JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Romans 8:28 and 29a.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…

God works through the circumstances of our lives for His glory and our good. The good that He seeks to accomplish in our lives is to conform us to the image of Jesus. So, as we go through various experiences-(challenges, opportunities, victories, and disappointments), God is able to weave all those circumstances together to build our character to reflect the likeness of Jesus.

The trials and the painful situations that we face are opportunities to grow more mature in the faith.

This Light Reflection inspires us to grow with God through the circumstances of our lives in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on James 1, verses 2 to 4.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

It is not unusual to come out of a trial with a very different mindset than when we entered into a trial. Something happens in the midst of a trial that humbles us to recognize our dependence on Jesus.

Coming out of a trial, we can usually be more sympathetic to other people in similar circumstances, because we have been there.

We rarely seek trials before they happen, but after they happen, we can often look back on their value to our faith. James has wise advice for our trials-Persevere. Another way of saying that is “Don’t give up.”

Walking in perseverance and maturity are virtues to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com