JOHN SHIRK – To be consecrated is to be set apart for a special service. In the Bible, this usually means being set apart for God.

Consecration often has to do with purity and holiness.  Leviticus 20, verse 7 says, “Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the LORD your God.  Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the LORD, who makes you holy.”

In our pure devotion to Christ, God sets us apart for special purposes to serve Christ.  He provides us with spiritual gifts that are useful for building the faith of the church and planting seeds of faith in the lives of unbelievers.  This was the experience of the Apostle Paul, who described himself in Romans 1:1 as a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God.

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

WJTL’s John Shirk sits down with Steven Curtis Chapman to talk about his new tour, his new album, overcoming adversity, and looking toward the future.

JOHN SHIRK – To be prudent means to exercise good judgment or wisdom gained from experience and knowledge.  One reliable place for gaining knowledge of the truth is the Bible. That is where we come to understand the Lord’s will-how He wants us to live in such a way as to honor His name.  That is where we learn about Jesus, described in First Corinthians 1:30 as our source of wisdom from God.

Several other words help to clarify what the wisdom of prudence looks like.  Careful, cautious, and self-restraint, particularly in our speech and behavior.  Prudence keeps our actions from getting reckless so that our witness for Christ is not undermined by careless words or actions.

According to Proverbs 1:4, the wise sayings of Solomon in the book of Proverbs are useful “for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young.”

Prudence is a character 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 the Lancaster Science Factory!

JOHN SHIRK – There are various definitions of promptness.

One definition is to be on time.   There are some practical benefits to being prompt for meetings and appointments.  The other person comes to see us as more dependable when we are consistently on time.  And you can be more productive in your work if you are not late in getting to your task.

Another definition means  “To be ready to act or respond.”  James 1:19 identifies promptness this way:  “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”

When we listen to others, we communicate that what they say matters.  This passage can also apply to our relationship with God. When our heart is in tune with His words in the Bible, we live in a state of readiness to trust and obey Him when He tells us to move.

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

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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.