JOHN SHIRK – After Jonah ran away from God, he ran into a violent storm that threatened the safety of everyone on the ship. Jonah knew that he was the cause of the storm, and so he told the crew to throw him overboard. Reluctantly, they did.
Then, the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.
When a parent disciplines a child for disobedience, sometimes that discipline takes the form of a time out. The child has time to think about what happened, and how they might do things differently next time.
Jonah had a three-day time out. While he was inside the fish, Jonah stopped resisting God’s will. His turning point is a prayer found in Jonah 2.
“When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed, I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD.”
Jonah’s prayer of commitment is a lesson of faith worth remembering.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – From Mark 1:35.
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
As we look at the life of Christ, we see His consistent devotion to the Father. He prayed regularly. Luke 5:16 tells us that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. Consistent prayer is an opportunity that God has provided for us to pour out the concerns of our heart, praise Him for His attributes, intercede on behalf of others, and confess our sins to Him.
Prayer keeps the communication lines open with God, where we not only speak to Him, but He also speaks to us through the counsel of His Word. As we commit our lives to Him with a trusting heart, He directs our path.
As Jesus was praying in a solitary place, Simon and his companions went to look for him. When they found him, they exclaimed, “everyone is looking for you.” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else.” He was not driven by man’s agenda, but rather the will of His Father. After spending time with the Father, He was in tune with the Father’s plans for his day ahead.
Consistent prayer in a quiet place is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – From First Timothy 2, verses 1 to 3.
“I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior.”
Yesterday, Gerard Long of Alpha said this prayer on behalf of our nation: Dear God, my fervent prayer is that we would have an environment that is rich for the Gospel. We pray that nothing would hinder the Gospel of Jesus Christ from spreading throughout our nation. What a privilege to live in a country where we are free to worship Your precious name, Amen.
Today (November 06) is Election Day. Many people are going to the polls today to vote for government officials. This freedom is a tremendous privilege and responsibility.
Another freedom that we enjoy is the opportunity to pray.
Pray for wisdom as Americans vote for government officials. Pray for wisdom for the leaders who will be elected. They will have some enormous challenges to face.
Prayer for authority is a vital sign of changed lives in the on Year of Transformation.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
Keep listening throughout the day for reports from WJTL listeners. Call the WJTL Listener Hotline with your report – 717 397-8090. Tell us your name, what school you are at and a brief description of what is happening. Check out the National See You at the Pole website for info on this year’s theme, history and more!
FRED MCNAUGHTON – Five Fun Free Family Things to do POSTPONED today due to rain and flooding. We were concerned about highlighting events that may cancel due to the storms and flooding. We hope to return next Friday. We encourage you to Pray for those affected by the storms. Many have lost homes and businesses, others are cleaning up from the damage. Visit our Prayer Wall and post your prayer requests or pray for those there.
