JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to fight the good fight of the faith.

This battle does not involve the weapons of the world, but requires the armor of God, which includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and the shield of faith to extinguish the arrows of the evil one. Our battles are against the forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

In First Timothy 6:11, the Apostle Paul told Timothy to fight the good fight. Then, he showed him how to fight effectively. Step away from the love of money, temptations, foolish and harmful desires. And step toward godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.

Walking with Jesus enables us to step into the light of victory in our spiritual battles of life.

Fighting the good fight of the faith is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Ephesians 6:14.

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.”

The belt of truth is part of the armor of light that is given to us to fight the good fight of faith. When a Roman soldier wore a belt, he was wearing a piece of armor that held his other weapons. So, by wearing the belt, he was ready for battle.

Some people might view the truth of the Bible as confining, but when we apply that truth to our lives, the opposite actually happens. Jesus said that the truth will set us free.

Wearing the belt of truth protects us from the lies of the enemy that could lead us astray. When we are surrounded by truth, we are able to better discern what is God’s best plan for our lives, and follow that plan.

This Light Reflection inspires us to stand firm in the faith with the belt of truth in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to put on the belt of truth.

Ephesians 6:14 instructs us to “stand firm then, with the belt of truth, buckled around our waist.” There is great freedom that we can enjoy when we are surrounded by the truth.

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” If we are familiar with the truth, we will be in a much better position to recognize the lies of the enemy, and to resist those lies, when our enemy tries to lure us into temptation.

Bank tellers recognize counterfeit bills because they are so familiar in dealing with real money. In a similar way, we can recognize deception and resist temptation through a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. In John 8:36, Jesus said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Take the daily challenge to stand firm by putting on the belt of truth on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com