• WE DO RECOVER. AND THIS IMAGE PROVES IT.

    Nearly 1,500 REAL PEOPLE. 1,500 REAL STORIES. 1,500 LIVES that show recovery IS possible.

    I took the photos that were submitted for my WE DO RECOVER videos and brought them together to form one powerful image of JESUS.

    Look closely…
    Those aren't random faces.

    THEY'RE PEOPLE WHO RECOVERED.

    Every tiny photo represents a person, a battle, a story, a comeback, and HOPE for somebody who may still be fighting today.

    And together, their faces tell one HUGE message:

    WE DO RECOVER.
    Chains CAN break.
    Lives CAN change.
    Hope IS real.
    And no story is too far gone for God.

    If you're still in the fight, LOOK AT THESE FACES.

    RECOVERY HAS A FACE—AND THERE ARE NEARLY 1,500 OF THEM RIGHT HERE.

    If you're in recovery, comment “WE DO RECOVER!”
    SHARE this so someone struggling sees what's possible.

    FOLLOW FoxxFusion Ministries as we continue to RECOVER OUT LOUD and give hope to those who still need it.

    #WeDoRecover #RecoveryIsPossible #RecoverOutLoud #JesusChangesLives #FoxxFusionMinistries
    ❤️‍🔥 WE DO RECOVER. AND THIS IMAGE PROVES IT. ❤️‍🔥 Nearly 1,500 REAL PEOPLE. 1,500 REAL STORIES. 1,500 LIVES that show recovery IS possible. 🙌 I took the photos that were submitted for my WE DO RECOVER videos and brought them together to form one powerful image of JESUS. ✝️ Look closely… 👀 Those aren't random faces. THEY'RE PEOPLE WHO RECOVERED. ❤️‍🔥 Every tiny photo represents a person, a battle, a story, a comeback, and HOPE for somebody who may still be fighting today. And together, their faces tell one HUGE message: 🔥 WE DO RECOVER. 🔥 ⛓️ Chains CAN break. ❤️ Lives CAN change. 🙌 Hope IS real. ✝️ And no story is too far gone for God. If you're still in the fight, LOOK AT THESE FACES. RECOVERY HAS A FACE—AND THERE ARE NEARLY 1,500 OF THEM RIGHT HERE. 💪❤️‍🔥 👇 If you're in recovery, comment “WE DO RECOVER!” 📲 SHARE this so someone struggling sees what's possible. ➕ FOLLOW FoxxFusion Ministries as we continue to RECOVER OUT LOUD and give hope to those who still need it. ❤️‍🔥 #WeDoRecover #RecoveryIsPossible #RecoverOutLoud #JesusChangesLives #FoxxFusionMinistries
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  • Aflame - Shared by Smith Wigglesworth
    "Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. -Ezekiel 37:5
    As we speak in the Spirit, we feel that the fire that burned in the hearts of the two men on their way to Emmaus, when Jesus walked with them, is burning in our hearts. (See Luke 24:13-32.) It is sure to come to pass that when we walk with Him, our hearts will burn; the same power of the Spirit is present today to make it happen. The two men on their way to Emmaus could not understand what was happening on the road, but a few hours later, they saw Jesus break the bread, and their eyes were opened.
    But, beloved, our hearts always ought to burn. There is a place where we can live in the anointing and the clothing of the Spirit, where our words will be clothed with power. "Do not be drunk with wine ... but be filled with the Spirit" (Eph.5:18). Being filled with the Spirit is a wonderful privilege.
    It was necessary for John to be in the Spirit on the Isle of Patmos so that the revelation could be made clear to him (Rev. 1:9- 10). What does it mean to this generation for us to be kept in the Spirit? All human reasoning and all human knowledge cannot be compared with the power of the life that is lived in the Spirit. In the Spirit, we have power to loose and power to bind (Matt.16:19). There is a place where the Holy Spirit can put us where we cannot be anywhere else but in the Spirit. But it is only in the Spirit.
    Now, I read in Matthew 16:19 that Jesus says, in essence, "I will give you power to bind, and I will give you power to loose." This is a power that many of us have not yet claimed, and we will not be able to claim this manifestation of the Spirit unless we live in the Spirit. When are you able to bind and loose? It is only in the Spirit. You cannot bind things in human strength or with the natural mind. This power was never lacking in Jesus, but I feel that there is a great lack of it in most of us. God help us!
    "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me" (Luke4:18). Beloved, there was a great purpose in this Spirit being on Jesus, and there is a special purpose in your being baptized in the Spirit. We must not forget that we are members of His body, and by this wonderful baptismal power, we are partakers of His divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4).
    The revelation came this way: I saw Adam and Eve driven out of the Garden and a flaming sword at every side to keep them from entering into the Garden. But I saw 'that all around me was a flaming sword keeping me from evil, and it seemed this would be true if I would claim it, so I said, "Lord, I will." The flaming sword was around me, delivering me from the power of hell. In this way, we are preserved from evil. God is like a wall of fire around us (Zech. 2:5); why should we fear? What a wonderful salvation! What a wonderful Deliverer!
    Notice Ezekiel 37. The only need of Ezekiel was to be in the Spirit, and while he was in the Spirit, it came to him to prophesy to the dry bones and say, "O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD" (v. 4). And as he prophesied according to the Lord's command, he saw an "exceedingly great army" (v. 10) rising up about him. The prophet obeyed God's command, and all we have to do is exactly this: obey God. What is impossible with man is possible with God (Luke18:27).
    I pray to God that your spirit, soul, and body may be preserved holy (1 Thess.5:23), and that you may be always on fire, always ready with the anointing on you. If this is not so, we are out of divine order, and we ought to cry to Him until the glory comes back upon us."
    Read Smith Wigglesworth's other works at http://www.teleiosministries.com/Gifts-of-Healing.html
    Free Downloads at www.teleiosministries.com
    Aflame - Shared by Smith Wigglesworth "Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. -Ezekiel 37:5 As we speak in the Spirit, we feel that the fire that burned in the hearts of the two men on their way to Emmaus, when Jesus walked with them, is burning in our hearts. (See Luke 24:13-32.) It is sure to come to pass that when we walk with Him, our hearts will burn; the same power of the Spirit is present today to make it happen. The two men on their way to Emmaus could not understand what was happening on the road, but a few hours later, they saw Jesus break the bread, and their eyes were opened. But, beloved, our hearts always ought to burn. There is a place where we can live in the anointing and the clothing of the Spirit, where our words will be clothed with power. "Do not be drunk with wine ... but be filled with the Spirit" (Eph.5:18). Being filled with the Spirit is a wonderful privilege. It was necessary for John to be in the Spirit on the Isle of Patmos so that the revelation could be made clear to him (Rev. 1:9- 10). What does it mean to this generation for us to be kept in the Spirit? All human reasoning and all human knowledge cannot be compared with the power of the life that is lived in the Spirit. In the Spirit, we have power to loose and power to bind (Matt.16:19). There is a place where the Holy Spirit can put us where we cannot be anywhere else but in the Spirit. But it is only in the Spirit. Now, I read in Matthew 16:19 that Jesus says, in essence, "I will give you power to bind, and I will give you power to loose." This is a power that many of us have not yet claimed, and we will not be able to claim this manifestation of the Spirit unless we live in the Spirit. When are you able to bind and loose? It is only in the Spirit. You cannot bind things in human strength or with the natural mind. This power was never lacking in Jesus, but I feel that there is a great lack of it in most of us. God help us! "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me" (Luke4:18). Beloved, there was a great purpose in this Spirit being on Jesus, and there is a special purpose in your being baptized in the Spirit. We must not forget that we are members of His body, and by this wonderful baptismal power, we are partakers of His divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4). The revelation came this way: I saw Adam and Eve driven out of the Garden and a flaming sword at every side to keep them from entering into the Garden. But I saw 'that all around me was a flaming sword keeping me from evil, and it seemed this would be true if I would claim it, so I said, "Lord, I will." The flaming sword was around me, delivering me from the power of hell. In this way, we are preserved from evil. God is like a wall of fire around us (Zech. 2:5); why should we fear? What a wonderful salvation! What a wonderful Deliverer! Notice Ezekiel 37. The only need of Ezekiel was to be in the Spirit, and while he was in the Spirit, it came to him to prophesy to the dry bones and say, "O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD" (v. 4). And as he prophesied according to the Lord's command, he saw an "exceedingly great army" (v. 10) rising up about him. The prophet obeyed God's command, and all we have to do is exactly this: obey God. What is impossible with man is possible with God (Luke18:27). I pray to God that your spirit, soul, and body may be preserved holy (1 Thess.5:23), and that you may be always on fire, always ready with the anointing on you. If this is not so, we are out of divine order, and we ought to cry to Him until the glory comes back upon us." Read Smith Wigglesworth's other works at http://www.teleiosministries.com/Gifts-of-Healing.html Free Downloads at www.teleiosministries.com
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  • I need 15 people to help test this platform. Its free for now. And for those who sign up, an opportunity to help market and make money. This is a site for those in ministry to create consistent and great images.
    cc.discipleshape.life
    I need 15 people to help test this platform. Its free for now. And for those who sign up, an opportunity to help market and make money. This is a site for those in ministry to create consistent and great images. cc.discipleshape.life
    0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 25 Visualizações
  • There is no need too great, no wound too deep, no battle too fierce, and no valley too dark for the name of Jesus.

    When I feel unseen, He is El Roi—the God who sees me.
    When I am in need, He is Jehovah Jireh—the Lord who provides.
    When I am hurting, He is Jehovah Rapha—the Lord who heals.
    When my heart is troubled, He is Jehovah Shalom—the Lord who is peace.
    When the battle surrounds me, He is Jehovah Nissi—the Lord who is my banner.
    When I lose my way, He is Jehovah Rohi—the Lord who is my Shepherd.
    When I am weak, He is El Shaddai—God Almighty.
    When sin condemns me, He is Jehovah Tsidkenu—the Lord my righteousness.
    When the future is uncertain, He is Alpha and Omega—the Beginning and the End.

    Different names revealing one faithful God. One truth. One Savior. Jesus—the Name above every name.

    Whatever you are facing today, call upon His name. His name still saves. His name still heals. His name still provides. His name still protects. His name still brings peace.

    “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” — Philippians 2:10–11

    #Jesus #NameAboveEveryName #FaithInGod #ChristianEncouragement #RiseInGrace
    There is no need too great, no wound too deep, no battle too fierce, and no valley too dark for the name of Jesus. When I feel unseen, He is El Roi—the God who sees me. When I am in need, He is Jehovah Jireh—the Lord who provides. When I am hurting, He is Jehovah Rapha—the Lord who heals. When my heart is troubled, He is Jehovah Shalom—the Lord who is peace. When the battle surrounds me, He is Jehovah Nissi—the Lord who is my banner. When I lose my way, He is Jehovah Rohi—the Lord who is my Shepherd. When I am weak, He is El Shaddai—God Almighty. When sin condemns me, He is Jehovah Tsidkenu—the Lord my righteousness. When the future is uncertain, He is Alpha and Omega—the Beginning and the End. Different names revealing one faithful God. One truth. One Savior. Jesus—the Name above every name. Whatever you are facing today, call upon His name. His name still saves. His name still heals. His name still provides. His name still protects. His name still brings peace. ❤️ “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” — Philippians 2:10–11 #Jesus #NameAboveEveryName #FaithInGod #ChristianEncouragement #RiseInGrace
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  • Righteousness That Comes from God

    These days, we are meditating on the Gospel of Matthew, especially the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches His disciples the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. After teaching them to let their light shine before others so that people may see their good works and glorify their Father in heaven, Jesus explains the true meaning of righteousness and obedience to God’s Law.

    Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). He came not to destroy the Law, but to fulfill its purpose and reveal its deepest meaning. The heart of God’s Law is love: love for God and love for others.

    Jesus confronted the religious leaders of His time because the scribes and Pharisees often emphasized outward religious practices while neglecting the condition of the heart. They had developed human traditions that sometimes replaced God’s commandments. Jesus asked, “Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3).

    The Law is holy because God is holy. The Ten Commandments reveal God’s character and help us understand what sin is. However, the Law cannot save us. Instead, it reveals our sin and shows us our need for a Savior. It leads us to recognize our need for God’s mercy, forgiveness, and salvation through Jesus Christ.

    John 1:17 says, “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” The scribes and Pharisees practiced righteousness outwardly, often seeking recognition and honor from people. Jesus warned, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them” (Matthew 6:1). Their righteousness was based on self-righteousness rather than a transformed heart.

    Therefore, Jesus declared, “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). True righteousness is not merely outward behavior; it comes from a heart transformed by God through faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

    This is why Jesus calls us to be poor in spirit—to recognize our spiritual need and humbly come to Him. May our righteousness never be hypocritical or self-made, but may it be the righteousness God gives through Jesus Christ. Let us love God, love people, walk humbly, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts. May God bless you.
    Righteousness That Comes from God These days, we are meditating on the Gospel of Matthew, especially the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches His disciples the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. After teaching them to let their light shine before others so that people may see their good works and glorify their Father in heaven, Jesus explains the true meaning of righteousness and obedience to God’s Law. Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). He came not to destroy the Law, but to fulfill its purpose and reveal its deepest meaning. The heart of God’s Law is love: love for God and love for others. Jesus confronted the religious leaders of His time because the scribes and Pharisees often emphasized outward religious practices while neglecting the condition of the heart. They had developed human traditions that sometimes replaced God’s commandments. Jesus asked, “Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3). The Law is holy because God is holy. The Ten Commandments reveal God’s character and help us understand what sin is. However, the Law cannot save us. Instead, it reveals our sin and shows us our need for a Savior. It leads us to recognize our need for God’s mercy, forgiveness, and salvation through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 says, “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” The scribes and Pharisees practiced righteousness outwardly, often seeking recognition and honor from people. Jesus warned, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them” (Matthew 6:1). Their righteousness was based on self-righteousness rather than a transformed heart. Therefore, Jesus declared, “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). True righteousness is not merely outward behavior; it comes from a heart transformed by God through faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. This is why Jesus calls us to be poor in spirit—to recognize our spiritual need and humbly come to Him. May our righteousness never be hypocritical or self-made, but may it be the righteousness God gives through Jesus Christ. Let us love God, love people, walk humbly, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts. May God bless you.
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  • The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14 Exodus 14:10-18
    The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14 Exodus 14:10-18
    0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 22 Visualizações
  • THAT WAS THEN. THIS IS NOW. BUT WHAT HAPPENED THEN CAN HAPPEN AGAIN.

    When we read the book of Acts, we see a church marked by boldness, prayer, sacrifice, biblical conviction, community, mission, and an unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ.

    https://patrickryanlewis.com/2026/08/23/that-was-then-this-is-now-but-it-can-happen-again/

    The early church wasn't perfect. Scripture openly records its struggles, disagreements, and failures. But there was something unmistakable about those believers:

    Christ had the preeminence.
 They feared God more than people.
 They prayed believing God could move.
 They were willing to sacrifice for the gospel.
 They lived with eternity in view.
 They confronted sin while extending grace.
 They cared deeply about reaching people with Jesus.

    The question isn't whether we can somehow recreate the first century.
    The question is whether we are willing to recover those same spiritual priorities in the twenty-first century.
    Before pointing at everything wrong with the church today, we should ask:

    Lord, what needs to change in me?

    Am I more concerned with God's approval or people's approval?
    Am I willing to stand for truth when it costs me something?
    Is Jesus truly first in my life?
    Do I pray expecting God to work?
    Am I more passionate about the gospel than my preferences?
    Do I live like eternity is real?

    We don't simply need better programs, bigger churches, or newer strategies.

    We need Christ-centered churches filled with surrendered people who believe the gospel is true, Jesus is alive, eternity is real, and the mission is worth our lives.

    Maybe our prayer needs to become very simple:

    Lord, do it again.

    Read the full blog and consider what it would look like for the church—and for each of us individually—to recover the passion, courage, holiness, prayer, and mission we see in the book of Acts.

    #ChurchRevival #BookOfActs #JesusChrist #ChristianLiving #BiblicalTruth #Faith #Prayer #Repentance #GreatCommission #Gospel #FollowJesus #ChristianChurch #SpiritualRenewal
    THAT WAS THEN. THIS IS NOW. BUT WHAT HAPPENED THEN CAN HAPPEN AGAIN. When we read the book of Acts, we see a church marked by boldness, prayer, sacrifice, biblical conviction, community, mission, and an unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ. https://patrickryanlewis.com/2026/08/23/that-was-then-this-is-now-but-it-can-happen-again/ The early church wasn't perfect. Scripture openly records its struggles, disagreements, and failures. But there was something unmistakable about those believers: 🔥 Christ had the preeminence.
🔥 They feared God more than people.
🔥 They prayed believing God could move.
🔥 They were willing to sacrifice for the gospel.
🔥 They lived with eternity in view.
🔥 They confronted sin while extending grace.
🔥 They cared deeply about reaching people with Jesus. The question isn't whether we can somehow recreate the first century. The question is whether we are willing to recover those same spiritual priorities in the twenty-first century. Before pointing at everything wrong with the church today, we should ask: Lord, what needs to change in me? Am I more concerned with God's approval or people's approval? Am I willing to stand for truth when it costs me something? Is Jesus truly first in my life? Do I pray expecting God to work? Am I more passionate about the gospel than my preferences? Do I live like eternity is real? We don't simply need better programs, bigger churches, or newer strategies. We need Christ-centered churches filled with surrendered people who believe the gospel is true, Jesus is alive, eternity is real, and the mission is worth our lives. Maybe our prayer needs to become very simple: Lord, do it again. Read the full blog and consider what it would look like for the church—and for each of us individually—to recover the passion, courage, holiness, prayer, and mission we see in the book of Acts. #ChurchRevival #BookOfActs #JesusChrist #ChristianLiving #BiblicalTruth #Faith #Prayer #Repentance #GreatCommission #Gospel #FollowJesus #ChristianChurch #SpiritualRenewal
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  • Matthew 21:1-17

    Now Jesus has determined to enter the final phase of his earthly ministry, elsewhere in Luke in the King James vernacular He “set His face toward Jerusalem”. It is here that in Matthew's own style to point to Jesus as the prophecied Messiah using the verse from Zechariah while describing Jesus's actions.

    Zechariah 9:9
    [9] Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is righteous and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

    Zechariah is writing a list of things to come while addressing the situation with the rebuilding of the walls and temple to replace the first destroyed Solomons temple. Don't forget that the first hearers and readers of Zechariah had no king.

    Both the northern and southern kingdoms have been destroyed and there is no king in either. So when Zechariah says a King is coming, there is no doubt Zechariah anticipated this King to be the Messiah. The Jews understood this, so when Jesus rode that donkey into Jerusalem they clearly understood this to be the receiving of the Messiah.

    Now here's the part where my ADHD brain begins asking, was there some supernatural knowledge that this colts owner was privy to regarding this or did he just faithfully accept, “The Lord has need of this” as a valid reason?
    We will never know for sure but it is fun to think about.

    The actions of the crowd are those of a city welcoming a king after a great victory or anointing. The laying out of cloaks, palm leaves and more were to not allow this arriving king to soil the feet of even the animal he's riding in on.

    The children are calling out, “Hosanna” which means “God save us”. Let's make this clear, there was NO confusion about Jesus's claim here. The Jewish Leaders were well aware of the Messianic claim here. So when He dismounts in Jerusalem and begins what is considered the second cleansing of the temple there is no debate, Jesus is claiming to be the Messiah in no uncertain terms.

    So when the leaders approach Him with the question, “Do you hear what they are saying?” Jesus quotes Psalm 8:2 in response.

    Psalm 8:2
    [2] From the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have established strength Because of Your enemies, To do away with the enemy and the revengeful.

    In the Hebrew, the word used means strength from the root word for stronghold. Here, Jesus is quoting the Septuagint or Greek version where the word ‘praise’ is used. It's this praise that acts as a source of strength against God's enemies.

    Yes, Jesus is calling the Jewish leaders the enemies of God. And without even attempting a debate with them, Jesus turns his attention to healings amidst the destruction.

    Some Jews believed He was there to act as King and they were ready and willing to go to war against Rome to have a king back. They were willing to die for this new king. But He didn't take a throne they could see, didn't receive a crown of a king and simply continued preaching. And this event took place roughly a week prior to the cross.

    So the calls took a week to devolve from Hosanna to “Crucify Him” because the Kingdom Jesus ushered in was the Kingdom of Heaven, not Israel. How many times in our lives do we go from thanking and praising Him to neglecting Him, because the answer to our praise and prayers isn't the answer we expected? It doesn't take much to turn someone from God. A week? God, please give us the strength to continue in faith.



    [1] When they had approached Jerusalem and had come to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus then sent two disciples, [2] saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with it. Untie them and bring them to Me. [3] And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them on immediately.” [4] Now this took place so that what was spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled: [5] “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold your King is coming to you, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” [6] The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, [7] and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their cloaks on them; and He sat on the cloaks. [8] Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. [9] Now the crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!” [10] When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” [11] And the crowds were saying, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.” [12] And Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all those who were selling and buying on the temple grounds, and He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. [13] And He *said to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a den of robbers.” [14] And those who were blind and those who limped came to Him in the temple area, and He healed them. [15] But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He had done, and the children who were shouting in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became indignant, [16] and they said to Him, “Do You hear what these children are saying?” And Jesus *said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘From the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise for Yourself’?” [17] And He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.

    Matthew 21:1-17 Now Jesus has determined to enter the final phase of his earthly ministry, elsewhere in Luke in the King James vernacular He “set His face toward Jerusalem”. It is here that in Matthew's own style to point to Jesus as the prophecied Messiah using the verse from Zechariah while describing Jesus's actions. Zechariah 9:9 [9] Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is righteous and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah is writing a list of things to come while addressing the situation with the rebuilding of the walls and temple to replace the first destroyed Solomons temple. Don't forget that the first hearers and readers of Zechariah had no king. Both the northern and southern kingdoms have been destroyed and there is no king in either. So when Zechariah says a King is coming, there is no doubt Zechariah anticipated this King to be the Messiah. The Jews understood this, so when Jesus rode that donkey into Jerusalem they clearly understood this to be the receiving of the Messiah. Now here's the part where my ADHD brain begins asking, was there some supernatural knowledge that this colts owner was privy to regarding this or did he just faithfully accept, “The Lord has need of this” as a valid reason? We will never know for sure but it is fun to think about. The actions of the crowd are those of a city welcoming a king after a great victory or anointing. The laying out of cloaks, palm leaves and more were to not allow this arriving king to soil the feet of even the animal he's riding in on. The children are calling out, “Hosanna” which means “God save us”. Let's make this clear, there was NO confusion about Jesus's claim here. The Jewish Leaders were well aware of the Messianic claim here. So when He dismounts in Jerusalem and begins what is considered the second cleansing of the temple there is no debate, Jesus is claiming to be the Messiah in no uncertain terms. So when the leaders approach Him with the question, “Do you hear what they are saying?” Jesus quotes Psalm 8:2 in response. Psalm 8:2 [2] From the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have established strength Because of Your enemies, To do away with the enemy and the revengeful. In the Hebrew, the word used means strength from the root word for stronghold. Here, Jesus is quoting the Septuagint or Greek version where the word ‘praise’ is used. It's this praise that acts as a source of strength against God's enemies. Yes, Jesus is calling the Jewish leaders the enemies of God. And without even attempting a debate with them, Jesus turns his attention to healings amidst the destruction. Some Jews believed He was there to act as King and they were ready and willing to go to war against Rome to have a king back. They were willing to die for this new king. But He didn't take a throne they could see, didn't receive a crown of a king and simply continued preaching. And this event took place roughly a week prior to the cross. So the calls took a week to devolve from Hosanna to “Crucify Him” because the Kingdom Jesus ushered in was the Kingdom of Heaven, not Israel. How many times in our lives do we go from thanking and praising Him to neglecting Him, because the answer to our praise and prayers isn't the answer we expected? It doesn't take much to turn someone from God. A week? God, please give us the strength to continue in faith. [1] When they had approached Jerusalem and had come to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus then sent two disciples, [2] saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with it. Untie them and bring them to Me. [3] And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them on immediately.” [4] Now this took place so that what was spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled: [5] “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold your King is coming to you, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” [6] The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, [7] and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their cloaks on them; and He sat on the cloaks. [8] Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. [9] Now the crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!” [10] When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” [11] And the crowds were saying, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.” [12] And Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all those who were selling and buying on the temple grounds, and He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. [13] And He *said to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a den of robbers.” [14] And those who were blind and those who limped came to Him in the temple area, and He healed them. [15] But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He had done, and the children who were shouting in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became indignant, [16] and they said to Him, “Do You hear what these children are saying?” And Jesus *said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘From the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise for Yourself’?” [17] And He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.
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  • Monday Encouragement — Now Let Us Live What We Believe

    Blessings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

    Yesterday we had the wonderful privilege of gathering with God’s people on the Lord’s Day. We worshiped our sovereign God, heard His precious Word proclaimed, prayed together, and were reminded once again of the saving grace that is ours through our Lord Jesus Christ.

    But now Monday has arrived.

    The worship service has ended, but our worship has not.

    Today we return to our homes, workplaces, ministries, communities, responsibilities, and challenges. And this is where the truth we heard yesterday must become visible in the way we live today.

    It is easy to proclaim our trust in God while surrounded by fellow believers on Sunday. The greater challenge comes on Monday when difficulties return, unexpected problems arise, and the noise of this world begins competing for our attention.

    Yet the God we worshiped yesterday is the same God who walks with us today.

    “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” — Hebrews 13:8

    Whatever this week brings, let us resist the temptation to immediately depend upon our own understanding and strength. Before making decisions, pray. When difficulties arise, pray. When opportunities appear, pray. When someone needs encouragement, ask God to give you the words to speak.

    And wherever the Lord places us this week, let us remember that we carry something this world desperately needs—the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

    We are not called merely to observe the darkness around us. We have been commanded to carry the Light into it.

    There may be someone God places before you this week who needs to hear that there is hope. Someone may need to experience Christian compassion. Someone may simply need to see through your life that Jesus Christ truly makes a difference.

    Let us therefore begin this week asking one simple question:

    “Lord, how can You use me today for Your glory?”

    “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” — Colossians 3:23

    May the Lord guide our steps, guard our hearts, strengthen our faith, and give us courage to faithfully proclaim Christ wherever He sends us.

    Yesterday we gathered to worship.

    Today we go forth to serve.

    Serving Christ Together for His Glory Alone.

    Soli Deo Gloria.
    Monday Encouragement — Now Let Us Live What We Believe Blessings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Yesterday we had the wonderful privilege of gathering with God’s people on the Lord’s Day. We worshiped our sovereign God, heard His precious Word proclaimed, prayed together, and were reminded once again of the saving grace that is ours through our Lord Jesus Christ. But now Monday has arrived. The worship service has ended, but our worship has not. Today we return to our homes, workplaces, ministries, communities, responsibilities, and challenges. And this is where the truth we heard yesterday must become visible in the way we live today. It is easy to proclaim our trust in God while surrounded by fellow believers on Sunday. The greater challenge comes on Monday when difficulties return, unexpected problems arise, and the noise of this world begins competing for our attention. Yet the God we worshiped yesterday is the same God who walks with us today. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” — Hebrews 13:8 Whatever this week brings, let us resist the temptation to immediately depend upon our own understanding and strength. Before making decisions, pray. When difficulties arise, pray. When opportunities appear, pray. When someone needs encouragement, ask God to give you the words to speak. And wherever the Lord places us this week, let us remember that we carry something this world desperately needs—the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are not called merely to observe the darkness around us. We have been commanded to carry the Light into it. There may be someone God places before you this week who needs to hear that there is hope. Someone may need to experience Christian compassion. Someone may simply need to see through your life that Jesus Christ truly makes a difference. Let us therefore begin this week asking one simple question: “Lord, how can You use me today for Your glory?” “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” — Colossians 3:23 May the Lord guide our steps, guard our hearts, strengthen our faith, and give us courage to faithfully proclaim Christ wherever He sends us. Yesterday we gathered to worship. Today we go forth to serve. Serving Christ Together for His Glory Alone. Soli Deo Gloria.
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  • Brenda Walsh Ministries
    Daring to Dream.

    It’s good to have goals - something we want to achieve and strive for, but it’s also important to enjoy the time leading up to the moment we actually achieve that goal. It’s very easy to become so goal-oriented that we don’t enjoy the special moments we spend getting there. Setting goals for ourselves can be stressful - worrying whether or not we can accomplish such a feat, and the embarrassment of failure. But we can avoid all the unnecessary stress if we first present our goals before God and ask for His blessing. We need to know if our goals line up with God’s goals for us, because when “our will” becomes “God’s will,” we have nothing to worry about! We can trust that everything will turn out the way God wants it to! God knows our strengths and weaknesses, and even more importantly, He gives us everything we need to accomplish “His” goal for us. There is one goal that all Christians should have, and that is our heavenly goal! So go ahead, dare to dream, challenge yourself, and set realistic goals - just be sure to consult with the "Master Planner” first! Text: 2 Corinthians 5:9, Psalm 20:4, Jeremiah 29:11
    Brenda Walsh Ministries Daring to Dream. It’s good to have goals - something we want to achieve and strive for, but it’s also important to enjoy the time leading up to the moment we actually achieve that goal. It’s very easy to become so goal-oriented that we don’t enjoy the special moments we spend getting there. Setting goals for ourselves can be stressful - worrying whether or not we can accomplish such a feat, and the embarrassment of failure. But we can avoid all the unnecessary stress if we first present our goals before God and ask for His blessing. We need to know if our goals line up with God’s goals for us, because when “our will” becomes “God’s will,” we have nothing to worry about! We can trust that everything will turn out the way God wants it to! God knows our strengths and weaknesses, and even more importantly, He gives us everything we need to accomplish “His” goal for us. There is one goal that all Christians should have, and that is our heavenly goal! So go ahead, dare to dream, challenge yourself, and set realistic goals - just be sure to consult with the "Master Planner” first! Text: 2 Corinthians 5:9, Psalm 20:4, Jeremiah 29:11
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