JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Psalm 119, verse 105.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
There is a very good reason that we can trust God’s Word to guide us in the right direction.
Psalm 18:30 says, “As for God, his way is perfect: the LORD’s Word is flawless.” The prophet Jeremiah described God’s way as the good way that leads to rest for our souls.
Following the words of God will not always be easy. They are in conflict with the value system of the world, which is built on pride, greed, and lust. Not everyone will be pleased when we seek to follow the words of Christ. But we will have the applause of God and His peace as we walk by faith in Him daily.
The direction of God’s Word reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Isaiah 48:17.
This is what the LORD says-your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”
The life that God intends for us is to move us toward genuine freedom, complete love, and eternal life.
That is what the grace and truth of Jesus Christ is able to do for us. His commands forbidding certain actions and thoughts are not meant to ruin our fun or make us miserable. God knows how we are wired. He knows how certain behaviors and attitudes can destroy our lives, our relationships, and our freedom. Those behaviors and attitudes also grieve the heart of God and are contrary to His character.
In His wisdom and love, God has revealed His plan for our lives, and that plan is to live by faith in Jesus and love Him with all our being. That plan is life-giving and trustworthy.
This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to be teachable to the way of God in the Year of Relationship.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the wisdom of God’s counsel.
In Isaiah 48:17, This is what the LORD says-your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”
God has a plan for our lives. His instruction is for our benefit. He made us, so He knows how we are wired, and what is ultimately for our good. Trusting in God’s guidance is foundational for being teachable. Why would we follow someone if we thought they were leading us to a dead-end? God’s plan is NOT a dead end. He is leading us somewhere good. God supplies us with His sufficient grace for our journey of faith. He leads us by His Word, in His will, and for His glory.
If we don’t know where God is leading us in the present time, we can start with a prayer like this recorded in Psalm 143, verse 10: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.”
Focusing on the wisdom of God’s counsel gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
