JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Romans 8:28.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

We are instructed to give thanks in all circumstances. That is because God is at work in the circumstances of those who love Jesus. He is able to weave together the good, bad, and ugly experiences of our lives to bring about God’s good purpose in us. And what is that purpose? The next verse gives us the answer: For those God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.

God’s priority in our lives is to make us more like Jesus. God’s love gives us a healthy and heavenly perspective through life’s experiences. His power helps us to overcome evil with good-like He did for us at the cross and empty grave.

God’s work in His followers reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is pursuing our God-given purpose.

In Jeremiah 1:5, the LORD said to Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Jeremiah responded by pointing out the ways he was inadequate for the task. He said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”

We might raise objections too, but God’s wisdom is greater than ours, and we can trust His wisdom. Eventually, Jeremiah accepted His call.

Our specific calling might not be like Jeremiah’s calling, but our God-given purpose is to follow Jesus and to be a light that reflects His goodness and glory. In the course of time, God will show us His plan and prepare the way for us to shine for Him.

Pursuing our God-given purpose is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com