JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Jeremiah 15:16.

The prophet Jeremiah said this to the LORD, “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty.”

Jeremiah took great delight in feeding on the words that God spoke to him. Every day is an opportunity for us to fill up on God’s Word and to draw nourishment by the expressions of God’s love written there. The Bible is reliable for building our faith so that we thrive for God’s glory.

The writer of Psalm 1 described the person who delighted in the law of the LORD as blessed. He said “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever they do prospers.”

The fulfillment of God’s Word 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

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Person of Integrity from the Bible is Jeremiah.

The LORD called him to be a prophet even before Jeremiah was aware of his calling. The LORD said to him in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Initially, Jeremiah responded like Moses did when God called him at the burning bush. Jeremiah said, “Ah, Sovereign LORD, I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.”

But the LORD said, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child’. You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.”

From that moment on, Jeremiah went forth in the authority of the LORD’s name and declared His word. His message was not popular to a nation attached to their idols. But his words were true, and they call us to “ask where the good way is, and walk in it.” Then, we will find rest for our souls.

The faithfulness of Jeremiah to speak truth to his generation inspires us to follow God’s calling and live a life of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com