John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is living with the hope of heaven.

Having the hope of heaven in our heart will remind us that there is more to life than this world. This hope will purify our faith and give us a greater sense of urgency to share the Gospel with unbelievers.

Colossians 3:1 says, “Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

C.S. Lewis once said, “If you read history, you will find that Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. The Apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the slave trade, all left their mark on earth precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven.”

Living with the Hope of Heaven is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2qtngUiQxsk8rTncNzz9Qx?si=4a2a1bee9e85420b

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Psalm 89, verses 35 to 37.

The LORD says, “Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness-and I will not lie to David-that his line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun; it will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky.”

Indeed, there is a spiritual heritage coming through David’s line that shines forever. Jesus came through David’s line. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. He is known by His love and faithfulness. God is true to His promises.

The brilliance of His reign is compared to the likeness of the sun. And the establishment of His kingdom is compared to the moon, the faithful witness in the sky.

Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, so, God’s people are called to reflect the light of God’s One and Only Son-Jesus.

This Light Reflection inspires us to be a faithful witness for Jesus in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to have a healthy support system.

There is wisdom in choosing our friends carefully. Our peers can build up our faith in the Lord or lead us astray, depending on their character.

Proverbs 13:20 instructs us to “walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

Hebrews 10:24 encourages us to consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

A healthy support system will bring out the best qualities in our character, help us to grow wise, and draw closer to Jesus.

Having a Healthy Support System is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to control our temper.

Outbursts of anger often lead to emotional pain, discouragement, division, and regret. Not all anger is sin. Jesus got angry when God’s house was defiled. But how we handle our anger is vitally important in how we represent God’s love and holiness.

Ephesians 4:26 says, “In your anger, do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

James 1:20 says that “human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” He instructs us to be slow to become angry.

Psalm 4:4 reveals what we can do when anger tempts us to sin. “When you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.”  In the quietness of that moment, we will have opportunity to do some soul-searching, pray, and invite God’s peace to settle our troubled spirit.

Controlling our temper is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from First Corinthians 4:5.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.”

We all have an appointment with the Lord someday. This verse gives us a warning about judging someone else’s motives. Don’t be the judge and jury of someone else’s motives. What if we are wrong? What happens if we assume that someone’s motives are impure when they are really pure? It would have a harmful impact on that relationship, and would likely cause discouragement.

Ultimately, God knows the condition of their heart even as He knows the condition of ourheart. Pure motives matter to God, and that is why we are wise to commit our activities to God. He will reward us for the good deeds we have done for His glory.

This Light Reflection inspires us to align our motives to the purposes of God in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Genesis 9:13 to 15.

After the worldwide flood in Noah’s day, God said, “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.”

The rainbow is a brilliant display of colors built on a promise from God. Never again will the earth see a flood like Noah’s day.

Rainbows typically appear after a storm, often appearing as an arch. But the beauty of heaven includes a full rainbow at the throne of God.  Revelation 4:3 talks about a rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircling the throne.

The storms of life still come, but they will not always last. There is a rainbow at the end of faith’s journey where our healing will be complete in the presence of God.

This Light Reflection inspires us to hold on to the promises of God in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to speak truthfully to our neighbor.

God is calling us to a new attitude where we are transformed in true righteousness and holiness. Jesus told believers that we are the salt of the earth. Just as salt flavors food, we are called to flavor this world with the Gospel.

Speaking truthfully to our neighbor is one of the ways we can represent Jesus. Honesty builds trust and stronger relationships on a foundation of truth. Proverbs 24:26 compares an honest answer to a kiss on the lips. The general idea there is that honesty is pleasant and brings people together.

Ephesians 4:25 says, “Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”

Speaking truthfully to our neighbor is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/73bP5YJUSch27KCX5FeOeD?si=7212bdf131c44b8d

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is Support of Christian ministries.

This includes overseas missionaries, the local church, and community outreaches that help people in Jesus’ name. The church functions best when we work together under the leadership of Jesus to carry out His mission of making disciples.

This mission is supported by the prayers, service, and financial support of God’s people. This kind of support serves to equip Christian ministry for sharing the Gospel. and refreshing God’s servants.

Paul the Apostle told one church in Philippians 4:15, “In the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only…….you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.” Paul described their gift to him as a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.”

Support of Christian Ministries is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com