JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on what happened at the Mountain of Transfiguration.

In Luke chapter 9, Jesus took a few of His disciples with him to a mountain where he would pray. As Jesus prayed, the appearance of His face changed, His clothing became as bright as a flash of lightning. Moses and Elijah appeared in glorious splendor and talked with Jesus. Then, came a voice from a cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”

Peter was a witness. This is what he said about Jesus in Second Peter 1:17, “He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.” This testimony affirms the Father’s approval of Jesus and the worthiness of Jesus to receive our attention and devotion.

Focusing on the Heavenly Father’s approval of Jesus gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

This week’s playlist starts with a Revival Hour theme! Plus, a mini theme of God’s goodness. There are also lots of new songs in our New Worship Release Roundup, including the latest from Rita Springer, Phil Wickham, Keith & Kristyn Getty and Jeremy & Adrienne Camp! I caught up with those couples on the Praise & Worship Podcast to talk about their new projects, out now. 

Tim Timmons went live on social media this week to share his new song, with the help of his daughter!

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

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the mountainside where Jesus prayed.

It happened in Luke chapter 6, verse 12: “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.”

A mountainside is sometimes a place of isolation where we can have undistracted, quality time with God. Jesus prayed the night before making some important appointments. When we have significant decisions to make, we have the opportunity to approach God in prayer and to seek His direction.  Prayer invites God’s wisdom for our decisions.

Focusing on quiet time with God gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life. 

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

These are the songs that we enjoyed hearing together on the Friday Time Capsule from 10 years ago.

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 5:1 says that “when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down.” The famous sermon taught by Jesus was delivered from a mountainside in Matthew chapters 5 through 7.

In that sermon, Jesus gave us a vision of the blessed life with the beatitudes. He taught us how to follow Him from the heart, not just with outward religious practices. He taught us about extraordinary love that extends to our enemies. He taught the golden rule so that we might do to others what we would have them do to us.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us a vision of how to pray.    He taught us about priorities so that we might store up treasures in heaven rather than treasures on earth. His words give us direction, wisdom, and encouragement for living a life that honors God.

Focusing on the teachings from the Sermon on the Mount gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on Elijah’s challenge on Mount Carmel.

It happened in First Kings 18. He challenged the people of Israel to stop wavering between two opinions. He said, “If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” Mount Carmel was the place where the people were challenged to get off the fence of indecision.  

The people said nothing at first, until Elijah offered a sacrifice to his God and 450 prophets of Baal offered a sacrifice to their god. Whoever answered by fire would be recognized as God.

The prophets of Baal went first and prayed to their god, but no one answered. When it was Elijah’s turn, the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice in answer to his prayer. When the people saw this, they fell and cried, “The LORD-he is God! The LORD-he is God!”

Focusing on God’s worthiness to be followed gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life. 

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the mountaintop view of God’s radiant glory.

Have you ever been to the top of a tall mountain and looked down at the land below? You can see for miles in the distance and get a “big picture view” of God’s creation.

In Revelation 21:10, the Apostle John was carried in the Spirit to a mountain that he described as great and high. He saw something even more beautiful.

An angel showed him the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. He said, “It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.” The city did not need the sun or the moon to shine on it because the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.” 

This is the view of a new heaven and a new earth, and is the future destiny for those who belong to Jesus by faith today.

Focusing on the brilliance of God’s glorious home gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.    

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

This morning’s playlist features a Construction Project mini theme, thanks to Brooke Ligertwood (of Hillsong Worship). She shared a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Instagram recently.

Plus, an awesome New Worship Release Roundup this week featuring Brandon Lake, Leeland, Gateway Worship, Tim Timmons, Jaime Jamgochian, The Worship Initiative & Shane & Shane, MDSN and Hillsong Young & Free.

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

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Good News Focus is on Philippians 4, verses 6 and 7.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Prayer is a spiritual weapon that fights against our anxious thoughts. Prayer gives us access to the throne of heaven. When we communicate with God, we have the opportunity to tell Him the cares of our hearts. God invites us to place our burdens on Him. He can handle our concerns and replace the anxious thoughts that weigh on our mind with His peace.

Billy Graham once said, “The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, “O God, forgive me”, or “help me.”

Jesus is our Source of Good News, leading us to places of prayer and peace with God in the Year of Vision.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Episode 13 features special guest, Kim Walker-Smith! She’s a powerhouse vocalist, and also a total natural at sharing her heart from the deep topics like music and Jesus to lighter material like coffee and camping! She joined me to talk about her brand new LIVE worship album, Wild Heart, due out August 14. There are interesting stories about the recording of this project (and the many LIVE plants involved on stage!) She also shares about the timing of this release and meaningful songs from the record. I also really enjoyed hearing about the photo shoot for the album artwork, and how that ties into her other projects and childhood. As a mom, I loved hearing about Kim’s kids (and seeing her daughter here and there on screen during the interview!) Watch the IGTV video interview here!

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