JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to produce a harvest of righteousness.

In Luke 8, Jesus told the parable of four different kinds of soils, which represent different ways that people respond to the seed of God’s Word.

One soil was resistant. Another soil was not well-rooted. Another soil was cluttered with thorns. None of those soils were able to grow a productive crop. But there was a good soil that did produce a crop.

Jesus said in Luke 8:15, “The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”

Let that be true of us to be receptive to God’s Word, nourished, and growing in faith. Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Producing a Harvest of righteousness is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is “Harvest.”

This a farming term referring to the gathering of crops after they are fully ripe. It is the time when the farmer reaps what has been planted.

There is a spiritual analogy to this process in Galatians 6:8 and 9.

“A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

We might not always see the fruit of our labor, and in such a situation, the only thing growing in our lives is discouragement. We feel like giving up, but God encourages us to keep pressing on with faithful service. The harvest is coming. Our labor in the Lord is bearing fruit. God’s reward is near when we see Jesus face to face, and hear His words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Find encouragement in the harvest of blessing that is promised for persevering saints in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Galatians 6, verses 9 and 10.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

As long as we have breath, God has a purpose for us to fulfill. What is that mission? Whatever God calls us to do specifically, it involves doing good for other people. It might be acts of service, or building someone up with our words, or giving someone the gift of our time with someone who needs a listening ear. For the endurance to complete God’s work, we can gain inspiration from Jesus Christ who endured the pain and agony of the cross on our behalf. We can also gain inspiration from God’s promises of blessing to us that will be fulfilled at the proper time. A third incentive is to see the difference in other people’s lives through our expressions of love for them.

Walking in the endurance of doing good deeds for others is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Five Fun Free Family Things To Do This Weekend
October 14-16, 2016

5 Grace Church at Willow Valley’s Harvest Party tomorrow (Saturday, October 15) from 10am-2pm Games, a bounce house, Kids activities and food. More Info:  GraceWV.org

4 Disguise & Prize tomorrow (Sat. Oct. 15) from 1-4pm at  Jerusalem Church, Newport Rd in Manheim. Corn Maze, Prizes and kid friendly activities. Kids, wear a non-scary disguise and visit the trunk or treat vehicles for candy and prizes. More Info: www.jerusalemchurch.net

3 2016 Apple-Umpkin Festival, tomorrow (Saturday, October 15)
10am-4:30pm at Adamstown Community Park, West Main Sreet in Adamstown. Costume Parade, Hayride, Pumpkin Chucking, Build a Scarecrow, Carnival Games and lots of Apples of every kind. More Info AdamstownCommunityDays.com

2 MCFEE, (the Manheim Central Foundation for Educational Enrichment) Classic Car Show. Tomorrow (Saturday, October 15) 10am-2pm , on the Square of Manheim. Cars, Motorcycles, Antiques, Family friendly activities, food trucks and more. More Info: McFee4Kids.org

1 St. Paul Christian Early Learning Center Touch A Truck event, tomorrow (Saturday, October 15) 9am-1pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church, West Orange Street in Lititz. Loads of vehicles and machinery, rides, activities,and more. Bring a non-perishable food item to benefit the Lititz Warwick Community Chest. More Info: 717-627-0900