Embracing Divine Favor in 2025

 Embracing Divine Favor in 2025

By JK Woodall

As we step into 2025, we stand on the powerful declaration in Luke 4:18-19:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on 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."

This profound passage, spoken by Jesus, reveals the heart of God’s mission: to restore, redeem, and pour out His abundant favor upon His people. It declares freedom, healing, and grace, signaling a fresh start and a season of divine favor.

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What Is Favor?

The Oxford Dictionary defines favor as approval, support, or kindness beyond what is usual or deserved. In Hebrew, the word "favor" is often translated as "ratson" (רָצוֹן), which means delight, goodwill, or acceptance. It reflects God’s pleasure and willingness to extend His blessings to us. When the Bible speaks of God’s favor, it signifies His approval and gracious work in our lives, allowing us to fulfill His purpose and experience His joy.

Another Hebrew term associated with favor is "chen" (חֵן), meaning grace or kindness. This unmerited grace highlights the generous, loving nature of God, who gives favor not because we deserve it but because of His boundless mercy and love.

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Walking in Favor in 2025

Luke 4:18-19 reminds us that Jesus brought favor to every aspect of life:

1. Proclaiming Good News: In 2025, let God’s Word be the foundation of your life. The Gospel brings hope and life in every circumstance.
2. Freedom for the Oppressed: Break free from limitations, both spiritual and natural, stepping into the liberty Christ offers.
3. Healing and Restoration: Whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually, God’s favor brings renewal and wholeness.

Understanding the Hebrew roots of "favor" emphasizes that God’s delight in us is a powerful and transformational force—offering peace, provision, and purpose as we trust Him.

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Expect the Lord’s Favor This Year

The year of the Lord’s favor is more than a title—it is a divine invitation to trust His plans, step into His promises, and declare His works over your life.

1. Trust His Purpose: God’s favor aligns with His will for our growth and Kingdom impact.
2. Walk in Faith: Declare this year as one of breakthrough, knowing that God's Spirit empowers you for every challenge.
3. Celebrate His Goodness: Like Jesus, proclaim favor boldly, living with a heart of gratitude for His blessings.

Let 2025 be your year to experience and declare His favor in every area of your life—spiritual, emotional, and physical. This is the year of the Lord’s "ratson" and "chen", where breakthrough, restoration, and grace overflow.

Move forward with boldness and expectation, knowing that God’s Spirit is upon you, anointing you for greater things.

Be Blessed,
JK Woodal

 Happy New Year!  2025

From Beggar to Testimony

 From Beggar to Testimony

By JK Woodall, Ph.D.

Scripture Reference: Acts 3:1-9 (NKJV)

The story of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate shows how God transforms lives when faith meets His power. The man, lame from birth and carried daily to beg, never asked for healing. Resigned to his condition, he sought silver and gold, but Peter gave him something greater:

"Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." (Acts 3:6, NKJV)

Two remarkable events occur: Peter sees with spiritual sight, recognizing the opportunity for transformation, and the lame man is healed, walking for the first time. Like Moses stretching his staff over the Red Sea (Exodus 14:16), Peter used what he had—faith in Jesus' name—and the impossible became possible.

This parallels the Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37:1-10), where life returned to what seemed hopeless. Both accounts show God’s power to restore. The lame man leaped, praised God, and became a living testimony, drawing others to Christ.

"And all the people saw him walking and praising God." (Acts 3:9, NKJV)

This story challenges us to move beyond resignation. Like Peter, we can give what we have—the power of Jesus’ name—to transform lives and glorify God. Let us see past circumstances and declare faith over impossibilities.

"With God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26, NKJV)

His Arrival 2024 - Merry Christmas!

 

His Arrival

By JK Woodall, Ph.D.

From the moment of humanity’s fall, a divine promise was set in motion—a Redeemer who would come to crush the head of the serpent and restore humanity to its Creator. Yet, His arrival on Earth was marked by resistance, a gambit of rulers and earthly authorities driven to extinguish the bloodline leading to Him. Their collective efforts sought to stop the Ultimate Ruler, Jesus, from fulfilling His eternal purpose.

The Foreshadowing of the Lamb

In the garden of Eden, after Adam and Eve sinned, God Himself provided garments of skin to clothe them (Genesis 3:21, NIV). This act required the sacrifice of an innocent animal, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice—Jesus, the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world (John 1:29, ESV). From the very beginning, God pointed to the coming of His Son as the remedy for humanity’s fall.

The Rulers Against the Promise

• Pharaoh: In Egypt, Pharaoh decreed the slaughter of all male Hebrew infants, a failed attempt to crush the Israelites, the chosen people from whom the Messiah would come (Exodus 1:15-16, NIV).

• Athaliah: The queen mother in Judah, Athaliah, nearly eradicated the royal lineage of David, through whom the Messiah was promised. Only Joash was spared, preserving the Davidic line (2 Kings 11:1-3, NKJV).

• Haman: Haman’s plot to annihilate the Jewish people in Persia was another satanic attempt to cut off the promised bloodline. Esther’s bold intervention ensured God’s plan prevailed (Esther 3:5-6, NIV; Esther 7:3-6, ESV).

• Herod: After hearing of Jesus’ birth, Herod the Great ordered the massacre of male infants in Bethlehem. Yet, God’s hand protected His Son, as the Holy Family escaped to Egypt (Matthew 2:16-18, NIV).

Hidden in Plain Sight

Despite these orchestrated attacks, the Messiah’s arrival unfolded not in grandeur but in humility. Born in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a feeding trough, Jesus was hidden in plain sight. Shepherds rejoiced at His birth, angels proclaimed His coming, yet the world’s rulers failed to recognize Him as the King of kings (Luke 2:7-14, ESV).

The Eternal King

Even as the forces of darkness moved against Him, God’s sovereignty ensured the fulfillment of His plan. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection demonstrate that no earthly power can thwart God’s redemptive work. He is the eternal King who reigns with justice, righteousness, and truth (Isaiah 9:6-7, KJV; Revelation 11:15, NIV).

This Christmas, we celebrate not only the birth of our Savior but also the unstoppable power of God’s plan. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5, NIV). Let us remember that Jesus was not only born to live among us but to redeem us and reign forever.

Merry Christmas and God bless you all!

JK Woodall, Ph.D.

Weekly Devotional: December 22 – December 28, 2024 Theme: Walking in HIS Image

 

Weekly Devotional: December 22 – December 28, 2024
Theme: Walking in HIS Image

As we celebrate the beauty of the Christmas season, we’re reminded that the birth of Jesus not only brought redemption but also restored the image of God within us. We were created in His image (Genesis 1:27), yet sin marred that likeness. Through Christ, we are given the power to reflect His glory, love, and righteousness to the world.

Scripture Focus:

1. Genesis 1:27 – “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.”

   • From the beginning, humanity was set apart, designed to reflect God’s holiness, creativity, and love.

2. 2 Corinthians 3:18 – “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

   • Jesus’ birth and sacrifice opened the door for us to be continually transformed into the fullness of God’s image.

3. Colossians 3:10 – “And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

   • Through Christ, we are being restored and renewed to reflect God’s true nature.

Reflecting His Image in Our Lives:

1. Love Like Jesus: Let your actions, words, and thoughts mirror the compassion and selflessness Christ exemplified throughout His life.
2. Be the Light: Just as Jesus declared in Matthew 5:16, let your light shine so others may glorify God. Represent His image in all you do.
3. Embrace Renewal: Daily seek God’s presence to transform your heart and mind so that His image becomes evident in your walk.

Encouragement for the Week:
As this year comes to an end, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the one who renews and restores us to reflect God’s image. Though we are imperfect, His grace works in and through us, enabling us to live as image-bearers of the King. Whether it’s in how we forgive, love, or serve, let everything we do point back to Christ, our ultimate example.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for creating us in Your image and sending Jesus to restore what sin had broken. Help us to walk in Your likeness each day. Let our lives reflect Your love, peace, and holiness, so others may see You in us. Transform us, Lord, and use us to bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.

This week, remember that you were created with purpose and called to be a reflection of God’s light in the world. Stay rooted in His Word, and let His image shine brightly through your life.

 

Hear the Voice, Not the Noise

By JK Woodall

In the noisy chaos of the modern world, discerning the voice of Jesus can feel like an impossible task. Yet, in John 10:27, Jesus assures us, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” This profound promise highlights the spiritual connection between Christ and His followers. Just as sound waves can interfere with or cancel each other out, the noise of the world can compete with the voice of Jesus. However, by aligning ourselves with His "frequency," we can silence the distractions and focus solely on His guidance.

The Science of Sound and Its Spiritual Parallel

In physics, sound waves interact in ways that can either amplify or cancel each other. This concept, known as destructive interference, occurs when two sound waves of equal frequency but opposite phases meet, canceling each other out. Spiritually, this principle reflects how Jesus' voice cancels out the "noise" of the world when we attune ourselves to Him.

Noise in the World

The world is filled with competing sounds: the voice of fear (2 Timothy 1:7), the voice of doubt (Matthew 14:30-31), and the voice of temptation (Matthew 4:1-11). These distractions, much like persistent noise, can drown out the still, small voice of God. Elijah experienced this firsthand in 1 Kings 19:11-12, where God’s voice was not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the gentle whisper. To hear Jesus, we must filter out the noise of life.

Tuning into the Voice of Jesus

1. Prayer as Spiritual Tuning Just as a radio must be tuned to the correct frequency to receive a clear signal, prayer aligns our hearts with God’s voice. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul instructs us to pray and bring our concerns to God, promising peace that surpasses understanding. This peace cancels the noise of anxiety and worry.

2. The Word of God as the Frequency Guide The Bible is the ultimate guide to recognizing Jesus' voice. Hebrews 4:12 declares, “For the word of God is alive and active.” By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we learn to discern truth from lies and the eternal voice of Jesus from the fleeting noise of the world.

3. The Holy Spirit as the Amplifier Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as a guide and helper in John 14:26: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” The Holy Spirit amplifies Jesus’ voice, helping us recognize and follow it.

Silencing Competing Voices

1. The Voice of Fear Fear often speaks the loudest, but Isaiah 41:10 reminds us: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” Jesus’ voice cancels out fear with assurance and love.

2. The Voice of Doubt Doubt whispers, "You are not enough." Yet, in Jeremiah 29:11, God’s plans for us are to prosper and give hope. Jesus’ voice reassures us of our identity and purpose.

3. The Voice of Temptation In the wilderness, Jesus countered Satan’s temptations with Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11). By aligning with God’s truth, Jesus silenced the tempter’s voice. We, too, can use God’s Word as our defense.

The Promise of Clarity

When we attune ourselves to Jesus’ voice, the distractions of the world fade. Isaiah 30:21 promises: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’ By staying spiritually aligned, we ensure His voice guides us, no matter how loud the world becomes.

Practical Steps to Hear His Voice

1. Daily Devotion: Set aside time to read Scripture and meditate on God’s Word.

2. Focused Prayer: Spend intentional time in prayer, asking God to help you discern His voice.

3. Silence the Noise: Identify the "noise" in your life—be it media, negativity, or distractions—and take steps to reduce it.

4. Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage and guide you in hearing God’s voice.

Conclusion

The voice of Jesus is constant and faithful, but it requires spiritual sensitivity to recognize. By attuning ourselves to His "frequency" through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can hear His voice above the noise of the world. In doing so, we fulfill the promise of John 10:27: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Let us commit to hearing the voice, not the noise, and walk confidently in His guidance.

Bible Study Notes for Exodus 38:21-31 (Part II)

 

 

#Bible Study Notes for Exodus 38:21-31 (Part II) 

by: JK Woodall

12/19/2024 

Title: The Boundary  

Theme: The #Significance of Separation and Praise Leading to Judgment  — at Revival Center Hesperia California.

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#Opening Scripture  

#Exodus 38:21-31 (NKJV)  

"This is the inventory of the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the testimony, which was counted according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son of Aaron the priest. Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the Lord had commanded Moses. And with him was Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver and designer, a weaver of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and of fine linen. All the gold that was used in all the work of the holy place, that is, the gold of the offering, was twenty-nine talents and seven hundred and thirty shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. And the silver from those who were numbered of the congregation was one hundred talents and one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. A bekah for each man (that is, half a shekel, according to the shekel of the sanctuary), for everyone included in the numbering from twenty years old and above, for six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty men. And from the hundred talents of silver were cast the sockets of the sanctuary and the bases of the veil: one hundred sockets from the hundred talents, one talent for each socket. Then from the one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, overlaid their capitals, and made bands for them. The offering of bronze was seventy talents and two thousand four hundred shekels. And with it he made the sockets for the door of the tabernacle of meeting, the bronze altar, the bronze grating for it, and all the utensils for the altar, the sockets for the court all around, the bases for the court gate, all the pegs for the tabernacle, and all the pegs for the court all around." 

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#I. The Inventory’s #Spiritual Significance  

1. **God’s Commanded Details**:  

   - Each item was listed in precise detail to emphasize its value and purpose in worship. Nothing was random or unimportant.  

   - **Key Thought**: The physical inventory of the Tabernacle reflects the spiritual inventory God requires in our lives—a detailed commitment to holiness and order.  

2. Lesson in #Stewardship:  

   - The mention of Ithamar highlights accountability in leadership. Keeping an inventory demonstrates faithful stewardship of God’s resources.  

   - **Reflection Question**: Are you being faithful with the time, talents, and treasures God has entrusted to you?  

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#II. The Tent Pegs of #Bronze (Verse 20)  

1. #Foundation of Holiness:  

   - The tent pegs symbolized the foundation of God’s dwelling place. They anchored the structure firmly, ensuring it remained stable and secure.  

   - **Spiritual Application**: In your spiritual life, are you firmly grounded in God’s Word to stand strong in the face of challenges?  

2. **Boundary of Separation**:  

   - The pegs marked the physical boundary between what was holy (the Tabernacle) and common (the world). This teaches us the importance of setting boundaries that preserve our sanctity as God’s people.  

   - **Supporting Scripture**: *“Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.”* — 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV)  

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### **III. Bezalel and Oholiab: Praise and Judgment**  

1. **Bezalel — “In the Shadow of God”**:  

   - The name Bezalel means "in the shadow of God," symbolizing the closeness and covering of His presence. Through praise, we enter God's shadow, aligning our hearts with His will.  

2. **Oholiab — “Tent of the Father”**:  

   - The name Oholiab means "tent of the father," reflecting the role of righteous judgment in God's household. Proper judgment follows the worship and discernment born in God’s presence.  

3. **The Divine Process**:  

   - Bezalel and Oholiab represent the *order of transformation*: Through praise (Bezalel), we align ourselves with God’s presence, allowing Him to impart proper judgment (Oholiab).  

4. #Reflection Questions:  

   - Are you cultivating praise in your life to invite God’s wisdom?  

   - How can praise help you make godly decisions?  

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#IV. #Accountability Through the Numbers (vv. 24-31)  

1. Details Reflect #Integrity:  

   - The gold, silver, and bronze items are listed with precise measurements to demonstrate transparency and integrity.  

2. #Community Offering:  

   - The materials were provided collectively by God’s people. Everyone contributed, ensuring the Tabernacle reflected the unity and faithfulness of the nation.  

   - **Reflection**: What are you offering to build God’s Kingdom today?  

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#V. Symbolism of the Metals  

1. #Gold (Divinity and Purity):  

   - Represents God’s holiness and perfection. Used in the Holy of Holies to reflect His presence.  

2. #Silver (Redemption):  

   - Used to cast the sockets for the Tabernacle. Silver was often associated with atonement, signifying redemption as the foundation of our connection to God.  

3. #Bronze (Judgment and Strength):  

   - Represented the need for purification and endurance. Bronze sockets, hooks, and altar grates reinforced the necessity of God’s justice.  

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#VI. Practical Applications for Revival Center Hesperia  

1. **Build on a Holy Foundation**:  

   - Like the tent pegs, anchor your life in God’s truth, ensuring a strong spiritual foundation for your calling.  

2. **Embrace Praise as the Path to Judgment**:  

   - Let worship guide your decisions. Praise aligns your heart with God’s truth, enabling righteous judgment.  

3. **Take Inventory of Your Life**:  

   - Regularly examine your walk with God to ensure you are stewarding your time, talents, and resources faithfully.  

4. Commit to #KingdomBuilding:  

   - Bezalel and Oholiab remind us that building God’s Kingdom requires unity, obedience, and the use of our God-given skills for His glory.  

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#Closing #reflection  

As we study the inventory of Exodus 38:21-31, let us remember that each detail mattered to God because it reflected His holiness and purpose. From the tent pegs to the gold sockets, every element held divine significance. Similarly, our lives must reflect this same devotion to detail, holiness, and accountability.  

#Key Scripture:  

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)