JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Focus on God’s Goodness is found in Psalm 119, verse 105.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
There is a very good reason that we can trust God’s Word to guide us in the right direction.
Psalm 18:30 says, “As for God, his way is perfect: the LORD’s Word is flawless.” The prophet Jeremiah described God’s way as the good way that leads to rest for our souls.
Following the words of God will not always be easy. They are in conflict with the value system of the world, which is built on pride, greed, and lust. Not everyone will be pleased when we seek to follow the words of Christ. But we will have the applause of God and His peace as we walk by faith in Him daily.
The direction 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 – Today’s Light Reflection is from John 5:35.
Jesus said that John the Baptist was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.
Each believer has a lamp to shine through the witness of our lives. John’s light drew people to repentance from their sins and prepared the way for the Lord.
When John saw Jesus coming toward him, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
John knew his mission. When it was time for the ministry of Jesus to shine, John was glad to see that day arrive. As more and more people were going to Jesus, John said, “That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.”
This Light Reflection inspires us to take joy in leading people to Jesus in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Revelation 21:23 and 24.
The Apostle John was describing the new Jerusalem which will shine with the glory of God.
“The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.”
Many people wonder what heaven is like. The book of Revelation describes heaven as a beautiful place. Nighttime does not exist in the New Jerusalem. Jesus is the source of light for this coming Kingdom. The great street of the city is of gold as pure as transparent glass. The city sparkles with brilliance like a precious jewel. And those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will be there.
This Light Reflection inspires us to live with the hope of heaven through faith in Jesus in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
I was baptized at Hershey Free Church when I was in junior high. It just so happened that the day my church was holding the event was on Halloween, and I was at a point in my life where my school was my mission field. This was back in the day when “In The Light” by Charlie Peacock and “Be The One” by Al Denson were newer hit songs, not Classics — and “Shine” by Newsboys didn’t even exist yet! I carried my Bible with me every day at school and invited friends to youth group events. I was on fire for God on couldn’t think of a more powerful day to be baptized than on Halloween. I was into Frank Peretti books and learning about spiritual warfare…being baptized on Halloween was as good as it could possibly get! It was like taking the darkest day and making it stand for my dedication to Jesus, which I figured would send a loud and clear message to the devil.
The Bible verse I shared before taking the plunge was Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
If you’re in total darkness, even just one match is a game changer! One very small light will always defeat darkness. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5
In the Bible, “Light” is life. It guides our path. It purifies. It brings hope. It is closely associated with God’s presence and favor. Jesus is called the “Light of the World”. Isn’t it such good news that God called us out of the darkness and into His marvelous light?! We’ll sing about it with a light-themed playlist on this Sunday’s Praise & Worship Show from 6-10 a.m. and I hope you’ll join me.
