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JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is Prophecy.
Many predictions of human origin fail to materialize, but in the course of time, the prophecies of the Bible prove to be reliable.
Here are just a few prophecies about Jesus’ birth which came true hundreds of years later.
Isaiah 7:14 said “the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” That happened when Mary gave birth to Jesus.
Micah 5:2 predicted Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus. That was fulfilled in Matthew chapter 2.
And when Jesus went to Egypt, Matthew quoted Hosea 11:1 to link that event to a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
Second Peter 1:21 tells us that “prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
Find encouragement in the prophecies of the Bible to give us hope in Christ in the Year of Endurance.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
It’s Week 1 in a Season of Joy Sunday mornings on WJTL. This week’s Praise & Worship playlist is filled with songs of joy from Dante Bowe, Phil Wickham, Kim Walker-Smith, We The Kingdom, Aaron Shust, Rend Collective, Shane & Shane and more!
| Song Title | Artist | Album | Year |
| 6AM | |||
| Beauty For Ashes | Anthony Skinner | Forever And A Day | 2004 |
| Joyful | Dante Bowe | Circles | 2021 |
| Joy | Phil Wickham | Response | 2011 |
| Joyful (The One Who Saves) | Brenton Brown | Joyful | 2010 |
| Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble? | Delirious | Revival Generation | 1998 |
| Up in Arms | Hillsong UNITED | Zion (Deluxe Edition) | 2013 |
| Joy to the World / Joy of the Lord | Maverick City Music | A Very Maverick Christmas (feat. Mav City Gospel Choir) | 2021 |
| Rejoice | Dustin Kensrue | The Water & The Blood | 2013 |
| joy. | for KING & COUNTRY | Burn The Ships | 2018 |
| My Joy | Philip Herndon | Love In Every Motion | 2012 |
| Your Love Never Fails | Chris McClarney | Love Never Fails | 2008 |
| Make A Joyful Noise – I Will Not Be Silent | David Crowder | All I Can Say | 1998 |
| Rejoice | Chris Tomlin | See The Morning | 2006 |
| Shout for Joy | Paul Baloche | The Same Love | 2012 |
| 7AM | |||
| Tears Of Joy | Phil Wickham | The Ascension | 2013 |
| What Joy Is Found | Jeremy Riddle | Full Attention | 2007 |
| Take Courage (Kristene DiMarco) | Bethel Music | Starlight (Live) | 2017 |
| Joy of the Lord (Live) [Spontaneous] | Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson | You Make Me Brave (Live) | 2014 |
| I Have Found (Live) | Kim Walker-Smith | Revival Nights (Live) | 2021 |
| Find a Reason (Joyful Joyful) [feat. Brett Stanfill] | North Point Worship | Find a Reason | 2020 |
| Count It All Joy | Sovereign Grace Music | Worship God Live | 2005 |
| I Will Rejoice | Rita Springer | I Have To Believe | 2005 |
| O Rejoice | Hillsong | Celebrating Christmas | 2005 |
| Rejoice | Brad+Rebekah | Single | 2019 |
| Praise the Lord / Rejoice [feat. Eb Cole] | Daniel Bashta | My Resurrection | 2017 |
| 8AM | |||
| In Your Presence (feat. Kim Walker-Smith) [Live] | Jesus Culture | Let It Echo (Live) | 2016 |
| Psalm 16 (Fullness of Joy) | Shane & Shane | Psalms, Vol. 2 | 2015 |
| Joy! He Shall Reign | Big Daddy Weave | Single | 2020 |
| Rejoice | Andrew Peterson | The Burning Edge of Dawn | 2015 |
| Joy Is In Our Hearts | Sara Groves | Fireflies And Songs | 2009 |
| Rejoice | Sovereign Grace Music | Savior | 2006 |
| Psalm 96 (Let the Earth Rejoice) | Robbie Seay Band | Psalms LP | 2015 |
| Hymn of Joy (Live) | Chris Tomlin | Adore-Christmas Songs Of Worship (Live) | 2015 |
| Joy Of The Lord | Rend Collective | As Family We Go | 2016 |
| Rejoice | Andrew Ripp | Evergreen | 2021 |
| Joy Has Dawned | Bethany Dillon and Matt Hammitt (of Sanctus Real) | In Christ Alone – Modern Hymns Of Worship | 2008 |
| Rejoice | Mission Worship | Mission Worship EP | 2019 |
| Joy Is In This Place | Tim Hughes | When Silence Falls | 2004 |
| House Of The Lord | Phil Wickham | Single | 2021 |
| 9AM | |||
| Joy (Shining Light) | Victory Fellowship Worship Band | Elevator Music | 2010 |
| Joy Invincible (feat. Jenn Johnson) | Switchfoot | Joy Invincible recut Single | 2020 |
| Joy Comes In The Morning | Baylor Wilson | Joy Comes In The Morning | 2021 |
| Joy (To the World) (feat. Ryan Ellis) | Life.Church Worship | Gloria (Live) | 2021 |
| Rejoice | Life Center Worship | Single | 2019 |
| Joyous Light | Chris Tomlin | Passion: Hymns Ancient and Modern | 2004 |
| Yes I Will | Vertical Worship | Bright Faith Bold Future | 2018 |
| Sing Wherever I Go (Live) | We The Kingdom | Live At the Wheelhouse – EP | 2019 |
| Joy To The World (Joyful, Joyful) | Phil Wickham | Christmas | 2019 |
| Joy | Rend Collective | The Art of Celebration | 2014 |
| Joy To Be (feat. Chaunda Jefferson) | Citizens | The Joy of Being | 2020 |
| Rejoice | Aaron Shust | Unto Us | 2014 |
| Joyful Noise | Matt Maher | Single | 2021 |
| Rejoice | Jordan St. Cyr | Single | 2021 |
| Heart Sings Hallelujah (Live) | Paul McClure & Hannah McClure | Christmas Morning (Live) | 2020 |
| Bless His Name (Ive Got That Joy) (feat. Brandon Lake & Andy Cherry) | Seacoast Music | Single | 2021 |
| Praise to the Lord (Joyful, Joyful) | Shane & Shane | Hymns, Vol. 2 | 2019 |
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is Bethlehem.
According to Micah 5:2, Bethlehem was small among the clans of Judah, and would be the birthplace of the Messiah.
This was the prediction about Jesus in that passage, “Out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
In Matthew 2:1, “Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea.”
Jesus could have been born in a larger city or a more strategic place to be noticed. But instead, He was born in a small town not far from Jerusalem.
One insight to gain from Bethlehem is that God loves to work through places and people that others consider to be insignificant. He works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. This can be our reality when we make room for Jesus to be the guiding influence of our lives.
Find encouragement in Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus to see what He can accomplish through us in the Year of Endurance.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is Savior.
The Bible directs us to Jesus Christ as Savior, who is qualified to redeem us from sin and to save our souls.
This is one of the reasons why we can celebrate Christmas with so much hope: We have a Savior in Jesus Christ. We needed a rescuer because of our sin, and God saw our need. He did something about it by sending us His precious gift.
In Luke 2:11, the angelic announcement to the shepherds echoes through the centuries around the world to this generation: “Today, in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Find encouragement in knowing Jesus as Savior, Messiah, and Lord in the Year of Endurance.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to build up others with our words.
Ephesians 4:29 instructs us with these words, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
If we are going to meet people at their point of need, we will need to use words that are wholesome and filled with encouragement.
Ephesians 5:4 tells us that obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking are out of place for God’s holy people. Instead, we are called to speak words filled with truth and thanksgiving, in a spirit of love.
One of the great encouragers in the early church was Barnabas. Through his words to the believers in Antioch, “a great number of people were brought to the Lord.” That is what can happen when God’s Spirit directs our words to build up others in the faith.
Take the Daily Challenge to build up others with wholesome and encouraging words on the journey of faith.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3oanEeZ54I2nodaNrcr65E?si=28ec6646881048b2
Daily Challenge-Express Praise for the Lord
john : December 2, 2021 4:18 pm : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to express praise for the Lord.
When we read the Psalms, we find many words of praise that express the joy of knowing God. Many of us relate with the Psalms, because we can put those words into the context of our relationship with God and personal experiences.
When we express praise for God, we invite others to celebrate God’s goodness and greatness with us.
David wrote in Psalm 34, verses 1 through 4- “I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
Take the Daily Challenge to express praise for the Lord on the journey of faith.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is Kingdom.
A kingdom is defined as a country, state, or territory ruled by a king or queen. It also refers to the spiritual reign or authority of God.
The angel Gabriel told Mary about the destiny of Jesus in Luke 1:32.
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
The good news about this never-ending kingdom is that Jesus has made a way for us to receive it-through His death and resurrection. The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who embrace Jesus as king of their hearts.
Hebrews 12:28 says, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”
Find encouragement in the kingdom that God is preparing for those who love Him in the Year of Endurance.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
Daily Challenge-Hold Out The Word of Life
john : November 30, 2021 4:56 pm : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to hold out the word of life to this present generation.
Philippians 2:14 says, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation’. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”
In a relay race, runners carry a baton and pass it along to the next runner. That is, in a sense, how the Gospel passes to the next generation. As we hold out the word of life that we have been holding on to, the gospel gets passed along to those who accept God’s good news.
Grumbling or arguing will undermine our witness for the Gospel. But if we have the attitude of Jesus, then our words will have life and point people to the saving grace found in Jesus.
Take the Daily Challenge to hold out the word of life to this present generation on the journey of faith.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
We’ve been ramping up to this all month! It’s the Thanksgiving Edition of the Praise & Worship Program, with a themed playlist filled with songs of praise from thankful hearts. See all the songs details below, including “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake, “Thank You Lord” by Chris Tomlin & Friends, “God You’re So Good” from Kristian Stanfill, the new rendition of “Give Thanks” from Steffany Gretzinger and much more!
| Song Title | Artist | Album | Year |
| 6AM | 2021 | ||
| Thank You Lord | Paul Baloche | A Greater Song | 2006 |
| Forever Reign | Kristian Stanfill | Passion: Here For You | 2011 |
| Something Good | GATEWAY | Greater Than | 2018 |
| Promises | Maverick City Music | Maverick City Vol. 3 Part 2 | 2021 |
| Great Is Thy Faithfulness (feat. Christy Nockels) | Worship Circle | Worship Circle Hymns | 2019 |
| Psalm 42 (Loudest Praise) | Shane & Shane | Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs | 2021 |
| Rejoice | Brad & Rebekah | Single | 2019 |
| Good to Me | Audrey Assad | Fortunate Fall | 2013 |
| The Little That I Know (Live) | David Leonard | The Wait: Silence the Noise (Live) | 2019 |
| Counting Every Blessing | Rend Collective | Good News | 2018 |
| Satisfied | Chris Tomlin | Nobody Loves Me Like You – EP | 2018 |
| Everyday Im Blessed | Crowder | I Know a Ghost | 2018 |
| Million Little Miracles (feat. Joe L Barnes) | Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music | Old Church Basement | 2021 |
| 7AM | |||
| Hes Good | Rachael Lampa | Single | 2019 |
| We Are Blessed | All Sons & Daughters | The Longing – EP | 2012 |
| Ill Give Thanks (feat. Kirby Kaple) | Housefires | Ill Give Thanks | 2020 |
| A Thousand Thank Yous | Sarah Kroger | Single | 2020 |
| What A Good God | Mack Brock | Single | 2021 |
| A Grateful People/Bless the Lord | Watermark | A Grateful People | 2006 |
| Goodness of God (Live) | Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson | Victory (Live) | 2019 |
| Forever | Chris Tomlin | The Noise We Make | 2001 |
| Worthy | Elevation Worship | Hallelujah Here Below | 2018 |
| Thank You | Hillsong Worship | A Beautiful Exchange | 2010 |
| I Thank God | Maverick City Music & UPPERROOM | Move Your Heart | 2021 |
| Give Thanks | Steffany Gretzinger & Melissa Helser | Faith Of My Father | 2021 |
| Still God, Still Good (Live) | Here Be Lions | Still God, Still Good (Live) | 2021 |
| 8AM | |||
| Thank You God For Saving Me (feat. Phil Wickham) | Chris Tomlin | Burning Lights | 2013 |
| God Is Always Good (Live) | Covenant Worship | Covenant Worship Live | 2018 |
| Thank You (feat. Jonathan David Helser) | Bethel Music | Have It All | 2016 |
| You Have Been So Good (feat. Sara Groves) | Paul Baloche | A Greater Song | 2006 |
| Nothing Holding Me Back | Bryan & Katie Torwalt | Here On Earth | 2011 |
| King of My Heart | John Mark & Sarah McMillan | You Are the Avalanche – EP | 2015 |
| Father I Thank You | Jeremy Camp & Adrienne Camp | The Worship Project – EP | 2020 |
| Thank You For Hearing Me | David Crowder | All I Can Say | 1998 |
| Thank You Lord | Chris Tomlin & Friends | Chris Tomlin & Friends | 2021 |
| What a Good God | Paul Baloche | Behold Him | 2020 |
| God is So Good (You are Worthy) | Daniel Bashta | Wave Your Flag | 2021 |
| Thank You Jesus | Hillsong Worship | No Other Name | 2014 |
| 9AM | |||
| 10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord) (feat. Passion) | Matt Redman | Passion: White Flag | 2012 |
| From Whom All Blessings Flow (Doxology) | Hillsong Worship | Awake | 2019 |
| Thank You (feat. Steffany Gretzinger & Chandler Moore) | Maverick City Music | Maverick City Vol. 3 Part 1 | 2020 |
| Give Thanks to God (feat. Kirby Kaple) | Housefires | We Say Yes | 2017 |
| God Youre So Good (feat. Kristian Stanfill and Melodie Malone) | Passion | Whole Heart | 2018 |
| We Give You Thanks | All Sons & Daughters | All Sons & Daughters | 2014 |
| Good Good Father | Chris Tomlin & Pat Barrett | Single | 2018 |
| Grateful | Elevation Worship | There Is a Cloud | 2017 |
| Hundred Miles | Crowder | I Know a Ghost | 2018 |
| Hallelujahs Song (Psalm 103) (feat. Caleb Chapman) | JUDAH. | 3 + 7 | 2021 |
| Gratitude (Live) | Brandon Lake | House of Miracles (Live) | 2021 |
