JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to rest in the Lord.

When evangelist Billy Graham was asked if he had any regrets in reflection of his life and ministry, he responded by saying he wished he would have spent more time with family, spoken less, and studied more. He would have spent more time in prayer, telling the Lord how much he loved Him. Billy Graham lived a productive life, but looking back, he saw great value in resting in the Lord.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.”

Resting in the Lord is a refreshing experience. It is a time of reliance on His great love for us. It is a fulfilling time of telling God how much we love Him and desire to honor Him with the moments of our lives. Our strength is renewed when we pause and take time to reflect on God’s grace and wisdom.

Resting in the Lord 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 of Redemption, today’s Freedom Phrase is based on Acts 3:19.

Peter said, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

God’s kindness leads us to turn away from our sins and turn in faith to Jesus for His grace. That kindness was ultimately demonstrated at the cross.

At the point of repentance, a great burden is lifted from us-the burden of guilt is released from us and we find our refreshment in the cleansing of God’s grace. Some people think they have done things that are so bad that not even God could forgive them. But if you think that way, remember this: Peter was speaking to a crowd of people who had been directly involved in the death of Jesus. He told that group of people that refreshment would come to them if they repented and turned to God.

Through Jesus, we are set free to experience the refreshment of God’s grace.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com