John Shirk
JOHN SHIRK – Romans 13:11 issues this wake-up call. “And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
In light of the Lord’s promise to return, the Apostle Paul wanted followers of Jesus to make the most of every opportunity with the present time. It was his desire 2,000 years ago. His words are relevant for our lives today as well.
What are some things that keep our eyes from being wide open to the spiritual needs around us? One thing mentioned in this verse is sin. Ongoing selfish desires cause us to make personal gain our primary focus. This might come out in the form of pride, greed, or lust. These desires hold us back from being the person God made us to be. The remedy for this dark pattern is to come into the light of God’s love. Verse 14 says, “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” With our faith focus on Jesus, He will give us new desires with a new attitude that enables us to live productive lives for the glory of God.
That’s today’s Mission Statement for representing Jesus in the world today.
John Shirk
JOHN SHIRK – Our relationships with other brothers and sisters in Christ are affected by our relationship with God. With a right relationship with God, bitterness fades and yields to tenderness. Envy is bound by peace and contentment. Selfishness is overcome by generosity. Jesus is the One who makes these changes possible.
Second Corinthians 13:11 is a final appeal by the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church. The New American Standard Bible says, “Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Growth and unity reflect the shape of a steeple on top of a church. The closer we get to God, the closer we also move toward each other. Growth and unity also reflect the visibility of a steeple on top of a church. As God’s people love each other as the Lord intends, our witness for Jesus shines brightly.
That’s today’s Mission Statement for representing Jesus in the world today.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – I came across this news feature in Mission Network News today regarding the turmoil in Thailand. This week, troops reportedly stormed the protest zone and dispersed thousands of Red Shirt protesters, who had been demanding the dismissal of the Prime Minister and for new elections. After protest leaders surrendered, enraged followers reportedly set fire to landmark buildings. Pray that the believers in Jesus might be a courageous witness and a peaceful influence in the midst of the tension. To find out more about the implications for the church and missions organizations, click the link below:
http://mnnonline.org/article/14254
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
You might wonder what the connection is between rest and mission. It’s actually quite simple. We need energy to be effective in our mission. God does not call us to service to the point of burn out. Jesus is talking to those who are weary and burdened, and he invites us to find rest in Him. He is gentle and humble in heart. His teaching is true wisdom. His love is real refreshment. His forgiveness is authentic freedom from guilt.
He invites us to spend time with Him daily, to learn His ways, and follow His example. Then, with a clearer focus of Jesus, the Lord will define our mission and show us how to express our love for Him to a world that desperately needs Him.
That’s today’s Mission Statement for representing Jesus in the world today.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Jesus said in Luke 16:10, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
In the little things, big statements are made about our character. We might look at someone else’s talents and be tempted to say, “If only I had so-and-so’s ability, I could do great things for God.” But the big question is “what are we doing with what we have?” Anne Graham Lotz has said, “Don’t concentrate on what you lack, concentrate on what you have. Then give it all to Jesus for His use.” That is the first step toward faithful management of our resources. Commit them to Jesus for His honor and glory. Some examples of faithful service are found in Romans 12:8: Those gifted in the area of contributing to the needs of others are to give generously. Those gifted in leadership are to govern diligently. Those who are gifted in showing mercy are to do it cheerfully. As we are faithful in what we have, don’t be surprised to find God entrusting us with more. Perhaps more resources or perhaps a bigger platform, as we are faithful to God with what we have been given.
That’s today’s Mission Statement for representing Jesus in the world today.
John Shirk
JOHN SHIRK – Recently, on Probe, Sue Bohlin asked the question, “Does our work matter to God?” Through eyes of faith, we see our vocation as more than a 9 to 5 routine. We learn to see the value of work beyond the paycheck.
Here is what Sue Bohlin said, “Through work, we serve people. Through work, we meet our own needs. Through work, we meet our families’ needs. Through work, we earn money to give to others. Through work, we love God. We bring glory to God by working industriously, demonstrating what He is like, and serving others by cooperating with God to meet their needs. In serving others, we serve God. And that is why our work matters to God.”
Because of Jesus, our work for Him has a redemptive purpose. What does He have for you to do today? Perhaps your work for God is related to your vocation, perhaps your labor is as a volunteer. Either way, God is glorified in the work of a faithful believer. First Corinthians 15:58 says, “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
That’s today’s Mission Statement for representing Jesus in the world today.
John Shirk
JOHN SHIRK – Born New Year’s Eve 1972, the Sweet Comfort Band consisted of Rick Thompson on drums and vocals, Kevin Thompson on bass, and Bryan Duncan on keys and vocals. Later in 1976, Randy Thomas would join the band on guitar and vocals. They put together some memorable Christian albums in the days of vinyl, like “Breaking The Ice”, “Hearts Of Fire”, and “Cutting Edge”. The band went their separate ways in 1984, but then reunited for a special concert at the Creation Festival in 2001. What may surprise you is that they are planning to get together in 2010 to record a new album with some new songs. One of their goals for this album is to benefit Kevin Thompson, who according to ASSIST News, is now a quadriplegic. He is facing his disability with a sense of joy and new ministry. Check out the links below for more details on the Sweet Comfort Band:
http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2009/s09060009.htm
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – First John 4:9 and 10 says, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Only through Jesus can we be restored to a right relationship with God, the Father. According to the Bible, the message of the cross is the source of God’s power to the Christian. (First Corinthians 1:18) Through Jesus we live and move and have our being. He is our source of strength, by which we can do productive things for God. Without Him, we can do nothing. (John 15:5) The message of the cross humbles us to rely on God’s strength instead of depending on our own.
By faith in Jesus Christ to save us, we have the reality of eternal life and the power to live a productive life that brings glory to His name.
That’s today’s Mission Statement for representing Jesus in the world today.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Second Corinthians 5:15 says, “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised again.”
It is tempting for man to put himself at the center of his own universe. There was a time when most people believed the earth was at the center of our universe, not the sun. When Galileo challenged that way of thinking, he was branded as a heretic. Sometimes, there is personal cost involved for speaking up for the truth.
Spiritually speaking, the death of Jesus challenges our self-centered view of the world, and gives us a cause to live for outside ourselves. Instead of living for selfish desires, the cross teaches us to live for the glory of God. We can find greater fulfillment in this life and life with Jesus beyond the grave with a responsive heart to the Gospel. Jesus gives us meaningful purpose and direction through the expression of His love. He paid our debt of sin, so that we could live in freedom and for the honor of His name.
That’s today’s Mission Statement for representing Jesus in the world today.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – When we draw attention to the Bible verses that highlight why Jesus died, we may at times be emotionally moved by the reality of God’s amazing grace. If ever there was an expression of true, unselfish love, it would be at the cross of the Christ.
First Thessalonians 5:9 and 10 says, “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.”
The community of believers will have their day in heaven, when we will be in His presence, seeing Jesus face to face. Right now, Jesus is with us too through the gift of the Holy Spirit. The message of the cross teaches us that through faith in Christ, we are not alone. The Lord is with us to love us, help us, and guide us in the truth. God’s presence is a precious gift, and this treasure will only grow on the believer as the believer grows in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
That’s today’s Mission Statement for representing Jesus in the world today.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
