Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day. And repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. Luke 24-46-47
We will never be able to comprehend the betrayal, rejection, persecution and physical pain that Jesus endured. After such a brutal beating and mocking, He was led to carry a cross by Himself to His death. The ultimate torture lead to the ultimate sacrifice for us.
The complete darkness of the age was blinded that He was the Son of God. They discredited the works of His hands and the miraculous miracles to deliver and heal the sick, cast out demons and raise the dead.
The resurrection power of Christ to defeat death and the grave and transcend to life embodies the everlasting hope and faith of the ultimate love for the remission of sins. Jesus paid the price and penalty for our freedom and redemption to escape all forms of bondage, sickness, sin and death in exchange for eternal life and abundant living.
May the hope and freedom of His resurrection encourage you to rise above any circumstance and face any challenge with a fresh level of faith towards the future understanding the cost of His sacrifice for the gift of life. May the renewal of this season breathe new life in every area of your soul.
The Resurrection Prayer
Thank you, Lord that you paid the ultimate sacrifice on the cross for my sins. You transformed darkness into light. May your Spirit illuminate my mind, body and spirit with understanding and wisdom as I continue down an unknown path as you continue to guide me along the way. I receive extraordinary faith, peace and power to rise above my present circumstances and to rebuke any challenges, obstacles or distractions that block your plan and purpose for my life. I pray for endurance to fight the good fight of faith and to carry the love of Christ in my heart and to expose the darkness and transcend to light in this world by your Spirit. To God be the glory!
In Jesus name, Amen.
Related Scriptures
Luke 24 – The Whole Chapter
Eph 1:7
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s
Eph 1:17-20
17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
Eph 2:8-9
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
Eph 2:11-13
11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)—12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him sent himself and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
For what profit Aman if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
Spiritual growth is a journey that many people embark on at some point in their lives. It involves exploring your inner self, understanding your purpose, and connecting with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to lead you to all truth. Here are eight keys to spiritual growth that can help you on this journey.
1. Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and being aware of your thoughts, feelings,and surroundings. You become highly intuitive and sensitive to the things around you and to others emotions and the needs around you. It involves observing your thoughts without judgement, as well as accepting and releasing them. Mindfulness is essential to connecting your heart and mind with the intentions that the Lord has for your life. It leads you to a sense of inner peace and awareness, which is essential for spiritual growth.
2. Gratitude
Gratitude is the practice of being thankful for the blessings in your life, big or small. It helps you focus on the positive aspects of your life and shifts your perspective to one of abundance rather than lack. Gratitude also helps you cultivate a sense of humility and appreciation for the people and things in your life.
3. Self-Reflection
Self reflection is the practice of looking inward and examining your thoughts, feelings, emotions, actions and behavior. It helps you identify areas of your life that need improvement and to become more self aware. Self-Reflection also helps you cultivate a sense of compassion as well as set boundaries for yourself and others.
4. Connection with Nature
Nature has a way of reminding us of our place in the world and connecting us with all living things. Spending time in nature releases stress and centers your thoughts. It cultivates a sense of peace and eliminates confusion and chaos. Water is extremely calming and is of the Spirit. It is essential for life. The ocean, sea or river is life-giving and provides your being to relax and embrace the moment. Being in nature helps you appreciate the beauty and expression of God’s creation.
5. Service to others
Service to others is the practice of helping those in need and contributing to the wellbeing of others and your community. It helps you cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in your life and to connect with others on a deep level. Service to others also helps develop a sense of compassion and empathy for those who are sick, elderly or less fortunate.
6. Prayer and Meditation
Prayer and meditation are powerful practices for spiritual growth. When you a build relationship with God, daily communication is the lifeline to your spiritual process that strengthens your faith. Connecting with the Creator is a lifestyle not a religion.
7. Reading the Bible
Reading the Bible is the living word that comes to life on the page. Each time you read the scripture, you receive new insight and revelation. It builds your faith and your character in Christ. You develop a strong solid foundation that cannot be shaken by the events happening in the world. It’s life’s instruction manual to divinely guide you through the obstacles, challenges and difficulties of life. It also fills you with the power, wisdom and strength to natigate through the plots, schemes and plans of the enemy.
8. Forgivessness Sets You Free
Forgiveness is the practice of letting go of, resentment and anger which leads to bitterness towards those who wronged you. It helps you cultivate a sense of compassion and understanding for others and releases negative emotions that can hold you back. Forgiveness also helps you develop a sense of inner peace and freedom. You no longer will keep living in the past and recycling old memories but have the ability to move forward in your life. Forgiveness does not mean you have to accept the person that mistreated or abused you and keep them in your circle. Setting healthy boundaries from toxic relationships is mandatory and allows you to heal from every bad situation, experience or toxic environment.
Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey that requires patience, dedication, and application. When you walk in the fruits of the spirit which is joy, love, faithfulness, forbearance, patience, gentleness, goodness, kindness, self-control, you reflect the character of Jesus. Gal 5:22-23
It deepens your relationship with God and others. By activating mindfulness, gratitude, self-reflection, connection with nature, service to others, prayer and meditation, Bible study and forgiveness, you can deepen your spiritual walk and find greater meaning and purpose in your life.
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Bible Scriptures
Mindfulness
Be still and know that I am God. Psalms 46:10
Gratitude
Be thankful in all circumstances because this is Gods will for you who belongs to Christ Jesus. 1Thess 5:18
Self–Reflection
But be doers of the Word, and not heaters only, deceiving yourselves. For anyone is a bearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. James 1:22-24
Connection with Nature
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:20
Service to others
For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward his name, in that you have ministered to the the saints, and do minister. Heb 6:10
Prayer and Meditation
Do not be anxious for anything , but with prayer and thanksgiving making your request known to God, Phil 4:6-7
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8
Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be acceptable in your sight. Psalm 19:14
Reading the Bible
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. Rev 1:3
Forgiveness
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians4:31-32
Thus says the Lord God: “Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! Ezk 13: 3
The world has changed drastically. In his new world that we live in, technology has a major influence in our homes and communities as well as our political, social, educational and spiritual perspectives and views.
We are heavily bombarded with news, opinions, statistics, and innovations. We are quick to follow the latest trends, social media influencers, and controversial celebrity gossip.
Dancing with Divination
On the same scale, we quick to follow prophetic messages with hopes of the promises of good news, fortune and blessings. We desire anything that is pleasing to the flesh – eyes, ears, taste, touch even smell. Some people look to horoscopes, astrology, numerology, charms, crystals, fortune tellers, psychics, soothsayers and false prophets for the latest predictions about upcoming events like it would transform their lives like magic.
Thus says the Lord God: “Woe to the women who sew magic charms on their sleeves and make veils for their heads of people of ever pay height to hunt souls! Ezk 13:18 Therefore thus says the Lord God: Behold I’m against your magic charms by which you hunt souls there like birds. I will tear them from your arms, and let the souls go, the souls you hunt like birds. I will also tear off your veils and deliver My people out of your hand, and they shall no longer be as a prey in your hand. Then you shall know that I am Lord. Ezk 13: 20-21
We don’t want to listen to anything that will disrupt our way of thinking or feeling. We crave comfort and lavish lifestyles and reject correction, instruction, wisdom and truth.
The world is going to continue to grow more chaotic and evil. If you’re not rooted in sound doctrine, you will not be able to stand against the attacks, plots, schemes and plans of the enemy.
We must be spiritually discerning and be careful not to align ourselves with false doctrines or mixed ideologies. You cannot call on Jesus and then give credit to the universe. The Lord created the universe and everything in it.
We will go through many difficult situations and circumstances but if we know the character and the Word of God, He will protect and guide us through every storm, valley, evil attack and corruptive agenda that’s placed before us.
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
Romans 16:17-18
We must test the spirit with the Word of God at all times. You cannot test the spirit if you do not know or understand the Word of God, His character and His ways. The Spirit of God leads you in all truth and teaches you all things in the Spirit.
But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But, he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the mind of the Lord that He may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. I Corth 2:14-16
We cannot be spiritually idle or lazy and rely on pastors, ministry leaders and prophetic voices to give us direction. We must know God for ourselves and allow Christian leaders to be the reinforcement and encouragement as well as the teachers to nurture our spiritual growth as a Body of Believers.
The world mixes good for evil and evil for good. There are so many blurred lines that the church is looking and acting just like the world. Recently, Pastor Jamal Bryant stated he wanted to bring cannibus into the church to grow His ministry. There is a serious problem when a spiritual leader is leading his sheep to the slaughter and he doesn’t see anything wrong with it. You need to know Jesus for yourselves. There’s many wolves in sheep’s clothing. Acts 20:28-30
Be sober and vigilant, because your adversary the devil is a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour. I Peter 5:8
The late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was criticized for not doing more to address sexual abuse in the church. He was accused of poor handling of accusations against some priests as the head of Vatican’s doctrinal office.
When you are in the public eye or serving in ministry you have to be extremely careful of falling prey to temptations of this world and appeasing men.
Idolatryis Priority
Fame and fortune is also a snare and can lead you into idolatry. We can look at many examples in Hollywood whose life has been completely destroyed because they did not have the wisdom to handle the responsibilities that come with abundance and prosperity. They simply have money to burn on fleshy pleasures.
For the love of money is the root of all evil; while some has coveted after they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves with many sorrows. I Tim 6:10
Do not conform to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is good and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Rom 12:2
Stand in the Test of Time
We are leaning into transformative times that will test our faith. In the Bible, Daniel refused to eat from the King’s plate because the meat was sacrificed to idols. Dan 1:8-16
Joseph refused to sleep with Potiphar’s wife. Gen 39:10
Shaderack, Meshack and Andego refused to bow down to the King of Babylon and the golden statue.
I’m sure you’re familiar with these stories of the Bible. They were thrown in a fire and it was heated seven times hotter than normal. They believed in God and had faith that God would save them. King Nebuchadnezzar saw four men walking in the fire unharmed. The king promoted them to a higher office and decreed that the God of Israel was to be worshipped in the land.
What are you willing to endure? Are you willing to stand alone against mockery and persecution?
The Holy Spirit provides all truth and knowledge to understand the Bible and guides us in all wisdom we need in the instruction for life.
Anything that we deem as priority or worship is a form of idolatry. Here are just a few things off the top of my head that can easily become a snare of idolatry.
Materialism:
Technology
Work/Jobs
Children
Education
Money
Celebrities
Sports
Social Media
Food
Fashion/Clothing
Idolatry means
1. the religious worship of idols.
2. excessive or blind adoration, reverence or devotion
We have carried the same idolatry into the 21st Century which has been in the foreshadows and forefront for decades.
There are many forms of idolatry embedded in our architecture and culture which stems from Egyptian and Assyrian traditions of worshipping the kings and gods during their time.
On Wall Street, there is a golden bull outside of the building of the stock exchange. It reminds me of the golden calf which was created and worshipped when the people lost faith on the way to the promised land.
The Black Egyptian Obelisk, known as the Cleopatra’s Needle, is part of the architecture design which consists of two monuments which are located in Themes embankment in London and Central Park in New York. It stands 69 feet high.
The most modern version of an obelisk is centered directly in front of the White House in Washington DC and stands 555 feet tall. There is also an obelisk located at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
I just realized this while writing this text that even the World Trade Center resembles an obelisk in its architecture design. These monuments are symbolic of the obelisks found in Egyptian architecture.
We must be aware of the different types of idolatry so we don’t succumb to worldly pursuits. We should regularly do a self-check or evaluation to ensure we are walking in alignment with the Lord.
The scriptures listed below relate to false prophets and false doctrines. Please take time to read and meditate on these scriptures. God is not the author of confusion. If you are a new believer and feeling lost and confused with all the noise on the internet. I highly recommend you dig into these scriptures for the truth in God’s word.
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Writing with Purpose 