John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Luke 4:18 and 19.

Unrolling the scroll of Isaiah, Jesus read from it in the synagogue: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Then, He said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

The fulfillment of this prophecy brought fulfillment to many lives. The ministry of Jesus was about healing and freedom for people in need. He came to help, to lift up, and to save with His power of grace.

He is still changing lives today by setting people free by the truth of the Gospel. Through the struggles and questions of our lives, Jesus is our ultimate hope and the final answer to God’s promises.

Luke 4:18 and 19-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 Fix.

The Bible often refers to this word in the context of directing our eyes or attention toward Jesus or the pathway where He guides us.

Hebrews 12:2 instructs us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

This call to “fix our eyes on Jesus” is the key to living with 20/20 spiritual vision. He gives us hindsight to learn faith lessons from history. He gives us insight for living with purpose and wisdom today. He gives us foresight to see the hope of His glory in the future.

Jesus is the light that we need for encouragement and clear direction in life.

Discover how the word “Fix” 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 Genesis 2:18.

“It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

When the world and the universe were formed, God was in the pattern of describing His creation as good. At the end of the sixth day, God saw all that He had made as “very good.” But when it came to the man being alone, God said that this is not good. And so, God created Eve.

We were made for relationships. We were made for community. We were made to feel a sense of belonging. This is where we receive help from others and have opportunities to help others to grow. There may be beneficial seasons of solitude, but as a pattern for life, it is better to be engaged in relationships than to be isolated. Good Friendships are great blessings from God to cherish.

Genesis 2:18-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 Self-Control.

This is a quality found in the Fruit of the Spirit. It is a quality that helps us to say “No” to influences that might corrupt our minds and hearts or distract us from staying focused on Jesus.

Our use of the media is one area where self-control is needed. It can be a useful resource to educate us or provide wholesome entertainment. But it can also consume an enormous amount of time and energy that takes us away from engaging in person-to-person relationships. There is also the risk of being exposed to harmful content in what we watch or hear.

Titus 2:11 goes to the source of self-control in the Christian life. “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”

Discover how the word “Self-Control” 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 3:16.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus was having a conversation with a prominent Pharisee named Nicodemus. Jesus was describing to him how he could be born again. Faith in Jesus is how we can have a second birth, so that we are born of God and become part of His spiritual family.

This verse is one of the most often quoted Scriptures in the Bible, speaking of the wonders of God’s love for us. Salvation is a free gift for us to receive, but it was costly for Jesus to give. The price for our salvation was His blood shed on the cross. His sacrifice of love has made it possible for us to live forever and to enjoy the Lord in His presence.

John 3:16-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 Continue.

The definition of Continue is to persist in an activity or process.

This word is used in the Bible to express the Christian faith as an ongoing journey, step-by-step in following Jesus. As we do this consistently, we become an example of steadfast faithfulness to the Gospel.

Colossians 2:6 and 7 says this: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Discover how the word “Continue” 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 Mark 2:14.

“Follow me.”

Those two words were life-changing to Levi who was sitting at the tax collector’s booth. The Bible records Levi’s response. “Levi got up and followed him.”

Right there in the middle of his workday, Levi was called by the Lord to abandon his old way of life and embrace the new path of following Jesus. He would become one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He would walk with Jesus. He would learn from Jesus. He would become a voice to lead others to Jesus. He is the author of the book of Matthew. It all started with two simple words, “Follow me.” Those two words are life-changing for anyone to says “yes” to this invitation of Jesus.

Mark 2:14-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 Companion.

A companion is someone who frequently spends time with us. We will likely enjoy their warm friendship and sweet fellowship. Jesus walked with companions who were His disciples. The Apostle Paul had companions on his missionary team. Having companions enables us to be part of a group or community that builds up our faith in the Lord. At the time of creation, God blessed all that He made and called them good. But one thing He said that was not good is for man to be alone.

Companions share common experiences together and learn from each other. That is why it matters what kind of person we are associating with on a regular basis.

Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

Discover how the word “Companion” 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 Revelation 1:18.

Jesus said, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

The resurrection of Jesus is the pivotal moment in history that makes all the difference for His followers. We serve a Risen Savior who is alive and well.

Because Jesus lives, we can live in relationship with Him today. He hears our prayers and guides us by His Spirit and the counsel of His Word.

Because Jesus lives, our faith overflows with real and lasting hope, He has defeated the powers of death and hell, and He lives and reigns forever, as the Lamb of God who is worthy of our praise.

Revelation 1:18-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 Disciple.

The meaning of a Disciple in the Bible is a student who learns from their teacher.

Jesus called His disciples to follow Him. Jesus taught His disciples that a student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

This is what happens to us when we follow Jesus step by step. We examine His life. We look to His example. We learn from His teachings. We put into practice what He says. As time goes by, we become more and more like Him, so that when people see us, they see the influence of Jesus making an impact on our lives.

Jesus said in John 8:31, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com