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

The Pressing: Extracting the Oil of Deliverance

Exploring the Three Meanings of Pressing and Crushing in the Bible and Their Connection to the Ultimate Deliverance and Salvation of Humanity through Jesus Christ

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ,

Greetings, Peace, and Blessing to you All.  The Power of the Almighty is with you always.

In the Bible, pressing and crushing are not just physical acts, but powerful symbols of spiritual transformation and deliverance. From the pressing of olives to the crushing of grapes and the pressing through the crowd by the woman with the issue of blood, the act of pressing has taken on multiple meanings that reveal deep truths about God's plan for humanity.

The pressing of olives is a necessary process to extract the valuable oil, which has been used throughout history for medicinal, culinary, and spiritual purposes. Similarly, the pressing of grapes produces wine, which is a symbol of joy, celebration, and new life. In the same way, Jesus Christ, through His sacrifice on the cross, was pressed and crushed in order to extract the oil of salvation and deliverance for all humanity.

The woman with the issue of blood pressed through the crowd to touch the hem of Jesus' garment, and in doing so, she was healed. Her persistence and faith in the power of Jesus Christ demonstrate the importance of pressing through our own struggles and obstacles in order to receive the blessings and deliverance that God has in store for us.

The pressing of olives, grapes, and even the pressing endured by Jesus Christ all have one thing in common: they produce a valuable and lasting result. The oil extracted from olives can last for years, and the wine produced from grapes can bring joy and celebration for generations. In the same way, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ produces an everlasting oil of salvation and deliverance that is available to all who believe in Him.

In conclusion, let us embrace the symbolism of pressing and crushing in the Bible, knowing that God can use even the most difficult and painful circumstances to bring about our ultimate deliverance and salvation. Let us press through our struggles with faith and perseverance, knowing that the oil of deliverance is waiting on the other side. And let us never forget the sacrifice that Jesus Christ endured on the cross, which produced the oil of salvation that can never be depleted.

Invocation: If you have not yet experienced the pressing sacrifice that Jesus endured for our deliverance, I encourage you to seek Him today and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. And for those who have already experienced His deliverance, let us continue to press through our trials and share the oil of salvation with others.

In HIS Service,

JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia

#deliverance #salvation #pressing #crushing #JesusChrist #faith #perseverance #transformation #sacrifice

Surrendering to God's Sovereignty: Lessons on Humility and the Illusion of Earthly Power

 Subtitle: It's Not About Their Power, But All About God's Sovereignty

Throughout history, kings and kingdoms have risen and fallen. Some have ruled with wisdom and justice, while others have oppressed their people and pursued their own selfish ambitions. But in the midst of it all, there is one constant: God's sovereignty over all things.

In the book of Isaiah, we see the story of the king of Assyria, who boasted of his power and threatened to conquer Jerusalem. But God intervened and saved his people, reminding them that it was not the king's power, but God's sovereignty that prevailed. (Isaiah 37:33-35)

Similarly, in the book of Exodus, we read of Pharaoh's arrogance and refusal to release the Israelites from slavery. But God showed his power and sovereignty through the plagues that he sent upon Egypt, eventually leading to the Israelites' freedom. (Exodus 7-12)

Even the great King Nebuchadnezzar, who had conquered many nations and boasted of his power, was humbled by God and removed from his throne until he acknowledged God's sovereignty. (Daniel 4:28-37)

These stories remind us that even the most powerful kings and kingdoms are subject to God's sovereignty. He may allow them to prosper for a time, even if their actions are opposed to his will, in order to accomplish a greater purpose. But in the end, it is God who determines the rise and fall of nations, and it is our duty to acknowledge his sovereignty over all things. (Proverbs 21:1)

As we reflect on these stories, we are reminded of the importance of humility over pride. It's not about our power, but all about God's sovereignty. When we choose to acknowledge God and fall under his control and righteousness, we can be assured that we are on the right path. (Isaiah 45:22-24)

So let us choose God over self-pride and acknowledge his sovereignty over all things. Let us trust in his power and wisdom, and seek to follow his will in all that we do. For in doing so, we can be assured that we are on the path of righteousness, and that God's sovereignty will prevail in all things.

In His service,

JK. Woodall, Ph.D. 

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia.

#GodSovereignty #HumilityOverPride #ChooseGod #InHisService #RevivalCenterHesperia

On the Road to Salvation: Embracing the Turns on the Road of Life

How Paul's Encounter on the Road to Damascus Can Inspire Our Journey to Salvation

Dear Beloved Brothers and Sisters,

As we journey down the road of life, we encounter many twists and turns that challenge our faith and test our resolve. However, just as Paul's encounter on the road to Damascus led to his transformation, we too can experience a powerful encounter with Jesus that leads to our salvation.

In this blog post, we will explore the details of Paul's experience on the road to Damascus and draw parallels to our own journey towards salvation. We will also examine how we can embrace the turns on the road of life and trust in Jesus to guide us towards our ultimate destination.

Paul's Experience on the Road to Damascus

Paul, also known as Saul of Tarsus, was a devout Jew who persecuted Christians. He was on the road to Damascus to arrest more Christians when suddenly, a bright light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" and the voice replied, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." Paul was blinded by the light and had to be led by the hand to Damascus. After three days, a disciple named Ananias restored his sight, and he became a follower of Jesus.

Paul's encounter on the road to Damascus was a turning point in his life. He went from being a persecutor of Christians to a champion of the faith. His transformation shows us that no matter how far we may have strayed from God, we can always turn towards Him and be forgiven.

Embracing the Turns on the Road of Life

Just as Paul encountered unexpected turns on the road to Damascus, we too encounter twists and turns on the road of life. These challenges may include sickness, financial difficulties, relationship struggles, and more. However, we must remember that Jesus is with us every step of the way, guiding us towards our ultimate destination of salvation.

We must also remember that the road to salvation may not always be smooth. We may encounter obstacles and setbacks that test our faith. However, it is during these moments that we must hold on to our faith and trust in Jesus to see us through.

Trusting in Jesus on the Road of Life

Trusting in Jesus on the road of life means recognizing that we cannot do it alone. We must acknowledge our need for a Savior to forgive our sins and restore our relationship with God. We must also repent and turn towards God, seeking His forgiveness and guidance.

When we trust in Jesus on the road of life, we can experience the transformative power of His love and grace. We can find peace in the midst of chaos, hope in the midst of despair, and joy in the midst of sorrow.

Invocation: Expecting Transformation on the Road of Life

As we journey down the road of life, let us expect transformation through our encounters with Jesus. Just as Paul's encounter on the road to Damascus led to his transformation, we too can experience a powerful encounter with Jesus that leads to our salvation.

Let us embrace the turns on the road of life, holding on to our faith and trusting in Jesus to guide us towards our ultimate destination. Let us repent and turn towards God, seeking His forgiveness and guidance. And let us remember that Jesus is with us every step of the way, transforming us into the people He created us to be.

In HIS Service,

JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia California

#OnTheRoadToSalvation #EmbracingTheTurns #JourneyWithJesus #SalvationIsPossible

Ride the waves of life with Jesus at the helm

Title: Jesus is in Control: The Power of His Authority over the Waters in Your Life

Welcome dear Brethren to a post that will change your perspective on how you view the power and authority of Jesus over the waters. The Bible is filled with instances where God demonstrated His power by parting the waters, and in the New Testament, Jesus demonstrated His power by controlling the waters. Let us dive in and explore this further.

In the Old Testament, we see that God parted the Red Sea for the Israelites to pass through safely on dry land (Exodus 14:21-22). Additionally, God parted the Jordan River so that the Israelites could enter the Promised Land (Joshua 3:14-17). These powerful acts demonstrate God's ability to intervene in our lives and provide a way for us to overcome any obstacle that we may face.

In the New Testament, we see that Jesus has control over the waters in a different way. He is recorded as walking on water, calming storms, turning water into wine, and healing people by the waters of the pool of Bethesda (Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 4:35-41, John 2:1-11, John 5:1-15). These events demonstrate Jesus' power to transform, heal, and bring new life, as well as his ability to control the natural elements.

But what about in our lives today? We may not need the Red Sea to be parted, but we do face trials and challenges that can feel like we are drowning in deep waters. The good news is that Jesus is in control over the waters in our lives today. He has the power and authority to calm the storms that rage around us, to bring healing to our wounds, and to provide a way for us to overcome any obstacle that we may face.

Just as God parted the Red Sea for the Israelites and Jesus calmed the storm for His disciples, He can calm the storms in your life today. He can provide a way where there seems to be no way. All we need to do is trust in Him and His power.

In conclusion, God is able to do all things, and He sent His son to demonstrate His power and authority over the waters. Let us take comfort in the fact that Jesus is in control over the waters in our lives today. All we need to do is trust in Him and allow Him to guide us through the deep waters of life.

We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below and take a moment to reflect on the power and authority of Jesus in your life.

In HIS Service,

JK Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia

#JesusIsInControl #PowerOverWaters #TrustInHim #FaithOverFear