Faith Multiplied

 

5,6,7: Faith Multiplied

By JK Woodall

Not everyone realizes that when Jesus came down from the mountain, He performed seven healings in Matthew 8-9. Three of them—5, 6, and 7—show how faith grows in different ways. Faith isn’t just personal; it’s strengthened when we stand together, reach out, and trust Jesus even in impossible situations.

5 – Faith That Carries Others (The Paralyzed Man) (Matthew 9:1-8)

A group of friends brought a paralyzed man to Jesus. He couldn’t move on his own, but their faith carried him. Jesus saw their faith and said, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven” (Matthew 9:2, NIV). Then He healed him completely. Sometimes, we need people in our lives who will carry us when we can’t move forward on our own.

6 – Faith That Reaches Out (The Woman with the Issue of Blood) (Matthew 9:20-22)

For 12 years, this woman suffered. Doctors failed her, society rejected her. But she thought, “If I can just touch His robe, I’ll be healed” (Matthew 9:21, NLT). She didn’t wait for an invitation—she reached out in faith. Jesus turned and said, “Your faith has healed you” (Matthew 9:22, NIV). Sometimes, we have to push through obstacles and reach for Jesus ourselves.

7 – Faith That Stands Together (Jairus’ Daughter) (Matthew 9:23-25)

Jairus believed Jesus could heal his daughter, but she died before they arrived. People laughed when Jesus said, “She’s only asleep” (Matthew 9:24, NIV). He removed the doubters and brought His closest followers inside. Then, He took her hand—and she got up. Some miracles require removing doubt and surrounding yourself with faith-filled people.

Faith is Stronger Together

I’ve experienced this firsthand. When I faced challenges I couldn’t handle alone, it was the prayers of others that lifted me up. Other times, I had to press through obstacles and seek Jesus for myself. And there were moments when I had to remove negativity and surround myself with believers.

Faith isn’t just added—it’s multiplied when we walk together.

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." – Matthew 18:20 (NIV)

Hidden Messages...

 Hidden Messages in Books?

Many of us grew up reading classic children’s books, enjoying their whimsical stories and imaginative worlds. However, it is crucial to exercise discernment when examining the deeper messages within these books, as some contain hidden spiritual deception. One such book is The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. While often seen as a simple fantasy tale, its underlying themes reflect the Theosophical beliefs of Baum and his connection to Helena Blavatsky, who openly sought to remove Christianity from the world.

The Hidden Message in The Wizard of Oz

1. The Great and Powerful Being Behind the Curtain Is a Lie – In biblical Christianity, the veil of the temple separated the people from the holy presence of God (Exodus 26:33, KJV). When Christ died, the veil was torn, signifying that mankind now had direct access to God (Matthew 27:51, KJV). However, in Oz, when the curtain is pulled back, there is no divine presence—only a weak, powerless man. This mirrors the Theosophical belief that religious authority is a deception and that traditional faith in God is misguided.

   • Exodus 26:33 (KJV) – "And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy."

   • Matthew 27:51 (KJV) – "And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent."

2. Self-Reliance vs. Trust in God – Throughout Oz, Dorothy and her friends discover that they never needed the Wizard’s help—they had the power within themselves all along. This is a direct contradiction to biblical truth. The Bible teaches that we must rely on God, not ourselves (Jeremiah 17:5-7, KJV). True wisdom and strength come from the Lord, not from within fallen humanity (Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV).

   • Jeremiah 17:5-7 (KJV) – "Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord."

   • Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) – "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

3. Emerald City vs. New Jerusalem – In Revelation 21, the Bible describes the New Jerusalem, the holy city where God dwells with His people. The Emerald City in Oz is a false paradise, ruled by a deceptive and powerless man. Could this be an intentional mockery of the heavenly kingdom?

   • Revelation 21:2-3 (KJV) – "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."

The Influence of Theosophy and Helena Blavatsky

Baum was deeply involved in Theosophy, an esoteric belief system founded by Helena Blavatsky. Blavatsky was openly hostile toward Christianity, teaching that it was a distortion of true spiritual enlightenment and needed to be eradicated. She promoted ideas that align with Luciferian enlightenment—seeking to replace the God of the Bible with human divinity.

• 2 Corinthians 11:14 (KJV) – "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."

• Colossians 2:8 (KJV) – "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

Baum praised Blavatsky’s teachings and incorporated these anti-Christian ideas into his writings. The core message of Oz—that power comes from within and that religious authority is a deception—aligns with Theosophy’s mission to replace Christianity with self-enlightenment.

A Target on the Young Minds

Some stories are designed to appeal to the young to influence them early. The enemy knows that by shaping young minds through seemingly innocent entertainment, he can plant seeds of doubt and rebellion against God’s Word. This aligns with Proverbs 22:6 (KJV), which instructs us to train children in the ways of the Lord so that they will not depart from it when they grow older. Parents and guardians must be vigilant about the media and books that shape the worldview of their children.

• Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) – "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Conclusion: A Deliberate Attack on Biblical Truth?

While The Wizard of Oz may seem like a harmless fairy tale, its underlying message aligns with Theosophy’s attempt to remove faith in God and replace it with human self-reliance. As believers, we must be discerning about the books, movies, and stories that shape our thinking, ensuring that we align with the truth of God’s Word rather than subtle spiritual deception.

• Ephesians 5:11 (KJV) – "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."

• 1 John 4:1 (KJV) – "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

We are called to test everything against Scripture and reject anything that seeks to undermine the truth of God’s Kingdom. Let us be watchful and stand firm in the faith!

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)

By JK Woodall

Your Sins Are Removed in the Book

 Your Sins Are Removed in the Book

By: JK Woodall

In 2 Samuel 11, we see one of the most well-known sins of King David—his affair with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, and the subsequent death of Uriah. David's actions were not just a lapse in judgment but a deliberate attempt to cover up his sin. When Bathsheba became pregnant, David tried to manipulate Uriah into returning home from the battlefield, hoping he would sleep with his wife and assume the child was his. When Uriah refused to go home, David sent him back to the frontlines with a letter ordering his death. Uriah, unknowingly carrying his own death sentence, was killed in battle (2 Samuel 11:14-17).

David’s sin was severe—adultery, deceit, and murder. Yet, God confronted David through the prophet Nathan, and David confessed his sin (2 Samuel 12:13). God forgave him, but there were consequences: the child born to Bathsheba would die (2 Samuel 12:14-18). Even in the midst of judgment, God's mercy was evident. He did not reject David, but instead, He cleansed him, and David was still called a man after God's own heart.

Now, compare this with the story in 1 Chronicles 21. Although this chapter does not specifically address David's sin with Bathsheba, it shows us another moment of David’s failure. David’s census of Israel was an act of pride and self-reliance, and it too brought judgment upon the nation. In 1 Chronicles 21:8, David confesses, "I have sinned greatly by doing this. Now I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant." Just as with Bathsheba, David acknowledged his sin, and God responded with mercy.

The key difference between the two situations is the way God deals with sin. In 2 Samuel, while God forgives David, there are consequences to his actions, especially regarding the death of the child. But in 1 Chronicles 21, we see a different kind of mercy. David's repentance brings about a direct removal of the sin, symbolized by God's acceptance of his sacrifice and the cessation of the plague (1 Chronicles 21:26-27). It’s a beautiful picture of God’s mercy: when we genuinely repent, He not only forgives us but removes the judgment.

I personally experienced a similar moment in my life. There was a time I made decisions I deeply regretted, and I felt the weight of guilt pressing on me. I, like David, confessed my sin to God, asking for His forgiveness. And just as in the scriptures, I found that God’s mercy was greater than the consequences I feared. He not only forgave me, but He removed my guilt, bringing peace to my heart. This is the heart of the gospel: that through repentance, God removes our sin, offering us a clean slate.

What is a Trespass? (Leviticus 5)

 

Bible Study Notes: Leviticus 5 – The Trespass Offering

By JK Woodall

What is a Trespass?

A trespass is an act of wrongdoing, violation, or offense against another, whether against God or man. It can be intentional or unintentional but still requires accountability and restitution. The Hebrew word for trespass (אָשָׁם, asham) refers to guilt, debt, or offense that demands atonement.

Leviticus 5 outlines the Trespass Offering, a required sacrifice for sins that involve deception, unintentional disobedience, or wrongful gain. This chapter highlights God’s justice—sin must be acknowledged and atoned for—and God’s mercy, providing a way for restoration.

It is important to note that in most English Bible translations, Leviticus 5 contains 19 verses, following the Greek Septuagint tradition. However, in the Hebrew Bible (Masoretic Text), Leviticus 5 extends to 26 verses, with additional details about restitution and atonement found in verses 20-26. While we will focus on the Greek-based translation with 19 verses, we will briefly examine the additional Hebrew text at the end of these notes.

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Leviticus 5:1-19 (Greek Translation – 19 Verses)

1. The Responsibility to Speak Truth (Leviticus 5:1, KJV)

"And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity."

Silence in the face of wrongdoing is itself a sin. If someone witnesses a crime or injustice but refuses to testify, they share in the guilt. God holds His people accountable not just for their actions but also for their inaction.

2. Defilement and Unintentional Sin (Leviticus 5:2-3, ESV)

"If anyone touches an unclean thing, whether the carcass of an unclean wild animal or a dead body of a person, and it is hidden from him, and he realizes his guilt... he shall be guilty."

Even unintentional contact with uncleanness required atonement. This emphasizes that sin, even when accidental, separates us from God and requires confession and cleansing.

3. Rash Oaths and Their Consequences (Leviticus 5:4, NIV)

"If anyone thoughtlessly takes an oath to do anything, whether good or evil—when they realize their guilt in any of these matters, they must confess their sin."

Words have power, and careless promises or vows can bring guilt. The principle here is that God's people must be careful with their speech and uphold their commitments.

4. The Required Atonement (Leviticus 5:5-6, NKJV)

"And it shall be, when he is guilty in any of these matters, that he shall confess that he has sinned in that thing; and he shall bring his trespass offering to the Lord."

Confession and sacrifice were required for atonement. This foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate atonement for our sins (Hebrews 9:22).

5. Offerings Based on Economic Status (Leviticus 5:7-13, NASB)

"But if he cannot afford a sheep, then he shall bring to the Lord his guilt offering for that in which he has sinned, two turtledoves or two young pigeons."

God made provisions for the poor, allowing them to bring smaller offerings if they couldn’t afford a lamb. This shows God's grace and fairness in His laws.

6. Trespassing Against God’s Holy Things (Leviticus 5:14-16, CSB)

"If someone offends by sinning unintentionally in regard to any of the Lord’s holy things, he is to bring his restitution offering to the Lord: an unblemished ram from the flock."

This highlights the seriousness of offenses against God, even when done unintentionally. Restitution was required, with an additional penalty of 20%.

7. The Ram of Atonement (Leviticus 5:17-19, NLT)

"If you sin by violating one of the Lord’s commands, even if you are unaware of what you have done, you are guilty and will be punished for your sin. You must bring a ram without defect as a guilt offering."

This passage reiterates that ignorance does not excuse sin. It also points to Christ, the spotless Lamb, who became our final offering.

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Leviticus 5:20-26 (Hebrew Bible Additional Verses)

The Hebrew Bible (Masoretic Text) includes Leviticus 5:20-26, which expands on the requirement for restitution.

• Leviticus 5:20-23 (JPS Tanakh 1917) emphasizes returning stolen property or dishonest gain.
• Leviticus 5:24-26 requires full repayment plus an additional 20% and a trespass offering.

This shows that God's justice includes both atonement before Him and restoration to the wronged party.

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Personal Reflection Questions

1. Have you ever been in a situation where you remained silent when you should have spoken the truth? How did that affect your relationship with others and with God? (Leviticus 5:1)
2. How do you handle situations where you realize you have wronged someone? Do you seek to make restitution, as described in this passage? (Leviticus 5:14-16, 20-26)
3. What does this chapter teach you about the seriousness of sin and the importance of confession and atonement in your spiritual walk?

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Prayer Points

1. Pray for a heart that is sensitive to sin, even unintentional sins, so that you may quickly seek God’s forgiveness and make things right.
2. Ask God to help you walk in honesty and integrity, ensuring that your actions reflect His righteousness.
3. Pray for strength and humility to seek restitution when needed, trusting in God's grace to restore relationships.

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Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for revealing to us the importance of confession, atonement, and restitution. We acknowledge that we sometimes fall short, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Please give us hearts that are quick to repent and a spirit that desires to make things right. Help us to walk in truth, integrity, and obedience to Your Word.

Lord, we thank You for Jesus, our ultimate trespass offering, who paid the price for our sins. May we never take His sacrifice for granted but live in a way that honors You. Teach us to seek forgiveness, extend grace to others, and reflect Your love in all we do.

In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

IF You are willing

 IF…

By JK Woodall

"Father, IF You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." – Luke 22:42 (NIV)

A man covered in leprosy approached Jesus and pleaded, “Lord, IF You are willing, You can make me clean.” – Luke 5:12 (NKJV)

Two moments. Two “IFs”. One received immediate healing. The other received strength to endure.

Jesus, in Gethsemane, asked if the cup of suffering could pass. But the Father’s answer was not removal—it was strength. “Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.” – Luke 22:43 (NKJV)

The leper’s request was met with healing. Jesus' request was met with power to walk through the suffering, not around it.

Sometimes, we pray for the situation to change, but instead, God changes us. Paul prayed for his thorn to be removed, but God replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)

The cup wasn’t taken, but fear was. Strength removes fear. God’s will is not always to take it away—but to take YOU through.

IF you are willing, Lord… make me whole.
IF You are willing… strengthen me to endure.

💡 God is always willing—but His answer may be strength, not escape.

#StayStrong #FaithOverFear #StrengthToEndure

Save the Date: National Day of Prayer 2025

 

Weekly Devotional: March 2 – March 8, 2025 Theme: The Power of Kindness

 

Weekly Devotional: March 2 – March 8, 2025
Theme: The Power of Kindness
By JK Woodall

Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit that reflects the love of God in action. It is more than just being nice—it is a powerful expression of God’s character working through us. True kindness flows from a heart transformed by Christ, reaching beyond words into actions that uplift, encourage, and bring healing. This week, let us focus on demonstrating God’s kindness in our daily lives.

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Scripture Focus

1. Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (ESV)
• Kindness and forgiveness go hand in hand, reflecting Christ’s love for us.
2. Proverbs 11:17 – “A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.” (ESV)
• When we extend kindness, we not only bless others but also receive blessings in return.
3. Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (NIV)
• Kindness is a part of our spiritual identity in Christ.
4. Luke 6:35 – “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” (NIV)
• God calls us to extend kindness even to those who may not deserve it, just as He does.

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Reflections on Kindness

1. Kindness Reflects Christ: When we show kindness, we display the heart of Jesus to the world. A kind word, a helping hand, or a simple act of love can be a witness of God’s presence.
2. Kindness Heals and Encourages: A gentle touch, a compassionate ear, or a word of encouragement can bring healing to a hurting heart.
3. Kindness is a Choice: It is easy to respond with frustration or impatience, but choosing kindness—even when it is difficult—brings glory to God.
4. Kindness Changes Lives: Small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. You never know how one moment of kindness can inspire someone to draw closer to God.

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Encouragement for the Week

As you go about your week, look for opportunities to show kindness in your home, workplace, church, and community. Even in moments of frustration, choose grace over anger. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you reflect the kindness of Christ in every interaction.

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Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing kindness toward us. Help us to reflect Your love through our words and actions. Give us hearts that seek to uplift others, patience to show grace, and wisdom to extend kindness even in difficult situations. May our lives be a testimony of Your goodness, and may our kindness lead others to know You more. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This week, be intentional about showing kindness, for through it, you reveal the love of God to the world! 💙