JOHN SHIRK – From First Corinthians 12:20.

Speaking of the church, “As it is, there are many parts, but one body.”

The picture of the church is compared to the human body, where the parts are connected and working together to contribute to a healthy body. This statement comes between two interesting points made by the Apostle Paul.

The first point stresses the importance of each body part to someone who might feel inferior to others. “If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body’ it would not cease to be part of the body.” Each part matters and has an important role to fulfill. No part is so insignificant that it does not have something to contribute.

The second point also stresses the importance of each body part; this time, to someone who may feel superior to others. “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you.’” No part is so important that it does not need the support or help of others.

The purpose of service in the church is for the common good of the church and to lift up Jesus as Lord to a watching world.

Expression of spiritual gifts in the church is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Leviticus 19:32.

“Rise in the presence of the aged; show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.”

Out of reverence to God, we are led to respect the elderly and those who are in authority over us. Those who are advanced in years have a wealth of experience and many have gained wisdom through that experience.  The book of Proverbs is an example of the voice of experience offering wisdom to the next generation, so that they might grow up to honor the LORD.

Proverbs 1:8 says, “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.”

One way we can show respect for the elderly is to listen to their wisdom and learn from their wisdom.  Consider their counsel seriously. The Bible also talks about respecting our church leaders and cooperating with them in service to God.

Respect for the elderly and reverence for God are vital signs of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

STACEY GAGNE –  God has a great and creative way of helping us refocus our hearts and minds.    When we open up The Bible we’ll come to a scripture that brings us the encouragement, conviction or hope that we need.   For me, sometimes I get into a “woe is me” mode about something and then I see it in light of the circumstances of others and I’m humbled and realize how much I have to be thankful for.  Some days just seeing something beautiful like a rainbow or a smiling child will be enough to change my outlook.

Today we received a note from a listener along with their donation that said “I look forward to driving places just so I can listen to our station – it is an instant change in attitude for me”.

That is awesome.  May we be changed daily to be more like Jesus in our attitude.  We are thankful that God is using WJTL as a tool to do this in the lives of many.  May our hearts, eyes and ears be open and focused on Him so that we don’t miss those moments.

JOHN SHIRK – From Matthew 7, verses 13 and 14.

Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

It’s not always wise to follow the crowd, especially if the crowd is headed in the wrong direction. Jesus urges us to find life through the road less traveled. Some people in the world believe that there are many paths that lead to God. But this view contradicts what Jesus said when He told His disciples, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” He also said, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.”

According to Jesus, He is the only way to a relationship with God the Father and eternal life.  By faith, we can walk with God and enjoy His fellowship forever.

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

FRED MCAUGHTON – Lisa is in Kenya with Rafiki Africa . Rafiki Africa has a school on their campus in Alendu, Kenya. Most of our students at LightHouse Academy are orphans and come from families where there is no access to education. The families make less than $1.00 per day. At LightHouse the students receive Christian education, 2 meals a day, after school and holiday programs and all school supplies. You have the opportunity to support some of the students on a monthly basis. We’ve included photos of Merab and Samantha. Check out more of Lisa’s photos at the WJTL facebook page and listen to her past reports at our WJTLCasts page.  And of course, stay tuned as Lisa continues to bring us live reports.

JOHN SHIRK – From John 8:24-

Jesus had some tough words for the Pharisees. He said, “I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins.”

Jesus is giving both a warning to the Pharisees and an opportunity to change their mind about Him. In John 5:18, we learn that in calling God His own Father, He was making Himself equal with God. Denying the claims of Jesus as the Son of God to the very end leads us to a bitter end. But it does not have to end that way. The coming of Jesus to the world means that through faith in His name, we don’t have to die in our sins, but rather in His grace.

There is a Savior. His name is Jesus. And His death on the cross means forgiveness to all who call on Him to save us from our sins.

His resurrection means victory and eternal life. Our hope remains firm because Jesus is alive and well.

Faith in the name of Jesus is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Matthew 7:24 and 25.

Jesus wrapped up the Sermon On the Mount by saying, “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

The words of Jesus are so dependable that we can build our life on them. He gives us a firm foundation that provides stability for our lives when the storms of life test our strength.

Jesus said we would have times of trouble in this world. He did not hide that fact from us. At the same time, He also assured us of His presence to be with us, and His grace to help us in our times of need.

There is another side of the story that Jesus also brings to our attention. “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who build his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”  In both cases, it was the storm that revealed the strength of the foundation.

Hearing Jesus’ words and putting them into practice is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Revelation 7:17.

“For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

This is the picture of the relief that awaits those who were cleansed by the blood of Jesus and have come out of the great tribulation on the earth.

Jesus was described by John the Baptist as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. In heaven, the Lamb is also the Shepherd. Those who look to Him with a trusting heart are cleansed of their sin. As we follow Jesus, we can depend on Him to lead us to a place of righteousness, joy in His holy Presence, relief from pain and suffering, and eternal life.

In Heaven, Jesus is the central focus. We can prepare for heaven now by putting Jesus as the center of our attention and devotion today.

A life centered on Christ is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

STACEY GAGNE – This morning we received an email from a listener who heard a message at just the right time… at the wrong time.    God is so good.  We asked permission to share it because I am quite sure this will bless and encourage more people than just our staff here.

“Hi, all. Just wanted to tell you an interesting experience I had yesterday morning (around 6:25 AM) while listening to WJTL on my way to work.  Maybe I should mention that in late July, while spending some days at the shore, the Lord had brought a sweet devotional based on Romans 15:13 to my attention, re: hope. I tucked that verse away in my heart, not realizing that within a few days I would so need it. On the way home I had a minor accident that resulted in a severe ankle sprain and bone break. Not the end of the world, for sure, but it’s been a difficult time of mending, and feeling physically so short of normal. Added to that, my husband lost a good job, and it took us by surprise. Again, trying to cling to Romans 15:13. But I admit, I’ve struggled, and wondered at times where He is in all of it. Though I KNOW He is with us, it hasn’t always felt that way when my fears creep in, drowning out the hope He wants to keep on giving and growing in me. I was driving to work on Rt. 72 yesterday, and right around the spot when I usually hear The Bible Experience, I was hearing the voice of Joni Tada, and I listened not thinking that this was not the usual daily segment. But sure enough, her message on HOPE struck right into my frail heart, and when she mentioned Rom. 15:13, tears ran down my cheeks because it was one of those sweet, personal touches from Him that are so timely, so personal, it’s hard to fathom. And I was still marveling when the announcer mentioned that the Tada message was a mistake and “how did that happen???!!!” I had to laugh out loud, and then wonder how many others out there really needed to hear the wrong message, the one not supposed to be airing! Truly, if I hadn’t been on my way to work I think I would have tried to call, it was just that funny/amazing to me. Just wanted to let you know that God so often uses your station to reach and encourage His wondering, wandering people.

JOHN SHIRK – From Isaiah 6:8.

The prophet said, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!”

God’s people have responded to God’s call differently. Jonah heard God’s call and tried to hide from God. The reason for this was that he lacked concern for the people God wanted him to confront. Moses heard God’s call and made excuses as to why he was not the right man for the job. He was focused on his personal limitations. Isaiah responded to God’s call by making himself available to the Lord for His service. He was focused on the worthiness and holiness of the LORD. This is the focus that will give us a willing heart to carry out what God wants us to do.

Worship leads us to an awareness of God’s wisdom to guide us in His will, and His strength to carry us through.

Saying “yes” to God’s opportunities is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com