I Thirst: The Deeper Meaning of Jesus' Words on the Cross

Finding Fulfillment in Satisfying Our Spiritual Thirst

Greetings to You Saints,

As Jesus hung on the cross, He cried out, "I am thirsty" (John 19:28). These words may seem simple and straightforward, but they carry a deeper meaning that resonates with us to this day. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of Jesus' statement and its relevance to our lives.

At first glance, Jesus' statement may seem like a mere expression of physical thirst. However, it is important to understand that Jesus was experiencing dehydration due to the intense suffering and agony of the crucifixion. His statement was a physical manifestation of His humanity, and it also fulfilled the prophecy in Psalm 69:21, which said, "They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst."

But there is a deeper meaning to Jesus' statement that goes beyond physical thirst. Jesus often used physical expressions to teach spiritual truths, and His statement "I am thirsty" is no exception. Just as physical thirst is a deep, intense desire for water, spiritual thirst is a longing for a deeper connection with God and a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

In Matthew 5:6, Jesus says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." This verse speaks of a spiritual hunger and thirst for righteousness, which Jesus encourages His followers to pursue. Jesus is saying that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied, indicating that true fulfillment can only be found in a relationship with God through righteousness.

As we reflect on Jesus' statement "I am thirsty," we are reminded of the importance of satisfying our spiritual thirst for righteousness. We must seek a deeper connection with God and strive to live a life of righteousness. Only then will we find true fulfillment and satisfaction.

Furthermore, Jesus' suffering and sacrifice on the cross made it possible for us to be filled with righteousness and have our spiritual thirst quenched. In John 7:37-38, Jesus says, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." This passage speaks of the Holy Spirit, which fills us with righteousness and satisfies our spiritual thirst.

Invocation:  Jesus' statement "I am thirsty" carries a deep and profound meaning that extends beyond physical thirst. It reminds us of the importance of satisfying our spiritual thirst for righteousness and finding fulfillment in a relationship with God. As we seek to live a life of righteousness and pursue a deeper connection with God, we can be confident that we will be filled and satisfied. 

In HIS Service, 

JK. Woodall, Ph.D. 

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia

God's timing may not be our timing, but it is always right on time

Subject:  God's Timing: The Flawless Fulfillment of Prophecy

Greetings to You Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,

From the very beginning, God has shown us that there is a time and a season for everything. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 reminds us that there is a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot. The psalmist declares in Psalm 31:15 that our times are in God's hands, and in Isaiah 60:22, God promises that he will act at the appointed time. Throughout the Old Testament, we see God's timing and faithfulness on full display.

And then, in the New Testament, we see the culmination of God's plan for the redemption of humanity in the person of Jesus Christ. As he read from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus declared that the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1-2 was coming true in him. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor" (Luke 4:18-19).

In that moment, Jesus was declaring that the time had come for the fulfillment of this prophecy. He was the one that God had anointed to bring salvation to the world. He recognized that his mission was tied to God's plan and timing, and he trusted in God's perfect timing to bring about the fulfillment of his mission.

As we look back on this moment, we see the flawless timing of God on full display. From the prophecies of the Old Testament to the fulfillment of those prophecies in Jesus Christ, we see the perfect timing and faithfulness of our God. And if we can trust in God's timing and faithfulness in the past, we can trust in them for our present and future as well.

So, let us anticipate God's timing with expectant hearts, knowing that his plans for us are good and perfect. Let us trust in his timing, even when it seems like he is taking too long. Let us glorify him for his flawless timing and for his faithfulness to fulfill every promise that he has made.

In His service,

JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia

#GodsTiming #FlawlessFulfillment #Prophecy #PerfectTiming #Faithfulness #TrustGod #AnticipateHisTiming #GlorifyHim #RevivalCenterHesperia

Yahweh Saves

 Subject: The Name Jesus Means "Yahweh Saves" - A Message of Salvation

Dear brothers and sisters,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today, I want to talk to you about the significance of the name Jesus, which means "Yahweh saves." This name speaks to the very heart of our faith, as it represents the salvation that comes through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.

The Transfiguration is an important event in the New Testament and is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The appearance of Moses and Elijah during the Transfiguration was a significant event for the disciples, as it confirmed Jesus' divine nature and mission. The appearance of Moses was a reminder of the law, and Elijah represented the prophets, and their appearance with Jesus on the mountain was a testimony that Jesus fulfilled the law and the prophets.

Moreover, we see in the Bible that Moses, despite his faithful service, was not allowed to enter the Promised Land physically. God showed Moses the land from a distance but did not allow him to enter it because of his disobedience at the waters of Meribah (Numbers 20:8-12). However, in the Transfiguration event, Moses appeared with Jesus, indicating that even though Moses did not physically enter the Promised Land, he was still a significant figure in God's plan.

Similarly, we see parallels between Joshua and Jesus as both were chosen by God to lead His people. Joshua was chosen by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, and Jesus was sent by God to deliver us from sin and death. In fact, the name Jesus means "Yahweh saves," which speaks to the very purpose of His coming to earth.

As followers of Christ, it is important that we bear witness to the fact that Yahweh saves, and His plan was manifested through the appearance of Moses and Elijah with Jesus. May we continue to put our faith in Jesus, who fulfilled the law and the prophets and provides salvation for all who believe.

I encourage you to share this message of salvation with others, that they too may come to know the saving power of Jesus Christ. Let us be ambassadors of the Gospel, spreading the good news that Yahweh saves.

In His service,

JK Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia

#YahwehSaves #Moses #Elijah #Transfiguration #Salvation #Joshua #Jesus #GoodNews #AmbassadorsOfChrist

Come and see the blessings of the Lord's resurrection in your life

 Title: "Come and See: The Blessing of the Lord's Resurrection in Our Lives"

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On this glorious Resurrection Sunday, let us reflect on the significance of Christ's resurrection and the blessing it brings to our lives. In John 20:1-9, we read about Mary Magdalene discovering the empty tomb and running to tell Peter and John. They came and saw the empty tomb, but did not yet understand the resurrection. It was not until later, when Jesus appeared to them, that they truly saw and believed.

Similarly, in our lives, we may have heard about the resurrection, but have we truly seen and believed its blessings? Let us come and see what the Lord's resurrection means for us:

Through the resurrection, we are justified and made righteous before God. As Romans 4:25 states, "He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." We have been forgiven and declared righteous through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Through the resurrection, we have hope in eternal life. As 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 says, "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." We have the assurance of eternal life through Christ's resurrection.

Through the resurrection, we have power to live a victorious life. As Ephesians 1:19-20 declares, "That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms." We have access to the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, enabling us to live a victorious and fruitful life.

Through the resurrection, we have a living hope in Jesus Christ. As 1 Peter 1:3 proclaims, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." Our hope is not in a dead Savior, but in a living one who has conquered death.

So let us come and see the blessing of the Lord's resurrection in our lives. May we be like the disciples who saw and believed, and may our lives be transformed by the power of the risen Christ. 

In His service,

JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia

He is Risen!

Title: He is Risen!

Scripture: Luke 24:1-12

Devotional:

On this Resurrection Sunday, we celebrate the most significant event in all of human history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The stone that sealed His tomb was rolled away, and Jesus emerged victorious over sin and death. His resurrection was the ultimate proof that He is the Son of God and that His sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to pay for our sins.

As we reflect on the resurrection of Jesus, we must also remember the significance of the cross. The cross was the instrument of Jesus' death, but it was also the means by which He accomplished our salvation. He willingly took our sins upon Himself and suffered the punishment we deserved. But through His death and resurrection, He conquered sin and death and made a way for us to have eternal life.

Luke 24:1-12 tells the story of the women who went to Jesus' tomb on the morning of the third day. They found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty, and were met by two angels who declared to them that Jesus had risen from the dead. The women were filled with fear and amazement, but the angels reminded them of Jesus' own words, that He would rise again on the third day.

Like the women at the tomb, we too can be filled with fear and amazement at the reality of the resurrection. It is a mystery beyond our understanding, but one that we can rejoice in nonetheless. Through the resurrection of Jesus, we have the hope of eternal life and the assurance that our sins have been forgiven.

As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus today, let us also remember the sacrifice He made on the cross. Let us give thanks for His love and grace, and for the new life that we have in Him. Let us live each day in the knowledge that He is risen and that He is coming again.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, we thank You for the gift of Your Son and for His sacrifice on the cross. We praise You for the victory He won over sin and death through His resurrection. Help us to live each day in the knowledge of Your love and grace, and to share the good news of the gospel with those around us. In Jesus' name, amen.

Closing:

He is risen! Let us go forth in the joy and power of His resurrection, sharing the love and hope of Jesus Christ with all those around us.

In HIS Service,

JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia

What's so Holy about Holy Saturday?

Title: Rest, Reflect, and Renew on Holy Saturday

Dear Saints,

I welcome you in Grace and in Peace.

Holy Saturday is a day of waiting and anticipation in the Christian faith, as we remember the darkness and confusion that Jesus' followers must have experienced after his death. Despite the sadness and grief that may be present, there is a sense of holiness and reverence to this day.

Firstly, Holy Saturday is holy because it is a day of rest. After the intense events of Good Friday, Jesus' followers took time to rest and reflect on what had happened. This rest and reflection is important for our own spiritual growth and well-being, as we take time to slow down and be still in the presence of God (Psalm 46:10).

Secondly, Holy Saturday is holy because it is a day of waiting in faith. Although Jesus had promised his disciples that he would rise from the dead, they did not yet understand the fullness of his message. On Holy Saturday, they waited in faith for the fulfillment of his promise. In our own lives, we are called to wait in faith for the fulfillment of God's promises, even when we cannot see the way ahead (Hebrews 11:1).

Finally, Holy Saturday is holy because it points us towards the hope of resurrection. Although Jesus' followers did not yet know what was to come, they trusted in God's plan and were filled with hope for the future. As Christians, we know that the darkness of Holy Saturday was followed by the joy and light of Easter Sunday. This gives us hope that even in the midst of our own struggles and trials, there is a future filled with joy and redemption (Romans 8:18).

In conclusion, Holy Saturday may seem like a somber and difficult day, but it is ultimately holy because of the rest, faith, and hope that it brings. As we reflect on this day, let us remember that God is with us in the darkness, and that the light of resurrection is always just ahead.

In HIS Service, 

JK. Woodall, Ph.D. 

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia

Fully equipped with faith and armor for any battle.

Fully Equipped: Overcoming Giants with God's Help

Greetings my Brothers and Sisters,  

In 1 Samuel 17, we find a story that has been retold and celebrated for centuries. It is the tale of David and Goliath, a young shepherd boy facing off against a giant Philistine warrior. David, armed with nothing but a sling and five smooth stones, emerges victorious, thanks to God's help.

The story of David and Goliath is not just a story of an underdog triumphing over a powerful opponent. It is a story of being fully equipped for the task at hand. David carefully chose his stones and honed his skill with a sling over years of practice. But most importantly, he had faith in God, trusting that God would deliver him from danger.

The concept of being fully equipped is a recurring theme in the Bible. In Ephesians 6:11-18, the Apostle Paul describes the armor of God as a way for believers to be fully equipped for spiritual battle. He encourages us to put on the full armor of God, which includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.

Being fully equipped means having everything we need to face any challenge that comes our way. It means being prepared and ready to act, with faith in God as our ultimate source of strength and victory. When we put on the full armor of God, we are equipped for any spiritual battle that may come our way.

But being fully equipped is not just about spiritual battles. It applies to all areas of our lives. We can trust that God will provide us with the tools we need to face any obstacle, whether it be a physical, emotional, or relational challenge. We can have faith that with God's help, we are fully equipped to overcome any giant that stands in our way.

In conclusion, let us remember that we are fully equipped with the armor of God to face any spiritual battle. And in all aspects of our lives, we can trust that God will provide us with the tools we need to overcome any obstacle. So let us put on the full armor of God and face every challenge with faith and confidence, knowing that we are fully equipped for the task at hand.

In HIS Service,

JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia

#FullyEquipped #DavidAndGoliath #ArmorOfGod #SpiritualBattles #Faith #TrustInGod #OvercomingObstacles #Victory #ChristianLiving #RevivalCenterHesperia