Blogs

Vital Step to a Radiant Faith-Controlling Our Temper
john : September 14, 2023 11:05 am : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to control our temper.
Outbursts of anger often lead to emotional pain, discouragement, division, and regret. Not all anger is sin. Jesus got angry when God’s house was defiled. But how we handle our anger is vitally important in how we represent God’s love and holiness.
Ephesians 4:26 says, “In your anger, do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
James 1:20 says that “human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” He instructs us to be slow to become angry.
Psalm 4:4 reveals what we can do when anger tempts us to sin. “When you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” In the quietness of that moment, we will have opportunity to do some soul-searching, pray, and invite God’s peace to settle our troubled spirit.
Controlling our temper is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com

Light Reflection-First Corinthians 4:5 Motives of the Heart
john : September 14, 2023 11:02 am : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from First Corinthians 4:5.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.”
We all have an appointment with the Lord someday. This verse gives us a warning about judging someone else’s motives. Don’t be the judge and jury of someone else’s motives. What if we are wrong? What happens if we assume that someone’s motives are impure when they are really pure? It would have a harmful impact on that relationship, and would likely cause discouragement.
Ultimately, God knows the condition of their heart even as He knows the condition of ourheart. Pure motives matter to God, and that is why we are wise to commit our activities to God. He will reward us for the good deeds we have done for His glory.
This Light Reflection inspires us to align our motives to the purposes of God in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com

Light Reflection-Genesis 9:13-15 Rainbow
john : September 13, 2023 10:54 am : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Genesis 9:13 to 15.
After the worldwide flood in Noah’s day, God said, “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.”
The rainbow is a brilliant display of colors built on a promise from God. Never again will the earth see a flood like Noah’s day.
Rainbows typically appear after a storm, often appearing as an arch. But the beauty of heaven includes a full rainbow at the throne of God. Revelation 4:3 talks about a rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircling the throne.
The storms of life still come, but they will not always last. There is a rainbow at the end of faith’s journey where our healing will be complete in the presence of God.
This Light Reflection inspires us to hold on to the promises of God in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com

Vital Step to a Radiant Faith-Speak Truthfully
john : September 13, 2023 10:51 am : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to speak truthfully to our neighbor.
God is calling us to a new attitude where we are transformed in true righteousness and holiness. Jesus told believers that we are the salt of the earth. Just as salt flavors food, we are called to flavor this world with the Gospel.
Speaking truthfully to our neighbor is one of the ways we can represent Jesus. Honesty builds trust and stronger relationships on a foundation of truth. Proverbs 24:26 compares an honest answer to a kiss on the lips. The general idea there is that honesty is pleasant and brings people together.
Ephesians 4:25 says, “Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
Speaking truthfully to our neighbor is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com

Song Title | Artist | Album | Year |
6AM | 2021 | ||
Revelation Song (feat. Kari Jobe) | Gateway Worship | Cover The Earth | 2006 |
I Could Sing of Your Love Forever | Shane & Shane | Vintage | 2020 |
This Is My Song (feat. Mac Powell) | North Point Worship | Single | 2022 |
Blessed Assurance | Celtic Worship | Morningtide | 2021 |
Holy Forever (feat. Brian & Jenn Johnson) | Chris Tomlin | Holy Forever (Live From Good Friday 2023) – Single | 2023 |
Holy (Song Of The Ages) (feat. Andrew Holt) | The Belonging Co | Single | 2020 |
Here I Am To Worship (feat. Martin Smith of Delirious | Tim Hughes | Happy Day | 2009 |
10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord) | Worship Together & Matt Redman | 10th Anniversary Single | 2022 |
Goodness of God (Live) | Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson | Victory (Live) | 2019 |
The Blessing | Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes & Elevation Worship | Single | 2020 |
7AM | 2021 | ||
Awakening | Amanda Lindsey Cook | House on a Hill | 2019 |
Back To Life | Zahriya Zachary | Homecoming (Live) | 2021 |
No Longer Bound (Im Free) (fear. Chandler Moore & Forrest Frank) | Maverick City Music | Single | 2023 |
Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains) | Crowder | Neon Steeple | 2014 |
Resurrection Blood | Cody Carnes | The Darker the Night / The Brighter the Morning | 2017 |
God of Revival | Phil Wickham | Hymn Of Heaven | 2021 |
Glorious Day (feat. Kristian Stanfill) | Passion | Worthy Of Your Name | 2017 |
Awake My Soul | Hillsong Worship | Awake | 2019 |
Graves Into Gardens (feat. Brandon Lake) | Elevation Worship | Graves Into Gardens | 2020 |
You Came (Lazarus) | Jonathan & Melissa Helser | Beautiful Surrender | 2017 |
There is Freedom | Josh Baldwin | Where The Glory Is | 2022 |
Resurrecting | Elevation Worship | Here As In Heaven | 2018 |
Awakening | Chris Tomlin | Passion: Awakening | 2010 |
Come Out of that Grave (Resurrection Power) | Brandon Lake | Revivals In The Air (Live) | 2020 |
8AM | 2021 | ||
Oh My Soul (feat. Katy Nichole, David Leonard) | Casting Crowns | Voice of Truth – EP | 2023 |
Is He Worthy? (feat. Chris Tomlin) | Keith & Kristyn Getty | Sing! In Christ Alone | 2022 |
Hallelujah, You Are Good (feat. Matt Maher) | Steven Curtis Chapman | Worship and Believe (Deluxe Edition) | 2016 |
Psalm 23 (feat. Tiffany Hudson) | Phil Wickham | I Believe | 2023 |
Im Listening (feat. Hollyn) | Chris McClarney | Breakthrough | 2018 |
Lost In Your Love (feat. Sarah Reeves) | Brandon Lake | House Of Miracles | 2020 |
Wild Faith (feat. kalley) | Patrick Mayberry | Wild Faith | 2023 |
Thy Kingdom Come (feat. Francesca Battistelli) | Rita Springer | Single | 2020 |
Holy (feat. Kari Jobe) | Martin Smith | Single | 2023 |
Leaning (feat. Lizzie Morgan) | Matt Maher | Single | 2022 |
Good To Be Loved (Live) | Cody Carnes & Natalie Grant | God Is Good! (Live) | 2022 |
9AM | 2021 | ||
Shadow of Shaddai (Psalm 91) | Aaron Shust | Heaven + Earth | 2023 |
Light the Way | Matt Maher | Alive & Breathing | 2020 |
Light a Fire | David Leonard | Single | 2022 |
Running to the Light (Live) | Brandon Lake | House of Miracles (Live) | 2021 |
Into the Light | Red Rocks Worship | Into the Light | 2015 |
Light | Rita Springer | Light | 2020 |
Light Breaking Through (feat. Lauren Lee) | North Point Worship | Single | 2020 |
Everlasting Light (Live) | Mosaic MSC | HUMAN (Live) | 2020 |
Father Of Lights | Chris Tomlin | Always | 2022 |
I See The Light | Josh Baldwin | Where The Glory Is | 2022 |
Let The Light In | Cody Carnes | Run To The Father | 2020 |
See the Light | Hillsong Worship | Awake | 2019 |
Shine On Us (Live) (feat. Mitch Wong) | CAIN | Honest Offering (Live) | 2023 |
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/73bP5YJUSch27KCX5FeOeD?si=7212bdf131c44b8d

Song Title | Artist | Album | Year |
6AM | |||
Psalm 42 (Loudest Praise) | Shane & Shane | Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs | 2021 |
Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone) (feat. Meredith Andrews) | Phil King | Single | 2023 |
Psalm 8 | The Corner Room | Psalm Songs, Vol. 1 | 2015 |
Better Is One Day (feat. Jeff Johnson) | Passion | Live From LIFT: Creative Conference | 2023 |
Taste and See | Paul Baloche | Offering of Worship | 2008 |
Our God Reigns (Psalm 47) [Live] | Cody Carnes | God Is Good! (Live) | 2022 |
Hallelujahs Song (Psalm 103) (feat. Caleb Chapman) | JUDAH. | 3 + 7 | 2021 |
Psalm 140 (Cry for Mercy) | Robbie Seay Band | Psalms LP | 2015 |
Psalm 150 (Praise The Lord) | Matt Boswell & Matt Papa | Almost Home | 2021 |
Hallelujah (Psalm 148) (Feat. Flo Paris) | Rain For Roots | All Creatures | 2020 |
Psalm 116 (I Love You, Lord) (feat. Andrew Peterson & Skye Peterson) | Mission House | Single | 2020 |
My Heart Is Steadfast (Psalm 103) | Ellie Holcomb | Magnolia | 2011 |
Create In Me A Clean Heart (Psalm 51) | Martin Smith | Your Love Broke Through: Worship Songs of Keith Green | |
Psalm 23 (feat. Tiffany Hudson) | Phil Wickham | I Believe | 2023 |
7AM | |||
Be Still And Know (feat. DOE) | Housefires | How To Start A Housefire, Pt. II | 2023 |
Gratitude (Live At Sound Emporium) | Benjamin William Hastings & Worship Together | Songs You Maybe Didnt Know I Wrote And Some You Maybe Did | 2023 |
Faithful Still | KingsPorch | Single | 2023 |
Honest Offering / I Surrender All (Live) | CAIN | Honest Offering (Live) | 2023 |
Beautiful Things | Shane & Shane | The Worship Initiative, Vol. 1 | 2014 |
Good Ground | Citizens | Single | 2023 |
Firm Foundation (He Wont) | Cody Carnes | Radio Single | 2023 |
Light a Fire | David Leonard | Single | 2022 |
Keep Me Burning | Josh Baldwin | Where The Glory Is | 2022 |
Take It To Jesus (feat. Kari Jobe) | Anna Golden | Single | 2022 |
Thats The Power (feat. Benjamin Hastings) | Hillsong Worship | These Same Skies (Live) | 2021 |
Thank You Jesus for the Blood | Charity Gayle | Endless Praise | 2022 |
8AM | |||
Plead The Blood (feat. Brandon Lake & Cody Carnes) | Chris Davenport | TIME | 2023 |
The Blood (feat. Mitch Wong) | Jenn Johnson | Simple | 2022 |
The Name of the Lord (feat. May Angeles) | REVERE, Leeland & Mitch Wong | Single | 2023 |
Again and Again | Red Rocks Worship | Things of Heaven | 2021 |
In the Room (feat. Chris Brown) [Radio Version] | Matt Maher | In The Room – EP (Radio Version) | 2023 |
Divine Power (Live from The Orchard Conference) | Gas Street Music | Single | 2023 |
More Than Able (feat. Chandler Moore & Tiffany Hudson) | Elevation Worship | Single | 2023 |
Greater Still | Brandon Lake & Essential Worship | Song Sessions – EP | 2022 |
A Thousand Hallelujahs (Live) | Brooke Ligertwood | Single | 2022 |
Thy Kingdom Come (feat. Francesca Battistelli) | Rita Springer | Single | 2020 |
9AM | |||
Simple Kingdom (feat. Cody Carnes) | Bryan & Katie Torwalt | Ive Got Good News (Live) | 2022 |
Abide | Christy Nockels | Single | 2022 |
Be Glorified (Live) | Lindy Cofer & Circuit Rider Music | Single | 2023 |
Altogether Good (feat. Paul Baloche & Lucy Grimble) | Anchor Hymns | Be Unto Your Name – EP | 2022 |
What Hes Done | Passion | Single | 2022 |
Creator | Phil Wickham | I Believe | 2023 |
With Everything I Am (Live) | 7 Hills Worship | Single | 2023 |
Ive Witnessed It (feat. Melodie Malone, Jenn Johnson) | Passion | Ive Witnessed It – EP | 2023 |
Same God (feat. Chris Quilala) | Jesus Culture & Worship Together | Same God (Live) – Single | 2023 |
YAHWEH (No One) (feat. Elevation Worship) | Chris Tomlin | Always | 2022 |
Praise You Anywhere | Brandon Lake | Single | 2023 |
Be Glad | Cody Carnes | Single | 2022 |

Vital Step to a Radiant Faith-Support of Christian Ministry
john : August 30, 2023 5:15 pm : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is Support of Christian ministries.
This includes overseas missionaries, the local church, and community outreaches that help people in Jesus’ name. The church functions best when we work together under the leadership of Jesus to carry out His mission of making disciples.
This mission is supported by the prayers, service, and financial support of God’s people. This kind of support serves to equip Christian ministry for sharing the Gospel. and refreshing God’s servants.
Paul the Apostle told one church in Philippians 4:15, “In the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only…….you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.” Paul described their gift to him as a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.”
Support of Christian Ministries is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com

Light Reflection-Luke 12:35 Keep Lamps Burning
john : August 30, 2023 5:12 pm : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Luke 12:35.
Jesus said, “Be dressed, ready for service, and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can immediately open the door for him.”
Jesus is urging us to be ready for His return. The way to be prepared is to be one of His faithful servants who watches for His return. This is a motivating promise to be a faithful steward of what God has entrusted to us. Jesus later said in verse 42, “Who is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.”
This Light Reflection inspires us to keep our lamps burning for God with faithful service and wise stewardship in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
The fire that devastated the historic town of Lahaina is among the deadliest US wildfires in over 100 years. As Maui residents continue to sift through the ashes, they are in need of our prayer and support. The following organizations are providing various types of relief. We will continue to update this list as we receive additional information.
Samaritans Purse “Our DC-8 cargo jet airlifted a volunteer team and 17 tons of relief supplies from Greensboro, North Carolina, to Maui, Hawaii, on Tuesday, Aug. 15. Among many other items onboard were solar lights, cooking kits, hygiene kits, and plastic tarp to provide immediate relief to survivors of the deadly wildfires. The plane also carried tools and equipment that will help our volunteers sift through ashes to recover valuables and treasured mementos for devastated homeowners.” To sign up to receive updates about volunteer opportunities on Maui, visit spvolunteer.org. Contributions are being accepted here
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is also on the ground ministering to the spiritual needs of people who have suddenly found themselves in displacement centers due to the fires. These chaplains are also assisting local law enforcement offices with a variety of duties. So far, there have been two reported salvations. Please pray for the suffering people of Maui and for Samaritan’s Purse and Billy Graham Rapid Response teams as they extend the comfort and hope offered in Jesus Christ.
Harvest Christian Fellowship Greg Laurie’s church, Harvest Kumulani, is located on West Maui. The church building was unharmed by the fires but the church family has been dramatically affected. They have set up the Harvest Maui Relief Fund They are there as a community of believers to bring hope, relief and the gospel to the hurting people of the island of Maui at this critical time.
The Salvation Army The Salvation Army provides food, emotional and spiritual care to survivors of the Maui wildfires. The Salvation Army has been providing feedings, food distribution, safe havens and other services at their local community centers.
Mennonite Disaster Service: Currently praying, monitoring and assessing the needs. “MDS has been communicating with its partner organizations—including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster—about potential long-term needs on the ground in Maui. “Please pray for emergency responders as they continue to face an unprecedented situation in their communities,” said MDS Executive Director Kevin King. “As we assess needs, please be aware that, particularly in the aftermath of a wildfire, MDS may not send volunteers for another nine to 12 months, as fire cleanup and relief operations will be unfolding during that time. ” Look for updates at mds.org.