JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is learning to discern the messages we hear.
There are many voices that speak into our lives in a given day. But how can we discern between truth and error? Not all voices lead us in the same direction.
Perhaps we can learn a framework for discernment by observing the example of the Berean Jews in Acts 17:11.
They were described as people with noble character, for they received Paul’s message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
This group of people was eager to grow in their walk with God. Discernment helped them to stay on track with God so that their beliefs and way of life would be consistent with the attitude of Jesus.
According to verse 12, as a result, many of them believed.
Learning to Discern is a vital step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is Discernment.
To discern is to be able to perceive the difference between what is right and wrong, true and false.
The Bible often links discernment with the exercise of wisdom. Proverbs 1:5 says, “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” Proverbs 10:13 says that “wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning.”
The Bible reveals the wisdom of God and helps us to develop a discerning heart as we seek out God’s will on a daily basis. This will keep us on track to grow in our understanding of God.
In the early church, the Berean Jews were described as having noble character. They received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scripture every day to see if what Paul said was true.
Discernment is a vital step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is “Wisdom.”
One way of looking at wisdom is “knowing how to apply truth to life’s decisions with sound judgment.” It is not just about having knowledge. It also involves knowing how to use knowledge with good discernment.
Wisdom has a starting place. Proverbs 9:10 tells us that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. If we lack wisdom, God invites us to ask Him for it.
Wisdom has qualities that align with the nature of Jesus. James 3:17 tells us that the “wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
Wisdom is more valuable than money. Proverbs 16:16 says, “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!”
Find encouragement in the wisdom that God gives us for living out the Christian life in the Year of Endurance.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to use technology with discernment and moderation.
Today, it is possible to develop an addiction to our cell phones.
Chip Ingram says that “technology is a wonderful thing, but its excess and overuse is negatively transforming God’s people to embrace the values of the world…..The Utopia it promises is a myth. Its value is great only when used with wisdom and restraint.”
Here are three Bible verses that are relevant for exercising self-control in our use of technology.
From First Corinthians 6:12, “I will not be mastered by anything.”
From Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
And from Ephesians 4:15, “Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Take the daily challenge to use technology with discernment and moderation on the journey of faith.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on Solomon’s dream.
It happened in First Kings chapter 3. At Gibeon, the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” If God gave you this opportunity, how would you respond?
Solomon had just ascended to the throne as king of Israel. He said to the LORD, “I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
The Bible says that the LORD was pleased that Solomon had asked for discernment. Proverbs 8:11 tells us that wisdom is more precious than rubies. If we lack wisdom, God invites us to ask Him, and He is generous to provide what we lack.
Focusing on God as our source of wisdom gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on First Thessalonians 5, verses 21 and 22.
“Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.”
There is wisdom in using spiritual filters whenever we hear a sermon or watch a movie, or read comments on social media forums.
The Bereans were a group of people commended for their discernment. When Paul came to teach them, they were receptive to his message and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. They took time to evaluate Paul’s words in light of what the Bible says. That is a valuable exercise that can keep our faith well-rooted in the truth of God’s Word.
Walking in discernment is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Moment Of Celebration reflects on the value of wisdom.
If the LORD approached you and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you”, how would you respond?
He said this to King Solomon as he began his reign as Israel’s king.
Solomon asked for wisdom. He said, “Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” Solomon recognized that he was inadequate to be an effective leader in his own strength, and he also recognized what he needed in order to be an effective leader.
The Bible says that the Lord was pleased that Solomon asked for this, and promised to give him a wise and discerning heart.
The Lord invites us to ask Him for wisdom too. James 1:5 says that “if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
According to Proverbs 3, wisdom is worth more than gold or silver. Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace. Those who lay hold of wisdom will be blessed.
Having the treasure of God’s wisdom is a reason to be glad in the Year of Celebration.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
