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JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Isaiah 55:6 and 7.
“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”
Life is a gift from the Lord. The present moment is our opportunity to draw near to Him in repentance, faith, and thanksgiving.
The word of God allows for U-turns when we are going the wrong direction. When we heed His call to come home to His mercy, the good news is that He will not treat us as our sins deserve. He sets us free from guilt and gives us new life in the freedom of His grace.
These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to seek the LORD’s mercy in the Year of Relationship.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Peace.
This is one of the qualities found in the fruit of the Spirit. As a result of keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, we walk in the peace of God.
Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
The peace of God can be experienced even in the midst of chaos and confusion, because we have the assurance of God’s love embracing us in every season of our lives.
This will make a difference in how we relate with others around us, including our enemies. Romans 12:17 and 18 says this: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” The peace of God is a powerful force for enabling us to overcome evil with good.
Peace is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Luke 8:38 and 39.
Jesus was met by a demon-possessed man in this chapter of the Bible. Jesus commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man.
“The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, ‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’”
Jesus is able to deliver us from evil. Whenever that happens in our lives, that is a reason to praise the Lord and tell others about His graciousness to us. The Bible tells us that this man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. This kind of good news is worth spreading across our communities.
These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to tell others how our lives are changed by God’s grace in the Year of Relationship.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
Key Element for Thriving Relationships-Praise
john : June 17, 2022 5:25 pm : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is praise.
As the Holy Spirit moved among the believers in the early church, these disciples united in a chorus of praise. Joy was moving them to lift up the name of Jesus publicly.
Acts 2:47 tells us that they were praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Praise has a contagious effect on a community. People will take notice of a church that is rejoicing in the Lord, and some will be drawn to Jesus by the testimony of praise.
As we express praise for the goodness and graciousness of God, there will be opportunities to shine the light of the Gospel among those who need to hear this good news.
Praise is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Matthew 8:26 and. 27.
In the midst of a furious storm, the disciples woke up Jesus while they were in a boat.
They said, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
Jesus demonstrated His authority over the weather conditions. Job 28:26 talks about God making a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm. Sometimes, God takes us out of the life’s storms, and sometimes He brings us through it, but just like the disciples, we are never alone. Jesus is there with comfort and encouragement.
These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to trust in Jesus through the storms of life in the Year of Relationship.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
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Key Element for Thriving Relationships-Consistent Connection
john : June 15, 2022 3:13 pm : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Consistent Connection.
While the disciples of the early church were certainly not perfect, they were committed to Jesus and lived out the Gospel in a powerful way that moved the world.
One of the dynamics of the early church was their constant connection to each other. They met regularly for prayer, worship, and fellowship.
Acts 2:46 says “Every day, they continued to meet together in the temple courts.” Relationships in the church have opportunity to thrive where the Lord is invited into our conversations, and communication lines remain open among ourselves.
Consistent Connection is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
Key Element for Thriving Relationships-Generosity
john : June 14, 2022 5:37 pm : featured, John ShirkJOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is a generous spirit.
The disciples of the early church were not perfect, but they were committed to Christ and made a difference in their world as they were led by the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:45 points out that these first-generation followers of Christ sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
They were sensitive to the needs of those around them, and participated in the sacrifice of sharing. Acts 4:34 tells us that there were no needy persons among them. From time to time, those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales, and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.”
At the heart of these actions is a generous spirit that is willing to share. Hebrews 13:16 instruct us with these words: “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Generosity is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Matthew 8:2.
Along the way in Jesus’ ministry, He had encounters with people who demonstrated extraordinary faith in various ways.
One of those people was a man afflicted with leprosy.
He “came and knelt before him and said, ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.’”
First, the man knelt before Jesus in humility. Second, he addressed Jesus as “Lord.” That is who Jesus is to those who follow Him. Third, the man acknowledged the ability of Jesus to heal him of his leprosy.
Jesus responded by saying, “I am willing. Be clean.” Immediately, he was cured of leprosy.
This faith Building Verse inspires us to seek Jesus with humility for the cleansing that we need in the Year of Relationship.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com