JOHN SHIRK-Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Psalm 1:1 to 3
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-whatever they do prospers.”
Worship is a way of life that includes meditation on God’s Word. This is vital for a thriving faith. A.W. Tozer has said that “the importance of reading the Bible is not reading, but fellowship with the Author.” When we read from the Bible, we are seeing the inspired words of God through His trusted messengers. As we give God our attention, His words will be our delight, and His counsel will guide our steps to a fruitful place. Never underestimate the power of God to transform lives through His Word.
These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to meditate on God’s Words and to delight in them in the Year of Relationship.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on God’s purpose for our lives to grow in godly character.
God works through times of adversity and discipline to accomplish character in our lives. He will let us struggle with questions or struggle in our pain, but He does not leave us or forsake us. He is right there with us, providing His grace in our time of need.
James 1:3 explains that the trials that we face are tests to our faith. These tests are meant to produce perseverance. When perseverance finishes its work, we have the opportunity to become mature and complete, not lacking anything. God works through the character qualities of our lives to enable our faith to thrive for Him.
Focusing on the fruit of godly character gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Redemption, today’s Freedom Phrase is based on Jeremiah 17, verses 7 and 8.
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
In the various seasons of our lives, whether in times of celebration or in times of adversity, God is there, and He is able to work through the circumstances of our lives to strengthen our faith in Him and make it flourish. The key for us is to trust God through it all, and to remember His unfailing love for us. That way, our hope will not be connected to favorable circumstances, but rather to God Himself.
Through Jesus, we are set free to have a thriving faith for the glory of God.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
