JOHN SHIRK – 2023 has been designated the Year to Shine at WJTL. We will explore what it means to be the salt and light in this world that Jesus calls us to be. Listen for daily light reflections and for steps of faith that we can take to be a radiant witness for Jesus.
In the Year to Shine, today’s Vital Step to a Radiant Faith is being a doer of God’s Word.
James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror, and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it-not forgetting what they heard, but doing it-they will be blessed in what they do.”
Being a Doer of God’s Word is a vital step to a radiant faith that makes a difference in our world.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is freedom.
Second Corinthians 3:17 says “Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
The Spirit of God is about life and freedom. Where there are elements of coercion, intimidation, or manipulation in relationships, the Spirit of the Lord is not the influence behind them.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, people are free to express their love for God with the personalities that God has given them.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, people are free to worship God openly, using a variety of songs that glorify His holy name.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, people are free to share with each other what they are learning and how God is moving in their lives.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, people are free to serve others with their God-given abilities.
Freedom is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Faith-Building Verse is Hebrews 11:29.
“By faith, the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.”
The Egyptians were pursuing the Israelites to return them to slavery, but God set them free. The Red Sea was their breakthrough moment once and for all.
Exodus 14:29 records that the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. That day the LORD saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians.
Sin is like a harsh slave master that seeks to control us with addictions, false beliefs, and selfish pride. God’s grace is the way forward to set us free. We can trust Jesus to lead the way.
This Faith-Building Verse inspires us to walk in the path that leads to freedom in the Year of Relationship.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
This week, it’s a Freedom & Fireworks theme on the Praise & Worship Program. I’m excited to celebrate liberty in Christ with vibrant worship-filled hearts! This year’s lineup includes songs like “Liberty” by Shane & Shane, “Praise Like Fireworks” from Rend Collective, “I Am Free” by Jared Anderson and lots more.

SONG TITLE |
Artist |
Album |
Year |
6AM |
|
|
|
What Freedom Feels Like |
Cody Carnes |
The Darker The Night-The Brighter The Morning |
2017 |
Nail Scarred Hands |
Dante Bowe |
Single |
2022 |
SING IT FROM THE SHACKLES |
Rend Collective |
Single |
2020 |
Deliverer (feat. Lauren Lee) |
North Point Worship |
Single |
2022 |
Living with a Fire (feat. Chris Quilala) [Live] |
Jesus Culture |
Living with a Fire (Live) |
2018 |
More Than Amazing |
Lincoln Brewster |
Real Life |
2012 |
Love Came Down |
Brian Johnson |
Love Came Down |
2010 |
A New Hallelujah |
Michael W. Smith |
A New Hallelujah |
2008 |
Liberated |
Zealand Worship |
Liberated |
2018 |
Im Going Free (Jailbreak) |
Vertical Worship |
The Rock Wont Move |
2013 |
Fires Gonna Fall |
Martin Smith |
Iron Lung |
2019 |
Break Every Chain |
Jesus Culture & Kristene DiMarco |
Jesus Culture Awakening: Live From Chicago |
2011 |
7AM |
|
|
|
Christ Has Set Me Free |
Rend Collective |
Homemade Worship By Handmade People |
2012 |
Nothing Holding Me Back |
Bryan & Katie Torwalt |
Here On Earth |
2011 |
Deliverance (Live) |
GATEWAY |
Greater Than (Live) |
2018 |
Hallelujah For the Cross |
Chris McClarney |
Breakthrough |
2018 |
Where The Spirit Of The Lord Is (feat. Christy Nockels) |
Chris Tomlin |
Passion: Awakening |
2010 |
He Is Faithful (feat. Bryan Torwalt) |
Jesus Culture |
Jesus Culture Awakening: Live From Chicago |
2011 |
Freedom Looks Good on You |
Maverick City Music |
Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition |
2021 |
Where Are The Chains (feat. Lucas McCloud) |
Circuit Rider Music |
Jesus People (Live) |
2021 |
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) |
Chris Tomlin |
Music Inspired By The Motion Picture Amazing Grace |
2007 |
Hearts Ablaze (feat. Bethany Kuenzli) |
Philip Herndon |
Send Revival EP |
2020 |
Liberty (Live) |
Shane & Shane |
Psalms Live |
2016 |
8AM |
|
|
|
Because of Your Love |
Paul Baloche |
A Greater Song |
2006 |
No Chains On Me |
Chris Tomlin |
And If Our God Is For Us |
2010 |
Deliverer |
Matt Maher |
Saints and Sinners |
2015 |
We Are The Free |
Matt Redman |
10,000 Reasons |
2011 |
Freedom Is Coming (Live) |
Hillsong Young & Free |
Out Here On A Friday Where It Began |
2021 |
Freedom in the Spirit (feat. Adam Agin) |
Sarah Kroger |
Bloom |
2019 |
Freedom |
Jesus Culture |
Living With A Fire |
2018 |
Freedom Is Here |
Worship Center Live |
In This Place |
2011 |
My Deliverer |
Mandisa |
Freedom |
2009 |
Freedom Hymn |
Austin French |
Wide Open |
2018 |
Resurrection Power |
Chris Tomlin |
Holy Roar |
2018 |
Freedom Song |
Christy Nockels |
Let It Be Jesus |
2015 |
Freedom Reigns (feat. Kim Walker Smith) |
Jesus Culture |
Come Away |
2010 |
It Was For Freedom (feat. Jon Egan, Mia Fields) |
New Life Worship |
You Hold It All |
2011 |
9AM |
|
|
|
Set a Fire (feat. Will Reagan) |
United Pursuit |
Endless Years |
2012 |
Freedom is Here |
Esterlyn |
Call Out |
2011 |
Set Free (feat. Matt Redman) |
Chris Tomlin |
Passion: Here For You |
2011 |
Where The Spirit of the Lord Is |
Life Church |
Death of Death |
2019 |
I Am Free |
Jared Anderson |
51 Must Have Modern Worship Hits |
2007 |
I Am Found, I Am Free |
GATEWAY |
Monuments |
2017 |
Wild and Free |
Jason Upton |
A Table Full of Strangers, Vol. 2 |
2018 |
Free As a Bird |
Rend Collective |
Campfire II: Simplicity |
2016 |
Free, Amen (Live) |
We The Kingdom |
Live At the Wheelhouse – EP |
2019 |
I Am Set Free |
All Sons & Daughters |
Season One |
2012 |
Praise Like Fireworks |
Rend Collective Experiment |
Campfire |
2013 |
Awe (feat. Chris Quilala) [Live] |
Jesus Culture |
Living with a Fire (Live) |
2018 |
Awe + Wonder |
The Belonging Co |
Awe + Wonder (Live) |
2019 |
Happy Independence Day!
This week’s Praise & Worship playlist has a Freedom & Fireworks theme.
See all the details below and enjoy this highlights version of the playlist you can listen to right here!
Happy 4th,
Kristi
Kristi Leigh, WJTL DJ
Kristi@WJTL.com

Song Title |
Artist |
Album |
Year |
6AM |
|
|
|
Christ Has Set Me Free |
Rend Collective |
Homemade Worship By Handmade People |
2012 |
Wild and Free |
Jason Upton |
A Table Full of Strangers, Vol. 2 |
2018 |
Freedom in the Spirit (feat. Adam Agin) |
Sarah Kroger |
Bloom |
2019 |
Nothing Holding Me Back |
Bryan & Katie Torwalt |
Here On Earth |
2011 |
It Was For Freedom (feat. Jon Egan, Mia Fields) |
New Life Worship |
You Hold It All |
2011 |
Refiners Fire |
Brian Doerksen |
Songs 4 Worship Ultimate |
2011 |
Refiner (feat. Chandler Moore & Steffany Gretzinger) |
Maverick City Music |
Maverick City, Vol. 2 |
2019 |
God Ablaze |
Charlie Hall |
The Rising |
2010 |
Burn for You (feat. David Brymer) |
Rivers & Robots |
Discovery |
2018 |
Like a Fire (feat. Steffany Gretzinger) |
Sean Feucht |
The Things We Did at First |
2016 |
Freedom |
William Matthews |
For The Sake Of The World |
2012 |
Love Like Fire |
Hillsong Worship |
A Beautiful Exchange |
2010 |
7AM |
|
|
|
Where The Spirit Of The Lord Is (feat. Christy Nockels) |
Chris Tomlin |
Passion: Awakening |
2010 |
Fires Gonna Fall |
Martin Smith |
Iron Lung |
2019 |
Burning In My Soul |
Brett Younker |
Passion: Let The Future Begin |
2013 |
Flame of Fire, Rushing Wind |
Bryan & Katie Torwalt |
Champion |
2016 |
Freedom Song |
Christy Nockels |
Let It Be Jesus |
2015 |
Living with a Fire (feat. Chris Quilala) [Live] |
Jesus Culture |
Living with a Fire (Live) |
2018 |
Another In The Fire |
Hillsong United |
People (Live) |
2020 |
I Am Set Free |
All Sons & Daughters |
Season One |
2012 |
Freedom (Live) |
Urban Rescue |
City Sessions (Live In Los Angeles) |
2017 |
SING IT FROM THE SHACKLES |
Rend Collective |
Single |
2020 |
Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains) |
Crowder |
Neon Steeple |
2014 |
Chains |
Bellarive |
Before There Was |
2014 |
Im Going Free (Jailbreak) |
Vertical Worship |
The Rock Wont Move |
2013 |
8AM |
|
|
|
Break Every Chain |
Jesus Culture & Kristene Di Marco |
Jesus Culture Awakening: Live From Chicago |
2011 |
Liberated |
Zealand Worship |
Liberated |
2018 |
Free As a Bird |
Rend Collective |
Campfire II: Simplicity |
2016 |
Set Free (feat. Matt Redman) |
Chris Tomlin |
Passion: Here For You |
2011 |
Im Free (Hymn) / Washed By The Water (Acoustic Live) |
Needtobreathe |
Acoustic Single |
2019 |
Consuming Fire |
Tim Hughes |
When Silence Falls |
2004 |
All Consuming Fire (Live) |
Chris McClarney |
Everything and Nothing Less (Live) |
2015 |
Hearts Ablaze (feat. Bethany Kuenzli) |
Philip Herndon |
Send Revival EP |
2020 |
Freedom Reigns (feat. Kim Walker-Smith) |
Jesus Culture |
Come Away |
2010 |
Freedom (feat. Kim Walker-Smith) [Live] |
Jesus Culture |
Living with a Fire (Live) |
2018 |
I Am Free |
Jared Anderson |
51 Must Have Modern Worship Hits |
2007 |
I Am Found, I Am Free |
GATEWAY |
Monuments |
2017 |
9AM |
|
|
|
We Are The Free |
Matt Redman |
10,000 Reasons |
2011 |
No Longer Slaves (feat. Jonathan David & Melissa Helser) |
Bethel Music |
We Will Not Be Shaken (Live) [Deluxe Edition] |
2015 |
Finally Free |
Rend Collective |
The Art of Celebration |
2014 |
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) [Live] |
Shane & Shane |
Hymns Live |
2019 |
No Chains On Me |
Chris Tomlin |
And If Our God Is For Us |
2010 |
Set Me Ablaze (feat. Katie Torwalt) [Live] |
Jesus Culture |
Let It Echo (Live) |
2016 |
Burn Like A Star |
Rend Collective |
The Art of Celebration |
2014 |
Calling On Fire |
Bellarive |
Before There Was |
2014 |
Set a Fire (Live) |
Jesus Culture |
Live from New York (with Martin Smith) [Live] |
2012 |
Fires |
Matt Redman |
10,000 Reasons |
2011 |
Where The Spirit of the Lord Is |
Life Church |
Death of Death |
2019 |
Free, Amen (Live) |
We The Kingdom |
Live At the Wheelhouse – EP |
2019 |
Praise Like Fireworks |
Rend Collective Experiment |
Campfire |
2013 |
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is Freedom.
Galatians 5:1 tells us that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
To be free in Christ is to be forgiven by His grace and to walk in His truth.
There are two main obstacles to freedom. One obstacle is trespassing God’s laws, where we disobey God and become slaves to sin. The other obstacle is legalism, where we depend on observing God’s laws to save us. The truth is that we cannot save ourselves by doing good deeds, but Jesus can save us from our sins. That is why He came to the world. Trusting Jesus to save us will set us free from the control of those obstacles.
Jesus said in John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Because of Jesus, we are set free to walk in an authentic relationship with God.
Find encouragement in the true and lasting freedom that Jesus provides for His followers in the Year of Endurance.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on the freedom of serving in a spirit of love.
Along with freedoms come responsibility for the actions that we take. The opportunity to use our freedom for good or evil is found in Galatians 5:13 to 15-“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
This is a good word for us today. We can use our freedoms and opportunities for selfish gain or we can use our freedoms and opportunities to represent Jesus. Selfish ambition leads to prideful actions that tear people apart. Love leads to humble service that inspires faith, hope, and love in the lives of others.
Focusing on the freedom of serving others gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
Today we reflect on—and celebrate–our liberty in Christ. It’s a Freedom & Fire(works) themed playlist!
Happy Independence Day—we are free indeed!
Kristi Leigh – WJTL DJ
Kristi@WJTL.com
Song Title
|
Artist
|
Year
|
Album
|
6:00 a.m.
|
|
|
|
Calling On Fire
|
Bellarive
|
2014
|
Before There Was
|
Like a Fire (feat. Steffany Gretzinger)
|
Sean Feucht
|
2016
|
The Things We Did at First
|
All-Consuming Fire (Live)
|
Leeland
|
2014
|
Christ Be All Around Me – Live
|
You Are The Fire
|
Michael W. Smith
|
2014
|
Sovereign
|
Chainbreaker
|
Charlie Hall
|
2008
|
The Bright Sadness
|
Set a Fire (Live)
|
Jesus Culture
|
2012
|
Live from New York (with Martin Smith) [Live]
|
Fires
|
Matt Redman
|
2011
|
10,000 Reasons
|
Obsession
|
Delirious?
|
2001
|
Deeper – The D:finitive Worship Experience
|
Free
|
Jeremy Camp
|
2013
|
Reckless
|
We Are Free
|
Aaron Shust
|
2012
|
This Is What We Believe
|
Set Free (feat. Matt Redman)
|
Chris Tomlin
|
2011
|
Passion: Here For You
|
Forgiven
|
Crowder
|
2017
|
American Prodigal
|
7:00 a.m.
|
|
|
|
Break Every Chain
|
Jesus Culture & Kristene Di Marco
|
2011
|
Jesus Culture Awakening: Live From Chicago
|
King of My Heart
|
John Mark & Sarah McMillan
|
2015
|
You Are the Avalanche – EP
|
Love Like Fire
|
Hillsong Worship
|
2010
|
A Beautiful Exchange
|
It Was For Freedom
|
New Life Worship
|
2011
|
You Hold It All
|
All Consuming Fire (Live)
|
Chris McClarney
|
2015
|
Everything and Nothing Less (Live)
|
Catch the Wind (feat. Melissa Helser)
|
Bethel Music
|
2017
|
Starlight (Live)
|
I Am Set Free
|
All Sons & Daughters
|
2012
|
Season One
|
Refiners Fire
|
Brian Doerksen
|
2011
|
Songs 4 Worship Ultimate
|
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
|
Chris Tomlin
|
2007
|
Music Inspired By The Motion Picture Amazing Grace
|
This Is Living (feat. Lecrae)
|
Hillsong Young & Free
|
2015
|
This Is Living
|
No Longer Slaves
|
Bethel Music
|
2015
|
We Will Not Be Shaken (Live) [Deluxe Edition]
|
We Are The Free
|
Matt Redman
|
2011
|
10,000 Reasons
|
8:00 a.m.
|
|
|
|
Freedom Reigns (feat. Kim Walker-Smith)
|
Jesus Culture
|
2010
|
Come Away
|
Chains
|
Bellarive
|
2014
|
Before There Was
|
Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)
|
Crowder
|
2014
|
Neon Steeple
|
No Chains On Me
|
Chris Tomlin
|
2010
|
And If Our God Is For Us
|
Freedom Song
|
Christy Nockels
|
2015
|
Let It Be Jesus
|
Burning Ones
|
Jesus Culture
|
2011
|
Jesus Culture Awakening: Live From Chicago
|
Break Free
|
Hillsong United
|
2006
|
All Of The Above
|
Burn Like A Star
|
Rend Collective
|
2014
|
The Art of Celebration
|
Burning In My Soul
|
Brett Younker
|
2013
|
Passion: Let The Future Begin
|
Freedom (feat. William Matthews)
|
Bethel Live
|
2012
|
For The Sake Of The World
|
I Am Free
|
Jared Anderson
|
2007
|
51 Must Have Modern Worship Hits
|
Sweetness Of Freedom
|
Citizens
|
2014
|
Citizens
|
God Ablaze
|
Charlie Hall
|
2010
|
The Rising
|
9:00 a.m.
|
|
|
|
Christ Has Set Me Free
|
Rend Collective
|
2012
|
Homemade Worship By Handmade People
|
Consuming Fire
|
Tim Hughes
|
2009
|
Happy Day
|
Fire Never Sleeps (with Martin Smith)
|
Jesus Culture
|
2012
|
Live from New York (with Martin Smith) [Live]
|
Set Me Ablaze (feat. Katie Torwalt)
|
Jesus Culture
|
2016
|
Let It Echo (Live)
|
America (feat. Matt Redman)
|
Chris Tomlin
|
2000
|
Passion: One Day Live
|
Praise Like Fireworks
|
Rend Collective Experiment
|
2013
|
Campfire
|
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Q and A Segment explores the question, “What is the key to real and authentic freedom?”
Over the Fourth of July, America celebrates Independence Day with fireworks. Political liberties such as free speech, religious expression, freedom of assembly, and the freedom of the press are all granted in the U.S. Constitution. These are some of the liberties that we enjoy today, which many other nations do not experience.
As precious as these liberties are, they are not the keys to real and authentic freedom. Jesus offers us the key in John 8:36. He said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Jesus was referring to Himself. He is full of grace and truth. One of His purposes for coming to the world was to set the captives free. In verse 31, He says, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
While political freedoms can be taken away, no one can steal away our spiritual liberty. The truth of Jesus’ words and His gospel of grace are keys to real and authentic freedom in the Year of Exploration.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com