John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Isaiah 6:8.

“Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

Isaiah heard the LORD say this, and responded by saying, “Here am I. Send me!”

These questions are still relevant for today. God has a plan for our lives to know Jesus Christ and share the good news of His saving grace with others.  Just as the prophets and apostles knew God and were willing to serve Him, we have that opportunity to know Jesus Christ, and to make Him known. There will be trials and opposition along the way, but we will always have God’s presence to help us and give us what we need for faithful service.

Isaiah 6:8-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 Persevere.

The literal meaning of Perseverance is “to bear up under.”

David Jeremiah says this word “describes someone who remains steadfast in the face of severe trials, obstacles, and suffering. Perseverance is a never-give-up attitude, a commitment to move forward when everything is conspiring to hold you back.”

Sometimes, feelings give us enthusiasm to serve the Lord, but sometimes our feelings work against that incentive. Perseverance helps us to push through negative emotions to finish the race we started.   There is a reward for faithful service at the end of faith’s journey.

James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Discover how the word “Persevere” 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 22:31 and 32.

Jesus said, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

If you are ever tempted to think that God is waiting to zap you the moment that you fail Him, remember this interaction between Jesus and Simon Peter. Jesus knew that Simon would deny knowing the Lord three times the next day. Yet, Jesus did not give up on Simon. He prayed for Simon’s faith to prevail over the forces of darkness.

Hebrews 7:25 says about Jesus, “He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

Just as Jesus moved in Simon’s life to become courageous, He can take our personal weaknesses and turn them into strengths for the Gospel.

Luke 22:31 and 32-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 Praise.

In the Bible, this is a term of exaltation to God. One of the meanings of Praise is to honor or commend. Hallelujah is an expression of praise to God. There are times when praise and thanks are closely connected, as we reflect on what God has done for us and praise Him for His blessings.

Psalm 150 is a great place to turn for words that celebrate God’s greatness with music. The word “Praise” is found 13 times here. This is what we find in verses 1 and 2, “Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.”

Today is our opportunity to join the chorus. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.

Discover how the word “Praise” 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 Joshua 1:9.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

God was encouraging Joshua with these words just before the Israelites would enter the Promised Land.

From this statement, we find three realities that build courage in the follower of Jesus.

• The Promise of God to be with us wherever we go.
• The Plan of God to fulfill His promises.
• And the Word of God to encourage us to move forward in His plan.

Joshua 1:9-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 Resurrection.

This is a significant word in the Christian faith. Without the resurrection of Jesus, our faith would be futile and we would be lost without hope.

The resurrection of Jesus means that He came back from the dead. He is not the only one to rise from the dead into a glorious future. His followers also live with that hope some day.

First Corinthians 15:20 says, “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ, all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.”

Discover how the word “Resurrection” 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 18:30 to 32.

“Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone. Repent and live!”

God was speaking to a nation who had lost their way.

God is showing us here that He cares about each person. He desires life for us, not death.

He also is passionate about purifying His people with a clean heart.

The Gospel reveals God’s desire for us to be in relationship with Him forever, not set apart from Him. That is why Jesus went to the cross.

Ezekiel 18:30 to 32-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 Blessed.

To be blessed is to be in a state of happiness. The favor of God is a source of blessing to the follower of Jesus. When we walk in the love of God and are set free by His truth, we are in a very blessed condition.

In Matthew 5, verses 3 through 10, Jesus declared a series of blessings in the Sermon on the Mount when He said,

Blessed are the poor in spirit.

Blessed are those who mourn.

Blessed are the meek.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Blessed are the merciful.

Blessed are the pure in heart.

Blessed are the peacemakers.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness.

Jesus taught us the way to live and showed us how to live a life that honors God and invites His blessing.

Discover how the word “Blessed” 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 4:6.

“My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.”

The problem here was that the people were intentionally rejecting knowledge and ignoring the law of God. As a result, there was no faithfulness, no love and no acknowledgement of God in the land. Rejection of God’s law led to lawlessness.

There is wisdom in learning from history, including moral failures from the past. In the midst of our moral failures, there is hope. The righteousness of Jesus is the remedy for our sin. Hosea 10:12 says, “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.”

Hosea 4:6 and Hosea 10:12-Those are today’s God Quotes for us to embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Gentle.

To be gentle is to be kind and tender-hearted. A word that is compatible with gentleness is meekness. A gentle person lives with humility and restraint. They are not known for lashing out in anger or seeking revenge. They are gracious in the way they relate with imperfect people. Gentleness is not a weak trait, but an honorable trait that was demonstrated by Jesus Himself.

He entered Jerusalem as a gentle king, riding on a donkey.

Ephesians 4:1 and 2 says, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com