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JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Hebrews 11:30.
“By faith, the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.”
This marked the fulfillment of God’s Word for the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. It happened after Joshua’s army marched around the city for seven days. The priests would blow their trumpets, the army would give a loud shout, and the wall of the city would collapse.
The LORD said to Joshua in Joshua 6:2, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands.”
Faith manifests itself in various ways. In this case, we see faith accompanied by the courage to step forward in God’s timing.
This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to be strong and courageous to follow God’s Word in the Year of Relationship.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Hebrews 11:31.
By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.
In Joshua, chapter 2, she told the spies, “I know that the LORD has given you this land.” “the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” She appealed for kindness to her family. Her family was spared when the walls of Jericho fell.
Rahab’s faith is identified as the reason why she was spared from death. Her faith in the Lord was also a turning point for her to leave the old way of life behind. She married a man named Salmon. They had a son. Their names are identified in the genealogy of Jesus.
When we trust Jesus to save us, our past does not define us. Our faith in Him does.
This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to come alive to God for a new life in the Year of Relationship.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
Key Element for Thriving Relationships-How are you?
john : July 28, 2022 11:04 am : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Asking Someone How they are.
Then wait, listen, and follow up with more questions if they are open to conversation. This is one simple way to enter into someone else’s world and to show interest.
This is one of the steps that Joseph took toward reconciliation with his estranged brothers in the book of Genesis. They sought his help during a famine in Egypt, but did not recognize him. Joseph on the other hand, did recognize his brothers, so he had them over for lunch.
According to Genesis 43:27, when they arrived, Joseph asked them how they were, and then he said, “How is your aged father you told me about? Is he still living?” They replied, “Your servant, our father, is still alive and well.”
Sometimes, in the course of our questions to someone, we might learn that we share common interests. That certainly was the case when Joseph asked his brothers about the condition of their father.
“Asking Someone how they are” is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Hebrews 11:29.
“By faith, the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.”
The Egyptians were pursuing the Israelites to return them to slavery, but God set them free. The Red Sea was their breakthrough moment once and for all.
Exodus 14:29 records that the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. That day the LORD saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians.
Sin is like a harsh slave master that seeks to control us with addictions, false beliefs, and selfish pride. God’s grace is the way forward to set us free. We can trust Jesus to lead the way.
This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to walk in the path that leads to freedom in the Year of Relationship.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
Key Element for Thriving Relationships-Delegation
john : July 26, 2022 5:25 pm : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Delegation.
Sometimes, when an organization or a church experiences growth, there is a need to make adjustments to meet needs in a more effective way. Such was the case in the early church when the number of disciples was increasing.
According to Acts 6:1, the Jews who had adopted the Greek language and culture complained that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So, the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.”
Out of this decision came the ministry of deacons in the church. It was a decision that led to more growth. More people were serving. More needs were being met, on a physical and spiritual level.
Delegation is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
KCB Fest is Celebrating 10 Years! Can You Join Us?
stacey : July 26, 2022 6:44 am : Stacey Gagne, Staff PagesWe are so excited to host our 10th Kids Cookie Break Fest on Saturday August 27th! Guests will enjoy performances on two outdoor stages and tons of fun family activities thanks to our sponsors. We’ll be collecting donations for Align Life Ministries, too. Free tickets become available on Monday August 15th.
I’m searching for some older KCB fans who would like to join our team that helps make the event happen for all of the kids and their families who will attend. We have lots of friends who make this an annual event and we have a lot of fun together! There are plenty of areas to serve for anyone age 14+. I’ve heard from a couple of families with teens who loved the Kids Cookie Break as children and are ready to be involved in a new way by helping! We’ve had some aunts, uncles, grandparents and friend groups join us, too.
We have areas like Carnival Games, Handing out Chick-Fil-A Meals, Monitoring Inflatable Bounce Houses, Parking, Ticket Taking, Trash, and more. You’ll even get a t-shirt and a free Chick Fil A meal.
Check out our Sign Up link https://signup.com/go/fCXEKgv to sign up, or email stacey@wjtl.com and I can help find a good spot for you! We’d love to have you join us to celebrate our 10th KCB Fest!
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Hebrews 11:28.
Referring to Moses, “By faith, he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.”
In the book of Exodus, it was the blood of the Passover lamb applied to the doorframes that protected the firstborn of Israel from death. This is a foreshadow to the spiritual reality of Christ. First Corinthians 5:7 says that “Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed.”
Our redemption depends on what Jesus did for us at the cross. Without the shedding of His blood, there would be no forgiveness. By faith, we are protected by the application of Christ’s blood to cover our sins. Forgiveness is found in God’s grace demonstrated through the perfect life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to trust Jesus to save us from our sins in the Year of Relationship.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
This week’s lineup features super singable anthems like “Jireh” from Maverick City Music, “Mention Of Your Name” by Jenn Johnson, Jonathan Helser’s song “No Longer Slaves” and the 10th anniversary edition of Matt Redman’s “10,000 Reasons”! Plus, new releases from Cody Carnes, Bryan & Katie Torwalt, Chris Tomlin and more.
Song Title | Artist | Album | Year |
6AM | |||
I Will Sing | Martin Smith | Exalt – EP | 2020 |
What a Good God | Paul Baloche | Behold Him | 2020 |
Ill Give Thanks (feat. Kirby Kaple) | Housefires | Ill Give Thanks | 2020 |
Hundred Miles | Crowder | I Know a Ghost | 2018 |
Every Hour | David Leonard | Single | 2022 |
Leaning (feat. Lizzie Morgan) | Matt Maher | Single | 2022 |
Be Glad | Cody Carnes | Single | 2022 |
Magnificent, Marvelous, Matchless Love | Matt Boswell & Matt Papa | His Mercy Is More: The Hymns of Matt Boswell and Matt Papa | 2019 |
Thy Kingdom Come (feat. Francesca Battistelli) | Rita Springer | Single | 2020 |
Heaven Invade (Live) | Kari Jobe | The Blessing (Live) | 2020 |
Holy Spirit Come | Patrick Mayberry | Holy Spirit Come – EP | 2021 |
Make Room (feat. Chris McClarney & Sarah Reeves) | Meredith Andrews | Single | 2022 |
7AM | |||
Awe + Wonder (Live) (feat. Daniella Mason & Andrew Holt) | The Belonging Co | Awe + Wonder (Live) | 2019 |
Same God (feat. Jonsal Barrientes) | Elevation Worship | LION | 2022 |
No Longer Slaves (feat. Jonathan David & Melissa Helser) | Bethel Music | We Will Not Be Shaken (Live) [Deluxe Edition] | 2015 |
God Really Loves Us (feat. Dante Bowe & Maverick City Music) | Crowder | Milk & Honey | 2021 |
Mercies (New Every Morning) | Matt Redman | Let There Be Wonder (Digital Deluxe) | 2020 |
10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord) | Worship Together & Matt Redman | [10th Anniversary] Single | 2022 |
Bless The One (feat. Matt Maher) | Mack Brock | SPACE | 2020 |
From Whom All Blessings Flow (Doxology) | Hillsong Worship | Awake | 2019 |
Morning By Morning (Live From Worship Together) | Pat Barrett | Morning By Morning (I Will Trust) – EP | 2022 |
Every Breath | Gateway Worship | Living for You | 2006 |
Let Everything (Live) | Vertical Worship | Frontiers (Live) | 2016 |
8AM | |||
Joyful Noise | Matt Maher | Single | 2021 |
Firm Foundation (He Wont) | The Belonging Co & Cody Carnes | Here (Live) | 2022 |
Build My Life | Housefires | Housefires III | 2016 |
Champion (feat. Dante Bowe) | Bethel Music | Revivals In The Air (Live) | 2020 |
Good News | Bryan & Katie Torwalt | Ive Got Good News (Live) | 2022 |
All Praise | Matt Redman | Single | 2020 |
A Thousand Hallelujahs (Live) | Brooke Ligertwood | Single | 2022 |
Holy Forever | Chris Tomlin | Always | 2022 |
Immeasurably More | Rend Collective | The Art Of Celebration | 2014 |
How You Love Me | Patrick Mayberry | Holy Spirit Come (Bonus Video Version) – EP | 2021 |
There Is a Power (feat. Dante Bowe) | Rita Springer | Light | 2020 |
9AM | |||
Jireh (feat. Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine) | Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music | Old Church Basement | 2021 |
Worthy of Your Name (feat. Sean Curran of Bellarive) | Passion | Worthy Of Your Name | 2017 |
Mention of Your Name | Jenn Johnson | After All These Years | 2017 |
Fresh Wind/What A Beautiful Name (feat. Taya & David Ware) | Hillsong Worship | Fresh Wind/What A Beautiful Name (Live) – EP | 2021 |
Awakening | Chris Tomlin | Passion: Awakening | 2010 |
Let The Light In | Cody Carnes | Run To The Father | 2020 |
Shine Like Stars (feat. Brett Younker) | Passion | Burn Bright – EP | 2022 |
God of Revival | Brian Johnson & Jenn Johnson | Single | 2020 |
Cover The Earth (feat. Cody Carnes) | Kari Jobe | Cover The Earth – Single | 2018 |
Key Element for Thriving Relationships-Seeking Redemption
john : July 22, 2022 5:51 pm : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is seeking the redemption of others, not their condemnation.
In John chapter 8, when the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, they told Him that Moses commanded them to stone such women. What did Jesus say? Jesus told the crowd, “Let any of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” After disarming the Pharisees, He then turned to the woman and said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Jesus was the only perfect person in the crowd that day, but chose not to thrown any stones. He sought this woman’s redemption, not her condemnation, and that is how we can be an instrument of God’s grace today.
Seeking redemption of others rather than condemnation is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Hebrews 11:24 to 26.
“By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharoah’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”
The Bible acknowledges the pleasure of sin for a season, but it is only temporary. The treasures of God’s grace have much more value than the treasures of this world. Gold may shine, but the brilliance of God’s glory shines brighter. Fame may cause our star to shine for a season, but Jesus shines as the Bright Morning Star forever.
Moses understood the value of being identified with Christ.
These Faith-Building Verses inspire us to know the greater value of following Jesus in the Year of Relationship.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com