JOHN SHIRK – From Philippians 2:13.

“It is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”

This verse is packed with significant details concerning the Christian life. Let’s break down these phrases for a closer look:

God is working in us. He is actively working in the life of the believer to build godly character and make our witness fruitful for His glory.

To will and to act. His love is the compelling influence that motivates us to carry out His redemptive work in the world. It could be a burden to help the poor, to reach out to troubled youth, or comfort someone grieving the loss of a loved one. In God’s plan, good intentions are followed up by obedient actions.

According to His good purpose. The work that God has for us to do is always in line with His will, consistent with His character, and brings honor to His name.

The work of God carried out in a believer is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Matthew 18:20.

Jesus said, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Jesus draws close to His devoted followers who come together in worship. One of the implications of the Lord’s presence in the midst of His followers is the evidence of unity. God’s love and purpose brings people together in a strong bond of fellowship. Those who enjoy this fellowship are refreshed by the reality of God’s grace, and the encouragement of the saints.

Where God’s presence is welcomed, there is respect for His authority. His Word is received as truth.  Sometimes, His voice will break through to challenge certain individuals to change some things in their lives. At other times, His wisdom will break through to give direction for their journey of faith. Jesus invites His followers to assemble together to enjoy His presence in fellowship and worship.

A commitment to Christian fellowship and worship is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

KRISTI LEIGH — We’ve been playing Rend Collective Experiment‘s new song “Second Chance” lately on WJTL.  This Irish group, now narrowed down to 5, is super creative with their music–especially when it comes to their music videos!  Check out these 3 examples below and you’ll see exactly what I’m sayin’!

Kristi Leigh – WJTL DJ

Kristi@WJTL.com

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JOHN SHIRK – From Romans 6:13.

“Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.”

Our feet can be instruments of righteousness as we go where the Lord leads us.

Our hands can be instruments of righteousness as the love of Christ motivates us to serve others.

Our mouth can be an instrument of righteousness with words that honor God and build up others.

Our ears can be instruments of righteousness by being receptive to God’s Word.

Our mind can be an instrument of righteousness by taking our thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ.

Our heart can be an instrument of righteousness by making the Gospel our main ambition.

Offering our bodies to God as instruments of righteousness is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Proverbs 3, verses 31 and 32.

Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.

The Bible highlights the journey of one man who struggled with “envy of the wicked” and eventually won the struggle with a godly perspective.  His name is Asaph. He shares his firsthand account of the struggle in Psalm 73. Here is a summary of what he had to say:

“I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong….Pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. This is what the wicked are like-always carefree, they increase in wealth. Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure.  When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.

When we lose perspective, there is a way to get it back. Seek God’s perspective with a heart of worship. He will offer an eternal perspective that brings us back to the reality of His unfailing love. Asaph was comforted by the truth that the LORD guided him with counsel and afterward, would take him into glory.

A Godly perspective on life is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Galatians 6:14.

The Apostle Paul said, “May I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

We often think of the word “boasting” in a negative light, put in the context of bragging about one’s own accomplishments. But Paul puts a positive spin on that word by redirecting the focus of boasting to the  cross of Christ.  How ironic that the most humiliating form of execution could be the subject of boasting!  Yet, that is the way it is in the Christian faith. The shame that Jesus took upon Himself was the very event that offers to release us from the shame of our sin. We tend to be enthusiastic about the things that are important to us.

As we respond to this expression of grace with a thankful heart, we are changed. Our loyalty shifts to the priorities of God’s Kingdom. We become unresponsive to the values of the world, and become responsive to the virtues of the Gospel. Jesus becomes our Lord and Savior. His love draws us to wake up in the morning with a desire to honor His name in our activity. Our purpose is to draw attention to Jesus.

Boasting in the cross of Christ is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Jeremiah 10:24.

“Correct me, LORD, but only with justice-not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing.”

There are times when we need correction from the Lord, but we could never survive the outpouring of His wrath. The prophets were well aware of the destructive capacity of His holy anger. This is why one of the prophets appealed to the LORD with this prayer: “In wrath, remember mercy.”

His discipline serves to correct us when we have gone astray from His commands. His discipline humbles us to acknowledge that His ways are higher than our ways. And His discipline trains us to live a holy life that seeks to honor Him. For God’s discipline to be effective, we have a responsibility to be teachable.

Proverbs 3:11 says, “Do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves.”

If we are facing some kind of hardship, we might be experiencing the LORD’s discipline. He may be trying to correct us or build maturity into our faith. The important thing for us in those times is to have a willing heart to learn His lessons of faith.

Having a teachable spirit is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

KRISTI LEIGH — WJTL video pro, Ben Sauder, and I had a really great time at Creation 2012!  The WJTL trailer was bustling with artists and bands, giving some of our favorite interviews to date!  Check out the WJTL Casts page for all the audio interviews, and keep checking our Videos tab, as Ben is cranking out more and more videos from the experience.   (Be sure to look for Newsboys, Chris August, Kevin Young from Disciple and MANY more!)

Some of my personal highlights are already in video form!

Kutless was our very first interview of the festival this year.  They usually bring the whole band; so, I was surprised that guitarist James Mead was absent when the guys first walked in.  It turns out that he was delayed due to a visit to the hot dog stand that was located just outside our trailer.  He came in just as we were getting started and explained his tardiness with such kindness:

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David Crowder is a delight to talk with if you’re a fan of random and creative conversation.  And I am!  So, I loved this moment:

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Tenth Avenue North came into the WJTL trailer and frontman Mike Donehey grabbed a mic and lead the guys in a soccer cheer.  It was as robust as it was random!  …and it’s STILL stuck in my head!

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And finally, the acoustic “music videos”.  It’s our goal every year to do one…and so far, it’s been tough to coordinate artist schedules, quiet stage times, weather, etc.  This year…we got THREE!

Hyland made the trek to the Lookout with us…in a golf cart!  Ben and I had to walk the steep parts with all our camera and audio gear, but it was so worth it!  (And as the always-punny John Shirk pointed out, it was perfect that we were with Hyland on the top of a mountain….get it?  High-land!)  Hyland frontman Jon Lewis sang an acoustic version of their new song “Beauty In The Broken” with a super cool background of the festival.

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Shonlock came to the WJTL trailer for his interview, saw the video cameras and asked us if he could bring his band, “Monsta”, in to do an acoustic version of “Hello”.  I was delighted to oblige.  It turned out so friendly…and so resourceful!  Check out the percussionist playing our trailer wall and using the chain on the door window!

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Evelia is a local-ish band (from the Philly-ish area of New Jersey) of siblings from the Williams family, who are no strangers to the Creation Festival.  They’ve been helping with it for years!  This year, they played the main stage and worship tent…and agreed to hike up to a fallen tree in one of the Woods meeting areas to film this acoustic version of their song “Too Much”.

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How about your Creation 2012 highlights?  Did you go to the festival?  Or did you listen to our coverage from home?  What were your favorite parts?

Kristi Leigh – WJTL DJ

Kristi@WJTL.com

JOHN SHIRK – from John 8:31 and 32.

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

It is worth noting the first words of instruction by Jesus to His disciples. He said, “Follow me.” It was an invitation to join Him in a life-changing relationship and to join His redemptive work in the world. First came the relationship, then the mission.

Over the Fourth of July, this nation celebrates freedom. We have picnics. We have fireworks displays. We sing the National Anthem, and reflect on the blessings of various freedoms, acknowledging that a price was paid for the liberties we enjoy.

However, spiritual freedom is not American-made. This kind of freedom is the result of walking in the truth, and truth is linked to Jesus, who paid the price for our freedom at the cross.  Through Jesus, we are free from the control and penalty of sin. We are free to serve and to worship the LORD. So, as Jesus said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Spiritual Freedom is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From John 20, verse 29.

Jesus said to Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Thomas had refused to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead unless he saw the evidence. That is why he is sometimes called “Doubting Thomas.” However, he did not remain in doubt. After Jesus appeared to him, he acknowledged Jesus as his Lord and God.

The challenge that Jesus made to Thomas is the challenge he offers to skeptics today. He said, “Stop doubting and believe.”

Today, there are several influences that direct us to believe in Jesus as the Risen Lord. The Bible tells us that if we confess with our mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved. We also have the testimony of the early disciples who saw Jesus alive and remained true to their testimony, even in the face of martyrdom. Also, lives are being changed by the power of the Gospel today, which indicates that Jesus is alive and well. Even though we don’t physically see Jesus today, there are still compelling reasons to believe in the Gospel. Jesus calls us blessed when we believe without seeing.

Belief in the Resurrection of Jesus is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com