JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to step toward listening for the voice of God.

The LORD was calling a boy named Samuel to service. In First Samuel 3:10, he responded to the voice of God with these words, “Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.”

Listening is a big part of walking with God in faithfulness. Jesus said in John 10, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

Samuel grew up with a heart that was responsive to God’s voice and became Israel’s trusted prophet. Our lives also will serve as credible witnesses for Jesus as we heed His voice and serve Him with a faithful heart.

Take the daily challenge to walk with a listening ear to the words of God on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the contagious effect of a credible witness.

While the Coronavirus is having a contagious effect on the world in an unhealthy way, there are contagious influences that have a positive effect on our lives.

One of those influences is a credible witness. 

In a court of law, a witness is called upon to testify to the truth of what they saw.  Jesus called His followers to be witnesses of His good news. As they were faithful to the task, the gospel spread around the world, starting in Jerusalem.

Acts 11:19 records that after persecution broke out against the church, believers scattered to various parts of the world. Some went to Antioch, telling the Greeks the good news about the Lord Jesus. “The LORD’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.”

Focusing on being a credible witness for Jesus gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com