Honoring Their Sacrifice, Embracing Their Legacy - Memorial Day 2024

 

On this Memorial Day, we gather with profound gratitude to honor and remember the brave men and women who have served our nation with unwavering courage and dedication. Their ultimate sacrifice stands as a testament to the values of freedom, justice, and peace that we hold dear.

We salute all who have given their lives in service to our country. Their selflessness and bravery have paved the way for the liberties we enjoy today. As we reflect on their legacy, let us also embrace the families and loved ones they left behind, offering our support and prayers.

As Jesus said in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." May we carry forward the torch of their sacrifice with respect and humility, dedicating ourselves to living in a way that honors their memory. Together, let us strive for a world where peace and understanding prevail.

With heartfelt respect and remembrance,

JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia

The One Who Saves

 Yeshua: The One Who Saves

Dear Brothers and Sisters of All Nations,

In the face of ignorance and adversity, there is a beacon of hope—Yeshua, the one who saves. Let us draw inspiration from the powerful story in John's Gospel, where a woman faced condemnation from her accusers, yet found redemption in the compassion of Jesus.

As recorded in John 8:1-11, the scribes and Pharisees brought the woman caught in adultery before Jesus, seeking to trap him. But in their ignorance, they unknowingly led her to the one who would offer her salvation. When they demanded judgment according to the law of Moses, Yeshua responded with words of wisdom and grace. He said to them, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her" (John 8:7, NIV). With these words, he revealed the hypocrisy of the accusers and offered the woman forgiveness and a new beginning.

Yeshua's response to ignorance was not condemnation, but mercy. He demonstrated the power of forgiveness and showed us that no situation is beyond his saving grace. As we reflect on this profound story, let us also remember the words of Psalm 34:17-18, "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

So, whatever challenges we face, let us trust in Yeshua, knowing that his love and mercy are always within reach. As we journey through life, may we find strength and hope in the promise of salvation offered to us through Jesus Christ, the one who saves.

With love and blessings,

Pst. J.K. Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia 

The Place of Crossing

The Place of Crossing

Dear Saints,

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

As we journey together in faith, it is important to remember the significance of the places God has chosen for us to cross from one season to another, from one blessing to the next. Just as the Israelites had their "Place of Crossing," so do we have our appointed places where God calls us to step out in faith and trust in His promises.

In the Old Testament, we read about the Israelites' journey into the Promised Land. After years of wandering in the wilderness, their moment of crossing came at the Jordan River. In Joshua 3:15-17, it is written:

"As soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away... So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground."

This miraculous event marked a significant transition for the Israelites from a time of wandering to a time of possessing their inheritance. Their obedience and faith in God's instruction led them to the right place at the right time, where He performed wonders among them.

Similarly, John the Baptist baptized in a place called Bethabara, beyond the Jordan. As John 1:28 states:

"These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing."

This site holds a special place in the narrative of our faith. It was here that people came to repent and prepare the way for the Lord. It was here that Jesus Himself was baptized, marking the beginning of His public ministry.

Dear Saints, just as the Israelites had their Jordan River and just as John the Baptist had his Bethabara, we too have our places of crossing. These are the moments and places in our lives where God calls us to step out in faith, to leave behind the old and embrace the new.

Consider Moses, who stood on Mount Nebo, overlooking the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 34:1-4, we read:

"Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him the whole land... Then the Lord said to him, 'This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.'"

Moses saw the promise, even though he did not enter it. This teaches us that sometimes we see the vision of what God has for us, and our role is to prepare the way for others to step into their promises.

Our "Place of Crossing" may not always be easy to recognize, but it is where God has designated for us to move forward. It requires faith, obedience, and the courage to trust in God's timing and provision. It is where we leave behind our fears, doubts, and past failures to step into His promises.

As we stand on the brink of our own Jordan Rivers, let us remember these scriptures and be encouraged. Let us be willing to follow where God leads, confident that He has already prepared the way. May we trust in His faithfulness, knowing that He will lead us through our "Place of Crossing" into the fullness of His promises.

In faith and unity, let us move forward, knowing that our God goes before us, just as He did with the Israelites. Let us embrace our crossings with hearts full of hope and eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Blessings in Christ,

Pst. JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia 

🌸 Happy Mother's Day 2024! 🌸

 🌸 Happy Mother's Day 2024! 🌸

Dear Mothers,

On this joyous occasion of Mother's Day, I extend my heartfelt appreciation and admiration to each and every one of you. Your unwavering love, strength, and grace inspire us all.

As we celebrate the invaluable role of mothers in our lives, I am reminded of the words of Proverbs 31:28: "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." Your dedication and sacrifices do not go unnoticed. You are truly blessed and deserving of all praise.

In the book of Isaiah, we find comfort in the promise that "as a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you" (Isaiah 66:13). Your nurturing spirit reflects the very heart of God, bringing comfort and solace to those around you.

Today, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the impact of your love and care. Your influence extends far beyond the walls of your home, shaping the future and leaving a lasting legacy of love.

May this Mother's Day be filled with moments of joy, gratitude, and cherished memories. You are loved, appreciated, and celebrated today and every day.

Happy Mother's Day, dear mothers! May God's blessings be upon you always.

Blessing from Above, 

Dr. Jermaine K. Woodall

Senior Pastor

Revival Center Hesperia 

🌷

Free Diapers for the Community

Diaper Drive 2024 at Revival Center Hesperia 

Saturday,  May 18, 2024 at 10am

Address: 10180 I Ave, Suite A, Hesperia, CA 92345

Click the link for more information:  Revival Center Hesperia CA on Google

https://posts.gle/kCUJZgFC9yKKnsGi7 

Avoiding Distractions

 Memo to God's Elect

To: God's Elect

From: Pst. JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Subject: Staying Focused on Jesus and Avoiding Distractions

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we journey through our faith walk, it is crucial to stay vigilant against distractions that can draw our focus away from Jesus Christ. I would like to offer you some insights and reminders to help you stay centered on our Lord.

The Dangers of Shiny Objects

- External Allure: Just as the Nachash (often translated as "serpent" or "snake," but also meaning "shiny one") in the Garden of Eden distracted Eve with its cunning and appealing appearance, we too can encounter shiny objects that divert our attention from God's will. *"But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3).*

- Temple's Splendor: The gleaming splendor of the Second Temple was a marvel in its day, drawing people's attention to its physical beauty rather than the God who was meant to be worshipped there. This serves as a warning that even something as sacred as a temple can become a distraction if we prioritize its appearance over its purpose. *"Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16).*

- Disguises of the Shiny One: Whether it is the Nachash's deceptive beauty or the temple's grandeur, disguises can mislead us by focusing our attention on outward appearances instead of God's truth and purpose. *"But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death" (James 1:14-15).*

Staying Focused on Jesus

- Remain Grounded in the Word: God's Word provides us with guidance and discernment to recognize and avoid distractions. Stay rooted in scripture to keep your focus on Jesus. *"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path" (Psalm 119:105).*

- Watch for Deceptive Allure: Be cautious of anything that draws you away from your relationship with Christ. Shiny objects can manifest as materialism, excessive ambition, or even religious structures and rituals that overshadow the essence of faith. *"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).*

- Seek Spiritual Discernment: Pray for wisdom and discernment to recognize the disguises of the shiny one and stay steadfast in your devotion to Christ. *"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you" (James 1:5).*

- Prioritize Worship: Remember that our primary purpose is to worship God. Let us not be swayed by external appearances but keep our hearts and minds on Jesus. *"God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth" (John 4:24).*

- Support One Another: Encourage your fellow believers to stay focused on Jesus and share insights on avoiding distractions. Together, we can remain strong in our faith. *"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11).*

Conclusion

As we continue on our journey, let us remember that both the Nachash and the Temple fell, underscoring the dangers of being drawn away from God by external appearances and deception. Let us remain strong-minded and careful, so that we do not fall as they did. Stay vigilant, keep your hearts focused on Jesus, and hold firm to your faith. 

In Christ Jesus,

JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia 

The Thief, Accountability, and Abundant Life

 Title: Understanding John 10:10, Exodus 22, and the 8th Commandment

In the Bible, several verses and teachings emphasize the importance of upholding God's commandments and living a righteous life. Among these are John 10:10, Exodus 22, and the 8th Commandment ("Thou shalt not steal"). Let's explore these passages and how they are connected to the concept of accountability and the promise of abundant life in Jesus.

John 10:10: This verse is part of a larger teaching where Jesus contrasts Himself as the Good Shepherd with the thief. Jesus says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." Here, the thief can be interpreted as the enemy, including Satan, whose intentions are purely destructive and harmful. In contrast, Jesus brings life and abundance to those who follow Him.

Exodus 22: In this passage, God outlines laws for restitution and justice, including how to handle theft. A thief is held accountable for their actions and must make restitution for what was stolen, often repaying multiple times the original value. This passage underscores the importance of justice and the principle of making amends for wrongdoings.

The 8th Commandment: This commandment, found in Exodus 20:15 and Deuteronomy 5:19, explicitly prohibits theft. It is a foundational ethical teaching that emphasizes respect for others' property and rights. By upholding this commandment, individuals contribute to a just and peaceful society.

These three teachings converge to reveal the overarching theme of accountability and the consequences of theft. The enemy, represented by the thief in John 10:10, comes to steal, kill, and destroy. However, as outlined in Exodus 22, those who commit theft are held accountable and must make restitution for their actions. This is a reflection of God's justice and the need for individuals to be responsible for their deeds.

Ultimately, the enemy will be held accountable for anything stolen, killed, or destroyed, just as described in John 10:10. This accountability is part of God's divine justice and will culminate in the enemy's judgment.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come to you with grateful hearts, knowing that you are a God of justice and mercy. We thank you for your teachings in John 10:10, Exodus 22, and the 8th Commandment, which guide us to live righteous lives and uphold your laws. We pray for protection from the enemy and ask that you help us walk in your ways. May we experience the abundant life that Jesus promises and find peace in your presence. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Conclusion:

In John 10:10, Jesus presents a stark contrast between the destructive intentions of the thief and His own mission to bring life and abundance. This promise of abundant life is available to all who follow Him and seek His ways. By trusting in Jesus and living according to His teachings, we can experience the fullness of life He offers, free from the enemy's harmful influences. Let us strive to live in alignment with God's commandments and embrace the abundant life Jesus provides.

You shall recover whatever the enemy has stolen from you... IJN... Amen and Amen. 

Servant of the Most High,

Pastor JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia California 

www.revival-centers.org

www.jkwoodallminitries.org