John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Jeremiah 1:5.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

The LORD gave this word to Jeremiah. This is mind-boggling to think about the Sovereignty of God-that He knows about us before we were even formed in our mother’s womb.

God has a plan for our lives too. We do not have the same calling that Jeremiah had, but it is consistent with his overall purpose to know God and glorify His name. Our calling is specific and unique. In the course of time, God reveals what He wants us to do for Him, and will make a way for us to pursue His plan. He set us apart for His special purpose long ago.

Jeremiah 1:5-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 Prosper.

The Biblical definition of this word can be described as “Success with God’s Favor.”

Quite often, God’s view of prosperity and the world’s view of prosperity are different. If our efforts to serve God are carried out according to His will and lead to His glory, we can consider that effort a success.

A thriving faith begins with delight in God’s Word. Psalm 1:2 and 3 tells us that the one who is blessed is the one whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-whatever they do prospers.

Discover how the Word “Prosper” 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 Job 28:28.

In his time of distress, Job told his companions that God looked at wisdom and appraised it. He confirmed it and tested it. And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord-that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”

To live in the fear of the Lord is to be fully aware that we are in the presence of Someone greater than us. God is not our equal. His ways are higher than our ways. His understanding is deeper than our understanding. His love is greater than our love. His strength holds the power to defend or destroy. We are blessed to have respect for God’s authority and to have reverence for His name.

In such a place of fearing the Lord, our fears are relieved. We are grateful to have God as our friend. His wisdom gives us insight and incentive to follow the way of Jesus.

Job 28:28-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 Gather.

A gathering is where people come together and assemble. The church is an assembly of many saints who are still in process. No one is perfect. We all have lessons of faith to learn. The gathering of the church is an opportunity for God’s people to grow together and grow in grace. It is a time for fellowship and worship. It is a time for learning God’s word with others. Friendships are formed. Prayer happens. Sound Preaching explains the Gospel and encourages the audience to a closer walk with Jesus. Music celebrates the glory and the grace of our Savior.

Jesus said in Matthew 18:20 that “where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

A gathering in the name of Jesus invites the power of His presence.

Discover how the word “Gather” 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 9:35.

“This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”

This statement was made on a mountain, where the appearance of Jesus changed and his clothes became bright as a flash of lightning. His companions consisted of Moses and Elijah from the Old Testament and Peter, James, and John from the New Testament. They were all together in view of what was happening. Then, a voice came from a cloud saying these words, expressing the Father’s appointment of Jesus to be His chosen One. That is what the term “Messiah” means, “Chosen One.”

In this statement, the Father expresses the authority of Jesus over His followers. His teachings have wisdom for life. Listen to Him. Pay attention to His words and put them into practice. He knows how to lead us in the path of righteousness that leads to eternal life.

Luke 9:35-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 Understand.

To live with understanding is to grasp the significance or explanation of something. The Bible brings to light the Gospel for us to understand. God’s grace gives us better understanding of the depth of His love for us. God’s truth gives us better understanding of His wisdom.

Knowing Jesus is the key to this treasure. First John 5:20 says, “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”

Following Jesus is the foundation for having a good understanding of the Bible, the nature of God’s Kingdom, the qualities of God’s character, and His purpose for our lives.

Discover how the word “Understand” 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 12:26.

Jesus said “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”

A close relationship with Jesus is the key to abundant service. There is more to fruitful ministry than having good leadership qualities, the ability to speak, and the ability to sing. Effective service begins with time spent with God in prayer and in His Word. This is where we yield our lives to God and dedicate ourselves to His plan. In our quiet time with God, we learn to live a Christ-centered life and find encouragement to press on in the faith.

Jesus assures us that our Father in heaven takes notice of our service in the Kingdom. He takes joy in honoring us when we live for Jesus with a pure heart.

John 12:26-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 Unfailing.

When this word is used in the Bible, it refers to God’s love and kindness. One definition of unfailing is “without fault or error.” Another definition is “reliable or constant.”

Seeing God’s love this way makes a difference in how we view life. We will approach our circumstances with much gratitude and security in our relationship with God. We will learn how to love others better. We will see hope for the future. We will experience joy in the present.

In Psalm 90:14, Moses offered this prayer, “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

From Psalm 94:18, “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping’, your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”

Discover how the word “Unfailing” 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 3:22.

At the Baptism of Jesus, the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

The baptism of Jesus was an event that launched His earthly ministry with His Father’s approval.

This would have given Jesus much joy to hear the Father’s voice, because His focus was doing and completing the work of the Father. He said in John 8:29, “The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.”

This is a noble aim for our lives-to please God in whatever we do. Great joy awaits those who are faithful to the Gospel. The voice of the Master will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.”

Luke 3:22-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 Doer.

This is an active word in the Bible that calls us not just to hear God’s Word, but to obey it.

James 1:22 instructs us with these words. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” The King James Version of the Bible calls this being “doers of the word.”

Verse 23 says, “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it, not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it-they will be blessed in what they do.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com