JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to stay connected with Jesus every single day.
The importance of relying on Jesus for each step of faith is highlighted in John 15:5. Jesus said to His followers, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
One of the ways that we remain connected to Jesus is through prayer. Relationships thrive through open communication. Prayer is how we can have a conversation with God.
Another way to have a conversation with God is to read the Bible. That is where God’s Word communicates to us and tells us how to live a life that pleases Him. When we follow through on God’s plan for our lives, there is fruit that brings glory to God. Jesus said in John 15:8, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
Take the daily challenge to stay connected with Jesus every single day, every step of the way on the journey of faith.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
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JOHN SHIRK – From Proverbs 23:12.
“Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.”
Recently, Lifeway Research surveyed nearly 3,000 churchgoers about their desire to honor Christ and their Bible study habits. 90 percent of respondents agreed that they desired to please and honor Jesus in all they do. However, when asked how often they read the Bible, 19 percent said “every day.”
If we were in school and wanted to get a good grade, we would get into some good habits to make that happen. We would show up for class. We would listen attentively. We would take notes. And we would study those notes so that our learning would increase.
Christianity is not just an academic exercise. It is a relationship with God, through faith in Jesus Christ. That relationship grows stronger as we know Jesus better. Ephesians 5:17 counsels us to “Understand what the Lord’s will is.” That is a benefit of careful Bible study. If we want to know how to honor God through our choices, we can approach God’s word with a student’s mind, willing to learn and grow into the likeness of Jesus.
Knowledge and application of God’s Word is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.
