Messenger #007

 Messenger #007: 

Naaman Asked for Healing but Needed Cleansing

By JK Woodall

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5 reveals God’s transformative power. Naaman, a powerful commander, suffered from leprosy. Desperate for healing, he sought a prophet in Israel, but what he truly needed was cleansing—both physical and spiritual.

This account highlights seven key messengers God used:

1. The Captive Young Girl: This servant introduced hope by speaking of the prophet in Israel, showing how God uses even the smallest voices.

2. The King of Aram: His letter to Israel’s king shows how God works through authority to advance His purpose.

3. The King of Israel: The king’s reaction of fear underscores humanity’s limits compared to God’s power.

4. Elisha: The prophet directed Naaman to him, pointing to God’s power and not his own.

5. Elisha’s Messenger: Elisha instructed Naaman through a messenger, humbling the commander by requiring simple obedience—washing in the Jordan seven times.

6. Naaman’s Servants: When Naaman hesitated, his servants encouraged him to obey. Their wisdom teaches the importance of godly counsel.

7. Naaman Himself: After humbling himself and obeying, Naaman was healed and declared, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel” (2 Kings 5:15, NIV) (2 Kings 5:15).

Naaman came asking for healing but found true cleansing. His journey shows us how God uses others to guide us toward transformation. Like Naaman, we may resist simple acts of faith, but obedience leads to both physical and spiritual renewal.

Today, may we become messengers of His grace, bearing witness to His power to cleanse and restore.

In Christ’s Service,
JK Woodall

The Enemy: No Change in Its Message

The Enemy: No Change in Its Message

By JK Woodall

Dear Saints,

Grace and peace be unto you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As we continue to walk in faith and truth, it is vital that we remain vigilant and discerning of the tactics and lies of the enemy. In this day and age, we can easily overlook the subtlety of the adversary’s schemes. However, let us take a moment to reflect on an important truth: the enemy has not changed its message.

From the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden, Satan’s approach has always been the same. He began with a question designed to plant doubt: “Did God really say?” (Genesis 3:1, NIV). His goal was not just to confuse Eve but to lead her to question the goodness, authority, and truth of God’s Word. He offered her a vision of freedom, detached from obedience—freedom from God’s commands, freedom to choose for herself. This was the enemy’s first lie, and it has been unchanged ever since: the lie that we can be free apart from God.

In Genesis 3:1 (NIV), we read:
“Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?”

This question marks the beginning of the enemy’s strategy to introduce confusion and doubt, presenting God’s command as restrictive and unreasonable. Satan’s desire was to lead Eve (and ultimately all of humanity) into rebellion. He enticed her with the idea of knowledge apart from God, a knowledge that would, in Satan’s deceptive words, “make [her] like God” (Genesis 3:5, NIV). From that moment on, Satan has sought to undermine God’s Word, casting doubt and questioning its truth.

Fast forward to today, and the same message persists. While the platforms and methods may vary—from the culture around us to the voices on social media and even through misleading teachings—Satan's tactics remain remarkably the same. The question, “Did God really say?” still echoes in many forms, leading us to doubt God’s Word and His authority. The enemy’s message today often appears in more subtle, enticing ways, disguised in ideas that challenge God's truth as outdated, oppressive, or irrelevant. Yet behind this all is the same heart—to deceive, confuse, and lead us astray.

Satan will use the lies of today to promote self-worship and human autonomy. He wants us to believe that freedom comes from doing things our own way, outside the boundaries of God’s commandments. But as we learned in Genesis 3:6 (NIV), Eve saw that the fruit was “pleasing to the eye and also desirable for gaining wisdom,” and she took it. This simple moment of disobedience led to the fall of humanity.

The enemy whispers today, saying, “You can be your own god. Choose your own path. God’s way is too hard, too restrictive, too old-fashioned.” This is the same lie repackaged, aimed at causing us to think we can be free from God's authority.

But let us remember the wisdom of 1 John 5:3 (NIV):
“In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.”
God’s commands are not meant to restrict us, but to lead us in paths of life and peace.

In James 4:7 (NIV), we are reminded to:
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Resisting Satan’s lies is the first step to walking in the freedom God gives. Our protection from the enemy’s deception lies in remaining rooted in the truth of God’s Word and submitting to His will for our lives.

Though the enemy’s message may appear in different forms, its objective is unchanged: to lead us away from God. As we see in John 8:44 (NIV), Satan is a liar from the beginning:
“When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

So, brothers and sisters, stay firm in the faith. Resist the lies of the enemy and hold fast to the truth that is in Christ Jesus. John 14:6 (NIV) reminds us:
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

May you continue to walk in truth and freedom as you abide in Christ. Remember, as we read in Psalm 119:105 (NIV):
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Stay rooted in His Word, and you will not be led astray. May God's peace and protection surround you always.

In Christ’s love and strength,
JK Woodall

Welcome to January 2025

 Welcome to January 2025

The One in Your Life

By JK. Woodall

As we step boldly into January 2025, I greet you with anticipation for all God has in store for us in this Year of Favor! The number “one” in Hebrew, אֶחָד (Echad), reminds us of unity and completeness—a divine alignment where our lives connect with God’s purpose.

This month, I invite you to reflect on The One in Your Life. Who holds the central place in your decisions, priorities, and dreams? True favor begins when we acknowledge that Jesus is not only our Savior but also our One, the cornerstone upon which everything else is built.

The psalmist declared, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1, KJV). This declaration of favor flows from knowing that God alone supplies our every need and guides us through every season. His favor is not just an abstract idea—it is the tangible blessing of being loved, chosen, and seen by the Creator of the universe.

Let this year mark the start of a deep and personal commitment to unity with Christ. Whether in prayer, worship, or acts of service, fix your eyes on The One who has already set His favor upon you. As we walk in God’s favor, we will see transformations, breakthroughs, and abundant grace—not just in our lives but in the lives of those around us.

This is the year to celebrate that favor is not about what we achieve but about Whom we walk with. Jesus is your constant, your promise, and your favor personified. May He be the Echad, the One who unites all areas of your life, making you whole and empowered for all He’s called you to accomplish.

Welcome to 2025, a year overflowing with divine favor. Let’s embrace it together with faith, hope, and expectancy.

In Christ,
Pst. JK Woodall

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.