JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the Lord says in Isaiah 6:8.

“Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

Isaiah heard the LORD say this, and responded by saying, “Here am I. Send me!”

These questions are still relevant for today. God has a plan for our lives to know Jesus Christ and share the good news of His saving grace with others.  Just as the prophets and apostles knew God and were willing to serve Him, we have that opportunity to know Jesus Christ, and to make Him known. There will be trials and opposition along the way, but we will always have God’s presence to help us and give us what we need for faithful service.

Isaiah 6:8-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 Persevere.

The literal meaning of Perseverance is “to bear up under.”

David Jeremiah says this word “describes someone who remains steadfast in the face of severe trials, obstacles, and suffering. Perseverance is a never-give-up attitude, a commitment to move forward when everything is conspiring to hold you back.”

Sometimes, feelings give us enthusiasm to serve the Lord, but sometimes our feelings work against that incentive. Perseverance helps us to push through negative emotions to finish the race we started.   There is a reward for faithful service at the end of faith’s journey.

James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Discover how the word “Persevere” 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 Luke 22:31 and 32.

Jesus said, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

If you are ever tempted to think that God is waiting to zap you the moment that you fail Him, remember this interaction between Jesus and Simon Peter. Jesus knew that Simon would deny knowing the Lord three times the next day. Yet, Jesus did not give up on Simon. He prayed for Simon’s faith to prevail over the forces of darkness.

Hebrews 7:25 says about Jesus, “He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

Just as Jesus moved in Simon’s life to become courageous, He can take our personal weaknesses and turn them into strengths for the Gospel.

Luke 22:31 and 32-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 Praise.

In the Bible, this is a term of exaltation to God. One of the meanings of Praise is to honor or commend. Hallelujah is an expression of praise to God. There are times when praise and thanks are closely connected, as we reflect on what God has done for us and praise Him for His blessings.

Psalm 150 is a great place to turn for words that celebrate God’s greatness with music. The word “Praise” is found 13 times here. This is what we find in verses 1 and 2, “Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.”

Today is our opportunity to join the chorus. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.

Discover how the word “Praise” 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 Joshua 1:9.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

God was encouraging Joshua with these words just before the Israelites would enter the Promised Land.

From this statement, we find three realities that build courage in the follower of Jesus.

• The Promise of God to be with us wherever we go.
• The Plan of God to fulfill His promises.
• And the Word of God to encourage us to move forward in His plan.

Joshua 1:9-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 Resurrection.

This is a significant word in the Christian faith. Without the resurrection of Jesus, our faith would be futile and we would be lost without hope.

The resurrection of Jesus means that He came back from the dead. He is not the only one to rise from the dead into a glorious future. His followers also live with that hope some day.

First Corinthians 15:20 says, “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ, all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.”

Discover how the word “Resurrection” 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 18:30 to 32.

“Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone. Repent and live!”

God was speaking to a nation who had lost their way.

God is showing us here that He cares about each person. He desires life for us, not death.

He also is passionate about purifying His people with a clean heart.

The Gospel reveals God’s desire for us to be in relationship with Him forever, not set apart from Him. That is why Jesus went to the cross.

Ezekiel 18:30 to 32-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 Blessed.

To be blessed is to be in a state of happiness. The favor of God is a source of blessing to the follower of Jesus. When we walk in the love of God and are set free by His truth, we are in a very blessed condition.

In Matthew 5, verses 3 through 10, Jesus declared a series of blessings in the Sermon on the Mount when He said,

Blessed are the poor in spirit.

Blessed are those who mourn.

Blessed are the meek.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Blessed are the merciful.

Blessed are the pure in heart.

Blessed are the peacemakers.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness.

Jesus taught us the way to live and showed us how to live a life that honors God and invites His blessing.

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

For the first Sunday of Spring, I’m theming the playlist to bring you songs celebrating the earth waking up, more light shining and the evidence of what we hoped for all winter long. These songs really focus on trusting God through the winter season, both in the natural and the spiritual. I hope you’re moved by His faithfulness in every season as we sing these songs of newness, reawakening, light, and even our garden mini-theme!

Kristi Leigh
Music Director & DJ

Kristi@WJTL.com

Song Title	Artist	Year
6AM
New Thing (feat. Melodie Malone)	Passion	2022
New Thing Coming	Elevation Worship	2024
Dance With Me (feat. Chris Quilala) [Live]	Jesus Culture	2009
This Is What You Do	William Matthews	2012
Back To Life	Zahriya Zachary	2021
Awakening	Hillsong United	2011
Refresh Me (Live)	Leeland	2014
Let The Earth Awake	Charlie Hall	2010
Psalm 96 (Let the Earth Rejoice)	Robbie Seay Band	2015
Your Nature (Live)	Kari Jobe	2020
7AM
Made New (Live)	Life.Church Worship	2016
All Things New (Live)	Elevation Worship	2011
Flowers (ft. Seph Schuelter)	Samantha Ebert	2025
Grow	Jason Upton	2020
Good Ground	Citizens	2023
Tend	Emmy Rose	2022
Cherry Blossoms	MoveSomebody	2020
Beautiful Things	Shane & Shane	2014
The Garden	Kari Jobe	2017
Roses	Andrew Ripp	2021
Sparrows and Lilies	Pat Barrett	2018
Joyful, Joyful	Casting Crowns	2010
8AM
Graves Into Gardens (ft. Brandon Lake)	Elevation Worship	2020
In the Garden (There Is None Like You)	Watermark	2006
Springtime	Chris Renzema	2020
Youre Not Done (feat. Charity Gayle)	Leeland	2023
Joy In The Morning	Tauren Wells & Elevation Worship	2023
Only For A Moment	Danny Gokey	2025
Goodness of God	Jenn Johnson	2019
Let The Light In	Cody Carnes	2020
Step Into the Light (feat. Sean Curran)	Passion	2019
Rise And Shine (Live) (feat. Mitch Wong)	The Belonging Co	2022
All Things New	Hillsong Worship	2014
9AM
Old for New (Live)	Hannah McClure	2017
Every Season	Canyon Hills Worship	2023
Desert Song	Brooke Ligertwood	2023
Resurrecting	Elevation Worship	2018
Your Love Awakens Me	Phil Wickham	2016
Here Is Our King	David Crowder Band	2005
God of New Seasons (feat. Laura Souguellis)	Christ For The Nations Worship	2021
Communion (feat. Steffany Gretzinger & Brandon Lake)	Maverick City Music	2019
Awake My Soul	Hillsong Worship	2019
What I See (feat. Chris Brown)	Elevation Worship	2022

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of God’s Word, this is what the LORD says in Hosea 4:6.

“My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.”

The problem here was that the people were intentionally rejecting knowledge and ignoring the law of God. As a result, there was no faithfulness, no love and no acknowledgement of God in the land. Rejection of God’s law led to lawlessness.

There is wisdom in learning from history, including moral failures from the past. In the midst of our moral failures, there is hope. The righteousness of Jesus is the remedy for our sin. Hosea 10:12 says, “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.”

Hosea 4:6 and Hosea 10:12-Those are today’s God Quotes for us to embrace for life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com