JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from John 10:14.

Jesus identified Himself by “I Am” statements, which are recorded for us in the Gospel of John. These statements open our eyes to the reality of who Jesus is and what He is able to accomplish on our behalf.

In John 10:14 and 15, Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

This statement refers to the intimate relationship that He has with His followers. His love for His people is sincere and tender. He was willing to lay down His life for us at the cross. Isaiah 40:11 tells us that “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to His heart.”

This Light Reflection inspires us to stay close to the heart of Jesus and follow His voice in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK -In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to take refuge in the Lord.

Psalm 34:8 invites us to “taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

Throughout the Bible, we can see references to God as the protector and provider of our soul.

Proverbs 18:10 describes God as a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are safe.

According to Hebrews 6:19, we have an anchor for our soul, firm and secure, because of our hope in Jesus.

And Jesus described Himself as “the good shepherd, who laid down His life for the sheep.”

In God’s grace, we find the goodness of God and a secure place for our soul.

Taking Refuge in the LORD is a vital step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Psalm 63:6 and 7.

“On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.”

In the stillness of the night, our soul can be encouraged by the thought of God’s love and faithfulness. Someone has said that if we are having trouble sleeping, don’t count sheep. Rather, talk to the Good Shepherd.

His name is Jesus, and He can use the quiet moments of our lives to draw us to prayer, fill us with peace, and stir us to praise.

Psalm 149 tells us that the LORD delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.

This Light Reflection inspires us to rest in God’s love for us through the watches of the night in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Psalm 23:6.

With the LORD as my Shepherd, “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

As we follow Jesus as our Good Shepherd, His goodness and love follow us every single day, step-by-step, moment-by-moment.  That’s because we have the presence and peace of God surrounding us. His grace blesses us today and saves us for eternity. We were made to worship God, and His dwelling place will be filled with the redeemed who love Him and have been saved by His grace.

In John 10:27, Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to experience the joy of following and worshipping Jesus in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Psalm 23:5.

With the LORD as my Shepherd, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

David, who wrote Psalm 23, certainly knew what it was like to have enemies. He also knew the experience of God’s provision and protection. There was a calling on his life to be king of Israel. We have a purpose too. It might not be a royal destiny here on earth, but it is a noble plan, because it is orchestrated by God.

In God’s plan, there is spiritual blessing in the form of forgiveness, acceptance into God’s family, joy, peace, hope and love. Jesus talked about this kind of abundant life when He described Himself as the Good Shepherd.

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to enjoy the overflowing blessings of following Jesus in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – 2022 is the Year of Relationship at WJTL. We will examine what the Bible has to say about key elements that lead to thriving relationships, including our relationship with God.

Today’s Faith-Building Verses are John 10, verses 14 and 15.

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

Jesus has an ongoing relationship with His followers. His love is so strong that He was willing to lay down His life for us at the cross. Then, He rose from the dead to give us a living hope for today and forever. The Shepherd-Sheep relationship reveals God’s tender love for His people. Isaiah 40:11 says, “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart.”

These faith-building verses inspire us to know Jesus as our Good Shepherd in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

That was His claim in John 10:11 and John 10:14.

In verse 11, He said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

And in verse 14, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.”

Sheep have a tendency to wander and are left vulnerable when they stray from the flock. But as the Good Shepherd, Jesus cares for each of His sheep. In Luke 15, He talks about a shepherd being willing to leave the 99 sheep who were found to search for the sheep that strayed from the flock. That is the heart of Jesus-to pursue us, to rescue us, and to restore us back to the fold of where we belong.

Jesus loves us. He was willing to die for us to bring us into His family of believers.

Focusing on Jesus as the Good Shepherd gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Redemption, today’s Freedom Phrase is based on Psalm 23:3b.

With the LORD as my Shepherd, “He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

In John chapter 10, when Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd, He said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.”

Jesus knows how to guide His people in the right direction. His grace teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age. Jesus will not tempt us to do what is wrong, but He will move us to do what is right for the glory of God.

Through Jesus, we are set free to walk on the righteous pathways where God leads us. 

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Wisdom from the Red Letters is found in John 10:11.

Jesus made the claim,  “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.”

One of the functions of a shepherd is to protect their sheep from predatory animals. In the spiritual realm, that predatory animal is the devil, who prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. But Jesus cares personally for His followers and is able to protect us from the attempts of the devil to deceive and destroy us. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was necessary for us to find protection in His grace.

The words of Jesus inspire us to trust Him as our Good Shepherd in the Year of Redemption.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com