JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is a Pure Heart.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
This beatitude has to do with living for God with pure devotion and pure motives. If we want to live in the light, then the way forward is to fix our eyes on Jesus and protect our heart from all kinds of corruption.
The starting place for a pure heart is reverence for God. Job was commended as a man who was blameless and upright. He feared God and shunned evil. In light of all that God has done for us, it is fitting for us to respond with gratitude and offer ourselves to Him with complete devotion.
Second Corinthians 7:1 urges us to “purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
A pure heart is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is devotion.
Romans 12:10 encourages us to “be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
We were made for relationships. Devoted love here is an affection love based on friendship. Our relationships have opportunity to thrive when we think beyond our own self-interests and look to the interests of others. In relationships, we can learn together, grow together, and build godly character in each other.
There is joy in friendships where affectionate love exists, where mutual respect is shared, and where each person thoroughly enjoys the companionship of the other.
Devotion is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Good News Focus is on Titus 2, verses 11 and 12.
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
Here we see the power of God’s grace to save us and transform us through Jesus Christ. He gave Himself to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.
Jesus is our Source of Good News, leading us to places of freedom and pure devotion in the Year of Vision.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
