Staff
Vital Step to a Radiant Faith-Endure Hardship
john : July 24, 2023 5:34 pm : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to endure hardship.
Hebrews 12:7 encourages us to endure hardship as discipline. When this is occurring, God is treating us as His children.
Sometimes, in our difficult challenges, we might incorrectly feel that God is far away and does not love us as much as He once did. If we conclude that, we become discouraged by our circumstances and feel like giving up on the path we were taking.
However, Hebrews chapter 12 is there to remind us that God still cares in our trials. He is working to refine our faith in Him, not to discourage us. Verse 10 says about our human fathers, “They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Enduring hardship is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
This week’s Praise & Worship Playlist has a whole bunch of mini themes, focusing on God’s holiness, our believing hearts, His good plans and more. Plus, songs from Housefires & JWLKRS Worship, Canyon Hills Worship, Daniel Doss, Meredith Andrews and more!
Song Title | Artist | Album | Year |
6AM | |||
Holy Spirit Come | Patrick Mayberry | Single | 2021 |
Youre Welcome in This Place (feat. Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore) | Maverick City Music | Maverick City Vol.1 | 2019 |
Waiting Here for You (feat. Robbie Seay) | The Worship Initiative | The Worship Initiative, Vol. 25 (Live) | 2021 |
Holy (feat. Kari Jobe) | Martin Smith | Single | 2023 |
Holy (Song of the Ages) | The Worship Initiative & Shane & Shane | Single | 2022 |
Holy Forever | Chris Tomlin | Always | 2022 |
Every Season | Canyon Hills Worship | Single | 2023 |
Rest on Us (Live) | UPPERROOM | Land of the Living (Live) | 2020 |
Make Room (feat. Chris McClarney, Sarah Reeves( | Meredith Andrews | Single | 0 |
Fresh Wind (Studio) | Hillsong Worship | Fresh Wind/What A Beautiful Name (Live) – EP | 2021 |
Goodness Goes On And On | Daniel Doss | Single | 2023 |
Now Here | Red Rocks Worship | Things of Heaven (Where We Come From) | 2021 |
7AM | |||
This Is Our God | Phil Wickham | Single | 2023 |
Same God (feat. Jonsal Barrientes) | Elevation Worship | LION | 2022 |
Ive Witnessed It (feat. Melodie Malone) | Passion | Live From Passion 2023 – Single | 2023 |
I Thank God (feat. Blake Wiggins & Ryan Ellis) | Housefires & JWLKRS Worship | How To Start A Housefire, Pt. II | 2023 |
The Lords Prayer (Its Yours) | Matt Maher | Single | 2022 |
Trust In God | Elevation Worship | Radio Single | 2023 |
I Believe It (The Life of Jesus) | Jon Reddick | Single | 2023 |
I Believe In Jesus | Chris Tomlin | Always | 2022 |
I Believe | Jonathan & Melissa Helser | The Land Im Livin In | 2022 |
Goodness of God (Live) | Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson | Victory (Live) | 2019 |
Catch Me Singing | Sean Curran | Single | 2020 |
Midnight | Rita Springer | Light | 2020 |
Plans | David Leonard | Plans | 2023 |
8AM | |||
Good Plans | Red Rocks Worship | Ascend | 2023 |
Plans | Rend Collective | Single | 2022 |
Stand in Your Love (Live) | Bethel Music & Josh Baldwin | Victory (Live) | 2019 |
This Is How I Thank The Lord | Mosaic MSC | Thanks – EP | 2022 |
Only Jesus (feat. Chris McClarney) | Patrick Mayberry & Centricity Worship | Single | 2022 |
A Thousand Shores | Citizens | A Thousand Shores – EP | 2022 |
A Thousand More | Thrive Worship | A Thousand More | 2019 |
A Thousand Hallelujahs (Live From Passion Conference 2022) | Passion & Brooke Ligertwood | Burn Bright | 2022 |
Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me | CityAlight | Yet Not I – EP | 2018 |
Blessed Assurance (feat. David Leonard) | CAIN | Honest Offering (Live) | 2023 |
Fear Is Not My Future (feat. Chandler Moore) | Brandon Lake & | HELP! | 2022 |
You Make Me Brave | Amanda Cook | You Make Me Brave (Live) | 2014 |
9AM | |||
Praise Your Name (Live) | Corey Voss & Madison Street Worship | Songs of the House (Live) | 2019 |
Jesus Over Everything (feat. Andrew Holt) | The Belonging Co | See The Light (Live) | 2021 |
I Speak Jesus LIVE (feat. Steven Musso) | Charity Gayle | Endless Praise | 2021 |
Protector (Live) | Kim Walker-Smith | Wild Heart (Live) | 2020 |
Way Maker (Live) | Leeland | Single | 2019 |
Evidence | Josh Baldwin | Evidence | 2020 |
Morning By Morning (Live) | Pat Barrett & Mack Brock | Nothing/Something (Live) | 2021 |
He Is | Crowder | Milk & Honey | 2021 |
Run To the Father | Matt Maher | Alive & Breathing Vol. I – Single | 2019 |
Take You At Your Word (feat. Benjamin William Hastings) | Cody Carnes | God Is Good! (Live) | 2022 |
Vital Step to a Radiant Faith-View God’s Mercy
john : July 20, 2023 11:51 am : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to view God’s mercy.
The pattern of the Bible often reveals what God did for us before telling us what to do for Him. Keeping God’s mercy in view motivates us to honor Him with our lives. His kindness leads to repentance.
Here are some examples of this pattern from the Bible. Romans 12:1 says, “In view of God’s mercy, offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship.”
Colossians 3:12-“Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Before giving the Ten Commandments, the LORD said, “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” We love because God loved us first.
Viewing God’s mercy is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
Light Reflection-Psalm 119:105 God’s Word is a Lamp
john : July 20, 2023 11:49 am : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Psalm 119, verse 105.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
The light of God’s Word gives direction for those who are willing to be taught by God. Lamps are needed in dark times.
The Bible helps us to navigate the journey of faith through a dark world that can be confusing and corrupted by sin.
God’s Word warns us of harmful influences which can distract our focus on Jesus or hinder our spiritual progress. His Word also brightens our outlook with a message of faith, hope, and real genuine love.
The LORD says in Jeremiah 6:16-Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
This Light Reflection inspires us to be guided by God’s word in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
Light Reflection-Ephesians 3:12 Freedom and Confidence
john : July 19, 2023 5:04 pm : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Ephesians 3:12.
Speaking of Jesus, “In him and through faith in him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
Faith and freedom go together. As we put our confidence in God’s love for us, we pray with the faith that He hears us and cares for our needs.
By faith, we do not fear condemnation for the wrong things we have done, but trust Jesus to defend us as our source of righteousness.
By faith, we do not fear what could go wrong in the future, but live with hope for the good things God has planned for those who love Him.
By faith, we are not paralyzed by the fear of opposition, but believe that God is stronger than our greatest adversaries.
This Light Reflection inspires us to approach God with freedom and confidence in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
Vital Step to a Radiant Faith-Turn to Jesus as our Advocate
john : July 19, 2023 5:00 pm : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to turn to Jesus as our Advocate.
Grace is a wonderful gift from God, but it is not cheap. It came at the price of the blood of Jesus at the cross. Therefore, grace is not something to take for granted, but is to be received with gratitude.
When we sin against God, there is a place to turn for the help and hope that we need.
First John 2:1 says, “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.”
Jesus is able to forgive our sins, renew our joy, and restore our relationship with God to a healthy place.
Turning to Jesus as our Advocate is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to revere God.
To have reverence for God is to have a deep respect for His name and high regard for His Word. With sincere gratitude for His grace, we desire to honor Him in our words and actions.
That is what Joseph did in Genesis 39:9, and it was this character quality that helped him say no to temptation. He said, “How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” After that, Joseph was falsely accused and went to prison, but he would come out of that jail cell to save many lives during a severe famine. Joseph’s faith and hope in the Lord motivated him to make wise decisions.
Proverbs 14:27 says, “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.”
Reverence for God is a Vital Step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
Light Reflection-2 Corinthians 2:15 and 16 Aroma
john : July 18, 2023 5:33 pm : John Shirk, Staff PagesJOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Second Corinthians 2:15 and 16.
For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?
The Apostle Paul compared our witness for Jesus to a certain kind of smell that we spread to others. Some will receive it as a fragrance that brings life and will move closer to Jesus, while others will get as far away as possible as though it was a bad odor. Our influence for Christ will have a different impact on different kinds of people.
The big question to ask ourselves is “Am I consistently representing Jesus in my words, in my conduct, in my beliefs, and in my character?” We will always need the grace of God to help us represent Jesus well. So, let’s stay close to Jesus and let His influence guide our way.
This Light Reflection inspires us to a fragrant life of following Jesus in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0wF100sayaHm2KixzQVR7O?si=04afc7ba8c3d4bd7
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Ezekiel 1:28.
Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
As Ezekiel was receiving his calling into ministry, he had an encounter with the living God. He responded with reverence, awe, and humility. In the presence of God, we are often moved by the holiness of God and the mercy of God at the same time. We are likely to be convicted of our own sinfulness, but at the same time, encouraged by the grace of God to give us a place of belonging to His family and service in His church.
Greater understanding comes to the worshipper of God. We see Jesus more clearly, we see ourselves more clearly, and we see our purpose in Christ more clearly when we surrender to God.
This Light Reflection inspires us to worship God in humility when He calls us to service in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com