JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is the exercise of spiritual gifts.
When God’s people serve with love and with their spiritual gifts, the church has a significant light to shine in the local community.
The Bible teaches us that different members of the church have different gifts. Romans 12:6 says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
This is a picture of the body of Christ serving freely by the grace of God for the glory of God.
Exercising our Spiritual Gifts 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 grace.
We can be useful instruments of God’s redemptive plan as His grace flows through us in our relationships. Here is how:
Grace can flow through us in a friendly greeting. The Bible is filled with greetings extending the grace and peace of God to someone else.
Grace can flow through our generous spirit. Second Corinthians 8:7 challenges us to excel in the grace of giving.
Grace also flows through acts of service. First Peter 4:10 instructs us to use whatever gift we have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
God also works through our gracious conversation to be voices that reconcile people to God and build meaningful relationships.
Grace is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to give to God with a cheerful heart.
Second Corinthians 9:7 tells us that God loves a cheerful giver.
The Gospel motivates us to give out of delight rather than mere duty. That’s because God gave His very best to us when He sent Jesus to the world. Jesus went to the cross and offered His grace willingly, not begrudgingly.
God’s love for us moves our heart to places of gratitude, praise, and giving to others in need.
Second Corinthians 9:11 says, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” That’s how cheerful giving can bless others and lead us to a place of blessing.
Take the daily challenge to walk as a cheerful giver on the journey of faith.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Good News Focus is on Acts 20:35.
The Apostle Paul spoke to other church leaders, and as he was saying good-bye to them, he said, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
The way of Christ is to help those who cannot help themselves. That is the impact of grace on our lives. When we receive God’s grace for the precious gift that it is, we become more sensitive to the plight of those who cannot help themselves. The Apostle Paul carried out his ministry with concern for those in poverty. He sought financial assistance from the church to help those with physical needs. As they worked together, they made a difference for the glory of God.
The way of Christ is the way of love and generous giving. Proverbs 11:25 says that a generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Jesus is our Source of Good News, leading us to places of generosity and refreshment in the Year of Vision.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
