JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is “Saying No” to the unholy and unhealthy.

We see the wisdom of this in the Ten Commandments. For example, “You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. And you shall not steal.”

Saying “No” to temptation allows us to say “Yes” to the ways of God. The New Testament teaches the positive view of obeying God’s commandments. Romans 13:9 and 10 says that these commands are “summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.”

The grace of God is a bright influence to give us wise discernment for life’s decisions. Titus 2:11 and 12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”

Saying “No” to the unholy and unhealthy is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Psalm 25:8 and 9.

Good and upright is the LORD; therefore, he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

God leads us in the way of His goodness by the counsel of His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The Bible is where we learn how sinners can be turned into saints. That is where we learn about the riches of God’s grace.  The Bible also tells us about God’s character, God’s Kingdom, God’s will, and God’s blessings. The Bible gives us good direction for living life God’s way rather than our own.

These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to be teachable to the counsel of God’s Word in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Titus 2, verses 11 and 12.

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

Grace not only frees us from the guilt of sin, but also teaches us to stay away from it. When the love of God captures our heart, we receive a new heart and a new attitude that is focused on pleasing God. His grace is both effective for saving us from our sin and transforming our heart into the likeness of Christ. This happens more and more as we walk with God daily.

Walking in the light of God’s grace is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com