JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Person of Integrity from the Bible is Timothy.

He worked with Paul the Apostle, who mentored him and spoke highly of him in his writings.

On one occasion, he wrote in First Corinthians 4:17, “For this reason, I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus.”

On another occasion, he wrote in First Thessalonians 3:2, “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.”

In these two letters, we see Paul’s confidence in Timothy to be reliable to send edifying messages to the churches.

The faithfulness of Timothy to be one of Paul’s trusted messengers inspires us to build the church with our words and to live a life of integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Trust, today’s Focus on God examines His reliability.

In Jesus’ own words, God is reliable. He said in John 8:26, “He who sent me is reliable, and what I have heard from him I tell the world.”

The word of God is reliable for guiding us in the truth, and the grace of God is reliable for saving our souls. Just as we cross a bridge, it is common for us to trust it to support us. To an even greater degree, we can lean all our weight on God, knowing that He is our source of peace and security. He is our source of strength and salvation.

First John 4:16 says, “We know and rely on the love God has for us.”

God’s reliable words and love are reasons to trust in God for today and forever.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com