John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Psalm 32:8.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

There is no better place to be than under God’s guidance. He watches us and works with us as He shapes us into the likeness of Christ, much like the potter who works with clay. He prepares us for a productive place of service where we can testify of His love for the world.

The invitation of Jesus is “Follow me.” He will guide us in God’s good plan as the Wonderful Counselor, as He watches over us with His loving eye.

Psalm 32:8-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 Adoption.

Parents who adopt children choose to welcome them into their family with open arms.

Adoption is one of God’s spiritual blessings for the person who puts their faith in Jesus Christ. We are welcomed into the family of God with open arms.

Ephesians 1:5 says, “In love, he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-to the praise of his glorious grace.”

What a joyful reality to be included in God’s family and to enjoy the blessing of His acceptance and forgiveness. That is a compelling reason to give thanks for His enduring love.

Discover how the word “Adoption” 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 6:40.

Jesus said, “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

Even though we do not see Jesus with our eyes today, we can look to Him with a trusting heart and have the assurance that our life is in His hands. He has us. He owns us. He is leading us on the road of faith to a place of eternal glory. That is when we will see Him face to face.

David Jeremiah says, “there’s so much to anticipate about heaven, but there’s one priority above all others-seeing the Lord Jesus Christ. That includes seeing His face, glimpsing His smile, enjoying His fellowship, and worshiping His glory.”

John 6:40-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 Choose.

To make a choice is to decide on a course of action. Pursuing one avenue often means saying “no” to other pathways. That is certainly true with our ultimate allegiance.

Near the end of his life, Moses encouraged the Israelites to choose life. In Deuteronomy 30:20, he pointed out the way forward in this path.

“Love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life.”

Discover how the word “Choose” 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 Luke 7:41 and 42.

Jesus said this to a Pharisee named Simon, “A man loaned money to two people. 500 pieces of silver to one, and 50 pieces to the other. But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”

How would you answer that question? Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” Jesus said, “You have judged correctly.”

He was drawing attention to a woman in the room who had lived a sinful life. She was at the feet of Jesus, wetting his feet with her tears. Jesus said to Simon, “Her many sins have been forgiven-for she loved much. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

At the cross, Jesus died to pay the debt for our many sins. That kind of debt relief is both humbling and a cause for celebration.

Luke 7:41 and 42-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 Hospitality.

In the Bible, the practice of hospitality flowed out of love for strangers. This was often expressed in providing lodging and food for those who served God in ministry.

Romans 12:13 instructs us to “share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

In practicing hospitality, we get to serve others to meet their practical needs. It may be in the form of helping those in poverty, inviting a visitor at church to share a meal, or reaching out to a new neighbor. We also have the opportunity to support the ministry of God’s servants. The book of Third John says, “We ought to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.”

Discover how the word “Hospitality” 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 37:5 and 6.

“I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put my breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.”

The LORD showed Ezekiel a valley of bones and told him that these bones were the people of Israel. If God can raise a nation to life, then He can also bring the spiritually dead to life by the power of His grace.

Ephesians 2:1 says to believers, “You were dead in your transgressions and sins…. Then verse 4 says, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved.” The Gospel is the miracle of God raising the dead to life.

Ezekiel 37:5 and 6-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 Counselor.

Isaiah 9:6 prophesied Jesus to be called “Wonderful Counselor.”

Jesus invites us to follow Him. In His wisdom, He knows how to lead us and where to lead us. He is the Good Shepherd who leads us beside quiet waters and refreshes our soul. He guides us along right paths for his name’s sake.

Jesus gave us clarity for taking the right path when He said, “I am the way.”  In John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.”

As our Wonderful Counselor, Jesus will not lead us astray. He will guide us in the truth, teach us the way of God’s love, and give us eternal life.

Discover how the word “Counselor” 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 8:11.

Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now, and leave your life of sin.”

Jesus was standing in the way between this woman and her accusers. In much the same way, Jesus is the One who defends us from the accusations of our enemy, who wants to destroy us.

He upholds grace and truth simultaneously, because God is love and God is holy. As we follow Jesus, we come into the light of His forgiveness and holiness. His words call us to leave our life of sin. As we heed His call to repentance, Jesus redeems our story and helps us to live a life that glorifies God.

John 8:11-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 Thanksgiving.

This is the virtuous quality that we celebrate every year in November, but it is much more than a holiday.

Thanksgiving acknowledges the goodness of God and expresses gratitude in various ways. We might give thanks by praising God with a song, or we might give thanks by sharing with others in need. There is an action in this word that reveals the evidence of a grateful heart to God for His abundant blessings and provision.

Psalm 69:30 says, “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”

And Second Corinthians 9:11 says, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com