JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to accept children with God’s love.

Jesus called a little child and had him stand among His disciples. Then He taught in Matthew 18:5, “Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.”

Jesus loves children. He demonstrated that in His earthly ministry with His prayers and affection. When the disciples wanted to keep the children away from Jesus, He called the children to come closer.

That is what can happen when we welcome a child in Jesus’ name-whether it’s helping with children’s ministry at church, or by becoming a sponsor for a child in another country to help them with daily necessities. Our loving outreach to them will give them a glimpse of how much Jesus loves them.

Accepting Children with God’s love is a vital step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is “Blessed.”

One definition of “Blessed” is a favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness.

To be blessed by God is to receive His favor.  His face is turned toward us in relationship, and we enjoy the benefits of His grace.

While God will bless us with material things, His spiritual blessings have far greater value that last forever.

Ephesians 1:3 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

What follows is a list of specific blessings: Adoption, Redemption, Forgiveness, Acceptance, and the promised Holy Spirit. These are blessings that reflect God’s unfailing love for us.

Find encouragement in the blessing of being united with Christ in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – God’s people are called to live in community. The evidence of that can be found in the “One another” statements of the Bible. This week’s relationship-building principles have been taking a look at some of these “one another” statements to better understand how God wants us to relate with other members of God’s family.

First John 3:11 says, “This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.”

Love is at the heart of the “one another” commands in the Bible. These specific commands scattered throughout the New Testament include: “Encourage one another, serve one another, forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another, accept one another as Christ accepted you, spur one another on toward love and good deeds, honor one another above yourselves, live in harmony with one another, offer hospitality to one another without grumbling, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, instruct one another. Be kind and compassionate to one another.

These specific “one another” statements are useful to help us examine whether or not we are walking in love as God calls us to love.

Loving God’s family with a godly attitude is a vital relationship-building principles to take to heart in the Year of Connection.