JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Restraint from Gossip.

The practice of gossip often involves revealing secrets about others that makes them look bad. The intent of a gossiper is generally to build up themselves while tearing others down. This is destructive.

The book of Proverbs shows us how that is the case:

Proverbs 20:19 tells us that “a gossip betrays a confidence, so avoid anyone who talks too much.” This suggests that if we hear gossip, the wise decision is to move away as fast as we can and avoid participation.

Proverbs 16:28 tells us that “a gossip separates close friends.”

Proverbs 26:20 gives us incentive to avoid gossip. “Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.” These verses of wisdom from Proverbs challenge us to think seriously of the words we say about other people.

Restraint from Gossip is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Psalm 18:1 and 2.

“I love you, LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

This is a window into the heart of David who loved God in a real and personal way. We might often think of prayer as a time to ask God for help. That is certainly a noble prayer. But there is more to prayer than making petitions. Prayer is also an opportunity to tell God that we love Him and to tell Him what He means to us.

David was a man after God’s own heart, who sought Him in times of need, trusted God in times of uncertainty, and praised Him in times of victory.

These faith-building verses inspire us to tell God how much we love Him and what He means to us in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Isaiah 44:6.

“This is what the LORD says-Israel’s king and redeemer, the LORD Almighty; I am the first and the last; apart from me there is no God.”

One of the foundational truths of the Bible is that “God is God”. He is on the throne, and no one else deserves to share His place of glory.

The implication of this reality is that God is worthy of our worship.

In Psalm 46:10, The LORD invites us to be still and know that He is God; He will be exalted among the nations, He will be exalted in the earth.

This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to acknowledge God as Lord over our lives in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Acts 17: 26 to 28.

The Apostle Paul said, “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they should seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.”

This insight reveals that we are not here by accident, but rather by providence. God made us for the purpose of knowing Him. He is not distant from hearing the cries of our heart. He is near enough to hear our humble prayers and to save us from our sins. He has the power to restore us to a right relationship with Him through faith in Jesus.

These faith-building verses inspire us to call on the name of the Lord in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verses are Second Corinthians 1:18 to 20.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “As surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “yes” and “no”. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us-by me and Silas and Timothy-was not “yes” and “no”, but in him, it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.”

Over and over in the Bible, we get the clear message that God is faithful. One of the implications of His faithfulness is that we can count on God’s promises to be trustworthy and true. He is faithful to do what He says He will do. So, whenever you see God’s promises in the Bible, you can count on Him to fulfill that promise in His own way and in His own timing.

These faith-building verses inspire us to trust God’s promises in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Psalm 34:8.

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

This is possible when we live in relationship with God, as we walk with Him, talk with Him, love Him, and trust Him.

As we grow in God’s Word, we will learn the value of His wisdom and the treasure of His love. We will live in the freedom of His forgiveness and in the hope of His salvation. The eyes of our heart will be opened to the goodness of His grace. Jesus will be the focus of our faith. His cross is a reminder of His suffering for our sins. His empty grave is a reminder of His victory over death. His gentleness and humility invite us to approach Him with the cares of our heart.

This faith-building verse inspires us to taste and see that the Lord is good in the Year of Relationship.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is sincerity.

First Peter 1:22 says, “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.”

Flattery may appear to be friendly, but it comes with personal agendas. Sincere love does not flatter someone with hidden motives. Instead, sincere love is purely motivated to build up others. The pure love of Jesus is the motivating force to reach out to others with words of hope and encouragement.

First Peter 4:8 shows us what can happen when we love with sincerity instead of using flattery. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

Sincerity is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is devotion.

Romans 12:10 encourages us to “be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

We were made for relationships. Devoted love here is an affection love based on friendship. Our relationships have opportunity to thrive when we think beyond our own self-interests and look to the interests of others. In relationships, we can learn together, grow together, and build godly character in each other.

There is joy in friendships where affectionate love exists, where mutual respect is shared, and where each person thoroughly enjoys the companionship of the other.

Devotion is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

This week’s Praise & Worship playlist includes brand new songs from Hillsong United, North Point Worship, Andy Cherry and a collab cover of “Make Room” by Meredith Andrews featuring Chris McClarney and Sarah Reeves. Plus, mini themes giving God our “Yes”, declaring “I Will” and “Returning to our First Love”.

 

Kristi Leigh, WJTL DJ

Kristi@WJTL.com

Podcast: Spotify & Apple Podcasts & SoundCloud

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Playlists: Spotify

Song Title	Artist	Album	Year
6AM
How Great Thou Art	Kerrie Roberts	Single	2022
Firm Foundation (He Wont) [feat. Chandler Moore & Cody Carnes]	Maverick City Music	Single	2022
The Solid Rock	Charlie Hall Band	The Death of Death	2013
Build My Life (feat. Cory Asbury)	Pat Barrett	Build My Life EP	2018
Jesus Over Everything	The Belonging Co	See The Light	2021
Mighty (Live)	Andy Cherry	Single	2021
Thats The Power (feat. Benjamin Hastings)	Hillsong Worship	These Same Skies (Live)	2021
Might Get Loud (feat. Chris Brown, Brandon Lake & Tiffany Hudson)	Elevation Worship	Single	2021
Even Louder (feat. Leeland)	Steven Malcolm	The Second City, Pt. 2 – EP	2018
First Love (Live)	Kari Jobe	The Blessing (Live)	2020
Resurrender (feat. Brooke Ligertwood)	Hillsong Worship	These Same Skies	2021
7AM
Return to You (feat. Luke Hellebronth)	Gas Street Music	Single	2021
Returning (Live)	Kim Walker-Smith	Wild Heart (Live)	2020
My Eyes Have Seen (feat. Chidima)	Passion	Burn Bright – EP	2022
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (Amazing Grace)	Shane & Shane	Hymns, Vol. 2	2019
I See You (feat. Brandon Lake)	Chris Tomlin	Single	2021
Our Eyes Are on You (feat. Elle Limebear)	Martin Smith	Single	2022
God I Look to You (feat. Jenn Johnson) [Live]	Bethel Live	Be Lifted High (Deluxe Edition) [Live]	2011
God, Turn It Around (feat. Matt Maher)	Jon Reddick & Matt Maher	Single	2021
Hallelujahs Song (Psalm 103) (feat. Caleb Chapman)	JUDAH.	3 + 7	2021
Speak To The Mountains (feat. Chris McClarney)	Church of the City	Defiant Joy (Live) – EP	2021
Reason To Praise (feat. Cory Asbury & Naomi Raine)	Bethel Music	Homecoming (Live)	2021
8AM
Find a Reason (Joyful Joyful) [feat. Brett Stanfill]	North Point Worship	Find a Reason	2020
Reason I Sing	Phil Wickham	Hymn Of Heaven	2021
Mercies (New Every Morning)	Matt Redman	Let There Be Wonder (Digital Deluxe)	2020
Over and Over	Chris McClarney	Breakthrough	2018
Morning By Morning (Live)	Pat Barrett & Mack Brock	Nothing/Something (Live)	2021
On Repeat	Hillsong UNITED	On Repeat – Single	2022
God So Loved (feat. Dante Bowe)	We The Kingdom	Single	2021
The Joy of the Lord	Patrick Mayberry	Joy – EP	2018
Bless His Name (Ive Got That Joy) (feat. Brandon Lake & Andy Cherry)	Seacoast Music	Single	2021
Deliverer (feat. Lauren Lee)	North Point Worship	Single	2022
Running To The Light	Brandon Lake	House Of Miracles	2020
9AM
You Have My Yes (feat. Naomi Raine)	Maryanne J. George	Not Just Stories	2021
Yes I Will	Vertical Worship	Bright Faith Bold Future	2018
I Will Sing	Martin Smith	Exalt – EP	2020
So Will I (100 Billion X) [Live]	Hillsong UNITED	(in the meantime) – EP	2020
I Will Wait (Live)	David Leonard	The Wait: Silence the Noise (Live)	2019
Make Room (feat. Chris McClarney, Sarah Reeves(	Meredith Andrews	Single	2022
Christ Be Magnified (feat. Cody Carnes)	The Belonging Co	See The Light (Live)	2021
Hallelujah Here Below	Elevation Worship	Hallelujah Here Below	2018
A Thousand Hallelujahs (Live)	Brooke Ligertwood	Single	2022
Let The Light In (Live)	Kari Jobe	The Blessing (Live)	2020

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0K2PrA1gmGY07hLOsJLhur?si=722bf2ba198749aa