JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Lamentations 3:40.

“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.”

Many times, spiritual inventory comes in a time of crisis when we are humbled and broken of ourselves. That was where the Israelites were at the time this verse was written. The people were taken from their homeland. Their temple was destroyed. They had descended from a place of blessing to a place of bondage, and the writer recorded a series of laments in this book.

But in this broken place, there is also hope. Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed. His compassions never fail. Great is God’s faithfulness.

When we come to the end of ourselves, there is grace waiting with open arms. God is ready to embrace anyone who is willing to renounce selfish ways and return to His grace.

Returning to the LORD after we have disobeyed Him is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Hosea 6:1.

“Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.”

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were prone to wandering from God. They were similar to many of us today. It is interesting that Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, and His followers as sheep. Sheep are prone to wandering without a shepherd to direct them.

When the Israelites wandered, they would experience the Lord’s discipline, because the Lord loved them. It’s the same way when we wander away from Him. In His love, God disciplines us for our good so that we might share in His holiness. His discipline is meant to get our attention so that we might correct our course and return to Him.

He is ready to welcome us with open arms.

Returning to God through His discipline is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com