JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Connection, today’s Encounter with Jesus examines His letter to the church at Ephesus.

It appears in Revelation 2. This is the first of seven churches to receive a message from the Lord. Each message is different, but they reflect the character of the same God who is loving and holy.

The main message to the church at Ephesus is this: “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.”

Here was a church that was still working for the Lord and enduring hardships. They were discerning truth from error among their teachers. However, over time, they lost their first love. They may have been going through the motions of the Christian life, but lost the delight of their service and their radiance.

Jesus loves this church, and because He cares, He calls them to return to the love they once had for Him-to recapture that sense of wonder of God’s amazing grace that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

A daily connection with Christ calls us back to our first love.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

It’s time for the November 8th episode of Some Sort of Rock Show!  Here’s your playlist:

Hour 1

Staring At the Sun – Roelant

Heartbeat – The Exchange

Reach for the Sky – Red Letter Hymnal

How To Live – The Great Transparency

Bring It On – Seventh Day Slumber

Destruction of Kings – Devin Williams

Alive – Tree63

Castaway – Chasen

Something to Say – The Red Airplanes

Never Going Back To OK – The Afters

I’m Not Running Away From This – Hearts Like Lions

The Worst Kind of Gods-ss – House of Heroes

Say It Like You Mean It – Switchfoot

Meant To Live – Switchfoot

Stay After Me – Ever Burning Bright

Fire And Fury – Skillet

Hour 2

Chasing Fears – Graceful Closure

Lonely Soul – I Anthem

Sayonara – Disciple

So Far Away – RED

Gallows – Dustin Kensrue

It Was You – The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Mr. Roboto – Rapture Ruckus

Desperados – Andy Mineo

Hey, Hey – The Elms

Pretty Lies (feat. Matty Mullins) – VERIDIA

Falling Apart – Spoken

Hearing Voices – Anberlin

Porcelain – Bread of Stone

Glow In The Dark – Family Force 5

Come Alive – Attaboy

Get Back – Nine Lashes

6AM
Only You Satisfy	Zach Jones	Fuse	2005
More Than Anything	All Sons & Daughters	All Sons & Daughters	2014
More Than Life	Jared Anderson	Hope Of The Nations	2003
All I Want Is You	Planetshakers	Open Up The Gates	2004
All My Fountains	Chris Tomlin	Passion: Here For You	2011
Chasing After You	Deluge	Deeper (Integrity Compilation)	2008
One Thing Remains	Jeremy Riddle	Furious	2012
Satisfied	About A Mile	Satisfied	2014
We Are Hungry	Jeff Deyo	Surrender	2005
Your Grace Is Enough	Jared Anderson	51 Must Have Modern Worship Hits	2007
Set a Fire	Will Reagan & United Pursuit	Endless Years	2012
One Thirst (feat. Jeremy Riddle & Steffany Frizzell) [Live]	Bethel Live	Be Lifted High (Deluxe Edition) [Live]	2011
7AM
All I Want Is You	Matt Papa	Look & Live	2013
Oh How I Need You	All Sons & Daughters	The Longing	2012
Enough	Chris Tomlin	Not To Us	2002
Chasing You	Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson	Tides	2013
One Thirst and Hunger	Jeremy Riddle	Furious	2011
All Who Are Thirsty	Kutless	Strong Tower	2006
All I Need	Rhett Walker Band	Come To The River	2013
Without You	Big Daddy Weave	What I Was Made For	2006
My Portion Forever	Matt Papa	You Are Good	2006
All I Need (What A Privilege)	Gateway Worship	The More I Seek You	2010
More And More Of You (feat. Richie Fike, Jonathan Lee, Jennie Riddle)	Worship Mob
My Everything	Jesus Culture	Jesus Culture Awakening: Live From Chicago	2011
8AM
Without You	Shane & Shane	The One You Need	2012
You Are My Hope	Cory Asbury	Holy	2008
Without You	Paul Baloche	Offering of Worship	2004
All I Want	Brenton Brown	Our God Is Near	2011
Hungry (Falling On My Knees)	Kathryn Scott	Hungry	1999
Lord, I Need You (feat. Audrey Assad)	Matt Maher	All The People Said Amen	2013
Satisfy Me	Heather Land	Pouring It Out for You	2011
Breathe	Michael W. Smith	Worship	2002
All That I Need	Sovereign Grace Music	Valley Of Vision	2006
Thirst	Phil Wickham	The Ascension	2013
All We Need	Charlie Hall	Flying Into Daybreak	2006
My Portion And My Strength	Ellie Holcomb	As Sure As The Sun	2014
We Are Hungry	Jesus Culture	Jesus Culture Awakening: Live From Chicago	2011
My Everthing	Gateway Worship	The More I Seek You	2010
9AM
Father You Are All We Need	Citizens & Saints	Join the Triumph	2014
Everything	Tim Hughes	Holding Nothing Back	2007
God He Reigns/All I Need is You	Hillsong	God He Reigns	2005
Holding Onto You	Paul Colman	Let It Go	2005
Chasing	Charlie Hall	On The Road To Beautiful	2003
Who You Are	Desperation Band	Who You Are	2006
I Need You Now (Live)	Matt Redman	Your Grace Finds Me (Live)	2013
You Are My Passion (feat. Kim Walker-Smith)	Jesus Culture	Come Away	2010
You Are My Everything	Aaron Gillespie	Anthem Song	2011
My Portion (Ps 73)	Shane & Shane	Everything Is Different	2009
You Are My One Thing (Live)	Bethel Music & Hannah McClure	We Will Not Be Shaken (Live) [Deluxe Edition]	2015
Desperate People	Hillsong United	All Of The Above	2006

Five Fun Free Family Things To Do This Weekend – November 6-8, 2015

5 The story of Florence Nightingale presented buy Hinkletown Youth Fellowship tomorrow (Saturday, November 7) at 7 pm and Sunday (November 8) at 2 & 7pm at Cocalico Middle School. This is the story of the courageous woman who organized the nursing of sick and wounded solders and influenced modern nursing. A free will offering will be taken. More Info: www.hinkletownmennonitechurch.org

4 Fall Bazaar & Craft show, tonight (Friday, Nov 6) 6p-9p & Saturday (Nov 7) from 8am-2pm at Lititz UMC, East Market Street in Lititz. Crafts, Vendors, Antiques, Homemade soup, and a Silent Auction for a Doll House. Bring a canned food item for the Lititz Community chest. More Info:717-626-2710

3 The Lancaster County Department of Parks & Recreation is hosting nighttime star watches conducted by the Astronomy Enthusiasts of Lancaster County (AELC) tonight (Fri. Nov. 6) from 7-9pm at Lancaster County Central Park.  The star watches will provide an understanding of the moon, planets, stars and star clusters, galaxies, constellations, comets and different types of nebulae. These objects will be viewed through telescopes set up by club members. To Register for this free event and for More Info:717-295-2055

2 First Friday in Lancaster – arts extravaganza – tonight (Friday, November 6) 5 to 9pm. Discover innovative exhibitions, performances, artisan studios, museums, performing groups, and more in Downtown Lancaster. More Info: http://www.visitlancastercity.com/first-friday/

1 13th Annual Open House at Eastland Alpacas  tomorrow (Sat. Nov 7) 10am-4pm in Mount Joy. Tour the farm and get up close and personal with over 100 alpacas. Feed the Alpacas – Lead an Alpaca – Visit with a newborn cria – Take a Wagon Ride around the Farm – Learn about Alpacas – Watch an Obstacle Course Demonstration by the “Alpacas with an Agenda 4-H Club”
and more.  Kids Cookie Break Broadcasting Live 9-noon. More Info: www.eastlandalpacas.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Relationship-Building Principle comes from Galatians 6:6.

“Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.”

There are at least three ways in which students of God’s Word can share all good things with our instructors.

The first way is to support them financially. According to the Bible, the worker is worth their wages, and this is true of those who work hard among us to teach us God’s Word. This will encourage our instructors to continue their good work as God provides their needs through our giving.

Another way to share good things with our instructor is to tell them how we are applying their lessons of faith into our lives. It shows we are attentive and receptive to their words. This reflects spiritual growth through their ministry.

Another way we can share good things with our instructor is to tell them how their teaching is shaping our character into the likeness of Jesus Christ. This reflects the good fruit of their ministry.

Sharing good things with our instructor is a vital relationship-building principle to take to heart in the Year of Connection.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Relationship-Building Principle comes from Philippians 4:2 and 3.

The writer was the Apostle Paul, and here he addresses a serious conflict between two women who love the Lord. He urges them to agree with each other.

Then he says, “I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.”

The identity of the loyal yokefellow is not immediately clear. However, it appears that this conflict is serious enough to require mediation. Paul is not taking sides on this conflict, but he is intensely interested in seeing them come to agreement. There are several things we can learn from this passage of Scripture.

1) It is entirely possible for sincere Christians to have disagreements.

2) Mediation may be necessary when the unity of believers is threatened.

3) It is important to make efforts to work through conflicts in a spirit of grace and truth.

4) Reconciliation is possible through the influence of Christ on conflicting parties.

Working through conflicts is a vital relationship-building principle to take to heart in the Year of Connection.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

I hope you enjoyed last night’s bonus sleep!   Tonight’s big show kicks off in about 5 minutes.  Here is your playlist for the November 1st, 2015 episode of Some Sort of Rock Show:

Hour 1

Mr. Roboto – Rapture Ruckus

Not Gonna Die – Skillet

Falling Apart – Spoken

Yours Again – RED

Chasing Fears – Graceful Closure

Forget And Not Slow Down – Relient K

A Fire Only We Know – House of Heroes

Restless – Switchfoot

Bring It On – Seventh Day Slumber

Angels & Demons – Disciple

Staring At the Sun – Roelant

Good Times – Manic Drive

Let You Drive – Manafest

Skills – Manafest

Taking Back – About A Mile

Hour 2

Alive – Tree63

Glory – Remedy Drive

Broken Lines – Foreverlin

Adam’s Son – Rhett Walker Band

It Was You – The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Oxygen – We Are Leo

I’m Not Running Away From This – Hearts Like Lions

Take a Bow – Flagship Armada

Jesus Freak – DC Talk

Glow In The Dark (Grapish Soda Remix) – Family Force 5

Desperate – Fireflight

Desperados – Andy Mineo

Live On Forever – The Afters

Untraveled Road – Thousand Foot Krutch

Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains) – Crowder

Come Away (feat. Chris Quilala)	Jesus Culture	Come Away	2010
Psalm 145	Shane & Shane	Psalms	2002
Great Is Thy Faithfulness	Chris Rice	Peace Like a River – The Hymns Project	2007
A Greater Song	Paul Baloche	A Greater Song	2006
All Things (Great Is the Lord)	Charlie Hall Band	The Death of Death	2013
Back To The Start (Gods Great Dance Floor)	Martin Smith	Gods Great Dance Floor Step 1	2013
God is Great	Hillsong	You Are My World	2001
Your Grace Is Enough/Grace That Is Greater	Jared Anderson	Songs 4 Worship Ultimate	2011
Great and Mighty	Caedmons Call	In The Company of Angels II: The World Will Sing	2006
Great Are You (psalm 8v3,4 and 18v19)	Downhere	Downhere	2001
Great Are You Lord	All Sons & Daughters	All Sons & Daughters	2014
Great Are You Lord	David Leach	Our Saviors Love	2014
7AM
Great Are You Lord	Phillips, Craig & Dean	Fearless	2010
Great I Am (feat. Jared Anderson)	New Life Worship	You Hold It All	2011
Praise The Lord	Kristene Mueller	Those Who Dream	2008
Great Is The Lord (Psalm 48) (feat. Morris Chapman)	Promise Keepers	Promise Keepers – Stand In The Gap	1997
Great Is The Lord	Jason Morant	Abandon	2004
You Are Great	Brad & Rebekah	Acoustically Inclined	2008
Great Is The Lord Almighty	Dennis Jernigan	Hands Lifted High	2004
How Great Is Your Faithfulness	Matt Redman	We Shall Not Be Shaken	2009
Great Great God (feat. David Moore)	Gateway Worship	Great Great God (Deluxe Edition)	2011
Great Light of the World	Bebo Norman	Myself When I Am Real	2002
Great Redeemer	Paul Baloche	Our God Saves	2007
Your Great Name We Praise	Sovereign Grace Music	Upward – The Bob Kauflin Hymns Project	2003
8AM
Greater Than We Can Imagine (Psalm 145)	Sovereign Grace Music	Psalms	2008
How Great	Jami Smith	Wash Over Me	2004
How Great Is Our God	Chris Tomlin	Passion: How Great Is Our God	2005
Greatly To Be Praised	Brian and Jenn Johnson	We Believe	2006
Greatly To Be Praised	Citizens & Saints	Join The Triumph	2014
How Great	David Crowder Band	Illuminate	2003
How Great Thou Art	Paul Baloche	Our God Saves	2007
How Great Is Your Love (feat. Jeremy Camp)	Promise Keepers	Promise Keepers Live Worship	2002
Great Is The Lord	Michael W. Smith	Project	1983
How Great	Glory Revealed	Glory Revealed 2-What We Proclaim	2009
How Great You Are	Sovereign Grace Music	From Age To Age	2012
O Great Love	Robbie Seay Band	Songs Inspired by “Jesus Calling”	2011
Our Great God	Casey Darnell	North Point Live: Here + Now	2012
Oh! Great Is Our God!	The Sing Team	Oh! Great Is Our God!	2012
Isnt He Great	Brian and Jenn Johnson	We Believe	2006
9AM
Psalm 126 (You Have Done Great Things)	Charlie Hall	Passion: Our Love Is Loud	2002
Psalm 66 (You Are Great)	Robbie Seay Band	Psalms LP	2015
So Great (feat. Israel Houghton, Christy Nockels)	Michael W. Smith	WOW Hits 1	2008
The Great Awakening	Leeland	The Great Awakening	2011
Great God Who Saves	Laura Story	Great God Who Saves	2008
The Greatness of Our God	Hillsong Worship	A Beautiful Exchange	2010
Oh Great God	Brad & Rebekah	All Youve Done (Deluxe Edition)	2015
Your Great Love	Bellarive	Before There Was	2014
Your Great Name	Natalie Grant	Love Revolution	2011
Great Redeemer	Eoghan Heaslip	Grace In The Wilderness	2004
Your Love Is Extravagant	Casting Crowns	Casting Crowns	2003
Exalted (Yahweh)	Chris Tomlin	Hello Love	2008
Our Great God (feat. Rebecca St. James)	Todd Agnew	Better Questions	2007

Five Fun Free Family Things To Do This Weekend – October 30 – Nov 1, 2015

5 Free Fall Community Celebration at Weaverland Mennonite Church in East Earl tomorrow (Saturday October 31) from 6-8pm. Festivities include, hay rides, inflatable games, corn dig, and a variety of  prize games for all different ages. Free food and of candy! More Info: weaverland.org
4 Lancaster Bible College’s Harvest Party tomorrow (Sat. Oct. 31) from 9AM-Noon.  Free Community festival with games, activities, candy, prizes, and food! All activities and booths will be run by volunteer college students who want the opportunity to serve their community by providing fun activities for families of all ages! Kids Cookie Break Broadcasting LIVE. More Info: LBC.edu

3 A Halloween Alternative at Bethany EC Church of Creswel – Letort Road in Conestoga – tonight (Friday, Oct. 30) from 6-8pm. A concert by the band “This Way Up”! Also, musical crafts, and snacks. More Info:  717-872-2548

2 The 2nd Annual Community Bonfire at East Petersburg Mennonite Church – tonight (Friday, October 30), from 7-9pm. Barrel train rides, bounce houses and balloon creations. More Info: www.eastpetemc.org

1 The First Annual FALL FEST at Victory Church Columbia tomorrow (Saturday Oct. 31) from 4-7pm.  Kids are encouraged to dress up for Games, Crafts, Prizes, Basket giveaways, Trunk or Treat, Free Food, Baked Goods, Hot Chocolate, and Candy. More Info: victorychurch.org

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Relationship-Building Principle comes from Daniel 12:2 and 3.

“Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”

As the light of the stars breaks the darkness of the night, so our witness for Jesus can break the darkness of doubt, despair, or deceit as we present Him as the way, the truth, and the life.

Each day is an opportunity to look for connections with people who need God’s saving grace, and then to share the reason for our hope in Christ.

Shining the light of God’s love in our sphere of influence is a vital relationship-building principle to take to heart in the Year of Connection.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com