John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Isaiah 45:18.

“He who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited-he says, ‘I am the LORD, and there is no other.’”

There is one God who created the heavens and the earth, and is worthy of our worship. His creation of people started with a man and a woman in a garden and increased from there. Today, there is a population of over 8.2 billion people living around the world.

The same God who made earth to be inhabited desires heaven to be full of people who love Him and adore Him. His invitation goes out for us to come to Jesus and acknowledge Him as Lord.

Isaiah 45:18-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 Contentment.

To be content is to be mentally and emotionally satisfied with things as they are. This can be seen in a negative light if it means that someone is satisfied in their comfort zone and is not willing to grow and expand their horizons.

But there is a contentment that is healthy when it is paired with godliness. This kind of contentment overcomes the materialistic tendency to want more things to be satisfied. It is the kind of contentment that experiences peace in a relationship with Jesus. We learn that His grace is sufficient for our needs.

First Timothy 6:6 to 8 tells us that godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

Discover how the word “Contentment” 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 Joel 2:32.

“And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, even among the survivors whom the LORD calls.”

In the Bible, we see an open invitation for anyone who is thirsty for salvation to come to the Lord and take the free gift of the water of life.

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. This statement is repeated several times in the Bible. At the time of Messiah’s birth, Joseph was instructed to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. That is what the name of Jesus means, “The Lord Saves.” So, when we call on the name of Jesus, we are asking Him to save us from our sins. And He is faithful to answer such a request from a humble heart with His mercy and grace.

Joel 2:32-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 Surely.

This word is used to emphasize the speaker’s firm belief that what they are saying is true. When this word is used in the Bible, it brings to light the confidence and assurance that we have as we hear God’s Word with a believing heart.

Here are two examples:

From Psalm 23:6, David said, “Surely, your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

When Jesus commissioned His disciples to go into the world and preach the good news, He made this promise to them. “Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Discover how the word “Surely” 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 Matthew 28:19 and 20.

Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always to the very end of the age.”

After Jesus rose from the dead, He commissioned His disciples for the task of making disciples. This is the mission of the church until the end of the age. And Jesus promises to be with us as we go forth in His name. He will be our source of help to get the word out about His generous love.

Matthew 28:19 and 20-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 Prepared.

To be prepared is to be ready to be useful.

God’s Word is a vital tool for preparing us for useful service in God’s Kingdom. As the Scripture teaches us, corrects us, and trains us in righteousness, we become thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Life’s experiences also have a way of preparing us to serve others. Second Corinthians 1:3 talks about God comforting us in our troubles so that we can comfort others in trouble. The experiences of life enable us to empathize with people.

Yielding to Christ as Lord is foundational for preparing us for God’s mission. First Peter 3:15 says, “In your hearts, revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone to asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

Discover how the word “Prepared” 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 21:12.

Jesus said to His disciples, “Come and have breakfast.”

It might seem like a common phrase, but it is also a welcoming one. Jesus was preparing breakfast for His disciples, and inviting them to eat with Him.

The experience of food and fellowship with the Savior will be enjoyed by all believers in heaven. Revelation 19:9 says, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!”

There is something about food in a relaxed atmosphere that builds relationships and stimulates fellowship. This invitation of Jesus helps us to see the value of sharing meals with friends and loved ones.

John 21:12-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 Lean.

One of the familiar hymns of the church is “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” That hymn is referring to a passage in Deuteronomy 33, which talks about God being our refuge. Underneath are the everlasting arms.

To lean is to put all our weight on something. When we walk across a bridge, we are leaning all our weight on it and trusting that it will keep us from falling into the water below.

Trusting the Lord is the ongoing process of leaning on Jesus for guidance and salvation. His death and resurrection provide us with sufficient reason to fully rely on His love to support us.

Proverbs 3:5 and 6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will direct your paths.”

Discover how the word “Lean” 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 11, verses 19 and 20.

“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.”

This was God’s Word for the Israelites living in exile away from their land. He promised to bring them back from the countries where they were scattered. They would remove all vile images and detestable idols from the land.

This is a vivid expression of true spiritual transformation. Our heart is no longer divided in loyalty but is fully committed to the living God. Where we once resisted the voice of God, now we are receptive. Hearts are changed forever when we turn to Jesus and follow Him daily.

Ezekiel 11:19 and 20-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 Washed.

Spiritually speaking, to be washed is to be cleansed from sin. Baptism is a good illustration of what happens to a person who has been cleansed by grace. The person comes out of the water as a new person with their sins forgiven by God. They went into the water and died to themselves and came out of the water alive to God. This is what happens spiritually to a person who has been converted to Christ.

First Corinthians 6:9 tells us that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God. The list includes those who engage in sexual immorality, idolatry, greed, and slander.

Verse 11 says, “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” His grace has the power to give us a fresh start and make us clean.

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com