JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from John 8:12.

Jesus identified Himself by “I Am” statements, which are recorded for us in the Gospel of John. These statements open our eyes to the reality of who Jesus is and what He can accomplish on our behalf.

As morning light broke through to chase away the darkness of the night, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Just as physical light has a way of breaking the darkness, the light of grace and truth is able to break the darkness of our sin. Just before Jesus said this, a woman was caught in adultery. A crowd was ready to stone her to death. But Jesus disarmed these religious men by saying, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”  He let her go free by saying, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”  This is how grace and truth can set us free.

This Light Reflection inspires us to come out of the darkness of sinful patterns and follow Jesus in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to follow Jesus.

Jesus invited some fishermen to follow Him in Matthew 4:19. He said to Simon Peter and Andrew, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed Jesus.

There is a Chinese proverb that says “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” We don’t know how many miles Peter and Andrew traveled with Jesus, but that first step out of the boat was the beginning of a journey that led them to Jesus, and they would never be the same after that. Their influence for Christ would bring many more people into the family of God.

Jesus said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Following Jesus is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is a good deed for God.

According to Jesus, this is how we let our light shine. In the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:14 to 16, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city 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.”

So, what can we do today to shine our light for Jesus? Look for opportunities, let love be the motivation, and watch how God works through those simple steps of obedience to encourage someone with the reality that they are loved by God.

A good deed for God is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in the world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from John 8:12.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

C.S. Lewis once said, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”

Faith in the Lord Jesus opens our eyes to the realities of life and the quality of life that God intended us to have. Though we live in a fallen world with brokenness and sin, we live with the awareness that Jesus came to give us a life that abounds in grace and leads to a heavenly future.

Jesus is our source of light that we need for moral direction, hope, and eternal life.

This Light Reflection inspires us to follow Jesus in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on Jesus as the Light of the world.

Jesus said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

There are two key points that we can learn from this statement regarding Jesus’ followers.

The first point is that following Jesus is a step-by-step journey. He leads the way, and we follow Him. As we follow Jesus, we can hear His voice more clearly by staying close to Him in relationship.

The second point is that Jesus is our source of light. His divine wisdom is greater than human reasoning, and is the guidepost for our lives that leads us to abundant and eternal life.

Focusing on Jesus as the Light of the world gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life. 

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on John 8:12.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Darkness is a place of confusion, despair, and death. Those are the places where sinful choices lead us. But there is a way out of the darkness. Jesus is the source of light. He brings clarity and direction where there was once confusion. He brings hope that overcomes despair. He puts us on the road that leads to heaven. He knows how to guide His followers to their eternal home.

Darkness is overcome by light when we follow Jesus.

Walking in the light of Jesus’ footsteps is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com