Happy New Year! This morning’s playlist includes songs to start it off with a healthy heart. Plus, themes detected on the horizon: Revival & Awakening. I’m also excited to share a few of the very newest releases from Cody Carnes, Shane & Shane, Patrick Mayberry and Passion Music with Kristian Stanfill. Check out this lineup below!

Kristi Leigh

On Instagram @WJTLradio_PNW

JOHN SHIRK – 2020 is the Year of Vision at WJTL. Listen for our daily devotional features to provide greater clarity for the journey of faith. One devotional series will be the 20/20 Insight of the Day, which is intended to sharpen our spiritual vision. The other devotional series will turn our focus to a Bible verse, highlighting the good news of Jesus Christ.

In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on Jesus. 

Hebrews 12, verses 2 and 3 remind us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

To fix our eyes on Jesus means that we focus our faith on Him. Jesus is our ultimate example and source of inspiration. His example sets a pattern for our lives. His inspiration motivates us to press on in the faith. He endured opposition from sinners. As we consider what Jesus went through for us, we are inspired to endure in the faith for Him.

Focusing on Jesus gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian faith.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Today, it’s TWIN SPINS!  We’re doubling up on songs from Mack Brock, Charlie Hall, Hillsong Worship, Kristian Stanfill, Rend Collective and more. Plus, just a few Christmas songs sprinkled in: some of my favorite new ones this season!  We have to hear them while we can!  Chris Tomlin, Life Center Worship, Matt Maher, Phil Wickham to name a few.

By the way, some fun stuff is right round the corner with the transition to 2020.  I’ll highlight worship songs that impacted our hearts this year on the Praise & Worship Special this Tuesday from Noon-4PM.  I also have stories from the artists, themselves!  Paul Baloche, David Leonard, Matt Goss, Brad+Rebekah and Jared Anderson.  

In the mean time, be some of the first to follow me on Instagram! @PRAISEandWORSHIPonWJTL

Kristi Leigh, WJTL DJ

Kristi@WJTL.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Redemption, today’s Freedom Phrase is based on Luke 2, verses 10 and 11.

The angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

What an extraordinary moment for the shepherds. At first they were terrified when the angel appeared to them. But notice the first words spoken by the angel. “Do not be afraid.” Whenever the angels appear to someone in the events surrounding the birth of Christ, they are quick to mention that the person has no reason to fear. This was not a dreadful occasion. This was a moment for joy and celebration. The arrival of Jesus to the world was good news for the world, and when we receive His gift of grace, Jesus becomes good news for our soul.

Through Jesus, we are set free from fear to experience the great joy of embracing God’s good news.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Kristi Leigh, WJTL DJ

Kristi@WJTL.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Wisdom from the Red Letters is found in John 8:29.

Jesus said, “The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.”

Jesus knew two things about Himself that His skeptics did not know about Him. Jesus knew where He came from and where He was going. Jesus pointed that out to the Pharisees, and then said, “But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going.”

Jesus came from the Father in heaven. He was planning to go to the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. He and the Father made plans for His death even before the creation of the world. Jesus pleased the will of the Father by staying true to the mission. Then, after He rose from the dead, He ascended to heaven. That is where He is today.

The words of Jesus inspire us to acknowledge His heavenly origin, holy purpose, and victorious destiny in the Year of Redemption. 

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Today’s praise and worship theme is Songs of Gloria & Hallelujah!  The Christmas season is a special time for singing these lyrics of praise.
Kristi Leigh, WJTL DJ

Kristi@WJTL.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Redemption, today’s Freedom Phrase is based on Philippians 2:5.

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

Being in very nature God, Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

The mindset of Jesus was not pride, but humility.

His mindset was to obey the will of His Father, and to die as a sacrifice for our sins. This is the way of Jesus, which transforms our attitude from having selfish tendencies to look for service opportunities. This holiday season, think about how to reach out to someone in need with the mindset of a servant. Then, go do it.

Through Jesus, we are set free to pursue the attitude of Christ in the way we handle relationships.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Redemption, today’s Freedom Phrase is based on Isaiah 9:6.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Jesus was born 2,000 years ago as God’s gift to the world. Those who follow Him know Him in these various ways.

As our Wonderful Counselor, Jesus leads us in the path of God’s wisdom.

As our Mighty God, Jesus is our source of strength and is worthy of our worship.

As our Everlasting Father, Jesus is our faithful provider forever.

As our Prince of Peace, Jesus is our Mediator with God the Father. He bridges the gap to give us peace with God. 

Through Jesus, we are set free to receive the gift of God’s grace and enjoy His presence forever.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Kristi Leigh, WJTL DJ

Kristi@WJTL.com