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Showing posts from February, 2023

From Stones to Savior: The Ultimate Symbol of Remembrance

Stones have been a powerful symbol of remembrance throughout the Old Testament. From the twelve stones set up by the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River to the monument erected by Saul at Ebenezer, stones were tangible reminders of God's faithfulness and power. But in the New Testament, a new symbol of remembrance emerged: the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus' death and resurrection fulfilled the promises of the Old Testament and ushered in a new covenant between God and humanity. No longer did we need physical stones to remind us of God's faithfulness - instead, we had the living, breathing presence of Jesus Himself. His sacrifice serves as the ultimate reminder of God's love and grace, and His resurrection assures us of our own future resurrection and eternal life. But Jesus didn't just leave us with words - He left us with a tangible reminder of His sacrifice in the form of holy communion. When we partake of the bread and wine, we remember Jesus' body bro

Trust in Jesus, the Calmer of Storms

 Are you feeling tired and overwhelmed? Take heart, for even Jesus needed rest. In Mark 4:35-41, we read the story of Jesus and his disciples crossing over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee in a boat. Jesus had been teaching the crowds all day, and he was tired. As they sailed, a great windstorm arose, and the waves began to break into the boat. The disciples were afraid and woke Jesus up, saying, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" Jesus then got up and rebuked the wind and the sea, saying, "Peace! Be still!" and the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. At first glance, it may seem that Jesus' sleep was physical, but there was also a deeper spiritual rest he was experiencing. As the Son of God, Jesus knew that he was under the care and protection of his heavenly Father. Psalm 121:3-4 tells us, "He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.&

The Battle Within: Finding Victory Through Yahweh and Jesus

 In the Bible, the word "battle" is often used to describe physical warfare between armies or nations. However, there is also a spiritual battle that takes place within each person, as we struggle between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the spirit. In Hebrew, the word for "battle" is "milchamah," which carries the connotation of conflict and struggle. Thankfully, Yahweh provides guidance and support as we navigate this battle within ourselves. Here are three ways that Yahweh leads us in battle, as described in the Bible: 1. Yahweh goes before us: In Deuteronomy 20:4, it says, "For Yahweh your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory." This passage emphasizes that Yahweh is the one who fights for us and gives us the victory, even in the midst of difficult battles. 2. Yahweh strengthens us: In Psalm 18:32-34, it says, "It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He

Jesus: The Light of the World, From Genesis to Revelation

 The Hebrew word used for "light" in Genesis 1 is "אוֹΧ¨" (or), which generally refers to physical light, but can also have a metaphorical or spiritual connotation. In the context of Genesis 1, the word "or" is used to describe the separation of light from darkness on the first day of creation, before the creation of the sun, moon, and stars on the fourth day. In the New Testament, the Gospel of John describes Jesus as the light that came into the world. John 1:4-5 states, "In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 8:12 further describes Jesus as saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." This connection between Jesus and the light of Genesis 1 is reinforced in Colossians 1:15-17, which describes Jesus as the image of the invisible God and the firstborn over all crea

Breaking chains, Living free!

 The Bible teaches that through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be released from the power of Satan and experience true freedom in every aspect of our lives. We need to resist the devil, put on the armor of God, and rely on the strength and power of God to remain free. The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is a powerful weapon in our spiritual battle against Satan. As we read and meditate on God's Word, we are strengthened and equipped to resist temptation and overcome the lies of the devil. As believers, we can rejoice in the fact that "who the Son sets free is free indeed" (John 8:36). Jesus Christ has set us free from sin and the power of Satan, and we are no longer slaves to our old ways of living. We are now free to live a life of obedience to God and to serve Him with joy and gratitude. Therefore, let us take hold of the freedom that Christ has given us and live our lives for Him. Let us arm ourselves with the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God

Discover the Ancient of Days and Alpha & Omega

 The Alpha and the Omega and the Ancient of Days are both names of God that represent His eternal nature and ultimate sovereignty. The Ancient of Days is described in Daniel 7:9 as a being with hair as white as wool, sitting on a throne, and judging the nations. This description emphasizes the wisdom and power of God, as well as His role as a judge. The Alpha and the Omega, on the other hand, is a term used to describe God's eternal nature and ultimate sovereignty over all things. The phrase comes from the book of Revelation, where God declares, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end" (Revelation 1:8). This phrase emphasizes the completeness and unchanging nature of God, as well as His ultimate control over all things. While the Ancient of Days and the Alpha and the Omega are different names for God, they both emphasize His eternal nature and ultimate sovereignty. The Ancient of Days emphasizes God's role as a judge, while the Alpha and the Omega emp

God delivers the Broken-hearted

 Dear Broken-hearted, I want you to know that God sees you. He sees your pain, your struggles, and your heartache. You are not alone in your suffering, and you can take comfort in the fact that God is with you every step of the way. In Psalm 34:18, we read that "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." This verse is a powerful reminder that God is always present, even in our darkest moments. He is a loving and compassionate God who cares deeply about each and every one of us. It's important to remember that God is a deliverer. He is capable of delivering us from any situation, no matter how difficult it may seem. In 2 Corinthians 1:10, we read that God "delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us." This verse is a powerful reminder that we can trust in God to deliver us from any trial we may face. But the ultimate example of God'

God is our Mighty Warrior

 Do you ever feel like you are facing giants in your life? Obstacles that seem too big to overcome, fears that hold you back, and challenges that appear insurmountable? The good news is that we have a mighty warrior on our side who can defeat any giant that comes our way. From the Old Testament to the New, God has been portrayed as a powerful warrior who goes into battle for His people, leading them to victory over their enemies. Join us as we explore how God has fought for His people throughout history, and how He continues to fight for us today. Discover the power of trusting God to be our giant-slayer and our ultimate liberator. Part 1: God as a Mighty Warrior Throughout the Bible, God is portrayed as a mighty warrior who goes into battle for His people. In the Old Testament, we see God fighting on behalf of the Israelites against their enemies, protecting them from harm, and leading them to victory. One example of this is the story of the battle battle of Jericho, in which God comm

Yahweh's Power

Yahweh, the God of the Hebrew Bible, is a divine Spiritual being of incredible power and might. Throughout the Bible, Yahweh's power is demonstrated through miraculous events and divine interventions, showing his ability to control nature, heal the sick, and even raise the dead. The essence of Yahweh's power is rooted in his holiness and majesty, which is often accompanied by his presence or "glory." In this article, we will explore the significance of the power of Yahweh, its essence, and relevant biblical verses that illustrate this divine attribute.  Join us as we delve into the awe-inspiring power of Yahweh and discover how we can find strength and refuge in his divine presence. I. The significance of the power of Yahweh: a. Yahweh is the God of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and is believed by Jews and Christians to be the one and only God who created and sustains the universe. b. Yahweh is often described as all-powerful or omnipotent, which means that he has

From a place of Victory

 The apostle Paul teaches that believers come from a place of victory, which is found in their faith in Christ. Here are a few points that illustrate God's hand in this victory, using the biblical acronym "ENEMY": E: God has "enlightened" believers to the truth of the gospel and given them the knowledge and wisdom they need to overcome the lies of the enemy (Ephesians 1:17-18). N: God has "nourished" believers with His Word, providing them with the spiritual sustenance they need to grow in their faith and withstand the attacks of the enemy (Matthew 4:4). E: God has "empowered" believers with His Holy Spirit, who enables them to live according to His will and empowers them to overcome the works of the enemy (Acts 1:8). M: God has "made" believers into a new creation through their faith in Christ, freeing them from the power of sin and death and equipping them for victory (2 Corinthians 5:17). Y: God has "yielded" the victor

L.O.V.E. - Leading Others with Value and Encouragement

L.O.V.E. - Leading Others with Value and Encouragement L - Leading: Christians are called to be leaders in the world by serving and showing love to others. O - Others: The focus of love should be on others, not just ourselves. V - Value: We should value others as God's creations and treat them with respect and dignity. E - Encouragement: We should use our words and actions to encourage and build up one another, especially in difficult times.

You are Kadosh (Set Apart)

 Kadosh is a Hebrew word that means "set apart" or "separate," and is often used in the Old Testament to describe God's holiness and the call to holiness for His people. Here are three prophecies from the Old Testament that use the word kadosh: 1. Isaiah 6:3 - "And they were calling to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.'" This passage describes a vision that Isaiah had of the Lord, and emphasizes the holiness and glory of God. 2. Ezekiel 39:7 - "So I will make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel, and I will not let my holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel." This passage describes a future time when God will restore His people and make His holy name known to the nations. 3. Zechariah 14:20-21 - "On that day 'Holy to the Lord' will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, and the cooking pot

Advancing God's Kingdom on Earth

The building God's kingdom is a central theme throughout the Bible, and there are numerous verses that encourage Christians to participate in this mission. Here are a few examples: 1. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." 2. Matthew 28:18-20 - "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" 3. Mark 1:15 - "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" 4. Luke 9:2 - "And he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick." 5. Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spi

Consequences of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus

 Here are a few consequences of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus, as recorded in the Bible: 1. The betrayal led directly to Jesus' arrest and subsequent crucifixion, which was a pivotal moment in Christian theology and salvation history. (Matthew 26:47-56, 27:1-26) 2. Judas' actions led to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being betrayed by a close associate. (Psalm 41:9, Zechariah 11:12-13) 3. After his betrayal, Judas experienced deep regret and remorse, but ultimately committed suicide rather than seeking forgiveness or reconciliation. (Matthew 27:3-10) 4. Judas' actions led to the need for a replacement among the apostles, which was ultimately filled by Matthias. (Acts 1:15-26) These consequences highlight the seriousness and gravity of Judas' betrayal, and suggest that his actions had far-reaching spiritual and historical implications. They also underscore the importance of faithfulness and loyalty among Jesus' followers, and t

The Shema calls us to active Obedience

 Active obedience refers to the idea of actively living out one's faith through actions and deeds that reflect one's beliefs and values. In the context of the Shema, active obedience means not only hearing the words but also living out the commandment to love and serve God with all one's heart, soul, and might. This involves actively seeking to follow God's commandments, to live according to His will, and to serve others in love and compassion. Active obedience is an important concept in many religious traditions, including Judaism and Christianity. It is based on the idea that faith is not just a matter of belief or personal conviction but also involves a commitment to action and service. Active obedience is a way of expressing one's faith in concrete and tangible ways and is an important part of living a life that is pleasing to God. Don't just hear it, live it! The Shema calls us to active obedience. #jkwoodallministries #YouHaveThePOWERinYou 

Perseverance through patience

 Jesus' display of patience and how following his example leads us to eternal life: I. Jesus' display of patience A. Enduring temptation in the wilderness for 40 days (Matthew 4:1-11) B. Forgiving his persecutors on the cross (Luke 23:34) C. Waiting for God's timing before beginning his public ministry (John 2:4) II. The importance of following Jesus' example of patience A. Patience leads to spiritual growth and maturity (James 1:4) B. Patience is necessary for enduring trials and hardships (James 1:12) C. Patience demonstrates faith in God's plan and timing (Hebrews 6:15) III. How following Jesus' example of patience leads to eternal life A. Patience in persevering in faith leads to salvation (Matthew 24:13) B. Patience in doing good works leads to eternal rewards (Galatians 6:9) C. Patience in waiting for the Lord's coming leads to eternal glory (James 5:7-8) Perseverance with patience, follow Jesus' way. Endure for eternity, starting today! #jkwoodall

Who is the King of Glory?

 The King of Glory is, the one who is above all kings and the source of all honor and glory. In Psalm 24:7-10, the psalmist is callin' out to the gates of the city to open up and receive the King of Glory, who is none other than the Lord of Hosts, Yahweh Sabaoth in Hebrew. Now, the King of Glory, or "Melech hakavod" in Hebrew, represents the sovereignty and rule of God over all of ncreation. This is a declaration of His greatness, His power, and His control over all things. And this is something that we should all recognizeΔ₯ and acknowledge in our own lives. In Jewish tradition, the King of Glory is tied to the hope for the Messianic Age, when God will rule with justice and righteousness. And in the New Testament, the King of Glory is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, with all authority and power over all things. So, what we are saying to you, friends? We are saying that you have to recognize the King of Glory in your own life. Ope

Look to the Hills, for Strength... Why?

 Good question,  In the ancient Near East, the hills were often seen as places of safety and refuge because they offered higher ground and a clear view of the surrounding area, which made it easier to spot approaching danger. Additionally, the hills were often less fertile and less inhabited than the valleys, so they were less likely to be targeted by attackers who were looking to conquer land and resources. In a spiritual sense, the hills in the Bible symbolize a higher power or source of strength. In this context, "looking to the hills" is a way of expressing one's trust in God and seeking refuge in Him. It conveys the idea that, just as people in ancient times looked to the hills for protection, Christians can look to God for safety, guidance, and support. So, when the psalmist says "I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?" they are making a statement about their faith in God and relying on Him for protection and support, even in times of

Fear as a Weapon?

Fear as a Weapon? In the Bible, fear is sometimes portrayed as a weapon that can be used by those in positions of power to control or manipulate others. This type of fear is often associated with violence, threats, and intimidation, and is often seen as a negative force. For example, King Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel uses fear as a weapon to force the Israelites to worship his image. He threatens to throw them into a fiery furnace if they do not comply, hoping to instill fear in the people and assert his power. Similarly, throughout history, many governments and leaders have used fear as a tool of oppression, spreading propaganda and threatening violence to maintain their power. In contrast, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear through faith in God. For example, in Isaiah 41:10, God says, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." This

Jesus' teaching on PRAYER

3 Key Points on Jesus' teaching on Prayer: 1. Prayer is a means of connecting with God: Jesus taught that prayer is a direct line of communication with God, allowing individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs to the divine. 2. Persistence in prayer is key: Jesus encouraged persistence in prayer, telling the story of the persistent widow and the unjust judge (Luke 18:1-8), which emphasizes the importance of continuing to pray even when it seems that prayers are not being answered. 3. Humility in prayer is important: Jesus taught that prayer should be accompanied by humility and a recognition of our dependence on God. He taught that prayer should be characterized by a contrite spirit and a recognition of our need for God's help, as seen in the Lord's Prayer, where Jesus taught his disciples to pray, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name." Prayer: Your Direct Connection to God - Make it a Priority Today #YouHaveThePOWERinYou  #jkwoodallministri

H.O.P.E. #revivalcentershesperia

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H.O.P.E REVIVAL CENTER HESPERIA 

Why Wisdom is Essential for the Christian Family

  Biblical wisdom is essential for several reasons: 1. Helps in decision-making: Wisdom helps us understand what is right and wrong, and guides us in making wise decisions in life. The Bible provides practical wisdom for daily living that can help us make good choices and avoid mistakes. 2. Promotes peace and joy: Wisdom brings peace and joy in life. When we follow God's wisdom, we avoid harmful behavior and negative outcomes, leading to a more fulfilling and peaceful life. 3. Builds relationships: Wisdom helps us understand how to treat others with love, respect, and kindness, leading to strong and healthy relationships. 4. Leads to righteousness: Wisdom leads us to a right relationship with God and others, promoting righteousness and obedience to God's laws and principles. 5. Enhances spiritual growth: Wisdom helps us deepen our understanding of God, leading to spiritual growth and a closer relationship with Him. In all, Biblical wisdom is essential for living a fulfilling li

What is so Good about The Good News?

From a Hebrew perspective, the term "Besorah Tovah" (Good News) refers to the message of salvation and redemption that is central to Judaism and Christianity. In the Jewish tradition, this message is embodied in the prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures (Tanakh) about the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. In the Christian tradition, the Good News refers to the gospel message about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the Messiah and the Savior of humanity. Both Jews and Christians view the Good News as a message of hope, comfort, and transformation, offering the promise of forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and a new life in relationship with God. This message is considered essential to understanding the purpose of life and the ultimate destiny of humanity, and is seen as the key to experiencing joy, peace, and fulfillment in this world and the world to come. Spread the Good News... Stay blessed πŸ™Œ  #jkwoodallmi