JOHN SHIRK – This week, our Light Reflections examine some of the bright spots in the book of Acts when God was on the move in the hearts of people.
One of those places is Acts 18:26 when a married couple reached out to an influential teacher named Apollos in Ephesus. He had a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, was instructed in the way of the Lord, and spoke with great fervor. He taught about Jesus accurately, although he knew only the baptism of John. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him speak in the synagogue, they invited him to their home and explained the way of God more adequately.
When Apollos went to another place, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. He proved from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.
This Light Reflection inspires us to keep growing in our faith and understanding of the Gospel in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from John 5, verses 39 to 40.
Jesus said to His critics, “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”
Is it possible to read the Bible and miss the message? Evidently, the religious leaders in the days of Jesus were very familiar with the Scriptures of the Old Testament, but rejected Jesus as their Messiah. When we see the influence of Jesus in the Bible from the books of Genesis to Revelation, His good news of redemption comes into view.
The Bible is a lamp for spiritual transformation if we believe and obey the message that leads us to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord.
This Light Reflection inspires us to see the influence of Jesus as we study the Scriptures in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is learning to discern the messages we hear.
There are many voices that speak into our lives in a given day. But how can we discern between truth and error? Not all voices lead us in the same direction.
Perhaps we can learn a framework for discernment by observing the example of the Berean Jews in Acts 17:11.
They were described as people with noble character, for they received Paul’s message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
This group of people was eager to grow in their walk with God. Discernment helped them to stay on track with God so that their beliefs and way of life would be consistent with the attitude of Jesus.
According to verse 12, as a result, many of them believed.
Learning to Discern is a vital step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Romans 15:4.
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope.
Bible history is a light to help us learn from the successes and failures of those who have gone before us.
First Corinthians 10 recalls moral failures of the Israelites who wandered in the wilderness in the days of Moses. Verse 6 says, “These things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.”
On the positive side, James 5:10 says, “As an example in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
This Light Reflection inspires us to find hope and encouragement in the lessons of Bible history in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Challenge motivates us to take a step toward hope.
Romans 15:4 tells us that “everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope.”
The Bible is not designed to be a weapon to condemn us, but rather a tool to help us to fight the good fight of faith.
In reading God’s Word, we will find encouragement from the examples of those who lived before us and walked with the Lord. We will learn the ways of God’s wisdom, which give direction for our lives. We will also see the evidence of God’s love at the cross and empty grave. The good news of the Bible will give us an eternal perspective that sees life through the eyes of God.
Take the daily challenge to walk in the way of God’s Word toward hope on the journey of faith.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Good News Focus is on Second Timothy 3, verses 14 and 15.
“As for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Bible study is an important part of growing in our understanding of who God is. Much like giving of our tithes, it is not meant to be a begrudging duty, but a joyful delight. It can be one of the highlights of our day, to open God’s word and read about His salvation plan through Jesus Christ. This is where we learn of God’s love to the world in need of a Savior. And through Jesus, He provided the solution for the sinful human condition.
Jesus is our Source of Good News, leading us to a place of trusting His grace to save us from our sins in the Year of Vision.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
