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Exodus 20:3 (King James Version)
Dear Friends,
I hope this message finds you well. Today, I want to share a powerful reminder from the Scriptures about God's sovereignty over all things, especially in the face of idols and false gods.
In ancient Egypt, during the ten plagues, God demonstrated His unmatched power when even the revered bull deity, Apis, fell powerless before Him. This event serves as a vivid testament to His sovereignty over all idols.
Centuries later, after miraculously freeing the Israelites from Egypt, God’s people sadly turned to a golden calf for security and guidance, disregarding God’s clear command: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3-4).
Yet, the pinnacle of this theme unfolds in the story of King Nebuchadnezzar. His pride led to a humbling transformation into a beast, grazing like an ox—a poignant reminder of God’s authority over all earthly powers (Daniel 4:32).
Let us hold fast to this truth: idols may seem powerful, but they can't compare to God’s sovereignty and provision. As Christians, our mission remains clear—to worship God alone and proclaim His love and grace to all.
With blessings,
JK. Woodall, Ph.D.
Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia
#ThouShaltHaveNoOtherGods #GodIsSovereign #FaithfulWorship
I hope this letter finds you in peace and good health. Today, I want to share a reflection on the choices we make when we find ourselves not hearing from God. This story from the lives of David and Saul illustrates the difference between seeking God’s guidance faithfully and turning to the wrong sources when we feel lost.
There was a time when David, the future king of Israel, found himself in a precarious situation. He had been fleeing from King Saul, who sought to take his life. In his desperation, David aligned himself with the Philistines, Israel's enemies. This decision led him to a point where he was about to march into battle against his own people. We find this account in 1 Samuel 29. David's situation was dire; he seemed to be on the wrong side, caught in a web of dangerous alliances.
In contrast, King Saul faced his own crisis. Saul had repeatedly disobeyed God, leading to a point where the Lord no longer answered him. In 1 Samuel 28, desperate for guidance before an impending battle with the Philistines, Saul sought out a medium in Endor to summon the spirit of Samuel. This act of turning to forbidden practices starkly contrasted with David’s approach when he found himself in silence from God.
David, while aligned with the enemy, knew where to turn for guidance. In 1 Samuel 30, when his camp at Ziklag was raided by the Amalekites and his men spoke of stoning him in their grief, David did not despair. Instead, he sought the Lord's guidance in the proper manner. David called for the ephod, the sacred garment of the high priest, and through it, he inquired of the Lord.
*"Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelek, ‘Bring me the ephod.’ Abiathar brought it to him, and David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?’ ‘Pursue them,’ he answered. ‘You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.’”* (1 Samuel 30:7-8).
Despite his earlier mistakes, David knew the importance of seeking God's direction. His response was to turn back to God, asking for guidance through the divinely appointed means. This act demonstrated his faith and reliance on God's providence, even when he had made poor choices.
Saul's story ended tragically. After consulting the medium and hearing from the spirit of Samuel that he would lose the battle and his life, Saul went into battle without God's favor and met his end the next day. His desperation led him to the wrong side, seeking guidance from a source that God had expressly forbidden.
The stark difference between David and Saul is clear: When David found himself not hearing from God, he sought the Lord through the proper, God-ordained channels. Saul, in his desperation, turned to forbidden practices, ultimately sealing his fate.
What does this mean for us today? We all face moments of silence, times when God’s guidance seems distant. The lesson from David’s and Saul’s lives is crucial: We must seek God’s voice through the right means. Today, we have the Holy Spirit, sent by Jesus to guide us into all truth. Unlike the Urim and Thummim or the ephod, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, offering continuous guidance and comfort.
Jesus said in John 16:13, *"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."* We no longer need to turn to stones or ephods; we have the ever-present Holy Spirit to lead us.
Let us learn from these ancient stories. When we feel lost or unheard, let us not turn to the wrong sources. Instead, let us call upon the Holy Spirit, seek God’s guidance through prayer, and trust in His Word. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are always with us, ready to guide us if we seek, hear, and obey.
May we always remember to seek God’s face, even in silence, trusting that He will lead us on the right path.
With blessings and prayers for your continued journey in faith,
Pst. JK. Woodall, Ph.D.
Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia
United in Christ: The One Nation of Believers
In today's world, where divisions based on ethnicity, culture, and social status are prevalent, it is crucial for Christians to remember a fundamental truth taught by the Apostle Paul: all believers are united as one in Christ. This unity transcends all earthly distinctions, forging a new identity as children of the Most High.
One in Christ Jesus
Paul's letter to the Galatians makes this point unmistakably clear: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise" (Galatians 3:28-29). In these verses, Paul emphasizes that faith in Christ erases all dividing lines. Our primary identity is found not in our ethnicity, social status, or gender, but in our relationship with Jesus.
Breaking Down Walls of Hostility
In Ephesians, Paul expands on this theme by illustrating how Christ's sacrifice has reconciled both Jews and Gentiles to God, forming one new humanity: "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility" (Ephesians 2:14-16). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus destroyed the barriers that once separated people, uniting all believers into a single, cohesive body.
No Distinction Before God
Paul reinforces this idea in his letter to the Romans: "For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him" (Romans 10:12). This passage underscores the impartiality of God. He does not favor one group over another. Instead, He extends His grace and blessings to all who call upon Him in faith.
A Nation of Believers
Given these teachings, it is evident that Christians collectively form a nation of believers. Our citizenship is in heaven, and our unity in Christ transcends all earthly differences. Peter echoes this sentiment when he writes, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). As God's chosen people, we are called to live out this unity, reflecting His love and grace to the world.
Living Out Our Unity
To truly embody this unity, we must actively seek to overcome prejudices and divisions within our communities. This means embracing diversity within the body of Christ and recognizing the unique contributions of each individual. It also involves standing against injustices and working towards reconciliation and peace.
In practical terms, we can start by fostering inclusive environments within our churches and communities, where everyone feels valued and accepted. We should also engage in open and honest conversations about race, culture, and social issues, guided by the principles of love and respect.
Conclusion
As children of the Most High, we are called to a higher standard of unity and love. Let us remember Paul's teachings and strive to live as one nation of believers, celebrating our diversity while being united in our shared faith. In doing so, we fulfill our calling to proclaim the excellencies of God, who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.
May we always remember that in Christ, there is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female, but all are one. We are, indeed, a nation of believers, children of the Most High, bound together by the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A Servant of Yahweh,
JK. Woodall, Ph.D.
Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia
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
Title: Under Authority by: JK Woodall, Ph.D. --- Dear Fellow Saints of The Most High, I greet you in the love and authority of our Lord Je...
