John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Matthew 7:1.

Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

In this statement, the word “judge” means “to decide” someone’s guilt or innocence. In our relationships, there is great danger in playing the part of the judge when only God is qualified to give the final verdict about someone’s life. It is hard to love someone that we dismiss as a lost cause. As long as people have breath, they have opportunity to repent. Sharing the kindness of Jesus with them extends that opportunity.

Matthew 7:1-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 Church.

The church is the body of Christ, and Jesus is the Head of the church. His leadership unites His followers together in love and worship. The church has been commissioned by Jesus to preach the Gospel. We have good news to share with the world that can change lives for eternity.

Jesus loves the church to the degree that He died for the church, so that we might be saved and purified in His presence.

Ephesians 5:25 tells us that “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”

Discover how the word “Church” 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 Exodus 3:14.

“I AM WHO I AM”.

That is how God identified Himself to Moses at the burning bush. He then said, “This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.”

This name reveals God as self-sufficient, always present, eternally existent. There has never been a time when God was not God.

When Jesus stepped on to the scene, He would use the phrase “I Am” to identify Himself.

“I am the Bread of Life.”

“I am the Good Shepherd.”

“I am the Resurrection and the Life.

“I am the Light of the world.”

“I am the way and the truth and the life.”

These are statements referring to the Deity of Jesus and revealing what He can do for us when we come to Him by faith.

Exodus 3:14-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 Purpose.

To have a purpose is to have a goal or intention to get something accomplished. With purpose, we wake up in the morning with motivation and direction.  The Gospel gives us the meaningful purpose for living out the will of God in our lives.

Philippians 2:13 says, “It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” That is where we find great joy, when we see God working in us and through us to make a difference in this world for the Gospel.

His love is the compelling influence for doing His will because His love has captured our heart. Rick Warren has said, “If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born BY His purpose and FOR his purpose.”

Discover how the word “Purpose” 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 1:38.

Jesus said, “Let us go somewhere else-to the nearby villages-so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”

Jesus was praying in a solitary place that morning when Simon and his companions found him, saying “Everyone is looking for you.”

Sometimes, other people have a plan for our schedule, which might not match God’s plan. Jesus was in that situation here. However, Jesus had met with His Heavenly Father early in the morning, He was aware of His Father’s agenda, and He knew His purpose. Spending time with God in prayer and in His Word helps to clarify God’s purpose for us as we begin each day.

Mark 1:38-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 Power.

The Tyndale Bible Dictionary defines power as “the ability to do things, by virtue of strength, skill, resources or authorization.”

In the Christian life, the Holy Spirit is our power source. The ability to serve others and our effectiveness as witnesses for Jesus depend on the Holy Spirit to empower us. This highlights the importance of staying in relationship with Jesus and walking by faith in Him. Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Jesus is our source of strength and confidence. In His grace, we can find the courage to live out the Christian life with freedom. Second Timothy 1:7 says, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

Discover how the word “Power” 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 17, verses 3 and 4.

Jesus said, “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”

Responding to someone who has wronged us is a delicate matter. Jesus does not suggest that we sweep offenses under the rug. He is calling us to be proactive in confronting sin so that repentance might take place and reconciliation might follow.

Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is possible when God’s grace is in view.

Luke 17:3 and 4-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 Faithful.

To be faithful is to be reliable, steadfast, and unwavering. Faithful people are loyal to friends, staying true to promises and commitments. Faithfulness is one of the qualities in the fruit of the Spirit. God is faithful to His people and His promises. We can rely on His power and goodness to fulfill His promises for His people.

First Corinthians 1, verses 8 and 9 says, “He will keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

As we walk in relationship with God, we will see true love and be inspired to live a faithful life to Him and to our loved ones.

Discover how the word “Faithful” 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 40:25.

“To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?”

The worshipper of God realizes that the LORD stands apart as the Holy One, who is mighty, majestic, and full of compassion and mercy.

The LORD’s unique greatness is described in the verse that follows: “Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.”

Elsewhere, David was a man after God’s own heart who said in Psalm 86:8, “Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours.”

Isaiah 40:25-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 Near.

In the Bible, this word can have various meanings. One of those meanings has to do with a close relationship with God.

In Psalm 73:28, Asaph wrote, “As for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge. I will tell of all your deeds.”

The closer we are to God, the more clearly we will hear Him, the more vividly we will be in tune with His will, and the more passionately we will praise Him with our heart. God is moved by the person who seeks after His heart.

James 5:7 and 8 reveals what happens when we draw near to God, “Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com