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Light Reflection-John 8:12 Light of the World

September 28th, 2023 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from John 8:12.

Jesus identified Himself by “I Am” statements, which are recorded for us in the Gospel of John. These statements open our eyes to the reality of who Jesus is and what He can accomplish on our behalf.

As morning light broke through to chase away the darkness of the night, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Just as physical light has a way of breaking the darkness, the light of grace and truth is able to break the darkness of our sin. Just before Jesus said this, a woman was caught in adultery. A crowd was ready to stone her to death. But Jesus disarmed these religious men by saying, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”  He let her go free by saying, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”  This is how grace and truth can set us free.

This Light Reflection inspires us to come out of the darkness of sinful patterns and follow Jesus in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Vital Step to a Radiant Faith-Serving Beyond Expectation

September 28th, 2023 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is serving beyond expectation.

When Abraham’s servant was seeking a wife for his son Isaac, he prayed, “Lord, make me successful today.”

Abraham’s servant was at a well, and requested that if he asks a young woman for a drink, let her be the one for Isaac if she says, “Drink, and I will water your camels too.”

Genesis 24:15 says that Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder before he had finished praying. He asked her for a drink and she gave him a drink. Then, she offered a drink for his camels.

When someone serves beyond the request, they express joy in their service. There is a generous attitude in going the extra mile for someone, and it is contagious for building better relationships, including marriages. It is also effective in representing the servant heart of Jesus.

Serving Beyond Expectation is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Light Reflection-John 11:25 Resurrection and the Life

September 27th, 2023 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from John 11:25.

Jesus identified Himself by “I Am” statements, which are recorded for us in the Gospel of John. These statements open our eyes to the reality of who Jesus is and what He is able to accomplish on our behalf.

Just as Jesus was about to raise Lazarus from the grave, He said to Martha, the sister of Lazarus,

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

How would you answer that question? Martha responded by saying, “Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

The raising of Lazarus from the grave would confirm this statement made by Jesus. Those who die in Christ will live again and enjoy fellowship with God forever in a place where death is no more.

This Light Reflection inspires us to believe in Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Vital Step to a Radiant Faith-Invite Someone To Church

September 27th, 2023 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to invite someone to church.

One simple question can bring an unchurched friend through our church doors. “Will you go to church with me?” There are various reasons that someone might step into church for the first time, but the most common way they get there is because someone invited them.

It’s good to think about our circle of friends and who might be open to such an invitation. Ultimately, it’s not about getting people to church, but getting them to have the opportunity to respond to the voice of the Savior, who says, “Follow me.”

In Psalm 122, verse 1, David said, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.’”

Inviting Someone to Church is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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Light Reflection-John 10:14 The Good Shepherd

September 26th, 2023 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from John 10:14.

Jesus identified Himself by “I Am” statements, which are recorded for us in the Gospel of John. These statements open our eyes to the reality of who Jesus is and what He is able to accomplish on our behalf.

In John 10:14 and 15, Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

This statement refers to the intimate relationship that He has with His followers. His love for His people is sincere and tender. He was willing to lay down His life for us at the cross. Isaiah 40:11 tells us that “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to His heart.”

This Light Reflection inspires us to stay close to the heart of Jesus and follow His voice in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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Vital Step to a Radiant Faith-Identity in Christ

September 26th, 2023 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to find our identity in Christ.

That is what Tim Tebow did. He shares at Christian Headlines dot com that when he was a younger athlete, he was striving for wins and agonizing over losses. When games become our identity, we ride the roller coaster of all the highs and lows.

He goes on to say that when God’s grace shapes our identity, we get the firm foundation of who Jesus is and what He’s done for us on the cross. We aren’t defined by our scars. We are defined by His.

Those are the words of Tim Tebow. These are the words of First John 3:1- “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are.”

Finding our identity in Christ is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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Light Reflection-John 15:5 The Vine and Branches

September 25th, 2023 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from John 15:5.

Jesus identified Himself by “I Am” statements, which are recorded for us in the Gospel of John. These statements open our eyes to the reality of who Jesus is and what He is able to accomplish on our behalf.

As Jesus was walking with His disciples in a garden, He said to them in John 15:5:

“I am the vine: you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Here we see that a productive faith flows out of an intimate relationship with Jesus. How can we stay connected with Jesus every day?

One way is through prayer. Ongoing communication builds thriving relationships. Prayer is how we have a conversation with God. Another way is by reading the Bible, which is God’s inspired word given to us. That is where God shows us how to live a life that pleases Him.

This Light Reflection inspires us to remain in Jesus and bear much fruit in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Vital Step to a Radiant Faith-Put God First

September 25th, 2023 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is to put God first.

Making God first priority in our lives is the right thing to do because He is worthy of our ultimate allegiance. In the first of the 10 Commandments, the LORD says, “You shall have no other gods before me.” Anything that becomes more important to us than God is an idol.

According to First Corinthians 15:3, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus is a matter of first importance. Jesus instructed us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. The first and greatest Commandment in the whole law is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, and soul.

When we put God first, our priorities become aligned with God’s priorities. Our focus turns to the treasures of His kingdom.  Romans 14:17 tells us that the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Putting God first is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Praise & Worship Playlist

September 23rd, 2023 No comments

This morning’s Praise & Worship Playlist is packed with anthems from Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe, Thrive Worship, Chris Tomlin, Brooke Ligertwood, Red Rocks Worship and more! We’re focusing on Bible verses from the Psalms, Ephesians and Isaiah.

 

Kristi Leigh, WJTL DJ
Podcast: Spotify & Apple Podcasts
Follow: Instagram & Facebook
Playlists: Spotify



Song Title Artist Album Year
6AM
Holy Forever Chris Tomlin Radio Version 2023
Hymn Of Heaven Phil Wickham Hymn of Heaven 2022
Holy (Song Of The Ages) (feat. Andrew Holt) The Belonging Co Single 2020
King Jesus (Live) Brooke Ligertwood SEVEN (Live) 2022
Im So Glad I Met Jesus (Live) Thrive Worship Pour Your Spirit Out (Live) 2021
Ive Witnessed It (feat. Melodie Malone) Passion Live From Passion 2023 – Single 2023
Good Plans Red Rocks Worship Ascend 2023
Mountain / Valley (Live) Lifepoint Worship Mountain / Valley (Live) 2017
Youve Already Won (Live) Shane & Shane Single 2022
Youre Not Done (feat. Charity Gayle) Leeland Single 2023
7AM
Joy In The Morning Tauren Wells & Elevation Worship Single 2023
Be Glad Cody Carnes Single 2022
Mercy (feat. Chris Brown) Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music Old Church Basement 2021
Now Here Red Rocks Worship Single 2022
Rise And Shine (Live) (feat. Mitch Wong) The Belonging Co Now (Live) 2022
The Praise Is Yours (Live) Matt Redman Single 2022
Bless God (Live) Cody Carnes Firm Foundation (Live) 2023
Reason To Praise (feat. Cory Asbury & Naomi Raine) Bethel Music Homecoming (Live) 2021
Feels Like A Blessing Benjamin Hastings & JUDAH. Single 2022
8AM
You Remain (feat. Elyssa Smith, Meredith Mauldin) UPPERROOM Single 2022
Be Glorified (feat. Mitch Wong) Worship Together & Lindy Cofer Single 2023
Creator Phil Wickham I Believe 2023
Always Chris Tomlin Always 2022
Holy (feat. Kari Jobe) Martin Smith Single 2023
Crowns Down (Live) Gateway Worship & Josh Baldwin Crowns Down (Live) 2023
Plead The Blood (feat. Brandon Lake & Cody Carnes) Chris Davenport TIME 2023
Christ And Christ Crucified (Live) Lindy Cofer, Circuit Rider Music & Mitch Wong I Saw The Lord (Live) 2022
Desert Song Brooke Ligertwood EIGHT 2023
More Than Able (feat. Chandler Moore & Tiffany Hudson) Elevation Worship Single 2023
Firm Foundation (He Wont) Cody Carnes Radio Single 2023
9AM
Gratitude (Live) Brandon Lake House of Miracles (Live) 2021
Jehovah (feat. Chris Brown) Elevation Worship CAN YOU IMAGINE? 2023
Jireh (feat. Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine) Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music Old Church Basement 2021
The Blessing (feat Cody Carnes & Elevation Worship) Kari Jobe Single 2020
Praise God (Doxology) [Live] Thrive Worship Pour Your Spirit Out (Live) 2022
Surrounded By Holy Bethel Music & Zahriya Zachary Come Up Here 2023
Everything That Has Breath (Praise) [Live] Jesus Culture & Bryan & Katie Torwalt Why Not Right Now? (Live) 2023
Praise (feat. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore) Elevation Worship CAN YOU IMAGINE? 2023
Never Stop Singing Patrick Mayberry & David Leonard Wild Faith 2023
Categories: Kristi Leigh, Staff Pages, Uncategorized Tags:

Light Reflection-John 6:35 Bread of Life

September 22nd, 2023 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from John 6:35.

Jesus identified Himself by “I Am” statements, which are recorded for us in the Gospel of John. These statements open our eyes to the reality of who Jesus is and what He is able to accomplish on our behalf.

After Jesus miraculously turned a boy’s lunch into a feast for 5,000 people, He made this statement about Himself:

“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Jesus was pointing to the spiritual reality that His grace is sufficient to satisfy our soul. Blaise Pascal once said, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person and it can never be filled by any created thing. It can only be filled by God, made known through Jesus Christ.”

This Light Reflection inspires us to find fulfillment in knowing Jesus in the Year to Shine.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

Vital Step to a Radiant Faith-Humility of a Child

September 22nd, 2023 No comments

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is the humility of a child.

In Matthew 18:3, Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus honors the quality of humility, and directs our attention to a child as a visual example. Sometimes, children can learn from adults, and sometimes adults can learn from children.

Humility makes children teachable while they grow. Humility also moves them to a place of trust and dependence on their parent or guardian. Humility builds better relationships. These are some of the ways that child-like humility can help us to grow in our faith.

First Peter 5:5 teaches us to clothe ourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.

Having the Humility of a Child is a Vital Step to a Radiant Faith that makes a difference in our world.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com