#spiritualempowerment #kingdomofgod #greatcommission #exaltation #holyspirit Lesson 10: How to Receive Spiritual Empowerment • The ascension of Jesus from Bethany is a significant event marking the culmination of his earthly ministry and the beginning of his exaltation. • According to Luke 24:50-51, this momentous occasion occurred on the Mount of Olives near Bethany. Here's a detailed account: • After Jesus' resurrection, he spent forty days appearing to his disciples and others, teaching about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). • On the fortieth day, Jesus led His disciples to Bethany on the Mount of Olives. • Upon reaching the Mount of Olives, Jesus blessed His disciples. • This blessing was a farewell and commissioning, affirming their mission to proclaim the gospel and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). • It was a moment of spiritual preparation and empowerment for the disciples as they were about to witness Jesus' departure. • As the disciples watched, Jesus ascended into heaven. He was lifted, and a cloud took Him out of their sight (Luke 24:51). • This miraculous event signified Jesus' return to His heavenly glory, where He would be seated at the right hand of God the Father (Acts 2:33, Hebrews 10:12). The ascension of Jesus from Bethany holds profound theological significance: 1. It affirmed Jesus' victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. 2. It fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and promises regarding the exaltation of the Messiah (Psalm 68:18, Daniel 7:13-14). The ascension affirms Jesus' identity as the Son of God and fulfills the prophecies and promises of Scripture regarding his exaltation and reign. It underscores his divine authority and sovereignty over all creation. 3. It began Jesus' ongoing ministry as the heavenly High Priest and Mediator for believers (Hebrews 4:14-16). 4. The disciples, awestruck by what they had witnessed, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, worshiping and praising God continually in the temple (Luke 24:52-53). 5. Acts 1:8 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [a]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” They were filled with anticipation for the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would empower them to be witnesses of Jesus in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). 6. Completion of Earthly Ministry: Jesus' ascension marks the completion of his earthly mission. Jesus preached the Kingdom of God throughout his ministry, performed miracles, and taught his disciples. His ascension is the final act of his earthly life before returning to the Father in heaven. 7. Promise of His Return: The ascension includes the promise of Jesus' return in glory. Just as he ascended visibly into heaven, so will he return visibly to establish his kingdom fully and judge the living and the dead (Acts 1:11). 8. Commission to Spread the Gospel: Before ascending, Jesus gave his disciples the Great Commission, instructing them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything He had commanded (Matthew 28:18-20). This commission remains central to the mission of the Church today.

@drwinnnie #divineguidance #divineauthority #passover #deliverances #holyspirit Lesson 9: A Guide to Divine Guidance • Preparation for Passover – A celebration from Egypt, the land of bondage Luke 22:7-13 (NIV): 7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” 9 “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked. 10 He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters at 11 and say to the house owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.” 13 They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So, they prepared the Passover.  Friend, your deliverance is connected to an instruction. To be delivered, you’ll need to obey the instruction He last gave you.  What was the last instruction that you were given?  If you do not remember it, find time alone. Play worship music as you ask Him for guidance on what to do next or to remind you about the last instruction.  Also, I have found that praying in tongues is one of the best ways to receive instruction from the Father through His Spirit.  Do not forget to read the bible or Christian literature. One phrase might help you get the instruction that you desire to be delivered into your desired destiny.  In summary, Luke 22:10-12 highlights the divine guidance and preparation orchestrated by Jesus for the Passover meal, using specific instructions that demonstrate his authority, foreknowledge of future events, and divine providence guiding the details of Jesus' ministry and mission. Three important happenings to note here: • Following the Man: Jesus instructs them to follow this man to the house where he enters. This action is likely meant to test Peter and John's faith and obedience and emphasizes the divine providence guiding their preparations. Friend, your faith and Obedience will be tested. • The Response: According to Jesus' instructions, the house's owner will show Peter and John a large, furnished upper room. This room is designated as the place where Jesus and his disciples will observe the Passover meal together.  Friend, a room has already been established for your Passover meal. It is up to you to request instructions on where to find the person who will show it to you.

@drwinnnie #worship #godspresence #worshipthelord #holyspirit Lesson 8: "The Secret to Genuine Worship" John 12:1-8 Christian Standard Bible 12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus[a] was, the one Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave him dinner there; Martha was serving them, and Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of perfume, pure and expensive nard, anointed Jesus’s feet, and wiped his feet with her hair. So, the house was filled with the fragrance of perfume. 1. Mary's profound love for Jesus. 2. Genuine Worship: It symbolizes pouring oneself in love and devotion to God. Genuine worship in Jesus's presence fills the space with the fragrance of grace and redemption. 3. Thanksgiving: Mary, moved by gratitude and reverence, takes a pound of pure and expensive nard perfume—an aromatic ointment of great value—and pours it over Jesus's feet. Nard, known for its rich fragrance and costly nature, was a precious gift often reserved for special occasions or esteemed guests. In this act, Mary honors Jesus, which signifies the depth of her adoration and respect. 4. Humility: After anointing Jesus's feet with perfume, Mary demonstrated humility and devotion by wiping his feet with her hair. This gesture is significant on several levels. In ancient Middle Eastern culture, a woman's hair was considered her glory and was typically covered. By using her hair to wipe Jesus's feet, Mary demonstrates utmost reverence and humility before him. 5. Mary’s sacrificial offering and giving: The fragrance filled the house. The aroma permeated the space, creating an atmosphere saturated with the scent of Mary's sacrificial offering and devotion to Jesus. 6. Devotion to Jesus: Encompasses a deep and personal commitment to follow and honor Him as the central figure of our faith and life. It involves: a. Love and Worship: Devotion to Jesus is marked by a profound love and reverence for Him as the Son of God and Savior. It consists of worshiping Him with words and actions that reflect a heart surrendered to his teachings and example. b. Faith and Trust: Faith in Jesus begins with accepting His identity as the Son of God, the Messiah promised in the scriptures. It also acknowledges His divine nature, His role in salvation, and His authority over all aspects of life.  Faith in Jesus includes trusting in His redemptive work on the cross and understanding that through His death and resurrection, He provided forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God for all who believe in Him.  Personal Relationship: It goes beyond mere intellectual assent to His teachings; it involves daily surrender, communion through prayer, and seeking His guidance and presence in all aspects of life.  Lifestyle of Obedience: It involves living according to His moral teachings and serving others in love.

@drwinnnie #godstiming #godstimingisperfect #holyspirit #jesus #jesuschrist Lesson 7: "God's timing is consistently flawless." • The raising of Lazarus in Bethany is a pivotal event recorded in John 11:1-44, highlighting Jesus' extraordinary power and compassion. • Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, had fallen gravely ill, and despite their urgent message to Jesus, Lazarus succumbed to death before Jesus arrived in Bethany. • By the time Jesus reached the village, Lazarus had been dead and buried for four days. • Upon hearing the news, Jesus was deeply moved. He wept openly, showing his humanity. • He then proceeded to the tomb where Lazarus was buried. • There, Jesus commanded the stone covering the tomb to be removed, despite objections from those around him who feared the stench of decay after four days. • Jesus loudly said, "Lazarus, come out!" Miraculously, Lazarus, dead and wrapped in burial clothes, emerged from the tomb alive, restored to life by Jesus' command. Lazarus's resurrection carries profound lessons for us. Here are the most important ones: 1. God's timing is perfect: Jesus intentionally delayed going to Bethany to demonstrate God's glory through Lazarus' resurrection (John 11:4, 14-15). CSB 4 When Jesus heard it, he said, “This sickness will not end in death but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”  This teaches us that God's timing is always perfect, even when it seems delayed or different from what we expect. His plans are for our good and His glory. 2. Jesus' Foreknowledge: Jesus knew about Lazarus' sickness and eventual death beforehand. By stating, "This sickness will not end in death," Jesus indicates that Lazarus's death would not be the outcome. Instead, it would lead to something greater. 3. Purpose of Suffering: Jesus explained that Lazarus' sickness and death served a higher purpose: to bring glory to God. This means that God's glory is revealed through how the situation unfolds in the face of illness, suffering, and death. 4. Glorification of the Son: Jesus states He is God's Son. He would be glorified through Lazarus' sickness and resurrection. The miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead would demonstrate Jesus' authority over death and power as the Son of God. 5. Faith and Belief: Lazarus’s death & resurrection encourage us as believers. These events challenge us to trust Jesus and recognize His divine authority & divine identity. 6. Jesus has power over death: The primary lesson is that Jesus has the authority and power to conquer death. By raising Lazarus from the dead after four days, Jesus demonstrates his mastery over life and death, foreshadowing his resurrection. 7. Faith in Jesus brings new life: Lazarus' resurrection illustrates that faith in Jesus leads to new life. Martha confessed her belief in Jesus as the Messiah, and Jesus responded by bringing Lazarus back to life. This underscores the importance of trusting Jesus for spiritual resurrection and eternal life. 8. Jesus empathizes with our pain: Before raising Lazarus, Jesus was deeply moved and wept (John 11:35). Friend, whatever you’re going through, remember that He is weeping with you.

@drwinnnie #resurrection #restoration #divineauthority #prophecies #holyspirit John 11: 43 (CSB) 43 After he said this, he shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out bound hand and foot with linen strips and with his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unwrap him and let him go.”  Friend, your grave has been opened! Get out! Jesus' Actions after Lazarus’ death are significant in two ways: 1. Demonstration of Power: When Jesus shouted, "Lazarus, come out!", it demonstrated His absolute authority over death. By calling Lazarus back to life after he had been dead for four days, Jesus showed that death has no power over Him and that He can bring life where there was once only death.  Friend, what has been declared dead in your life? Is it your marriage, career, family, relationships, or health? Call in King Jesus. He will fix your situation. 2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: This fulfilled Jesus' earlier statement to Martha that Lazarus' sickness wouldn’t end in death but would bring glory to God (John 11:4). • Liberation: Jesus's command to unwrap Lazarus symbolizes the ongoing work of liberation that Jesus continues to perform in the lives of believers. It points to the transformative power of God's grace, which brings spiritual renewal and frees individuals from the bondage of sin and death. • Personal and relational nature of Jesus' ministry. It is not enough for Lazarus to be raised from the dead; Jesus instructs the bystanders to participate in his restoration.  This reflects Jesus' desire for believers to engage in spiritual renewal and transformation actively. It highlights the importance of community and mutual support in the journey of faith, as believers are encouraged to help one another experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers. • Restoration: Beyond physical healing, Jesus offers spiritual restoration and wholeness to believers. Jesus reconciles humanity to God through his death and resurrection through his death and resurrection, Jesus reconciles humanity to God, offering forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. This restoration encompasses all aspects of human existence—spiritual, emotional, and relational—bringing, offering forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. This restoration includes all aspects of human existence—spiritual, emotional, and relational—bringing healing and renewal to individuals and communities. • Jesus' victory over sin and death. It anticipates Jesus' resurrection, which secures the hope of eternal life for all who believe in Him. It points to the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where believers will be fully transformed and glorified in God's presence.

@drwinnnie #restoration #miracles #prophecy #vision #hope #spirituality #holyspirit Ezekiel 37:1-14 (NIV) describes the prophet Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones: 1 The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, parched bones. 3 He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” 4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!  Friend, the people of Israel at that time were spiritually dead and hopeless, like dry bones scattered in a valley. Many of us are in this situation, as we are meeting today.  Just like Ezekiel, God instructs us to prophesy to the dead bones and command them to hear the word of the Lord. This demonstrates God's authority and power to bring about life and transformation through His word. The prophetic proclamation of the word of the Lord is powerful and life-giving.  God desires to breathe life into what appears dead and lifeless. His word brings spiritual revival and restoration.  This miraculous transformation illustrates God's ability to bring life out of death, hope out of despair, and renewal out of spiritual dryness. 5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you, make flesh come upon you, and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” 7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, & the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 I looked; tendons and flesh appeared on them, and skin covered them, but no breath was in them. Friend, Prophesy God’s word upon your life! 9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army. 11 Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord when I open your graves and bring you up from them. 14 I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live, and I will settle you in your land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’” Life, dead career, marriage, dead businesses  Friend, you and I have been given the power and authority to call back to life what has been declared dead in our lives. What’s been declared dead in your life? Call it forth!

@drwinnnie #holyspirit #deliverances #breakthrough #encounters #encounterswithchrist John 11: 38-41 38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39 “Remove the stone,” Jesus said. • Lazarus's burial in a tomb, a cave with a stone covering its entrance, symbolizes the finality and hopelessness of death. • The presence of the stone highlights the impossibility of human efforts to overcome death, but Jesus is about to demonstrate his divine authority over death itself. • Additionally, the stone represents the barrier between life and death, and Jesus' command to remove it signifies his power over death and his intention to bring life out of what was considered dead. • Yes, we have been buried in debt, fear, insufficiency, lack, rejection, and disease.  Friend, the “Remove the stone” command applies to us today. • Let Jesus command His angels to roll away the stone that has buried you in those circumstances. From what we understand, that 1. Jesus has Faith and Authority: Despite the natural barrier of the stone and the finality of death, Jesus performed a miraculous act that would reveal God's glory and power. 2. Obedience and Witness: The response to Jesus' command to remove the stone required obedience and faith from those around Him. He was telling mourners to remove a stone from the tomb of a person’s body that had started stinking! 3. Jesus brings hope in the face of despair and death. 39 Martha, the dead man’s sister, told him, “Lord, there is already a stench because he has been dead four days.” • Expression of Grief and Doubt: Martha's comment reflects her grief and possibly her doubt about the possibility of Lazarus being brought back to life. In the face of death's undeniable presence and the practical challenges posed by decomposition, she expresses concern about the feasibility of Jesus' intention to raise Lazarus.  Friend, I understand that you are grieving because of losing a job, house, loved one, marriage, or even a business.  He’s telling you to roll that stone, just like Martha. Do you believe that He has the power to relieve you of this suffering and grief? 40 Jesus said to her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised his eyes and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 I know you always hear me, but because of the crowd standing here, I said this so they may believe you sent me.”

@drwinnnie #comfort #lazarus #jesus #jesuschrist #jesuslovesyou #holyspirit #miracles John 11:33-35 (NIV): 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see Lord,” they replied. 35 Jesus wept.  Whenever you become a friend of Jesus, He comes intimately connected to you. What makes you cry makes Him cry.  Despite knowing that he would soon raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus is moved to tears by the sorrow and pain of those mourning Lazarus' death. His tears demonstrate his deep empathy and compassion for humanity's suffering. Remember: 1. Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus and the brother of Mary and Martha. 2. Jesus' response comforts us by saying God understands & shares in our grief. It affirms that Jesus isn’t distant or unaffected by human suffering but is intimately involved. 3. Jesus' tears are a powerful affirmation of his solidarity with humanity in suffering. They show that he understands and shares in the deep emotional pain that comes with loss. This weeping demonstrates that Jesus is not distant or detached from human suffering but intimately involved and empathetic.  Friend, what is making you weep? I have been sent to tell you that you are not alone when you are weeping.  What has been declared dead in your life? Is it your children, career, marriage, business, or ministry?  This text shows that Jesus' tears are a powerful affirmation of his solidarity with humanity in suffering. They show that he understands and shares in the deep emotional pain that comes with loss. This weeping demonstrates that Jesus is not distant or detached from human suffering but intimately involved and empathetic.  As His friend, I find this text comforting and reassuring. It assures me that God understands our grief & sorrow because Jesus experienced and expressed these emotions.  Friend, in times of loss and mourning, Jesus is present with his comforting presence and compassionate heart.  Jesus shares our joys and sorrows as he becomes intimately connected to us. As close friends empathize with each other’s emotions, Jesus deeply feels what affects us. When we cry, Jesus also feels sorrow and compassion. This bond reflects His profound empathy and care for every aspect of our lives.  Prayer and Relationship: In worship, we can pour our hearts into Jesus, knowing He listens attentively and responds with understanding and love. This communication deepens our friendship with Him, strengthening the bond of intimacy.

@drwinnnie #possible #faith #faithjourney #believe #faithinaction #holyspirit #jesus  John 11:11-32 (NIV) 11 After he said this, he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up.” 12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” 13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. 14 So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake, I am glad I was not there, so you may believe. But let us go to him.” 17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.  In Jewish belief at the time, it was believed that the soul of a deceased person lingered near the body for up to three days, hoping for a chance to return to life. By the fourth day, decomposition would begin, and any hope of revival would cease.  However, when Jesus stepped into the situation, Restoration & Revival happened. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed home.  Friend, what if you were Mary and Martha? Wouldn’t you have become mad at your GOOD & POWERFUL friend Jesus?  Let’s be honest: You have spent your time SERVING Him, SUPPORTING His Mission on earth – even in uncomfortable circumstances.  If I were those ladies, I would have thought that the least He would have done was to show up when I was in so much trouble.  However, even if he was in the vicinity and knew what had happened, he decided to stay until the situation had gotten out of hand. Yes, according to tradition, it was four days.  You would have asked yourself why He waited until your marriage was dead, your children got into challenging situations, your job was gone, and your business collapsed. 21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that God will give you whatever you ask.”  Martha’s response was an encouragement to me. She did not throw away Jesus.  Friend, wouldn’t you become offended when faced with such a challenging situation?  Because then you would ask yourself why He decided to show up after your loss!  I’m also encouraged that Martha believed that whatever Jesus would ask the Father to do for Him, His request would be granted. Friend, today, Jesus Christ is here.  He is here to step into your situation. What is it that you have lost today? Is it your marriage, business, home, job, or a loved one?  The Bible says He is seated at the Father's right hand, interceding for us.  Could you tell Him about your loss? He’s always on time.  Remember, He knows about your situation before it even happens. But just like He had told His Apostles, He had to wait a little longer. • In Verse 14-15, He states that 14 So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake, I am glad I was not there, so you may believe. But let us go to him.”  Friend, if that loss had not happened, you would not have known how powerful Jesus is.  Our family is going through a situation where we both lost our jobs in the same month.  Mark 11:24: "Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."  Friend, if we ask for something in prayer by God's will and believe with confidence that we have received it, then we will accept it. o What have you asked God to do for you? Is it in His will? Do you believe with confidence that you have received it? Then you shall have it. Amen! Please say these words to me. It is done!  Always remember: His timing is perfect. 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”  Friend, today, Jesus says that your husband will live again, your marriage will be restored, and your children will be delivered out of bondage.  Do you believe His words? Well, if you believe, type Amen! 24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”  Martha’s response shows that even if Jesus had the authority to perform the impossible, this situation was already done! It was too late for any restoration and revival to happen.  Friend, I have gone through many challenging situations in life.  However, I have seen Him show up & around situations declared “impossible." • Friend, I’m here to encourage you. No! Your marriage is not dead; it’s just falling asleep. • No, Jesus has not forgotten about your financial situation. He is not late either. • It is during these times of loss, our eyes become open to the reality of who Jesus is.