JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is consistency.
Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
A true friend is reliable to offer support in times of crisis. When the world becomes a cold place, we are comforted by the warmth of friends, who know us and love us through the ups and downs of this roller coaster ride called life.
The love of God inspires us to be a loyal friend for others, where we celebrate with them in their time of celebration and mourn with them in their time of sadness.
Being a consistent friend is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – This week, our 20/20 Insights give us a glimpse into our identity when we are in Christ.
In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on our identity as God’s friend.
In John 15:15, Jesus told His disciples, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
When Jesus calls us to follow Him, He invites us into a meaningful friendship. In this friendship, Jesus laid down His life for us, proving Himself to be a faithful friend. He confides in us the Father’s plan of redemption. He reveals to us God’s will for living a life that pleases Him. He shows us the mission field of the world and sends us to various places to share the good news of God’s love. He promises to be with us as we go. That’s faithful friendship. The disciples were followers and friends of Jesus. We have that opportunity today.
Focusing on our identity as God’s friend gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Proverbs 17:17.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
There is a lasting bond in an authentic friendship. When we face turbulent times, like a job loss or an unexpected diagnosis from the doctor, or a broken marriage, our true friends become a support system that help us to get through those difficult times.
Friends are loyal. That does not mean they will approve of everything we do, but it does mean they care about us and are willing to speak truth into our lives if we have wandered off course. They will encourage us when we are disheartened.
They will walk with us through the valleys of despair.
They will celebrate with us when we reach the mountaintops of victory.
Walking as a faithful friend is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK -2015 is the Year of Connection at WJTL. We will examine God’s insights into healthy relationships. Listen for Relationship-Building Principles throughout the upcoming year.
Today’s Relationship-Building Principle comes from Proverbs 17:17.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Real friends are not just fair-weather friends who love you when you are healthy, wealthy, and wise. Real friends are also supportive in your times of need, when you are in the hospital, when you have lost your job, or when you have lost a loved one. That is when the value of real friendships is felt. That is the kind of friend that God wants us to be for others. That is the kind of friend Jesus is for us. He talked about real friendship this way in John 15:12 and 13:
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Less than 24 hours later, Jesus was hanging on the cross, reaching out with love, dying for our sins, offering forgiveness and eternal life to those who will receive His gift of grace.
Real friendship is a vital-relationship-building principle to take to heart in the Year of Connection.
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Moment of Celebration reflects on the value of a true blue friend.
H. G. Bohn has said, “Friendships multiply joys and divide griefs.” There is something deeply meaningful when we celebrate special occasions with friends and loved ones. Perhaps this is why we tend to invite our circle of friends to our birthday parties and wedding ceremonies. We are also comforted by the support of friends in our low moments, when we have lost a loved one or if we have lost our job unexpectedly. Friends may not have the solutions to take away our pain, but they do offer us love and encouragement, which we really need when we find ourselves in a tough place.
The Bible reveals the value of a true blue friend this way:
Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Jesus is the ultimate expression of a true blue friend. He told His followers, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” The next day, Jesus laid down His life for His friends.
The value of a true blue friend is a reason to be glad in the Year of Celebration.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
FRED MCNAUGHTON – Tune in today and be a part of the WJTL Friendraiser .
We are asking listeners (just like you) to support the station with prayer and monthly donations. Our goal is 230 New Pledgers!!! 230 Listeners who have never supported the station, or haven’t supported it lately, or who aren’t currently supporting on a regular basis. (YES! We want to cover all our bases, in more ways than one!)
Has WJTL impacted you or someone you know? If you believe in the ministry of WJTL, please call (717) 392-3690 and pledge your support. OR… You can make a pledge online.
WJTL is a listener-supported, non-commercial radio station. 100% of the support comes from our generous and faithful family of listeners. WJTL could not stay on the air without you.
Tune in today and listen for your chance to win prizes, hear special guests from the community and hear the heartbeat of this radio ministry.
THANK YOU!!!
