JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Joshua 10:13.
In a time of battle, there is an unusual story when Joshua prayed for the sun to stand still.
The Bible says that “the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a human being. Surely, the LORD was fighting for Israel!”
Through the spiritual battles and challenges of our lives, God provides the light that we need for hope and courage to press on in the faith. He provides the armor of light, which enables us to put aside the deeds of darkness. His truth overcomes deception. His love overcomes hatred. His presence overcomes our fears. We can lean in on the grace and mercy of God to light the fire of our faith when the challenges of life wear us down.
This Light Reflection inspires us to pray for God’s help in the struggles of our lives in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Joshua 24:15.
Joshua motivated the Israelites to follow the LORD by his example.
He told them, “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua’s faith spoke through his commitment and strong example. He was consistent in taking courageous steps forward as he was led by God. His integrity made him a credible voice to guide a nation toward devotion to God.
The people responded with these words, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods.”
Israel served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him. This is the kind of impact that is possible when our life speaks with devotion to God.
This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to lead with a godly example in the Year of Relationship.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Hebrews 11:30.
“By faith, the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.”
This marked the fulfillment of God’s Word for the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. It happened after Joshua’s army marched around the city for seven days. The priests would blow their trumpets, the army would give a loud shout, and the wall of the city would collapse.
The LORD said to Joshua in Joshua 6:2, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands.”
Faith manifests itself in various ways. In this case, we see faith accompanied by the courage to step forward in God’s timing.
This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to be strong and courageous to follow God’s Word in the Year of Relationship.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Trust, today’s Focus on God examines His faithfulness as a Promise-keeper.
According to Second Corinthians 1:20, “No matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”
A consistent promise keeper is faithful, having the goodness to follow through with stated intentions, and having the strength to make it happen, despite facing opposition that wants to thwart those purposes. Because these are the qualities of God, His promises are trustworthy and true.
Before Joshua died, he said to the Israelites, “Not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed.”
God’s faithfulness as a promise keeper is a reason to trust in God for today and forever.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK -Today’s Relationship-Building Principle comes from Joshua 1:14 and 15.
As the Israelites were about to cross the Jordan River to go into the Promised Land, Joshua had a few words with two and a half of the tribes. These were the tribes who were planning to settle east of the Jordan, and were already in possession of their land.
He said, “Remember the command that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you. ‘The LORD your God is giving you rest and has granted you this land. Your wives, your children, and your livestock may stay in the land that Moses gave you east of the Jordan, but all your fighting men, fully armed, must cross over ahead of your brothers. You are to help your brothers until the LORD gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving them.”
These tribes complied with Joshua’s instructions and the nation went forward together into the Promised Land. Victories are fully shared where struggles are fully shared. This principle can apply not just to nations, but common challenges facing sports teams, family units, businesses, and churches. Unity and celebration is the outcome of victory where there is evidence of full team support in the struggle.
Teamwork and a spirit of cooperation through the challenges of life is a vital relationship-building principle to take to heart in the Year of Connection.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
