Kingdom Riches ≠ Earthly Riches

 Kingdom Riches ≠ Earthly Riches

By JK Woodall

I’ve had moments in life when money was flowing, and other times when I had to pray over a tank of gas. But one thing I’ve learned—real riches don’t come from the bank, they come from God.

In Luke 16:19–31, Jesus tells the story of two men. One was wealthy, dressed in purple, and lived in luxury. The other was named Lazarus, a poor man covered in sores, who sat at the rich man’s gate just hoping for crumbs. Now this Lazarus isn’t the same one Jesus raised from the dead in John 11—this is a parable. But his name matters. Lazarus means “God has helped.” And God surely did.

When they both died, Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man, however, ended up in torment—not because he was rich, but because he ignored those in need.

That story hits home. I’ve met people with little material wealth but overflowing faith, and I’ve seen folks with everything money could buy but nothing eternal to hold on to.

Paul writes, “Tell those who are rich… not to put their trust in wealth, but in God” (1 Timothy 6:17, NIV). And James reminds us that those the world calls poor, God calls “rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom” (James 2:5, ESV).

I remind myself daily: I’m a joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17), and my treasure is stored in heaven (Matthew 6:20).

Let’s not chase what fades. Let’s live for what lasts.
Because in God’s Kingdom, the richest person is the one who walks closely with Jesus.

— JK Woodall
Senior Pastor, Revival Center
Hesperia, California

Happy Father’s Day 2025!

 Happy Father’s Day 2025

By JK Woodall, Senior Pastor, Revival Center, Hesperia, CA

To all fathers everywhere—Happy Father’s Day! Today, we celebrate the men God has called to be priests of their households, standing in the gap through prayer, wisdom, and godly leadership.

As spiritual leaders, your influence echoes in the hearts of your children and the foundation of your families.

“For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.” – Ephesians 5:23, ESV

God has entrusted you with a sacred calling—to cover your home in faith and truth. Like Joshua, may every father boldly declare:

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15, KJV

Your prayers matter. Your presence matters. You are not just a provider—you are a protector, teacher, and shepherd of your home.

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

Thank you for leading with love and faith. May God bless you richly today and always.

With honor and appreciation,

JK Woodall

Senior Pastor, Revival Center

Hesperia, California

 ⚠️ NextVerse Weekly Devotional 🧱

📅 June 15 – 21, 2025

🧊 Theme: “Millstone Warnings: Guarding the New in Faith”

✍️ By JK Woodall

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💭 Devotional Thought

When Jesus spoke of “the little ones,” He wasn’t just talking about children. He was speaking to a deeper spiritual truth — those new in faith, those just learning to walk in trust, grace, and obedience. 🐣🛐

New believers are spiritually vulnerable, often full of questions, still shedding old habits, and discovering the voice of God. Jesus issues a stern warning: "If you cause one of these to stumble, it’s better to have a millstone tied around your neck and be cast into the sea." That’s not harsh — it’s holy protection. 💥🛡️

God’s heart fiercely defends those stepping into the light for the first time. This week, examine your example. Are your words lifting up or tearing down? Are your social posts and conversations helping others grow in faith or leaving them confused?

Let’s choose accountability, humility, and mentorship over carelessness. Let’s protect the spiritual steps of those just learning to walk. 🚶‍♂️🕊️

📖 Anchor Scripture

> “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

— Matthew 18:6 (NIV) 🪨🌊

📚 Supporting Scriptures

“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.” — Romans 15:1 (NIV) 💪🤝

“Let us not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:32 (NIV) 🚫✝️

“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” — 1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV) ⚠️

🗓️ Daily Reflections

Sunday: Reflect on your influence. New believers are watching and learning. 👀

Monday: Model humility and grace in your daily life. 🤲

Tuesday: Be a mentor, not a misleader. 🧭

Wednesday: Watch your words — they carry weight. 🗣️🪶

Thursday: Encourage someone new in Christ today. 📩❤️

Friday: Pray for discernment in your example. 🙏✨

Saturday: Protect and guide, like Christ does for you. 🛡️🕊️

🙏 Prayer

Lord,

Thank You for trusting me to walk beside those new to Your kingdom.

Help me to be a light, not a distraction.

May my words nurture and my actions build up.

Give me the wisdom to protect the vulnerable and the grace to walk humbly.

In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙌🔥

Not Everything That’s Available Is Beneficial

 📜 Message Title: Not Everything That’s Available Is Beneficial

✍️ By JK Woodall---

When I was younger in my faith walk, I believed that if something was available, it must have been approved by God. I remember accepting an opportunity that looked like a blessing—more money, a better title, and influence. But spiritually, it left me dry, distant, and distracted. I had access to more, but I had less peace.

The Apostle Paul reminds us:

> “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. —1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV)

Just because it’s in reach doesn’t mean it’s aligned with God’s will. Some opportunities are tests of restraint, not rewards for ambition.

Adam and Eve had everything in Eden, but one tree was off-limits.

> “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it...” —Genesis 2:17 (KJV)

They had options—but they needed obedience more than access.

Today, we live in a world full of choices: relationships, careers, content, food, and influences. Yet not everything feeds your purpose. Some things fill your hands and empty your soul.

> “Everything is permissible,” but not everything builds up. —1 Corinthians 10:23 (CSB)

So we pray,

“Lord, help me choose not just what is available, but what is edifying.”---

✅ Takeaway:

You can have access and still be in error. Let the Spirit guide your choices—because availability is not the same as blessing.

🙌 Walk in wisdom. Live by the Spirit. Choose what builds you in Christ.

— JK Woodall

Introductory Notes: Leviticus Chapter 11

 Introductory Notes: Leviticus Chapter 11

By JK Woodall

Hey everyone, welcome to our Bible Study journey through Leviticus Chapter 11 this June! At first glance, this chapter might seem like a list of rules about what to eat and what not to eat. But when we dig a little deeper, we’ll see it’s so much more—it’s about holiness, obedience, and living out our identity as God's people.

God’s instructions in this chapter were meant to set Israel apart, not just in their dietary habits, but in how they approached life. It’s a reminder that what we consume—whether food or anything else—affects who we are and how we live. Leviticus 11 isn’t just about clean and unclean foods; it’s about learning to live in a way that reflects God’s holiness.

Throughout the month of June, we’ll walk through this chapter verse by verse, uncovering what it means and how it still speaks to us today. It’s not just about knowledge, but about understanding God’s heart behind these instructions.

A quick note: We won’t have Bible study on June 12 and June 26, but I encourage you all to keep studying on your own during those weeks. Remember the verse from 2 Timothy 2:15—“Study to show yourself approved unto God.” Let’s stay connected to the Word.

I’m excited for this study and can’t wait to dive in with all of you. Let’s learn together and grow in understanding.

— JK Woodall

Remember Who Your Are...

 

Man Calls You by Where You Came From. God Calls You by Who You Are.

By Dr. JK Woodall

We’ve all been called things that define where we came from—our family name, our past mistakes, or where we grew up. But God doesn’t see us through those labels. He sees us through purpose.

In three of the Gospels, one of Jesus’ disciples is listed as Bartholomew, which means “son of Talmai”. That’s all—just someone’s son. But in the Gospel of John, he’s called Nathanael, which means “God has given.”

Here’s what’s powerful: Bartholomew and Nathanael are the same person. But John, who emphasized Jesus as divine, records Jesus calling him by a heavenly name, not just a human one.

When Nathanael first hears about Jesus, he doubts: “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (John 1:46). But Jesus doesn’t call out his doubt. Instead, He says:
“Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” (John 1:47, NIV)

Jesus saw Nathanael’s heart, not his hesitations. He spoke to the man’s true identity—not his upbringing.

We see this again in Mark 5:25–34. A woman suffered for 12 years. We don’t know her name. But after touching Jesus in faith, He calls her “Daughter.” That one word—spoken by the Son of God—restored her physically and relationally.

God is still doing this today. You might be known by your past, but God calls you by your purpose.

You are not just someone’s child or a product of your environment. You are who God says you are—chosen, loved, and called.

Declaration:
God knows my name. He sees who I am becoming—not just who I was. I am His.

Leviticus 10:12–20 (Part II) Bible Study Notes

 📖 Bible Study Notes

Title: Be Mindful of the Location

By: JK Woodall

Scripture Focus: Leviticus 10:12–20 (Part II)

🔍 Introduction: Location Matters to God

In Leviticus 10:12–20, Moses instructs Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, on how to handle the sacred offerings following the tragic death of Nadab and Abihu. This passage reveals a profound truth: not just the act of obedience, but where and how it is carried out, deeply matters to God.

Location in the biblical context is often tied to holiness, obedience, and divine presence. Throughout Scripture, God chooses specific places to dwell, to bless, and to correct. This study invites us to examine our spiritual location—both physically and emotionally—and ask: Am I in position to receive and respond to God?---

🏛️ 1. The Command to Eat in the Holy Place (vv. 12–13)

> “Take the grain offering that remains of the offerings made by fire to the Lord, and eat it without leaven beside the altar, for it is most holy.” (v.12)

Key Insight:

Moses reminds the priests that their role and calling haven’t changed, even in the face of grief. The offering must be eaten in the holy place, not elsewhere. The location of obedience is as important as the act itself.

Reflection Question:

Have I tried to carry out God’s instructions in a place or posture that He did not ordain?---

🔥 2. Ministry Doesn’t Pause for Personal Loss (vv. 16–18)

> “Then Moses made careful inquiry about the goat of the sin offering, and there it was—burned up.” (v.16)

Aaron and his sons were expected to eat the sin offering as a sign of bearing the people's iniquity. Instead, they burned it—perhaps out of grief or fear. Moses, upset, challenges them. This moment reveals that where we are emotionally and spiritually affects how we minister.

Key Insight:

Your current location—mentally, spiritually, emotionally—can either align with or resist God’s expectations. Yet God is not unaware of what you're going through.---

🗣️ 3. Aaron’s Honest Response (v. 19)

> “And Aaron said to Moses, ‘Look, this day they have offered their sin offering... and such things have befallen me! If I had eaten the sin offering today, would it have been accepted in the sight of the Lord?’”

Aaron does not excuse his actions but gives an honest reflection of his internal location—he was grieving, wounded, and questioning whether external ritual without internal alignment would please God.

Key Insight:

God desires integrity between action and condition. Ritual without relationship becomes empty. Being honest about your location matters to God more than simply performing duties.---

✅ 4. Moses Accepts Aaron’s Position (v. 20)

> “So when Moses heard that, he was content.”

Moses’ acceptance reflects God’s mercy—He sees not only what was done, but where it came from. God often shows grace when our location doesn't match our assignment, but we remain honest and open before Him.---

📌 Takeaway: Be Mindful of the Location

Whether in a place of duty, grief, transition, or restoration, remember:

God cares where you obey.

God sees where your heart is.

God meets us where we are—but doesn’t leave us there.

Let this be your prayer:

“Lord, reveal to me where I stand today. Align my location with Your purpose. And if I’m off course, gently lead me back to the holy place.”---

📚 Suggested Cross-References:

Exodus 3:5 – “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

Psalm 24:3-4 – “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?”

John 4:21-24 – “The time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem…”---

Stay faithful. Stay positioned. Be mindful of the location.

— JK Woodall