JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus is found in Exodus 18:9 to 11.

There was a conversation between Moses and his father-in-law Jethro. Moses was reporting about the hardships that the Israelites had faced on their way to the Promised Land and how the LORD had saved them.

Jethro responded with delight about all the good things the LORD had done for Israel. He said, “Praise be to the LORD, who rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians and of Pharoah, and who rescued the people from the hand of the Egyptians. Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods.”

This is how a testimony of a changed life can reflect the good news of Jesus Christ. In whatever way that God has set us free from some kind of slavery, whether it’s addiction or legalism, that is a testimony worth sharing, so that others may be persuaded of the power of the Gospel to save us from sin and lead us to freedom.

The Rescue Plan of the Gospel is a reason to praise God in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at a prayer for God’s help in times of trouble.

Psalm 22:11 says, “Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.”

When we feel alone or abandoned by our friends, God is near enough to hear our every prayer. He is responsive to the cares and concerns of our heart. His wisdom is available for those perplexing decisions that we need to make. His peace is a comforting presence when we feel the stress of the world weighing on us. Philippians 4:5 reminds us that the Lord is near.

Abraham Lincoln was our nation’s President in a time of crisis during the Civil War. He said this: “I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.”

Prayer for God’s help in times of trouble is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus is found in Psalm 16, verses 7 and 8.

“I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

How do we learn the ways of God? We place our focus on Jesus. He will never lead us astray. He will guide us in the way of grace and truth. He will guide us in the way of God’s will. The example of Jesus and the teachings of His Word will inspire godly living on a sure foundation of faith.

Instruction and Guidance from God’s wisdom is a reason to praise God in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the light of Jesus.

Jesus said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

This is what happens when we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and go where He leads us. He brings us out of the darkness of sinful ways and patterns and leads us into the way of peace, joy, and righteousness.

One of the ways that the light of Christ shines through us is when we carry out good deeds in His name. Another way is to live with gratitude. And another way is to be an influence for the Gospel so that others are brought into God’s Kingdom.

We can start this journey into the light with a prayer that was expressed by Ruth Bell Graham, “Lord Jesus, take this life of mine. Cleanse it. Fill it. And make it shine bright for You.”

The light of Jesus is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus is found in First Timothy 1:15 to 17.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Anyone who follows Jesus has a testimony of faith. Not all testimonies are the same, but they are meaningful because they share how the effective grace of God has saved and transformed someone from the inside out. Praise flows from our words when we acknowledge the change that the Lord has produced in our lives.

God’s mercy and patience are reasons to praise Him in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at way Jesus blessed children.

In Matthew 19:13, people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

Jesus has a tender place in His heart for children, and sees them with great value. Jesus shows us by example how to love children well with our prayers, affection, and spiritual training. Accept them as Jesus accepts them. Give them opportunity to come to Jesus.

The way Jesus blessed children is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Praise Focus is found in Genesis 24:27.

Abraham’s servant bowed down and worshipped the LORD saying, “Praise be to the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”

This servant was entrusted with the task of getting a wife for Abraham’s son Isaac. On his journey, the servant prayed for success, and God gave him direction and clarity to find a wife for Isaac, namely Rebekah.

This is a good reminder for us to commit our plans to God, and trust Him to direct our paths. Whenever we see the evidence of God’s guidance and provision, that is an opportunity to give thanks for His help.

God’s guidance and provision are reasons to praise Him in the Year of Focus.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at Paul’s thorn in the flesh.

He talked about it in Second Corinthians 12:7. “To keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Many of us can relate with Paul’s thorn if we have any physical afflictions or personal limitations. We can identify with Paul’ request for God to remove that thorn. If He does, that is a tremendous breakthrough that we can celebrate. But God might also respond by saying, “My grace is sufficient for you.” Paul responded by saying, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” He learned the value of humility and depending on God’s strength in his personal weakness.

Paul’s thorn in the flesh is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

This week’s lineup features Josh Baldwin, Brooke Ligertwood, Paul Baloche, Hope Darst, Brandon Lake, CityAlight, Cody Carnes and more. Listen for mini-themes, too! We’ll focus on God’s Name, what we Believe and Hallelujah.

Kristi Leigh

Kristi@WJTL.com

Song Title	Artist	Year
6AM
FEAR OF THE LORD	Mitch Wong	2025
Holy Hands (Live)	Paul McClure, Hannah McClure	2025
Clean Heart	Bryan & Katie Torwalt	2024
Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me	CityAlight	2018
The Christ And Cornerstone (Live)	Josh Baldwin	2025
Lamb of God (ft. David Leonard)	Church of the City	2025
What A Miracle (ft. Leeland, Chris Brown)	Elevation Worship	2024
Jireh (ft. Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine)	Maverick City Music	2022
Mighty Name of Jesus (ft. Josh Baldwin)	Hope Darst	2025
What A Beautiful Name	Hillsong Worship	2017
I Know A Name (ft. Brandon Lake)	Elevation Worship	2025
Who Else (ft. Abbie Gamboa)	Gateway Worship	2024
7AM
Yes We Believe	Paul Baloche	2026
This I Believe (The Creed)	Hillsong Worship	2014
Famous For (I Believe) (ft. Jenn Johnson)	Tauren Wells	2020
I Believe	Phil Wickham	2023
Too Good To Not Believe (Live)	Cody Carnes	2022
I Believe	Charity Gayle	2025
I Still Believe (Faithful Always)	Thrive Worship	2019
I Believe	Jonathan & Melissa Helser	2022
Still On the Throne (Live)	The Belonging Co & Danny Gokey	2025
King of Kings (ft. Brooke Ligertwood)	Hillsong Worship	2019
Crowns Down (Live)	Gateway Worship & Josh Baldwin	2023
King Of Hearts	Brandon Lake	2025
8AM
His Mercy Is More (ft. Cochren & Co.)	Matt Boswell & Matt Papa	2024
Bless God	Brooke Ligertwood	2023
Faithful and True (ft. Dee Wilson)	New Life Worship	2024
Trust In God	Elevation Worship	2023
Holy Forever	Chris Tomlin	2022
Made For More (ft. Jenn Johnson)	Josh Baldwin	2024
Just Jesus (Live)	David Leonard & Seacoast	2025
Center (Live)	Abbie Gamboa	2025
Abandoned (ft. Brandon Lake)	Benjamin William Hastings	2025
Sing Of Your Love	ELEVATION RHYTHM & Joe L Barnes	2025
How Good It Is	Chris Tomlin	2025
Let It Be A Hallelujah	Lauren Daigle	2025
9AM
Hallelujah In The Hard Things	Bryan & Katie Torwalt	2026
Alleluia	Elevation Worship	2026
Thank You Jesus for the Blood	Charity Gayle	2022
Thank You Jesus (Live)	Josh Baldwin	2024
The Blood (ft. Jenn Johnson)	David Funk	2025
One More Day	Sons Of Sunday	2025
Daily Bread (ft. Kari Jobe)	Pat Barrett	2024
Worthy Of It All (Worthy)	CeCe Winans	2026
Who You Say I Am (Live)	Hillsong Worship	2018
WASHED	Elevation Rhythm	2026
Goodness of God (Live)	Jenn Johnson	2019
God Im Just Grateful (ft. Chandler Moore)	Elevation Worship	2025
So So Good (Live)	Phil Wickham, Brandon Lake & Elevation Worship	2025

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the prayer request of Jeremiah for correction.

It’s found in Jeremiah 10:23. This is how it is worded in the New Living Translation of the Bible.

“I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course. So correct me, LORD, but please be gentle. Do not correct me in anger, for I would die.”

The Gospel makes it possible for us to be redirected to a place of life rather than death, to a place of love rather than hatred, and to a place of faith rather than fear. Jesus paid the penalty for our sins at the cross. He took the wrath of God so that we might receive His grace. Jeremiah’s plea to the Lord reminds us that our lives are not our own. We belong to Jesus, we are directed by His will, and we live by His grace.

The prayer request of Jeremiah for correction is worth examining for a faith-focused life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com