I’ve been streaming Cody Carnes’ latest album, “Run To The Father” a lot the past few weeks. He has a way of bringing hope and vision to our perspective in his lyrics. So, I was thrilled for him to share the stories behind some of my favorite songs on the record. Plus, all about “The Blessing”, a song he wrote with his wife (Kari Jobe) and Elevation Worship that has become a staple of worship set lists these days. He & Kari also have content churches can use for free in their streamed services. Cody also shares tips for songwriting collaborations, leading worship over screens, and keeping little kids happy during quarantine.

Kristi Leigh, WJTL DJ

Kristi@WJTL.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the searching. heart of Zacchaeus.

In Luke 19, we find this wealthy tax collector climbing a tree to see Jesus. The Bible says that he wanted to see who Jesus was. 

Jesus noticed him and invited himself to Zacchaeus’s house. Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus gladly. 

The encounter changed his life. He said to Jesus, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

In seeing Jesus, Zacchaeus saw the folly of his greed, and saw how his life could be different by being more generous. His words to Jesus reflected his commitment to change course. Jesus said to him, “Today, salvation has come to this house.”

Focusing on the generosity of God’s grace gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Today’s playlist is themed around the heart of Rend Collective’s new album: Choose To Worship! Drummer, Gareth Gilkeson, joined me on the Praise & Worship Podcast. Listen above, and find out more here. The song lineup is below, including some of their brand new songs, plus new ones from Housefires, Maverick City Music, Corey Voss & Madison Street Worship, and even a Switchfoot collaboration with Jenn Johnson!

Kristi Leigh, WJTL DJ 
Kristi@WJTL.com 
Follow & Friend on Instagram & Facebook Podcast: Spotify/Apple Podcasts/SoundCloud

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the testimony of Jesus’ disciples to His resurrection.

In John 20:25, the disciples told Thomas, who had not yet seen Jesus alive, “We have seen the Lord.”

One of the compelling pieces of evidence that Jesus rose from the dead is found in the Bible.  There were witnesses, and those witnesses were the disciples of Jesus. 

Tim Keller explains why this is significant in his book “The Reason for God.” “Virtually all the apostles and early Christian leaders died for their faith, and it is hard to believe that this kind of powerful self-sacrifice would be done to support a hoax.”

Even though Thomas did not initially believe this report, he too would be convinced after seeing Jesus with his own eyes one week later.

Focusing on the resurrection of Jesus from the dead gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Good News Focus is on John 20, verse 1.

“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.”

Peter Marshall is quoted as saying, “The stone was rolled away from the door, not to permit Christ to come out, but to enable the disciples to go in.”

What did they find when they went into the tomb? Peter and another disciple saw strips of linen lying there and the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. But there was no body. John 20, verse 8 records that the disciple who reached the tomb first saw and believed when he went inside. The biggest piece of evidence to make the case for the resurrection of Jesus was what was missing at the tomb of Jesus when the stone was rolled away. Jesus’ body was missing, but He later appeared to His disciples alive. Jesus told His followers in John 14:19, “Because I live, you also will live.” 

Jesus is our source of Good News, leading us to a place of faith and resurrection hope in the Year of Vision.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Rend Collective drummer, Gareth Gilkeson, is my guest on the Praise & Worship Podcast (Episode 8)! He shares how his family is doing during the quarantine, and how his band is still on a mission to give people a reason to celebrate. Their new record, “Choose To Worship”, is jam-packed with songs to help you stand and sing through painful seasons. Keep your ears peeled for Gareth’s tips on leading worship through a screen, and what Rend Collective is creating for churches.

Listen above, or click your favorite link below. Spotify Apple Podcasts SoundCloud

Kristi Leigh, WJTL DJ 
Kristi@WJTL.com

Gareth talks about the Cliffs of Moher in this interview…here’s the music video for their song “Revival Anthem”. Filmed in Ireland, including shots right on the edge!

Happy Easter Sunday!

This morning we are celebrating Resurrection Day with a themed playlist! See the lineup below, including “Jesus Paid It All” by Kim Walker-Smith, “King of Kings” by Hillsong Worship, “Living Hope” from Phil Wickham, “Death Was Arrested” by Seth Condrey, “Resurrection Day” by Rend Collective and more.

Kristi Leigh, WJTL DJ
Kristi@WJTL.com 
On Instagram & Facebook Highlight Playlists: Spotify Podcast: Spotify/Apple Podcasts

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on one of the purposes for Jesus dying on the cross.

Second Corinthians 5:15 tells us that “He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”

At the cross, Jesus committed Himself to His Father’s plan for the redemption of the world. He leaves us an example to make the glory of God the reason for our activity. That is when our faith really comes alive-when we are in the will of God, expressing the love of God for the glory of God. The death of Jesus means that we can live with purpose to make His name famous. Living for Jesus is what matters most.

Focusing on the opportunity to live for God’s glory gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Happy Sunday!
Even though we’re not gathering to celebrate, today is a special occasion. It’s Palm Sunday! Listen in and sing along with me: songs of hosanna and hallelujah to the King!

I hope you are well, and pray you stay well. 

Be encouraged as you choose to worship,

Kristi Leigh , WJTL DJ
Kristi@WJTL.com
On Instagram & Facebook Podcast: Spotify/Apple Podcasts | Playlists: Spotify

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on a prophecy about Jesus’ death.

It’s found in Isaiah 53, verses 4 to 6. “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

This prophecy contains the prediction of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. Suffering is a harsh reality of life, and sometimes people blame God for it. But one thing that we learn here is that Jesus would be willing to take on the pain of our sin’s penalty to extreme measures. He knows the pain of the cross. 

His pain had a redemptive purpose-to restore us to a right relationship with God.

Focusing on Jesus as the Suffering Savior gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com