JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s goodness is found in Philippians 1:6.

The Apostle Paul expressed his gratitude to God for his partnership with this church.

He said, “Being confident of this that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

What an amazing privilege to participate in the mission of the Gospel! God has a plan and purpose for us to glorify His name and to spread His good news of forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ. He is the author and perfecter of our faith. The work that He starts in us, He is also able to complete.

Our legacy of faith extends beyond life on this earth. It speaks in the lives of anyone who is persuaded to follow Jesus by the word of our testimony. They will go on to be an influence for the Gospel to future generations. In that way, God’s good work in us will continue until the day of Christ’s return.

“God at work in us” reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s goodness is found in John 11:35.

Jesus wept.

This is the shortest verse in the Bible, but it says a lot about the compassion of Jesus toward those who are hurting and grieving the loss of a loved one. Jesus wept by the graveside of Lazarus, and it prompted witnesses of this scene to respond with these words, “See how he loved him!”

We could go through life without experiencing grief, but that would probably mean living without much love for others. Along with much grief, there is generally a history of love and good memories with family and friends. Jesus knew what it was like to grieve because His love for people was very great.

The heart of Jesus sympathizes with us in our times of grief. He has walked the road of suffering. He is familiar with our pain, and is that voice of encouragement to help us in our time of need.

The empathy of Jesus reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Psalm 100, verses 4 and 5.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

God’s love and faithfulness have enduring value that is relevant for our generation. The blood of Jesus was shed on the cross 2,000 years ago, and still has the power to cover our sins, so that we are declared “Not guilty”. For a love that stands the test of time, we can find it in the arms of God’s saving grace. Romans 10:13 tells us that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. That is still true today. God is faithful to His word. His love will not fail us.

God’s enduring love and faithfulness reveal the goodness of God and are reasons to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s goodness is found in Galatians 3:13 and 14.

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.’ He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”

The curse of the cross became a lifeline to the lost. This was the journey that Jesus took to find us and set us free from sin. The love of Jesus extends this offer of forgiveness and eternal life to all who will put their faith in Him. This is how we are restored to a right relationship with God. Second Corinthians 5:21 explains:

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

God’s plan of redemption through Jesus reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s goodness is found in First Samuel 12:24.

Samuel said to the Israelites: “Be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.”

It is good to consider the source when we hear someone instructing us to do something. In the case of Samuel, he was a trustworthy source to speak for the Lord. He had a lifetime of experience walking with the Lord as a true prophet. He prayed for the people that he led and showed great concern for their well-being. Samuel consistently pointed people to trust in the Lord faithfully.

He reminded the Israelites in specific ways how God provided for them and led them this far. When we remember the great things that God has done for us, we have motivation to continue the journey of trusting God to lead the way.

The great things God has done for us reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s goodness is found in First Peter 1, verses 8 and 9.

Speaking of Jesus, “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

Remembering the destiny of eternal life with Jesus brings joy into the experience of living for Him today. This world can be a tough place that brings trials, tragedies, and temptations. Peter was addressing believers who were facing serious opposition to their faith. To encourage them, he reminded these saints of their glorious destiny. This is a focus point that can help us live with a faith that endures the test of time.

Hebrews 13:9 tells us that it is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace.

God’s saving grace reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s goodness is found in Psalm 37, verses 23 and 24.

The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

The hand of the LORD is dependable for guiding us and supporting us. The key to knowing God in this way is to delight in Him. This means, we enjoy walking with Jesus and being in relationship with Him. His words move us and encourage us. His love refreshes us daily. His Presence brings us joy. Flowing out of that relationship, we find our purpose and move forward by faith to be a light in this world.

The stability of God’s ways reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s goodness is found in Romans 5:6.

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.”

God’s redemption plan was put into place at the right time to meet our deepest need for a Savior. Jesus did not come to us in our loveliness. He did not wait to come to earth until we got our house in order. Instead, He saw our need for forgiveness, and then He did something about it by going to the cross.

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. That is how God demonstrated his own love for us. That is how He rescues us from our sinful condition.

The demonstration of God’s love for us reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s goodness is found in Philippians 4, verses 6 and 7.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The presence of God is a peaceful influence for our soul. His grace is our source of hope, joy, and love. We can count on Jesus to be with us through our triumphs and trials. He can calm our fears in the midst of turbulent circumstances. Prayer invites God’s presence into our situations, whatever they happen to be.

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

The peace of God reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com