John Shirk

JOHN 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

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Celebrating what we have in common.

The early church was made of imperfect people who were committed to the Gospel. As the Holy Spirit moved among them, their witness for Jesus had a great impact on the world.

Acts 2:44 says that they were together and had everything in common.

This is one way that the church can build healthy relationships today. Celebrate what we have in common. We share a common Lord. His name is Jesus. We share a common love, inspired by Jesus. We share a common purpose-to live by faith in Jesus and to live for His glory. We also share a common destiny in Christ. We are moving in the same direction to a glorious place with Jesus.

Celebrating what we have in common is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Devotion to Prayer.

The early church was made of imperfect people who were committed to the Gospel. As the Holy Spirit moved among them, their witness for Jesus had a great impact on the world.

One of the dynamics of the first-generation church was their intentional commitment to prayer.

Acts 2:42 records that they devoted themselves to prayer.

God moved in response to their prayers. Acts 4:24 says that they raised their voices together in prayer to God. After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

In this way, we see how prayer invites God’s presence into our gatherings and moves God’s people toward unity and courage.

Devotion to Prayer is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1ukbLTmDetiEzxhRaybHXK?si=e32037493fe54048

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Devotion to the breaking of bread.

The early church was made of imperfect people who were committed to the Gospel. As the Holy Spirit moved among them, their witness for Jesus had a great impact on the world.

One of the dynamics of the early church was their tendency to share meals together.  Acts 2:42 tells us that these early disciples of Jesus devoted themselves to the breaking of bread. Verse 46 says “they broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.”

Sharing meals with other believers is a contributing factor to fulfilling conversation that builds relationships. Food provides a pleasant atmosphere for believers to share the gift of friendship. Another form of breaking bread is communion where believers come together to remember the price that Jesus paid for our redemption.

Being devoted to the breaking of bread is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Devotion to the fellowship of the saints.

The early church was made of imperfect people who were committed to the Gospel. As the Holy Spirit moved among them, their witness for Jesus had a great impact on the world.

One of the dynamics that contributed to this impact was their commitment to each other. Acts 2:42 tells us that these early disciples devoted themselves to fellowship.

That word “fellowship” refers to spiritual relationships, where believers in Jesus share in the goodness of God. It was the practice of the early church to meet together in the temple courts every day.

God’s plan for believers is to be in relationship with others believers so that we might spur one another on toward love and good deeds and encourage each other to be true to the Lord.

Devotion to the fellowship of the saints is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Romans 6:23.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The journey of faith leads us to eternal life where we will be with the Lord forever in the new heavens and the new earth someday.

One time, C.S. Lewis arrived at a conference where the question was raised, “What makes Christianity different from all the other religions of the world?”

He responded without hesitation, “Oh, that’s easy. It’s grace.” Eternal life is a gift that we receive, not a paycheck that we earn, nor is it a product that we purchase.  Jesus paid the price for our pardon with His blood at the cross. That is why we all need Jesus.

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to receive the gift of God’s grace in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Devotion to the teaching of our spiritual leaders.

The early church was made of imperfect people who were committed to the Gospel. As the Holy Spirit moved among them, their witness for Jesus had a great impact on the world.

Acts 2:42 tells us that these early disciples of Jesus devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.

They recognized that they were people in process. They had room for growing in God’s grace, and they knew it. Their humble disposition brought them to the place of being teachable, so they opened their ears and hearts to the teaching of those who had spent time with Jesus and learned from Him.

If we know someone who has spent time with Jesus, and if their lives show evidence of being in relationship with Him, that is a great opportunity to learn from their words and example.

Being devoted to the teaching of spiritual leaders is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are John 10:9 and 10.

Jesus said, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

There is a big difference between what Jesus offers us and what the devil offers us. Satan seeks to take away what Jesus came to give. But he will not succeed if we run to the One who gave His life for our sins at the cross.

One of those blessings that Jesus provides for us is a full and abundant life. This is not the kind of abundant life that is often equated with American prosperity and material wealth. The full life that Jesus offers us is abounding in God’s goodness and grace, overflowing with hope and joy, and filling our hearts with the love and peace that only Jesus can provide. These blessings fill our lives when we walk with Jesus as one of His disciples day-by-day.

These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to live an abundant life under the influence of Jesus in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com