us.

God has revealed evidence of His grace and character at different points of history, including each day, with every sunrise.

God reveals Himself through His creation. The heavens declare the glory of God.

God reveals Himself in His Word and Work. Psalm 33:4 tells us that the word of the LORD is right and true. He is faithful in all he does.

God has revealed Himself through the testimony of Jesus Christ. Second Timothy 1:10 tells us that His grace has “now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com