JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Second Samuel 7:22.
“How great are you, Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.”
This was a prayer from the heart of David, acknowledging that God has no rival to His throne. No one else is worthy to share His glory. He cannot be outwitted or overpowered. Who can fathom His greatness? Who can comprehend His graciousness? Who can understand the magnitude of His love? His redemption plan covers His people with grace forever.
David marveled at the great and awesome wonders that God performed for his people. Just as God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt in the days of Moses, so He is able to deliver us from slavery to sin today. Just as God guided the Israelites to the Promised Land, so He is able to lead us to heaven where we can enjoy His presence forever.
The greatness of God reveals the goodness of God and is a reason to give thanks in the Year of Gratitude.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Wisdom from the Red Letters is found in Mark 9:33.
Jesus asked His disciples, “What were you arguing about on the road?”
They had just arrived in Capernaum. On their journey, the disciples had been arguing about who was the greatest. But when Jesus asked the question, no one answered Him.
Sometimes, a timely question is a good conversation starter to bring spiritual issues into the light. That is when we have opportunity to deal with sinful habits and ambitions with honesty and humility.
Through this simple question, Jesus was providing an opportunity for the disciples to learn about true greatness in the kingdom of God. He said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, the servant of all.”
The words of Jesus inspire us to a life of true greatness through the path of serving others in the Year of Redemption.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Moment Of Celebration reflects on the greatness of God.
These are the words of Psalm 145, starting at verse 3.
“Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.”
Here is one way we can apply this portion of Scripture into our lives today. Think of some great deed that God has done such as the creation of the world or His redemptive work of sending Jesus into the world. Then, tell someone about it, and what it means to us.
The Greatness of God is a reason to be glad in the Year of Celebration.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com