Devotional: December 8 – December 14, 2024

#Weekly Devotional: December 8 – December 14, 2024 

#Theme: Revival – Letting Jesus Revive What You Thought Was Dead in Your Life

#Scripture Focus:  

*"Then He said to me, ‘Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!’’”* – Ezekiel 37:4  

#Devotional Thought: 

As we journey through this week, let us fix our hearts and minds on the power of revival. Revival is not just about stirring emotions or gathering together for worship; it is about Jesus breathing new life into the areas of our lives that we’ve labeled as dead. Whether it’s a dream that seems unattainable, a relationship that feels irreparable, or even your spiritual fervor that has waned, Jesus specializes in bringing the dead back to life.  

Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones is a powerful reminder that nothing is too far gone for God. When we surrender our "dry bones" to Him, He speaks life over them, just as He did when He raised Lazarus from the tomb. Jesus’ power isn’t limited by time or circumstance. What you think is over can still be revived when you allow Him to step in.  

#Reflection Questions: 

1. What areas of your life feel like “dry bones” in need of revival?  

2. Are there any doubts or fears holding you back from fully surrendering them to Jesus?  

3. How can you create space this week for Jesus to speak life into those areas?  

#Prayer for Revival: 

#Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God who brings life where there was once death. I surrender the dry and lifeless areas of my life to You. Speak Your word over me, and breathe new life into my heart, my mind, and my spirit. Revive my hope, my joy, and my purpose in You. I trust that what seems impossible to me is entirely possible through You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.*  

#Action Steps:  

- #Daily Word: Read Ezekiel 37:1-14 and reflect on how God’s power transforms what seems lost.  

- **Prayer Focus:** Dedicate time each day to pray specifically for revival in your personal life, your family, and your community.  

- #Faith in Action: Write down one “dead” situation you will surrender to Jesus this week, and commit to trusting Him for revival.  

Closing #Encouragement:  

Revival begins in the heart, and it starts when we invite Jesus into our brokenness. This week, expect Him to move. Watch as He revives what you thought was gone and restores what you thought was lost. Trust Him, and let His resurrection power bring you back to life.

 

The Real Enemy

By: JK Woodall, Ph.D.

To all My Fellow Saints in Jesus Christ,

“For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” — Luke 9:56

Throughout the Scriptures, humanity has often misidentified its true enemy. We see this misunderstanding reflected in the hearts of individuals, communities, and even nations. But as we examine the life and mission of Jesus Christ, it becomes abundantly clear: the real enemy is not a political power or external oppressor, but the pervasive forces of sin and death that separate humanity from God.

The Lesson of Exodus 2

In Exodus 2:11-14, Moses, sensing his divine call to deliver his people, kills an Egyptian who is beating a Hebrew. The next day, when Moses confronts two Israelites fighting, they reject him, saying:

“Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?” (Exodus 2:14)

Here we see fear and rejection. The Israelites were not ready to recognize Moses as their deliverer. His act of physical deliverance—killing the Egyptian—only deepened their confusion and fear. Moses’ approach pointed to a truth humanity has struggled to grasp: salvation cannot be brought about through external force alone. The hearts of the people must first be prepared.

John the Baptist and the Messiah’s Mission

This same tension arises in the New Testament. In Matthew 11:2-3, John the Baptist, imprisoned and awaiting what he assumed would be the Messiah’s triumphant overthrow of Israel’s enemies, sent his disciples to ask Jesus:

“Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

John, like many in Israel, expected a Messiah who would destroy their Roman oppressors and establish a visible kingdom of power. But Jesus’ mission was far greater. He responded by pointing to His works:

“Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” (Matthew 11:4-6)

Jesus’ response made it clear: He came not to destroy earthly enemies but to heal, restore, and proclaim the Kingdom of God. His mission was to address the root cause of humanity’s suffering—sin and death—through His sacrifice on the cross.

Identifying the Real Enemy

The Israelites in Exodus 2 feared Moses, just as many feared Jesus. They misidentified their savior as a threat because they did not understand their true enemy. If Jesus had come in judgment, as John and others expected, humanity would have faced immediate condemnation. Instead, Jesus offered salvation:

1. Sin — The rebellion that separates humanity from God. Jesus came to bear the penalty of sin, offering forgiveness and reconciliation through His blood (Romans 3:23-25).

2. Death — The consequence of sin and the great enemy of humanity. Through His resurrection, Jesus defeated death and promised eternal life to all who believe (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

These are the true enemies that enslave and oppress. Political powers and earthly kingdoms pale in comparison to the bondage of sin and the finality of death. Jesus’ mission was to liberate humanity from these ultimate foes, not through force, but through grace, truth, and sacrifice.

A Savior Who Saves, Not Destroys

The contrast between the Israelites’ reaction to Moses and John the Baptist’s question about Jesus reveals a profound truth: fear and misunderstanding often lead to rejection of the Savior. If Jesus had come as a conquering king, destroying Rome and other perceived enemies, many would have responded with fear rather than faith. They, like the Israelites in Moses’ time, were not yet ready to receive the salvation God offered.

Jesus’ first coming was not about judgment but salvation. As He Himself declared:

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (John 3:17)

This salvation required humility and a cross. It required Jesus to endure rejection, suffering, and death so that humanity could be reconciled to God.

The Lesson for Today

As Saints, we must recognize the real enemy. It is not the challenges we face in the world—be they political, social, or personal—but the sin that seeks to corrupt and the death that seeks to claim. Like John the Baptist, we may sometimes question God’s methods, expecting immediate deliverance from our circumstances. But Jesus reminds us that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Let us not stumble over the Savior’s approach. Instead, let us trust in His perfect plan and proclaim the good news that Jesus has already defeated the real enemy. Through His cross and resurrection, we have victory over sin and death and the promise of eternal life.

To Him be all glory, honor, and praise!

Welcome to December 2024 - Your New Month of Walking in Authority

Walking in Authority

By: Pst. JK Woodall

Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

As we step into the final month of this year, we are reminded of the power and authority that God has granted us through Christ Jesus. December is not just a time of reflection but a season to boldly walk in the authority bestowed upon us as believers. Authority is not merely a position; it is an active demonstration of faith, trust, and obedience to God’s Word.

Walking in Authority Means:

1. Standing Firm in Your Identity

   • The Word declares, "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you" (Luke 10:19). This month, embrace who you are in Christ. You are a child of the Most High, an heir of His promises, and a warrior equipped for victory.

2. Declaring God’s Promises

   • Walking in authority requires speaking life into your circumstances. The Bible says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21). This December, let your words align with God’s truth. Declare peace over your home, health over your body, and abundance over your life.

3. Taking Ground for the Kingdom

   • Authority is active. Just as Joshua was commanded to tread wherever the soles of his feet went (Joshua 1:3), so are we called to claim new territory for the Kingdom of God. Whether it is in your workplace, community, or family, this is the season to advance with courage and purpose.

A Time of Reflection and Forward Movement

As 2024 comes to a close, reflect on God’s faithfulness throughout the year. Each trial and triumph has prepared you for what lies ahead. Walking in authority is not just about what we achieve but how we stand as ambassadors of Christ, representing His love and truth to a world in need.

Action Steps for December:

1. Pray Boldly: Approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that your prayers have power (Hebrews 4:16).

2. Serve Faithfully: Use your gifts to bless others, demonstrating the authority of Christ through acts of love and service.

3. Live Expectantly: Anticipate God’s hand moving mightily in your life and the lives of those around you.

This December, let us not only prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior but also step into the new year equipped and ready to walk in greater authority. Together, let us proclaim that Jesus is Lord and advance His Kingdom with unwavering faith.

In His Authority and Grace,

Pst. JK Woodall