John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in John 18:36.

Jesus said to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

Anyone thinking that Jesus had come to overturn the Roman Empire   would have been disappointed. Jesus did not come with a military force, but offered Himself in service and sacrifice. His priority was not political revolution but spiritual intervention. He came for souls who needed a Savior. He came for souls who needed His forgiveness and grace. Jesus came for us. He came to earth so that we might take part in His glorious Kingdom.

John 18:36-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 Training.

This is a process of discipline or preparation for effective service.

Athletes train for sporting events. Musicians train for public performances. Follower of Jesus train for living out our faith with godly character and good deeds.

The word of God is vital for spiritual training, revealing the heart of God and His plan for our lives. He teaches us the difference between what is right and what is wrong. He shows us the way of love and the powerful influence it has in drawing people to Jesus.

Second Timothy 3:16 and 17 says that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Discover how the word “Training” 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 14:25.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Jesus was about to leave this earth and ascend to heaven, but He was assuring His followers that we would not be alone. The presence and power of the Holy Spirit is a gift from above. The Holy Spirit fulfills important functions in the lives of believers today. One of those functions is to instruct us in the ways of God.  He gives us deeper understanding of God’s kingdom. Another function is to remind us of the words of Jesus.

When we open our heart and mind to the words of Jesus, the Holy Spirit is there to guide our daily decisions in the way of Jesus.

John 14:25-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 Refuge.

A refuge is a shelter from danger or trouble. This reality suggests that we are not guaranteed a life freed from trouble. Yet, in a broken world, we have a refuge for our soul when we have faith in God.

His grace is available for us in our time of need. His peace calms our fears. His love reassures us that we are not alone.

Psalm 46:1 describes God as our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

And David wrote in Psalm 62:7, “My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”

Discover how the word “Refuge” 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 Acts 1:7 and 8.

Jesus told His disciples, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The disciples were wondering when Jesus was going to restore the kingdom to Israel. Many people today are curious to speculate on when Jesus might return to set up His kingdom. But Jesus was turning their attention to the task before them in the foreseeable future. His words are an important reminder for us to stay focused on being faithful witnesses for Jesus until His glorious return. As we are guided by the Holy Spirit, the Gospel will spread and bring salvation to many people around the world.

Acts 1:7 and 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 Sing.

This is the art of making musical sounds with our voices.

God’s love gives us plenty of reasons to sing with joy in our heart. When we receive His love, He fills us with His grace, and good gifts from above. He accepts us into His spiritual family. He guides us in His truth and shows the way to true freedom. He also gives us a living hope.

When faith is the theme of our heart, praise is the theme of our songs.

Psalm 33:1 to 3 says, “Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.”

Discover how the word “Sing” 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 Acts 1, verses 4 and 5.

Jesus gave His disciples this command, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

That is what they did, and when Pentecost arrived, the Holy Spirit came in power. The disciples shared the Gospel, and three thousand people were added to the church that day.

There is wisdom in waiting on God’s timing. Keeping in step with Him is where we find that sweet spot of thriving in God’s will. There is power in the witness of a Christ-follower who is led by the Spirit of God.

Acts 1:4 and 5-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 Restored.

This refers to a returning back to its original condition, only better.

Jesus has the power to restore broken relationships through His sacrifice on the cross. That includes our relationship with God that was separated by our sinful condition.

When the Lord becomes our Good Shepherd, He restores our soul. We are brought to a place of peace with God. We become new creations in Christ. He puts love in our heart for others who are struggling in a cycle of sin.

Galatians 6:1 says, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” In this way, God can use us as instruments of grace to help others to find freedom in Christ.

Discover how the word “Restored” 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 Psalm 85:8.

The writer said, “I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants-but let them not turn to folly.”

From the pages of Israel’s history, they escaped the oppressive hand of Pharoah, but on their journey toward the Promised Land, they set up a golden calf as an idol and indulged in revelry. It did not end well for them.

God has a plan for our lives that is meant to bring us peace with Him. That plan is the Gospel. Jesus is the good news that we need for this promise to be fulfilled in us. Embracing Jesus as our Savior and Lord opens the way for us to experience the love of God that fills our heart with peace. Where Jesus reigns, His peace remains.

Psalm 85:8-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 Zeal.

To have much zeal is to have great enthusiasm. When we delight in the Lord, we are energized by His love to serve with a cheerful heart. Galatians 4:18 tells us that it is fine to be zealous provided the purpose is good. The Gospel is a good purpose.

Zeal for God moves us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. His priorities matter to us. We wake up with a sense of adventure and wonder how God is going to work through us today to reach someone with His love.

Romans 12:11 says, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com