Refuge & Fortress

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007 FRANCIS CHAN “True faith means holding nothing back. It means putting every hope in God’s fidelity to His Promises.” —Francis Chan, Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God. #praise #God #prayer #jesus #quote #flowers **photo sourced from Pinterest https://www.instagram.com/p/CZrs9FgrHKS/?utm_medium=tumblr

006 SEEK GOD’S KINGDOM (scripture) “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:33-34‬ ‭ESV‬‬ #praise #God #prayer #jesus #scripture https://www.instagram.com/p/CZmlroKrAKZ/?utm_medium=tumblr

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005 REBORN Hills & Horizons by Futures (lyrics) Written by: Andrew Barlow, Chloe Paige Evans, Danae Leslie, Ryan Brooks Rolls Lately, I've been through all the ups and downs It's crazy; everything feels so different now Maybe I wasn't meant to understand All of the hills and horizons I've seen Over and over and over again We don't get to see the whole picture We don't get to see the whole thing We just get a glimpse of the moment, the promise, the future And not the in-betweens Valleys, learning to love the lonely road You lead me, brеaking the cycles in my mind Trusting, it's always worth it in the еnd I know I need to let go So I will Hold on to you I don’t need to see the whole picture I don’t need to see the whole thing I’ll just take a glimpse of the moment The promise, the future And trust the in-betweens That’s enough for me #praise #God #worship #jesus #spiritualawakening #christianmusic #rebornforchrist (at Houston, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZkM6XrO6sU/?utm_medium=tumblr

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004 NEW JERSEY When you go through a spiritual awakening, it’s the moment you realize that something within you is changing - not only emotionally, mentally or physically but spiritually. It’s becoming “awake” to your life with a new sense of being in this world. Throughout my journey, it was finding answers to questions and finding meaning to my life. Now that I’m on other side of that awakening, I became curious if I had been going through a spiritual change my entire life. Looking back, it made the most sense to group them geographically for two reasons.: 1) no matter where I was, I was transforming within, even if I wasn’t aware of it and 2) the location served as a catalyst for my next evolution. These locations were mapped out by God. New Jersey was my starting point on my life map - the place of my birth, baptism and communion. This period of my life was where I didn’t have much control or was still learning my role in this world. And even though I may have not appreciated them at the time, I see now that they were always leading me back home to Jesus Christ. 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧? 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰. Check out more of my journey on my blog. Link in bio. #spiritualawakening #jesus #God #life #faith #newjersey #journey #baptism #communion (at New Jersey, USA) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZhe3CCux_n/?utm_medium=tumblr

003 CONNECTION “Our prayer life and rule of prayer will be shaped by the different stages of our spiritual journey as well. Many people who have just come to know Christ find that their words flow easily. Prayer is a joy for them. But, as with romantic relationships, there is a natural movement beyond this honeymoon phase. When feelings of intense connection with God ebb, we have a new opportunity to engage God - not based on cool spiritual vibes but as an expression of our genuine love for God. Times of spiritual dryness are normal for almost everyone, even if we haven't sinned and to the best of our knowledge haven't done anything to wall off our relationship with God. God may allow this dryness so that we can mature in our relationship with him and learn to seek him not for an ecstatic spiritual experience but out of a deeper love and commitment.”— Ken Shigematsu Slide 1: photo sourced from Pinterest Slide 2 3: Creation of Adam by Michealangelo The Creation of Adam is a fresco painting by Italian artist Michelangelo, which forms part of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling, painted c. 1508–1512. It illustrates the Biblical creation narrative from the Book of Genesis in which God gives life to Adam, the first man. Wikipedia “Both God's and Adam's fingers are not in contact, which signifies the gap that exist between them, and that they are not on the same level, as would be with two people shaking hands. The man's image appears a mirror reflection of God, which symbolizes God creating man in his own image and likeness.” Read about my spiritual awakening in my blog (link in bio). #praise #God #worship #human #prayer #jesus #spiritualawakening #christianity https://www.instagram.com/p/CZe-EDaO28W/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Gospel of Luke: Day 24/Chapter 24 THE SON OF MAN TRIUMPHS! “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. “He is not here, but he has risen!” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24:5-6‬ ‭CSB‬‬ “He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24:25-26‬ ‭CSB‬‬ “And while he was blessing them, he left them and was carried up into heaven.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24:51‬ ‭CSB‬‬ ********* On the Eve of my Savior’s birth, I complete the Gospel of Luke and at one point it felt paradoxical - ending on his crucifixion while awaiting his birth. But this last chapter leaves my heart full of hope and joy reminding me Jesus Christ is the true gift of Christmas. ********* “As Christians, we are not judges or prosecuting attorneys sent to condemn the world. We are witnesses who point to Jesus Christ and tell lost sinners how to be saved. Witnessing is not something that we do for the Lord; it is something that He does through us, if we are filled with the Holy Spirit. We go forth in the authority of His name, in the power of His spirit, heralding His gospel of His grace.” -The Wiersbe Bible Commentary ✞ //photo sourced from Pinterest//#advent2021 #lukegospel #jesus #messiah #savior #holyspirit #God #resurrection #ascension #christmaseve https://www.instagram.com/p/CX4wB-Qrh3w/?utm_medium=tumblr

Gospel of Luke: Day 23/Chapter 23 CONDEMNED AND CRUCIFIED “It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, because the sun’s light failed. The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle. And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.” Saying this, he breathed his last.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭23:44-46‬ ‭CSB‬‬ “We must keep in mind that what our Lord accomplished on the cross was an internal transaction that involve him and the father. He did not die as a martyr who failed in a lot of cars. I was only an example for people to follow. Isaiah 53 makes it clear that Jesus did not die for his own sins, because he had none; he died for our sins. He made his soul and offering for sin (Isa. 53:4-6, 10-12). The three hours of darkness was a miracle. It was not an eclipse, because that would have been impossible during the Passover season when there is a full moon. It was a God-sent darkness that shrouded the cross as the Son of God was made sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21). It was as though all nature was sympathizing with the Creator as He suffered and died. When Israel was in Egypt, three days of darkness proceeded the first Passover. When Jesus was on the cross, three hours of darkness proceeded the death of God’s Lamb for the sins of the world. Both Matthew 27:45–46 and Mark 15:33–34 record our Lord’s cry at the close of the darkness, a Hebrew quotation from Psalm 22:1, ‘My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” What this abandonment was and how Jesus felt it are not explained to us, but certainly it involves the fact that He became sin for us. Our Lord cried with a loud voice, ‘It is finished!’ (John 19:30), a declaration of victory. He had finished the work the father gave to him to do (John 17:4). The work of redemption was completed, the types and prophecies were fulfilled (Heb. 9:24ff), and the Savior could now rest.” -The Wiersbe Bible Commentary ✞ //📸: @mariann.sierra at LACMA//#advent2021 #lukegospel #jesus #messiah #savior #holyspirit #God #crucifixion (at LACMA Los Angeles County Museum of Art) https://www.instagram.com/p/CX4Ef8GFdmD/?utm_medium=tumblr

Gospel of Luke: Day 22/Chapter 22 PETER’S DENIAL ““Lord,” he told him, “I’m ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” “I tell you, Peter,” he said, “the rooster will not crow today until you deny three times that you know me.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭22:33-34‬ ‭CSB‬‬ Luke 22:31–34: Following the disciples’ dispute over which of them is the greatest, Jesus turns to their spokesman, Peter—who might have been bragging the loudest—and predicts his failure. Compare Matt 26:31–35; Mark 14:27–31; John 13:36–38. -Faithlife Study Bible “It is interesting that this word of warning followed a dispute over who was the greatest! Imagine how the disciples must have felt when they heard that not only would one of their number betray Him, but that their spokesman and leader would publicly deny Him! If a strong man like Peter was going to fail the Lord, what hope was there for the rest of them? The word ‘you’ in Luke 22:31 is plural; Satan asked to have all the disciples so he might sift them like wheat. These men had been with Jesus in His trials (Luke 22:28), and He would not forsake them in their trials. This was both a warning and an encouragement to Peter and the other men, and our Lord’s prayer were answered. Peter’s courage failed but not his faith; he was restored to fellowship with Christ and was greatly used to strengthen God‘s people. -The Wiersbe Bible Commentary ✞ //photo sourced from Pinterest//#advent2021 #lukegospel #jesus #messiah #savior #holyspirit #God https://www.instagram.com/p/CX4BlmTl1M3/?utm_medium=tumblr

Gospel of Luke: Day 21/Chapter 21 THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BELIEVERS “But be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭21:36‬ ‭Dr CSB‬‬ “LUKE 21:36 refers primarily to believers standing before the Lord at the judgment when He returns to earth to establish His kingdom (Matt. 25:31-46). The sheep will enter into the kingdom, while the goats will be cast out. Well some of God’s people will die during the tribulation judgments and persecutions, some will ‘escape’ and see Jesus Christ when He returns in glory. If believers during the difficult age will be tended to yield to the world and the flesh, Christians in this present age of comfort and affluence must face even greater dangers. We today do not know when our Lord will return and it behooves us to both be faithful and to be ready.” -The Wiersbe Bible Commentary ✞ //photo sourced from Pinterest//#advent2021 #lukegospel #jesus #messiah #savior #holyspirit #God https://www.instagram.com/p/CXwmVBklWWN/?utm_medium=tumblr

Gospel of Luke: Day 20/Chapter 20 ISSUES AND ANSWERS “Moses even indicated in the passage about the burning bush that the dead are raised, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. He is not the God of the dead but of the living, because all are living to him.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭20:37-38‬ ‭CSB‬‬ “Jesus had already told the Twelve to expect conflict and suffering when they arrived in the Holy City. ‘The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day’ (Luke 9:22). Jesus knew fully what was coming, and He was not afraid. In this chapter, you meet the three groups of religious leaders (Luke 20:1) and witness their conflict with Jesus. They challenged Him because He had cleansed the temple and called them ‘thieves.’ They tried to catch Him in His words so they could trump up some charge against Him and have Him arrested as an enemy of the state. But there was more to this series of questions than mere guile. The word translated ‘rejected’ in Luke 9:22 (and also Luke 201:17) means ‘to reject after investigation.’ It was required that the Jews carefully examine the Passover lambs from the tenth day to the fourteenth day to make sure they had no blemishes (Ex. 12:1-6). Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God (John 1:29), was watched and tested by His enemies during that final week, and yet in spite of what they saw and learned, they rejected Him. However, Jesus was also examining them! For as a question Him, He questioned them, and their responses revealed the ignorance, hatred, and unbelief of their hearts. Our Lord’s questions centered on four different men.” 1. A question about John the Baptist (Luke 20:1-19) 2. A question about Caesar (Luke 20:20-26) 3. A question about Moses (Luke 20:27-40) 4. A question about David (Luke 20:41-44) -The Wiersbe Bible Commentary ✞ //photo sourced from Pinterest//#advent2021 #lukegospel #jesus #messiah #savior #holyspirit #God https://www.instagram.com/p/CXwjASBvIgX/?utm_medium=tumblr

Gospel of Luke: Day 19/Chapter 19 JERUSALEM AT LAST! “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven!” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭19:38‬ ‭CSB‬‬ “We think of the donkey a a lowly animal, but to the Jew it was a best fit for a king (1 Kings 1:33, 44). This is the only time Jesus permitted a public demonstration on His behalf, and He did so for at least for two reasons. First, He was fulfilling prophesy and presenting Himself as Israel’s kin (Zach. 9:9). How much of this the crowd really understood we cannot tell, even though they responded by quoting their praises from a messianic psalm (Ps. 118:25-26). No doubt many of the Passover pilgrims thought that Jesus would now get ride of the Roman invaders and establish a glorious kingdom. The second reason for this demonstration was to force the Jewish religious leaders to act. They had hoped to arrest Him after the Passover (Matt. 26:3-5)., but God had ordained that His Son be slain on Passover as the ‘Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world’ (John 1:29; and see 1 Cor. 5:7). Every previous attempt to arrest Jesus had failed because ‘his hour was not yet come’ (John 7:30; 8:20; also see John 13:1; 17:1). When they saw this great public celebration, the leaders knew they had to act, and the willing cooperation of Judas solved their problem for them (Matt.26:14-16). The theme of the celebration was peace. Dr. Luke opened his gospel with the angel’s announcement of ‘peace on earth’ (Luke 2:14), but now the theme is ‘peace in heaven.’ Because the King was rejected, there could be no peace on earth. Instead, there would be constant bitter conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of evil (Luke 12:29-53). There would no peace on earth, but, thanks to Christ’s work on the cross there is ‘peace with God’ in heaven (Rom. 5:1; Col. 1:20). The appeal today is, ‘Be ye reconciled to God’ (2 Cor. 5:17-21).” -The Wiersbe Bible Commentary ✞ //photo sourced from Pinterest//#advent2021 #lukegospel #jesus #messiah #savior #holyspirit #God https://www.instagram.com/p/CXsuOAiOhwP/?utm_medium=tumblr

Gospel of Luke: Day 18/Chapter 18 WEALTH IS MORE THAN MONEY “Seeing that he became sad, Jesus said, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard this asked, “Then who can be saved?” He replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭18:24-27‬ ‭CSB‬‬ “The young man thought that eternal life came to those who “did something” (Luke 18:18), which was a typical Jewish conviction (Luke 18:9-12). But when Jesus gave him something to do, he refused to obey! He wanted salvation on his terms, not God’s, so he turned and went away in great sorrow. The disciples were shocked when Jesus announced that it was difficult for rich people to be saved. They were Jews and the Jews believed that riches were a mark of God‘s blessing. ‘If rich people can’t be saved,’ they reasoned, ‘what hope is there for the rest of us?’ John D. Rockefeller would have a greed with them, for he once said that the riches were ‘a gift from heaven’ signifying, this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.’ It is not possessing riches that keeps people out of heaven, for Abraham, David, and Solomon were wealthy men. It is being possessed by riches and trusting them that makes salvation difficult for the wealthy. Wealth gives people a false sense of success and security, and when people are satisfied with themselves, they feel no need for God.” -The Wiersbe Bible Commentary ✞ //photo sourced from Pinterest//#advent2021 #lukegospel #jesus #messiah #savior #holyspirit #God #wealth https://www.instagram.com/p/CXpSjv7rlbw/?utm_medium=tumblr