JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Matthew 5:4.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

This refers to sorrow over our sin-the kind of sorrow that moves us to repent. Second Corinthians 7:10 tells us that godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.

Honesty before God is the first step to dealing with our sinful actions so that it no longer has a stronghold over us. This is called Confession. When we come to God with our true confessions, we do not have to fear condemnation. We will find forgiveness, resulting in peace with God and the desire to go forward in obedience to God. We will have the assurance of His love and favor.

The comfort of God’s grace rests on those who mourn with a contrite heart.

Matthew 5:4-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Learn.

To learn is to gain knowledge or a skill by way of study or experience.

One of the key qualities that enables us to learn about God’s Kingdom is being teachable. With this mindset, we understand that we have room for growth in our understanding of who God is and how He wants us to live.

Another key quality to learning is faith. This is the foundation that gives us a craving for more of God’s Word, more of God’s love, and more of God’s righteousness.

Proverbs 9:9 says, “Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.”

Discover how the word “Learn” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Matthew 5:3.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

To be poor in spirit is to recognize that we are spiritually bankrupt without the grace of Jesus Christ. It is a humble place to be. It is the blessed place to be. Poverty in spirit opens the way for us to be rich in faith, because we believe in the sufficiency of His grace to provide forgiveness for our sin. We recognize our need for Jesus to save us.

The blessing of God’s Heavenly kingdom is given to those who are poor in spirit. This inheritance will not perish, spoil, or fade. It is our real and lasting hope.

Matthew 5:3-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Go.

This is a call to put our faith into action. This word is an opportunity to mobilize our devotion to Jesus.

Before ascending to heaven, Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 28:19, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.”

Jesus wants us to share His good news with the world and be engaged in spiritual conversations. We don’t have to be skilled at public speaking or preaching a sermon. But we can be effective witnesses by living a life of Christian integrity and being ready to share the reason for our hope in Christ.

Discover how the word “Go” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Habakkuk 2:4b.

“The righteous person will live by his faithfulness.”

Righteousness is not attained based on our good deeds outweighing our bad deeds. It is rather given to us when we put our faith in Jesus Christ.

Righteousness by faith-this becomes the theme of the Gospel in the writings of the New Testament. Romans 10:9 explains how this righteous faith is proclaimed, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.

Habakkuk 2:4b-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Gratitude.

This is a proper response to the blessings of God on our lives. Expressing gratitude to God is a form of praise. We are glorifying God in the midst of thanking Him.

An attitude of gratitude can refresh our own spirit and have a contagious effect on others in a positive way. The theme of our songs will be filled with praise.

Our songs can light up a room and magnify God when we express them with heart-felt gratitude.  Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

Discover how the word “Gratitude” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

I’ve got a special theme for the playlist this week. We’re focusing on the Names of God. Listen for songs that declare the unmatched power in the Name of Jesus! We’ll also sing to our King, Savior, Messiah, Jireh, Father, the Alpha & Omega, the Lion & the Lamb. As Sean Curran sings, “I know you by a thousand names, and you deserve every single one!”

Song Title	Artist	Year
6AM
Your Name	Paul Baloche	2006
O Praise The Name	Hillsong Worship	2016
Worthy is Your Name (Exalted)	Reach City Worship & John Wesley	2022
His Name is Jesus	Jeremy Riddle	2022
The Power of Your Name (ft. Matt Redman)	Jon Reddick	2020
Yahweh (ft. Leeland, Taylor Gall)	Thrive Worship	2024
Bless His Name (Ive Got That Joy) (ft. Brandon Lake & Andy Cherry)	Seacoast Music	2021
Lamb of God (ft. David Leonard)	Church of the City	2025
Our Father	Josh Baldwin	2022
Thats My King	CeCe Winans	2024
In The Name Of Jesus	JWLKRS Worship	2025
7AM
Alpha And Omega (ft. Steffany Gretzinger & John Wilds)	Jesus Image	2022
Still On the Throne (Live)	The Belonging Co & Danny Gokey	2025
Marvelous	Mitch Wong	2025
Mighty Name of Jesus (ft. Hope Darst)	The Belonging Co	2024
I Know A Name	Elevation Worship	2025
Lion and the Lamb	Leeland	2016
What a Beautiful Name (Live)	Hillsong Worship	2016
Jireh (ft. Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine)	Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music	2021
The Christ And Cornerstone (Live)	Bethel Music & Josh Baldwin	2025
8AM
King Of Kings	Brooke Ligertwood	2023
Living Hope	Phil Wickham	2018
Names	Ben Laine	2024
Forever YHWH (ft. Tiffany Hudson)	Elevation Worship	2022
Call On The Name (Live)	Cody Carnes	2023
The Lamb, The Lion, The King	Meredith Andrews	2024
Here I Am To Worship (feat. Martin Smith of Delirious	Tim Hughes	2009
Live Up To Your Name	Danny Gokey	2022
1,000 Names	Sean Curran	2021
Yahweh We Love You (ft. Joe L Barnes)	Elevation Worship	2024
9AM
We Exalt Your Name (ft. Matt Maher)	Kari Jobe	2012
I Have a Savior (ft. Leeland Mooring)	Gateway Worship	2020
Oh What A Friend	John Wesley	2024
Blessed Be Your Name (Acoustic)	Matt Redman	2020
Lord I Lift Your Name on High	Shane & Shane	2020
Jehovah (feat. Chris Brown)	Elevation Worship	2023
Praise Your Name (Live)	Corey Voss & Madison Street Worship	2019
Cornerstone (My Hope Is Built)	Hillsong Live	2013
Our Father (ft. Selah)	Jaime Jamgochian	2025
Praise Your Name (ft. Desi Raines)	North Point Worship	2020
Your Name Is Power (Acoustic)	Rend Collective	2019
Savior Of The World	Mack Brock	2020
YAHWEH (No One) (ft. Elevation Worship)	Chris Tomlin	2022
Behold the Lamb (ft. Kristian Stanfill)	Passion	2019

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Luke 6:27.

Jesus said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

Living out the Gospel in the way of Jesus goes against the grain of human understanding. The way of the world is to love those who love us back and to do good to those who treat us well. That is how ordinary love is expressed. But extraordinary love seeks to bless those who curse us, and pray for those who do not treat us respectfully.

You might say this is humanly impossible, but with God’s grace having an impact on our heart, this becomes a powerful expression of God’s love flowing through us.

Jesus went on to say that if we love our enemies and do good to them, then our reward will be great.

Luke 6:27-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for Life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word from God’s Word is Small.

The prophet Zechariah asked the question in Zechariah 4:10, “Who dares despise the day of small things?”

Evidently, God is able to provide big blessings with small offerings. Jesus blessed the widow who put two very small copper coins into the offering plate. He fed over 5,000 people with the offering of five small barley loaves and two small fish. And mighty breakthroughs are possible when we have faith as small as a mustard seed.

So, if we feel like we have a small amount to offer God, remember what a mighty God is able to do with our time, talents, and resources.

Jesus said in Luke 16:10, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Starting small is a good starting place for doing great things for God.

Discover how the word “Small” can have an impact on your life in the Year of God’s Word.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Ezekiel 39, verse 28a.

“Then they will know that I am the LORD.” This was said in the context of the people of Israel gathering in their land from among the nations. The LORD says He will pour out His Spirit on the people of Israel.

When God moves in miraculous and redemptive ways, it is always for a reason. That reason is to draw attention to His greatness. By seeing God’s great power, wisdom and mercy, we are drawn to worship Him with a humble heart.

The empty grave is the most vivid and compelling reason for believing the Gospel. When Thomas saw the nail marks in the hands of Jesus, he stopped doubting the resurrection and exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” Watching God’s work in the world helps us to see Him with eyes of faith and to believe in Him with a heart of faith.

Ezekiel 39, verse 28a-that’s today’s God Quote for us to embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com