The life of Daniel, the prophet from the Old Testament, gives a great testimony of a man facing many challenges; everything from attack of his faith, to losing his life. It is a great example and inspiration of how we should live and trust in God. Daniel was truly a man that walked by faith. This is a series that will examine different aspects of Daniel’s life, and how it can encourage us as we face many of the same challenges today.
After death, when Jesus returned, He did not appear to His disciples as He was prior to death. In fact, they didn't even recognize Him when He returned to them. On the other side of death, Jesus is longing to reveal a newness of Himself unto us individually. We have to stop clinging to just one aspect of who Jesus is and realize there's a lot more He's waiting to reveal to us.
So many times, we are in a place where we are waiting on God to do something in our lives or give us an answer. More times than not, it is with an anticipation for relief in a trial/tribulation or maybe a blessing to improve our lives. Either way, our approach is when the answer finally comes that is when our breakthrough occurs. But can I tell you, it is in the waiting that the breakthrough comes. Because in the waiting is really where the breakthrough occurs. God uses those times to strengthen, to encourage, to equip, to anoint, to educate, etc. See the work God does in your life as you wait on Him, He is working in you. As you go into the waiting season, God is going to work, and when that waiting season ends, your Breakthrough happens. Not in the answer to what you been waiting for, but what occurred in that season of waiting. Waiting is working in you!!!
As Christians, we are constantly faced with a battle between the natural world we live in and the spiritual life we are called to. In fact, we at times allow societal/cultural norms and values to invade and interface with our faith. Usually over time, these worldly views become confused with true Godly principles. In John 17 Jesus states that we are not of this world because He is not of this world. Jesus continues to say in John 18, during his conversation with Pilate, that His Kingdom is not of this world. There is a clear distinction between the kingdom(s) of the Earth and the Kingdom of God. We have to be cognizant of God’s truth and not allow muddling with worldly standards or beliefs.
As we prepare to enter into Memorial Day tomorrow, it is a time to reflect, remember and give thanks to all the brave men and women who gave their all, for our nation and our freedoms. John 15:13 (NKJV) “13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” This verse is often referenced when we remember our brave warriors of times past, especially during this week of reflection. However, this love God speaks of is more than just dying for someone to demonstrate your love for them, but it is more about dying to self.
Who does God say we are? In this series, we will discuss who we are in Christ.
Do you want your flesh to make way for your spirit? Do you want breakthrough? Do you have a righteous fear of the Lord? Today, let's discuss the power of fasting, and the effect it can have on your break through!
Today is Resurrection Sunday!!! Hallelujah! Today we celebrate Jesus, our Risen Lord, who came to save a fallen world, not to destroy it. Jesus bore the sins of the world, was condemn to death, was buried, and rose again. Because of what Jesus did on the cross; those who believe in their heart and profess with their mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, will be saved. Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.
Palm Sunday is a day know for the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into the city of Jerusalem as they prepare for Passover. A
Jewish holiday that marks the liberation of Israel from the bondage of Egypt. It was a joyous day, where people celebrated Jesus and proclaimed His heavenly royalty. They rejoiced and anticipated the coming victory over their captors. But they did not truly understand the liberation Jesus was going to bring; not one from the bondage of Rome, but from the power of sin. Their
“Palm Sunday Expectation” of Jesus was based on their understanding and present circumstance. But God had better plan for them and us.
This is a year of breakthrough! But what does this actually look like? If we approach a wall, and lightly tap it, will it break? No, we have to put force behind it. Because God made man in His image, man is not only a natural being, but we are spiritual beings as well. When man sinned, a barrier (a veil) was put between us and God. If we want to break through this barrier, this veil, there is a process that we must go through... With sacrifice and pressing in, we can break through!
We all in life have faced storms or times of difficulty. During those times, we sometimes we may ask the questions: where is God, or why is God allowing this to happen? Or does He not see my situation and that I need help? I imagine as the disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee, they too faced similar internal questions about faith and God. Let's take a look at how a storm over a lake can help some men face their fears and mature in their faith.
