JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is serving the Lord.
Following Jesus leads us to a fulfilling relationship with God and productive service in God’s Kingdom.
Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”
God sees the acts of service that we perform with pure motives. He does not forget our work and the love that we show Him as we help people in their times of need.
First Corinthians 15:58 encourages us to always give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because we know that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Serving 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 to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is the exercise of spiritual gifts.
When God’s people serve with love and with their spiritual gifts, the church has a significant light to shine in the local community.
The Bible teaches us that different members of the church have different gifts. Romans 12:6 says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
This is a picture of the body of Christ serving freely by the grace of God for the glory of God.
Exercising our Spiritual Gifts 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 Luke 9:16 and 17.
One of Jesus’ miracles involved the feeding of the five thousand from a small amount of food. Good things can happen when we offer to Jesus something that seems small and insignificant to us.
“Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.”
Notice, that Jesus included the disciples in the distribution of the food. In much the same way today, Jesus has abundant grace to pour out on people in need, and works through His followers to reach them.
Through Jesus, we are set free to serve others in ways that meet their needs.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
