JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Luke 1:79.

These were the words of the priest Zechariah about the Messiah who was coming into the world:

“To shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Peace is a bright light that shines through the darkness of hatred, violence, and revenge.

On the night before Jesus died, He spoke these words to His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

To embrace Jesus as Savior and Lord is to embrace the peace of God. His grace teaches us to love, be patient, forgive, and to live with godly contentment.

This Light Reflection inspires us to walk in peace with God in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Elements for Thriving Relationships are peace and holiness.

Hebrews 12:14 says, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

A life of holiness flows out of a heart that is wholly devoted to the Lord. His holiness will inspire us to be holy before God and to have pure relationships. That includes having pure motivations to love people sincerely in ways that benefit them.

God’s love for us inspires us to seek peaceful relationships. His purpose for sending Jesus to the world was to reconcile us to Himself. Jesus became the bridge that enabled us to have peace with God. That is the kind of peace that can spread through our witness for Christ. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Peace and Holiness are key elements for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Ephesians 2:17.

Speaking of Jesus, “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who are near.”

Jesus is our source of peace. He has the power to give us peace with God, peace with others, and peace within.

In Luke 2:14, the announcement of Jesus’ birth stirs praise among the heavenly host to say, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Peace comes to those who have God’s favor, and God’s favor extends to those who humbly recognize our need for Jesus to save us from our sins.

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to find peace with God by following Jesus in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is the voice of Reconciliation.

This is the voice that encourages peace between parties that live in hostility to each other.

The ultimate peacemaking mission is to promote peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ.  Peace with God is the way forward for us to experience peace with others and peace within. God’s love for us is a sure foundation that calms our fears and gives us hope. His love compels us to share the Gospel in a spirit of love.

In Second Corinthians 5:20, the Apostle Paul said, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

Being a voice of Reconciliation is a Key Element for Thriving Relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Second Corinthians 5:7.

For we live by faith, not by sight.

We may not see the big picture of God’s orchestrated plan for our lives, but by faith, we have the assurance that He has a plan for us to follow Him and to glorify Him. Trusting Jesus will make a difference in our lives in a number of ways.

Trusting Jesus will give us confidence for moving forward. When the Apostle Paul noted that he lived by faith and not by sight, he also said, “we are always confident.” That’s because he knew that God was with him, and His presence was Paul’s source of strength.

Trusting Jesus will also give us peace. Through the turmoil and uncertainties of each day, it makes a difference to know that the love of Jesus is able to sustain us. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to live by faith, not by sight in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is a blessing.

In the Bible, blessings were often passed along from one generation to another. A blessing is a prayer or proclamation expressing desire for God’s goodness and favor to rest on a particular person.

In Numbers 6:22, the LORD said to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: ‘The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

And then the LORD said, “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”

There is no greater blessing than to experience the grace and peace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. This is the blessing we can pray and proclaim for our loved ones.

The proclamation of a blessing is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Peace.

This is one of the qualities found in the fruit of the Spirit. As a result of keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, we walk in the peace of God.

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

The peace of God can be experienced even in the midst of chaos and confusion, because we have the assurance of God’s love embracing us in every season of our lives.

This will make a difference in how we relate with others around us, including our enemies. Romans 12:17 and 18 says this: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” The peace of God is a powerful force for enabling us to overcome evil with good.

Peace is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is the pursuit of Peace.

Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

God’s Word acknowledges that there are times when it might not be possible to be at peace with someone, but we can take steps toward peace as far as it depends on us. What steps can we take?

One thing we can do is consider whether we have contributed to the relationship strain by our own attitude or actions. If so, we can take steps to make things right. This might mean making a sincere apology or offering restitution for those we have wronged.

Another thing we can do is pray for that person and do good things for them. Jesus told us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. He also instructed us to do good to those who hate us.

The pursuit of Peace is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is Peace.

The arrival of Jesus brought the promise of peace, stirring praise among God’s people and angels.

In Luke 2:13, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Peace is a good reason for praising God. His favor extends to those who humbly recognize our need for grace. The love of Jesus is our source of peace, breaking down our barriers of pride and selfishness that keep us from knowing God. His peace is not based on favorable circumstances, but rather has its foundation on the favor of God.

Romans 5:1 says, “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Find encouragement in the gift of peace that comes through knowing Jesus Christ in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is Fruit.

Most of us have a favorite fruit that is pleasing to our tastebuds, whether they are oranges, apples, or strawberries.

There are different kinds of character qualities that make our faith more fruitful, such as love, joy, and peace. These qualities are found in the fruit of the Spirit.

When we live by God’s Spirit, He builds godly character qualities on our foundation of faith. This is what enables us to be an effective witness to the world of God’s saving grace. Jesus said in John 15:8, “This is to my Father’s glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

Through the faithful witness of believers, the words of Colossians 1:6 are still true today. “The gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the world.”

Find encouragement in the fruitfulness of walking in step with God’s Spirit in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to trust in the LORD completely.

There is a comfort in knowing that our lives are in the hands of a loving and powerful God. That does not mean we have immunity from trials and tragedies, but it does mean that the LORD is with us through those times of turbulence. He is a firm foundation for our faith when the storms of life rage at our doorstep. His grace is a calming presence, and His truth is a guiding presence to help us.

Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.”

Take the daily challenge to trust the LORD completely and experience His perfect peace on the journey of faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com