JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Psalm 27:1.

The LORD is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?

The light of God’s favor on David made a difference in his life. In the presence of dangerous circumstances, he was able to go forward with confidence and courage in the LORD rather than shrink back in fear.

The LORD’s salvation is a comfort for the person who follows Jesus. He is our source of security. His grace has a firm grip on us. We can live with the confidence that He is able to protect us from the schemes of our spiritual enemies. Nothing in all creation is able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus. If God is for us, who can be against us?

This Light Reflection inspires us to keep our focus on Jesus as the stronghold of our lives in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Psalm 18:1 and 2.

“I love you, LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

This is a window into the heart of David who loved God in a real and personal way. We might often think of prayer as a time to ask God for help. That is certainly a noble prayer. But there is more to prayer than making petitions. Prayer is also an opportunity to tell God that we love Him and to tell Him what He means to us.

David was a man after God’s own heart, who sought Him in times of need, trusted God in times of uncertainty, and praised Him in times of victory.

These faith-building verses inspire us to tell God how much we love Him and what He means to us in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is “Stronghold.”

A stronghold is a defensive structure that serves as a fortress of protection.

Spiritually speaking, a stronghold is a safe place to be when we are under the protection of God’s grace.

We are protected from condemnation. He is our source of salvation.

We are protected from the destructive tactics of the enemy. God’s truth sets us free from deception.

We are protected from isolation. The Lord is near to us in our times of crisis. We are not left alone in our distress.

Psalm 37:39 says, “The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.”

Find encouragement in knowing the LORD as our stronghold in the Year of Endurance.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com