JOHN SHIRK – There are two definitions of mercy that we will look at.  One view of mercy is an act of kindness or compassion. This is what happened in the story of the Good Samaritan, who was prompted by compassion to show mercy on the person beaten up by robbers.

Another expression of mercy is the disposition to be kind and forgiving toward those who are undeserving of kind treatment.

Ephesians 2:3 talks about how we were by nature the objects of wrath. Then, verse 4 says, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.”

Both forms of mercy involve a compassionate heart that is motivated to reach out and help the person in need.  As we walk in Jesus’ footsteps, His influence of mercy spills over in the way we treat other people. Jesus says in Luke 6:36, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Mercy is a character quality that enables us to represent Jesus in the world today.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Lt. Clark Bearinger takes Lisa Landis and the Kids Cookie Break on a tour of the Lancaster City Police Department and gives us a crash course on what it takes to be a detective!

JOHN SHIRK – To intercede is to petition God or pray on behalf of another person or group. Hebrews 7:25 refers to Jesus as the intercessor for those who come to God through him.

We also have the opportunity to intercede on behalf of others through prayer.  At See You At The Pole, students gather around the school flagpole to intercede on behalf of their teachers, classmates, communities, and government officials.  Jesus is there, because He said, “where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

First Timothy 2:1 says, “I urge, then first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior.”

Intercession is a quality that enables us to represent Jesus in the world today.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Lisa Landis takes the Kids Cookie Break on a field trip to Square One Coffee in downtown Lancaster to talk with Josh about roasting great coffee!

WJTL’s Kristi Leigh talks with Chad and Jerome from Switchfoot about touring, songwriting, potato chips (or crisps), and playing a show in Eastern Europe organized by nuns from a local church.

JOHN SHIRK – To be stouthearted is to be courageous or determined.

Worship of God leads to stoutheartedness, because when we adore Him for His might and mercy, we echo the rhetorical question made by the Apostle Paul, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

That does not mean physical harm will never come to us.  Physical harm often came to the Apostle Paul.  However, his soul was secure in God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  Paul was confident that God’s grace was a mighty fortress that the enemy could not break down to get to his soul.  So, he entrusted himself to God, and depended on Him to provide his needs and guide his pathway.

David had a stouthearted faith as a worshipper of God.  He said in Psalm 138:2, “I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.”

Stoutheartedness is a character quality that enables us to represent Jesus in the world today.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

WJTL’s Lisa Landis visits the Liz Hess Gallery in downtown Lancaster to speak with the artist about her new series of art that mixes painting with poetry.

Kids Cookie Break host Lisa Landis seeks out the art of making the perfect cookie in this goofy KCB short video.

JOHN SHIRK – A frugal person learns to live within their means.  They are not wasteful.  They don’t spend unnecessarily.

The Bible warns us from going in debt beyond our ability to repay.

Frugality is one way to prevent from spending getting out of control.

In another way, frugality can be applied to the blessings that God has given us.  On one occasion, Jesus fed the five thousand, and after this miraculous feeding, there were leftovers.  Jesus said something very interesting at that point.  He said, “Let nothing be wasted.”

Before our leftovers spoil, the way of frugality teaches us to put them to good use.  Put them in the fridge for a future meal or snack.  Make them available to a friend or neighbor in need. But this does not just have to apply to food.  Frugality can be applied with other things around the house that we don’t use anymore, but may be useful to someone else.  And frugality can be applied to our spiritual gifts as well.  Let’s not waste the opportunities that God gives us to serve Him and to encourage others to live for Jesus.

Frugality is a quality that enables us to represent Jesus in the world today.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Productivity yields favorable or useful results.  Productivity gets the job done
in an efficient manner.

But what does it take to be productive?
Business leaders might include some of these characteristics in their list of
productive employees:  Positive attitude, Teachable, Remains focused on the task
(doesn’t get easily distracted), Follows instructions, Dependable (they can be
counted on to finish their task).

These are some ways in which we can be
productive servants of the Lord. In addition, we need to stay connected to
Christ and draw nourishment from His abundant grace. We are wise to walk with
Him as our Friend, worship Him as our Lord and Savior, and work for Him as our
worthy Master.  Colossians 3:23, says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all
your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will
receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are
serving.” First Corinthians 15 reminds us that our labor in the Lord is not in
vain.

Productivity is a quality that enables us to represent Jesus in the
world today.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com