Staff
Vital Step to a Radiant Faith-Speaking the Truth in Love
john : May 3, 2023 4:47 pm : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is Speaking the Truth in Love.
Ephesians 4:15 explains what happens when God’s people follow through on this practice.
“We will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Jesus came to us full of grace and truth. Grace gives second chances. Grace forgives sin, restores relationships, and builds faith. Grace extends life and peace to those who will embrace the Gospel.
Truth upholds God’s standards and reveals God’s will for our lives. Jesus equated the truth to His teachings, which has the power to set us free.
When the truth is spoken in love, God’s people are blessed with spiritual growth and greater unity in Christ.
Speaking the Truth in Love is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from First Timothy 2:1 to 4.
“I urge then, first of all that petitions, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-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, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
On Thursday, Americans will gather in over 60,000 local community events to pray for this nation.
People will be praying for strong foundations among families.
For our churches to be salt and light for the Gospel.
For the wisdom of government leaders as they make critical decisions.
For businesses to be innovative and thrive with integrity.
And for educators to pass along wisdom and instruction for today’s generation of students. They will become the leaders of tomorrow.
This Light Reflection inspires us to pray for the leaders among us in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is Perseverance.
Second Peter chapter 1 encourages us to add certain qualities to our faith, not because it adds to our salvation, but because it makes our faith more effective and productive.
One of those qualities in verse 6 is perseverance. Sometimes, disappointments, conflicts, or health challenges can wear us down and tempt us to give up. But God’s grace is a refreshing influence for our faith. Jesus endured the cross for us. When we persevere in the faith through trials, our witness for God is purified and proven to be genuine. This is one way we can be a light for others-by consistently living for God and relying on His love day-by-day and moment-by-moment.
In First Timothy 4:16, the Apostle Paul gave this counsel to a young pastor, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
Perseverance is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
Light Reflection-2 Corinthians 6:1-2 Now Is The Time
john : April 19, 2023 5:36 pm : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Second Corinthians 6:1 and 2.
As God’s co-workers, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
The Apostle Paul was pointing to the present moment as an opportunity for us to get right with God and receive the gift of His grace. This happens when we humble ourselves before God and acknowledge our need for Jesus to save us from our sins. He will be faithful to answer this prayer from an earnest heart. This is a moment that defines our identity as a child of God, builds godly character to become more like Jesus, and changes our destiny toward a heavenly home that lasts forever.
This Light Reflection inspires us to receive God’s grace and enjoy His favor in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is Self-Control.
Second Peter chapter 1 encourages us to add certain qualities to our faith, not because it adds to our salvation, but because it makes our faith more effective and productive.
One of those qualities in verse 6 is self-control. Self-control can be defined as the ability to control one’s emotions, behavior, and desires in order to obtain some reward later. An example of that is an athlete training for an event, who avoids overeating to maximize their potential.
Spiritually, self-control is the ability to make choices that prevent other influences from hindering our walk with Jesus. Sometimes, self-control means that we say “no” to harmful influences, and sometimes it means saying “no” to too much of a good thing. But saying “no” in these areas means that we can make better use of our time and energy to say “yes” to God’s plan for our lives.
Self-Control is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
Light Reflection-Numbers 6:24-26 Priestly Blessing
john : April 18, 2023 5:16 pm : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Numbers 6:24 to 26.
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
This was the way that Aaron and his sons were to bless the Israelites. It is commonly known as the priestly blessing. This is sometimes used as a benediction in church services today.
When Jesus is brought into view, we can see how He fulfills this verse for those who follow Him. In Christ, we are filled with God’s grace and peace. We are blessed with God’s favor, and kept securely in His love.
This Light Reflection inspires us to proclaim this blessing of God’s peace and grace in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is Knowledge.
Second Peter chapter 1 encourages us to add certain qualities to our faith, not because it adds to our salvation, but because it makes our faith more effective and productive.
Knowledge is a lot like zeal. If it is not grounded in God’s love, it can be harmful. First Corinthians 8:1 tells us that knowledge puffs up while love builds up.
When guided by love, knowledge equips us to instruct others in the faith. Romans 15:14 says: “I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.”
Knowing Jesus is the key to staying planted in His love and growing in the knowledge of His truth.
Knowledge of God is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Ephesians 1:7.
Speaking of Jesus, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.”
This is one of the huge blessings of the Gospel. Guilt gives way to freedom at the cross. That is where Jesus shed His blood to take away our sins.
God’s forgiveness is a light that shines hope into our lives. As we turn from sin to Jesus, we go forward in God’s plan to live in freedom, with all the blessings that flow from grace into an abundant and eternal life. Acts 13:38 says, “my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him, everyone who believes is set free from every sin.”
This Light Reflection inspires us to find freedom in the forgiveness of God’s love in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
Song Title | Artist | Album | Year |
6:00 a.m. | |||
Crown Of Heaven (feat. Natalie Grant) | The Belonging Co | See The Light (Live) | 2021 |
On The Altar (feat. Elyssa Smith) | UPPERROOM | Single | 2021 |
The Blood (feat. Mitch Wong) | Jenn Johnson | Simple | 2022 |
This Is Our God | Phil Wickham | Single | 2023 |
Same God (feat. Chris Quilala) | Jesus Culture & Worship Together | Same God (Live) – Single | 2023 |
Im So Glad I Met Jesus (Live) | Thrive Worship | Pour Your Spirit Out (Live) | 2021 |
Feels Like A Blessing | Benjamin Hastings & JUDAH. | Single | 2022 |
Reason To Praise (feat. Cory Asbury & Naomi Raine) | Bethel Music | Homecoming (Live) | 2021 |
Easy To Praise | Patrick Mayberry | Single | 2023 |
Every Hour (feat. Josh Baldwin) [Acoustic] | David Leonard | Single | 2022 |
7:00 a.m. | |||
With Everything I Am (Live) | 7 Hills Worship | Single | 2023 |
Every Season | Canyon Hills Worship | Single | 2023 |
Always So Good | Thrive Worship | Always So Good | 2023 |
Lean on the Lord (feat. Cecily) | Housefires & Ryan Ellis | How To Start A Housefire | 2022 |
By The Spirit (feat. Franni Cain) [Live] | Pat Barrett & Jon Reddick | Nothing/Something (Live) | 2021 |
Hallelujah, You Are Good (feat. Matt Maher) | Steven Curtis Chapman | Worship and Believe (Deluxe Edition) | 2016 |
Joy In The Morning | Tauren Wells & Elevation Worship | Single | 2023 |
All My Life (Live) | Hillsong Young & Free | All of My Best Friends (Live) | 2020 |
You Never Fail Me (All My Life) | Mosaic MSC | HUMAN EP (Live) | 2020 |
Thats The Power (feat. Benjamin Hastings) | Hillsong Worship | These Same Skies (Live) | 2021 |
Holy (feat. Kari Jobe) | Martin Smith | Single | 2023 |
Ancient Gates (Live) | Brooke Ligertwood | SEVEN (Live) | 2022 |
Holy (Song of the Ages) | The Worship Initiative & Shane & Shane | Single | 2022 |
8:00 a.m. | |||
Rise And Shine (Live) (feat. Mitch Wong) | The Belonging Co | Now (Live) | 2022 |
Good To Be Loved (Live) | Cody Carnes & Natalie Grant | God Is Good! (Live) | 2022 |
God Really Loves Us | Crowder | Crowder Only Single Ver 2 | 2022 |
God So Loved | We The Kingdom | Single | 2020 |
This Is the Kingdom (feat. Pat Barrett) | Elevation Worship | LION | 2022 |
Simple Gospel (Live) | United Pursuit | Simple Gospel (Live) | 2015 |
The Gospel | Jonathan David & Melissa Helser | Beautiful Surrender | 2016 |
The In Between (from The Chosen) | Matt Maher | The In Between (from The Chosen) – Single | 2022 |
Good News | Bryan & Katie Torwalt | Ive Got Good News (Live) | 2022 |
9:00 a.m. | |||
Good News (Live) | LCBC Worship | Rise – EP | 2021 |
Rescuer (Good News) | Rend Collective | Good News | 2017 |
Simple Kingdom (feat. Cody Carnes) | Bryan & Katie Torwalt | Ive Got Good News (Live) | 2022 |
Bloom (feat. Lindy Cofer) | Mitch Wong | Bloom – EP | 2022 |
This Is How We Know | Matt Redman | We Will Not Be Shaken | 2009 |
Driven by Love | Lindy & The Circuit Riders | Driven by Love (Live) | 2019 |
Take You At Your Word (feat. Benjamin William Hastings) | Cody Carnes | God Is Good! (Live) | 2022 |
My Testimony (Live) | Elevation Worship | Graves into Gardens (Live) | 2020 |
PRAISES | ELEVATION RHYTHM | This Is The Gospel | 2023 |
World Outside Your Window | Hillsong Young & Free | World Outside Your Window EP | 2020 |
Ive Witnessed It (feat. Melodie Malone) | Passion | Live From Passion 2023 – Single | 2023 |
Tell All My Friends | SEU Worship | Single | 2022 |
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from First John 2:1 and 2.
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
The Gospel gives us light for victory over sin. That does not mean that all sin stops in our lives when we give our lives to Jesus. There will be moments when we need to come back to God’s throne of grace to plead for forgiveness. The Bible says that God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Jesus is our defender. He is qualified to protect us from the accuser, so that our sins are not counted against us. He gives us victory over the penalty of sin. He also gives us victory over the control of sin. He is the Righteous Master, who moves us away from sin and toward purity.
This Light Reflection inspires us to look to Jesus as our Worthy Advocate in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com