JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the identity of believers as children of God.

This is what Ephesians 1:4 and 5 says about the identity of those who are faithful in Christ.

“He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”

When we respond to the Good News of Jesus with a trusting heart, God includes us in His family of believers. He gives us a new identity as a new creation in Christ. We are born of God and loved by God as His child. We become a citizen of heaven, temple of the Holy Spirit, and light in the world to reflect God’s glory and goodness. God’s love forms our identity to see ourselves as God sees us. 

Focusing on our identity as a dearly loved child of God gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

This week’s playlist includes Water Street Mission president Jack Crowley’s set list from Reverberate Lancaster! Plus, a Light mini-theme, with songs from Rita Springer’s new album. I talked with her this week on the Praise & Worship Podcast.

I’m also rounding up new worship releases from Friday and sharing them with you: Hillsong United, The Worship Initiative (featuring Robbie Seay!), Pat Barrett, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and a brand new single from Josh Baldwin! I caught up with him this week on the podcast, too!

Kristi Leigh, WJTL DJ
Kristi@WJTL.com
Follow on Instagram & Facebook Podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 

In case you missed the Friday Time Capsule, or if you would like to hear the songs again, here is the Playlist from the Lunchbreak on Friday.

Today’s playlist includes a brand new song from Kari Jobe! Plus, songs rooted in Psalm 8 and Psalm 22. And: mini-themes giving God our breath as praise, seeing His glory in Creation and light breaking through.

Kristi Leigh, WJTL DJ
Kristi@WJTL.com
Follow on: Instagram & Facebook  Podcast on: : Spotify/Apple Podcast

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the significance of the Mount of Olives.

This was the place where Jesus told His disciples of future events that would happen prior to His coming.

Some of those events were the appearances of deceivers, wars and rumors of wars, famines, plagues, and earthquakes in various places. He also said that the gospel of the kingdom would be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end would come.

The place where He spoke of the future is significant. Zechariah 14:4 tells us that when He comes again, His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives. On that day, there will be one LORD, and his name the only name. He will be king over the whole earth.

The Mount of Olives reminds us that while we live in a broken world, the future is in God’s hands. The future is a vision of victory for God’s coming Kingdom and for those who follow Jesus by faith.

Focusing on our future hope in Christ gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on Calvary where Jesus died on a cross. 

According to the New King James version of the Bible, in Luke 23:32, there were also two other criminals led with Jesus to be put to death. “And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.”

Calvary was the place of Christ’s death and the place of our redemption. Calvary reminds us that God has provided the lamb who was a worthy sacrifice for our sins. Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrated his own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Focusing on the price that Jesus paid for our redemption gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.

John Shirk

John@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai.

In Exodus 31:18, the LORD gave Moses the two tablets of the covenant law. They were tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God. Mount Sinai represents the law of God for His people.

On these tablets were written the Ten Commandments. God’s laws were revealing God’s moral standards. None of us have lived up to all the commands all the time. That is why we need grace.  The law reminds us that we have fallen short of God’s glory and need a Savior. We don’t earn God’s love by obeying His laws, but are motivated to obey them because we know that He loves us. At the foundation of following God’s laws is love-love for God and loving our neighbor as we love ourselves.

Following God’s laws is not meant to be a reason for pride in ourselves. It is an opportunity to express our love for God. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.”

Focusing on the law of love gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on what happened at the Mountain of Transfiguration.

In Luke chapter 9, Jesus took a few of His disciples with him to a mountain where he would pray. As Jesus prayed, the appearance of His face changed, His clothing became as bright as a flash of lightning. Moses and Elijah appeared in glorious splendor and talked with Jesus. Then, came a voice from a cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”

Peter was a witness. This is what he said about Jesus in Second Peter 1:17, “He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.” This testimony affirms the Father’s approval of Jesus and the worthiness of Jesus to receive our attention and devotion.

Focusing on the Heavenly Father’s approval of Jesus gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

This week’s playlist starts with a Revival Hour theme! Plus, a mini theme of God’s goodness. There are also lots of new songs in our New Worship Release Roundup, including the latest from Rita Springer, Phil Wickham, Keith & Kristyn Getty and Jeremy & Adrienne Camp! I caught up with those couples on the Praise & Worship Podcast to talk about their new projects, out now. 

Tim Timmons went live on social media this week to share his new song, with the help of his daughter!

Kristi Leigh, WJTL DJ
Kristi@WJTL.com
Podcast on: Spotify/Apple Podcasts Follow on Instagram & Facebook

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the mountainside where Jesus prayed.

It happened in Luke chapter 6, verse 12: “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.”

A mountainside is sometimes a place of isolation where we can have undistracted, quality time with God. Jesus prayed the night before making some important appointments. When we have significant decisions to make, we have the opportunity to approach God in prayer and to seek His direction.  Prayer invites God’s wisdom for our decisions.

Focusing on quiet time with God gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life. 

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com