JOHN SHIRK – This week, our Light Reflections examine some of the bright spots in the book of Acts when God was on the move in the hearts of people.
One of those places was in Acts 9:36 through the witness of a woman named Tabitha.
She was always doing good and helping the poor. When she died, Peter went to the place where she died. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Tabitha had made while she was still with them.
What happened next was a miracle. Peter said, “Tabitha, get up.” He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. This miracle became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.
Tabitha’s faith was active and radiant with acts of service that blessed people and glorified God.
This Light Reflection inspires us to serve the Lord faithfully with the breath and strength that He gives us in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjt.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to persevere in the will of God.
These are the words of Hebrews 10:35 and 36-“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
God has promised rewards to His followers for faithful service. This promise reflects the heart of God to bless His people in the picture of eternity. Those promised rewards also give us incentive to serve the Lord faithfully today. He is watching our actions and knows our motives.
At the end of our lives on earth, the most reassuring words we can hear from the voice of God is “Well done, good and faithful servant.” So, as Galatians 6:9 instructs us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Take the daily challenge to persevere in the will of God on the journey of faith.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to store up heavenly treasures.
That is what Jesus instructed us to do in Matthew chapter 6. He said in Verse 19, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
While the treasures of earth last only for a little while, heavenly treasures are eternal and secure. They are out of the reach of bandits. They will not fade out, wear out, or rust out. They are precious trophies for faithful service to God.
First Timothy 6:17 and 18 highlights how we can invest in heavenly treasure. Put our hope in God rather than in our wealth. Do good, be rich in good deeds, and be generous and willing to share.
Take the Daily Challenge to store up heavenly treasure on the Journey of faith.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
