John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in John 15:5.

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

By telling us who He is, Jesus was emphasizing our dependence on Him for fruitful labor. Jesus is our source of strength, and the key to accessing His strength is to stay connected to Him in relationship. In those quiet moments with Him in prayer and Bible study, Jesus meets us there. He speaks to us in His word and guides us in His truth. He refreshes us in His grace, and prepares us for a significant purpose.

Without Jesus, we would be helpless to do anything. But with Jesus, we have all that we need to be a fruitful witness for the Gospel.

John 15:5-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 Encourage.

Encouragement offers comfort to someone in distress, courage for those paralyzed by fear, and strength for when another feels weak.

The Bible is filled with references to encouragement and highlights how important it is.

In Acts 11:23, Barnabas reached Antioch, and when he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. A great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Who can you encourage today? We can make a lasting difference in someone’s life by following the example of Barnabas. First Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Discover how the word “Encourage” 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 5:43 to 45.

Jesus said, “You have heard that is was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”

Many people will love those who love them. But to love our enemies is a step beyond ordinary love. We need God’s help for that. Jesus specifically says how we can love our enemies-by praying for them and doing good to them.

Love for enemies is a powerful testimony of God’s love living in us. The Bible tells us that He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. That’s the power of love.

Matthew 5:43 to 45-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 Salt.

Jesus told His followers in the Sermon on the Mount, “You are the salt of the earth.”

Salt is a seasoning that adds flavoring to our food. Salt is also a preservative.

As we interact with other people, we are called to represent Jesus and be His ambassador as an agent of peace. This is how we can flavor this world with the Gospel-by living according to the teachings of Jesus and sharing His good news.

One way we can represent Jesus is with gracious words: Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Discover how the word “Salt” 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 22:37 and 38.

An expert in the law tested Jesus with this question, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment.’

God is worthy of our love with every area of our lives-our thought life, our ambitions, our emotions, our decisions, and in our worship. Let love for God be the first priority of our lives and then stand back and be amazed at how He works through us in extraordinary ways to live a life of love.

Matthew 22:37 and 38-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 Rejoice.

Philippians is a good book in the Bible that emphasizes this word.

In one place, the Apostle Paul stresses the importance of rejoicing so much that he repeats it in Philippians 4:4. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

This is possible when we look to Jesus as our trustworthy Savior, Leader, and Friend.

His joy becomes the strength of our heart when we walk in fellowship with Jesus. He encourages us with His love, comforts us with His peace, and saves us by His grace. The death and resurrection of Jesus are reference points in history to direct us to His faithfulness. He is faithful to His people. He is faithful to His promises. These are reasons to celebrate a relationship with God.

Discover how the word “Rejoice” 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 Leviticus 19:18.

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”

Jesus referred to this statement as the second greatest commandment of the Law. The story of the Good Samaritan taught by Jesus is really an explanation of what it means to love our neighbor as ourselves.

A Samaritan walking along the road to Jericho, set aside his agenda to help someone who was beaten by robbers. He attended to his physical needs and provided lodging for him until he could recover from his injuries. Samaritans were considered outcasts among the Jews in the days of Jesus, but in this story, Jesus made him an example for us to follow. He had compassion for someone in a moment of need.

Leviticus 19:18-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 Interest.

This is the state of wanting to know or learn more about something or someone. It’s looking beyond ourselves to enter someone else’s world.

We can do this by asking questions like “How is your day going?” “What are your thoughts about this or that?” or “what did you do this weekend?” And then, listen to what they say. As time goes on, showing interest in someone else’s world builds bridges to deeper connections.

Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Discover how the word “Interest” 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 7:12.

Jesus said, “So in everything, do to others what you have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

This statement is called “the Golden Rule.” This is a good rule to apply to our relationships on a daily basis.

This is a way of putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes. “If I was in their situation, how would I want to be treated? Go and do likewise!” This shapes our mindset to consider how to treat others with respect in a way that addresses their needs. Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” This is how we can express the mindset of Jesus in our relationships with one another.

Matthew 7:12-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 Listen.

To listen to the words of another person is to give someone your attention and hear what they say.

Listening is the key to learning. Listening is an opportunity for building relationships. Listening is also the bridge to faith in Jesus.

Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word about Christ. It matters whose voices we heed.

In Matthew chapter 17, when Jesus was transfigured on a mountain, three of His disciples were witnesses to His brilliant appearance. A voice from a cloud was heard saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

If we listen to the words of Jesus, we will draw closer to Him, learn His ways, and grow wiser in our understanding of His Kingdom.

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com