JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to produce a harvest of righteousness.

In Luke 8, Jesus told the parable of four different kinds of soils, which represent different ways that people respond to the seed of God’s Word.

One soil was resistant. Another soil was not well-rooted. Another soil was cluttered with thorns. None of those soils were able to grow a productive crop. But there was a good soil that did produce a crop.

Jesus said in Luke 8:15, “The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”

Let that be true of us to be receptive to God’s Word, nourished, and growing in faith. Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Producing a Harvest of righteousness is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from First Thessalonians 5:10.

Speaking of Jesus, “He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.”

The light of the Gospel gives us the promise of God’s presence.

His presence is our source of help today and our bright hope for the future.

His presence comforts us in our broken world and is the guiding influence of our lives. David wrote in Psalm 139, “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

In the new heaven and new earth, Revelation 21:3 tells us that “God’s dwelling place is among the people and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”

This Light Reflection inspires us to delight in God’s presence in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is compassion.

Recently, our family of listeners participated in a Compassion event to help kids in Kenya and in other parts of the world. Kenya has experienced some disasters in recent years that have led to malnourishment among many children.

But you responded to the need. 124 listeners became sponsors with Compassion International. Now, many children will face a brighter future because of the support of their new sponsors.

Isaiah 58:10 says, “If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness and your night will become like the noonday.”

Compassion is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is boldness for Christ.

To be bold for Christ is to be willing to speak up for Him and stand for Him even when it may not be popular.

The secret to having a bold faith is to have hope in Christ. The Apostle Paul said in Second Corinthians 3:12, “Since we have such a hope, we are very bold.” This hope enables us to think more about God’s glory than our security.

Jesus stood for us at the cross. He paid the price of His blood for our redemption. Because Jesus died for us, we can live boldly for Him. We might be rejected or ridiculed for our faith, but we will be commended by God for going public with our faith in Jesus.

Consider the example of Paul’s testimony in Acts 28:31, “He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ-with all boldness and without hindrance!”

Boldness for Christ is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from First John 1:5 to 7.

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

The light of the Gospel reveals the life of fellowship and forgiveness that we have in Christ.

Walking in the light is the way of following Jesus with humility. As we walk with Him, we step into the light of His grace, freedom and forgiveness. Our sins are no longer counted against us. We enjoy a fulfilling friendship with God and with His followers. James 2:23 says that Abraham believed God and it was a credit to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend.

This Light Reflection inspires us to embrace the life of forgiveness and fellowship that Jesus offers us in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Psalm 34:5.

“Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”

The light of the Gospel reveals the radiant life that we can have in Christ. How do we become radiant? By looking to Jesus, and keeping the focus of our faith on Him.

Ephesians 5:27 tells us that Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

The grace of God moves us to become light in the world as witnesses for the Gospel. We become exporters of good news, hope, faith, and love in our words and actions. We become ambassadors for Christ that encourage people to be at peace with God through faith in Jesus.

This Light Reflection inspires us to embrace the radiant life that Jesus offers us in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to wait on the Lord.

This is not a passive exercise, but rather a combination of planting seeds, growing in faith, and being patient.

James 5:7 encourages us to look to the example of the farmer.

“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”

God will rescue His people from this broken world someday, but until then, He has us here right now to plant seeds of faith and shine His light to a world that needs Jesus. As we wait for the Lord to return someday, we are also called to serve the Lord diligently today.

Waiting on the Lord is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

This week’s lineup includes super singable songs of praise from Cody Carnes, Katie Torwalt, KingsPorch, Vertical Worship, Matt Maher, Brooke Ligertwood and so many more! Plus, mini-themes focusing on The Lords Prayer, Worship Before Victory, and Keeping A Burning Heart and more.

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from John 10:10.

Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”

The light of the Gospel reveals the abundant life that we can have in Christ.

When we say yes to the invitation of Jesus to follow Him, it’s like walking through an open door to God’s abounding grace. His love for us enriches our lives with overflowing hope and joy. His name is the theme of our praise. His peace enriches us with godly contentment. His forgiveness refreshes our soul with freedom and healing.

David loved God and wrote in Psalm 23:5 and 6 “My cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

This Light Reflection inspires us to embrace the abundant life that Jesus offers us in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com