JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s goodness is found in First Samuel 12:24.

Samuel said to the Israelites: “Be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.”

It is good to consider the source when we hear someone instructing us to do something. In the case of Samuel, he was a trustworthy source to speak for the Lord. He had a lifetime of experience walking with the Lord as a true prophet. He prayed for the people that he led and showed great concern for their well-being. Samuel consistently pointed people to trust in the Lord faithfully.

He reminded the Israelites in specific ways how God provided for them and led them this far. When we remember the great things that God has done for us, we have motivation to continue the journey of trusting God to lead the way.

The great things God has done for us reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to remember the deeds of the LORD.

In Psalm 77, Asaph was in a place of distress. In his time of trouble, he turned to God and said to himself in verse 11, “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

When he did this, he started to see that God was greater than his troubles. He said, “Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God?” His decision to remember God’s deeds became a turning point in Psalm 77.

We have even more history in our rearview mirror to see God’s miracles at work. Jesus died and rose again from the dead to show the world the miracle of His unfailing love.

Take the daily challenge to remember the mighty deeds of the LORD on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com