Blogs
Light Reflection-Hebrews 12:28 Ultimate Security
john : June 22, 2023 10:20 am : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Hebrews 12:28.
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
Our ultimate security is not found in the things of this world. That is because a time is coming when the things of this world will be shaken. They will not endure that moment when God shakes the earth and the heavens.
His Kingdom, however, cannot be shaken. That is where we find a refuge for our soul. That is where we experience the peace and joy of knowing Jesus-when we seek first His Kingdom and righteousness.
This Light Reflection inspires us to be thankful to God for the bright future He has prepared for those who love Him in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
Vital Step to a Radiant Faith-Follow the Way of Love
john : June 22, 2023 10:14 am : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to follow the way of love.
That is the word of instruction to us in First Corinthians 14:1. The way of true love is the way of Jesus, and is necessary for representing Jesus in the church and in our communities.
According to First Corinthians 13:4 to 7, this is the way of love. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
Following the way of love is a vital step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
Vital Step to a Radiant Faith-Remember God’s Benefits
john : June 21, 2023 3:36 pm : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is remembering God’s benefits.
This is what Psalm 103, verse 2 tells us to do. “Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
Some of those benefits are listed in this Psalm. He forgives all our sins. His healing of all our diseases. He redeems us from the pit and crowns us with love and compassion. He satisfies our desires with good things.
When you think of God’s benefits in your life, what comes to your mind?
Consistently remembering God’s benefits has a way of filling our heart with gratitude. With each expression of thanks that we offer to God, we are praising Him for His goodness and kindness.
Remembering God’s benefits 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 Psalm 89:14 and 15.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD.
Jesus is the firm foundation for the Christian faith. At the cross, God’s love and justice came together to demonstrate God’s righteous justice toward sin and faithful love toward sinners. Jesus paid the price for the sins that we commit. He is the advocate we need for forgiveness.
He has done all the work that is necessary for our salvation. Our proper response is to receive this gift of grace with gratitude and worship.
That word “acclaim” in this passage means to praise God publicly and with enthusiasm. This is how we can shine our light for God.
This Light Reflection inspires us to acclaim God and walk in the light of His presence in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
Vital Step to a Radiant Faith-Imitator of God
john : June 20, 2023 4:23 pm : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK ggIn the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to be an Imitator of God.
Our parents, church leaders, and teachers all have their places of authority in our lives. When they fulfill their God-given roles, they can help us to learn, grow, and thrive in tremendous ways. But our ultimate leader is Jesus. He showed us the way to live in a way that pleases God.
Ephesians 5:1 says, “Follow God’s example, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Elsewhere Philippians 2 urges us to have the attitude of Christ in our relationships with each other. Even though he was in very nature God, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
Having the attitude of Christ is a strong magnet to draw many people to the living God.
Being an Imitator of God is a vital step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Isaiah 9:7.
Many of us are familiar with the prophecy concerning Jesus in verse 6. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.
When Jesus was born, He was God’s greatest gift to the world. Grace and redemption came through Jesus.
Verse 7 reveals what His Kingdom will look like when He comes again.
“Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.”
Can you imagine a world with no violence, or bloodshed or war? The prophet Isaiah envisioned it under the rule and reign of Jesus. What a day of blessing that will be!
This Light Reflection inspires us to know Jesus as our King and Prince of Peace in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
Happy Father’s Day to you! We’re celebrating our Good Good Father as children of God this morning on the Praise & Worship Program. See the playlist below, including a special theme within the theme in the 9:00 hour: Songs for the Household.
Song Title | Artist | Album | Year |
6AM | |||
Father of Jesus (Live) | Jonathan David Helser | The Land I’m Livin’ In (Live) | 2022 |
Song Of My Father | Urban Rescue | Wild Heart | 2016 |
Father, Spirit, Jesus | Casting Crowns | LIfesong | 2005 |
My Fathers World | Jadon Lavik | Roots Run Deep | 2008 |
Our Father (Live) | Jared Anderson | All the Saints | 2014 |
The Heart of the Father (feat. Watoto Childrens Choir) | Brad & Rebekah | Single | 2014 |
Lean Back | Providence Worship | Live On The Hill | 2020 |
Risen King (Sons and Daughters) (feat. David Leach) | Life Center Worship | Debut EP | 2019 |
Great Is Thy Faithfulness (feat. Christy Nockels) | Worship Circle | Worship Circle Hymns | 2019 |
Extravagant | Meredith Andrews | Deeper (Deluxe Edition) | 2016 |
Father | Hillsong United | Aftermath | 2011 |
7AM | |||
Father I Thank You | Jeremy Camp & Adrienne Camp | The Worship Project – EP | 2020 |
Who You Are | Jenn Johnson | For The Sake Of The World | 2012 |
Children of God | Phil Wickham | Children of God | 2016 |
Everlasting Father | Elevation Worship | Only King Forever | 2014 |
Sons and Daughters (feat. Brett Stanfill) [Live] | North Point InsideOut | Hear (Live) | 2015 |
Run to the Father | Cody Carnes | Single | 2019 |
How Deep the Fathers Love For Us (Live) | REVERE, Citizens & Mission House | Holy Place: Behold Him (Live) – EP | 2021 |
Abba (Arms of a Father) | Jonathan David & Melissa Helser | Beautiful Surrender | 2016 |
The Fathers Heart | Bellarive | The Heartbeat | 2012 |
Praise the Father, Praise the Son | Chris Tomlin | Hello Love | 2008 |
Children Of Light | Kristian Stanfill | Passion: Let The Future Begin | 2013 |
Find a Reason (Joyful Joyful) [feat. Brett Stanfill] | North Point Worship | Find a Reason | 2020 |
8AM | |||
The Blessing (Live) | Elevation Worship, Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes | Graves Into Gardens (Deluxe) [Live] | 2020 |
Father of Lights | Jesus Culture | Jesus Culture Awakening: Live From Chicago | 2011 |
Who You Say I Am (Live) | Hillsong Worship | There Is More (Live) | 2018 |
No Longer Slaves | Jonathan & Melissa Helser | We Will Not Be Shaken | 2015 |
Our Father | Jenn Johnson | For The Sake Of The World | 2012 |
Doxology (God Be Praised) [feat. Todd Fields] | Worship Circle | Worship Circle Hymns | 2019 |
The Fathers Heart | Hillsong Worship | A Beautiful Exchange | 2010 |
Father Of Lights | Chris Tomlin | Always | 2022 |
The Lords Prayer (Its Yours) | Matt Maher | Single | 2022 |
Good Good Father (feat. Phil Joel) | Zealand Worship | Zealand Worship – The EP | 2015 |
Our Father | Josh Baldwin | Where The Glory Is | 2022 |
9AM | |||
The Fathers House | Cory Asbury | To Love A Fool | 2020 |
As For Me | Rend Collective | Whosoever | 2022 |
Jesus Firm Foundation (feat. Robbie Seay) | The Worship Initiative & Shane & Shane | The Worship Initiative, Vol. 22 | 2020 |
Build My Life | David Leonard | Open House Sessions – EP | 2020 |
House Of Miracles | Brandon Lake | House Of Miracles | 2020 |
Better Is One Day | Charlie Hall | Better Is One Day | 1999 |
The Way Home | The McClures | The Way Home (Deluxe) | 2019 |
As For Me (Live) | Pat Barrett & Chris Tomlin | Nothing/Something (Live) | 2021 |
Fill This House | Judah & the Lion | First Fruits – EP | 2012 |
Home (Live) | Bethel Music & Hunter Thompson | We Will Not Be Shaken (Live) [Deluxe Edition] | 2015 |
The Rock | Planetshakers | Single | 2023 |
Firm Foundation (He Wont) | Cody Carnes | Single | 2022 |
House Of The Lord | Phil Wickham | Single | 2021 |
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to honor Dad.
One of the ten Commandments urges us to honor our father and mother.
This Sunday is Father’s Day-a good time to reflect on the legacy of our Dads and to appreciate the impact of Fatherhood on families and communities.
Fathers are called to have compassion on their children and train them in the way they should go. This involves times of discipline and instruction to guide them in the counsel of God. Fathers can also love and support their children by providing good gifts for them.
Proverbs 23:24 shows what can happen when we take to heart those lessons of faith that our Dads might have shared with us. “The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.”
Honoring Dad 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 Matthew 13:31.
Jesus brought light to the subject of God’s Kingdom through parables.
On this occasion, he compared the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.
The influence of God’s Kingdom had humble beginnings, but it is a movement that will not be stopped. Those who belong to God will be blessed in His grace, and will find their place of service to advance the kingdom of heaven here on the earth.
In Acts chapter 5, an influential Pharisee said this about the disciples of Jesus, “If their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men, you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” God’s Kingdom continues to branch out and grow as more people follow Jesus as Savior and Lord.
This Light Reflection inspires us to be part of God’s growing kingdom in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/41Nh4WzLFMTdiJQzMKjbgI?si=18be17df7127497c