(John 11:38–44) 38Jesus, once again deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39“Take away the stone,” Jesus said. “Lord, by now he stinks,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man. “It has already been four days.” 40Jesus replied, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” 41So they took away the stone. Then Jesus lifted His eyes upward and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42I knew that You always hear Me, but I say this for the benefit of the people standing here, so they may believe that You sent Me.” 43After Jesus had said this, He called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44The man who had been dead came out with his hands and feet bound in strips of linen, and his face wrapped in a cloth. “Unwrap him and let him go,” Jesus told them. _____________ Resurrection in the Bible is not new… there are 10 recorded incidents about someone being dead and was raised from it. 3 of them in Old Testament and 7 in the New Testament Jesus did 4 of those and 2 by apostles and The highest of all – is Jesus resurrecting on the 3rd day. _________ Wigglesworth – and his wife…     Old Testament Instances The Widow of Zarephath's Son:Raised by Elijah (1 Kings 17:17–22). The Shunammite Woman's Son:Raised by Elisha (2 Kings 4:18–37). --- Elisha prayed, for double portion --- Man Raised in Elisha's Grave:A corpse touched Elisha's bones and came to life (2 Kings 13:20–21).    New Testament Instances (Jesus) The Widow of Nain's Son:Jesus raised him from a funeral procession (Luke 7:11–17). Jairus's Daughter:Jesus raised this young girl (Mark 5:35–43, Luke 8:49–56). Lazarus of Bethany:Jesus raised him after four days in the tomb (John 11). Saints at the Crucifixion:Many holy people rose after Jesus' death (Matthew 27:52–53).  New Testament Instances (Apostles) Tabitha (Dorcas):Raised by Peter (Acts 9:36–42). Eutychus:Raised by Paul after falling from a window (Acts 20:7–12).  Major Resurrection Jesus Christ:Rose from the dead on the third day (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20).  ____________           Remove the Stone — Obedience Precedes the Miracle V39 -- “Take away the stone.” Jesus said. Before resurrection power was released, human obedience was required. The stone was heavy, the situation smelled hopeless, and four days felt final. But Jesus required participation before manifestation. This mirrors Joshua 6, when Israel faced Jericho. God could have dropped the walls instantly, yet He required them to march first. Obedience came before collapse. It also echoes 2 Kings 4, when the widow was told to gather empty jars before the oil multiplied. The miracle flowed into prepared space. ____________What was the immediate response? “Lord, by now he stinks,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man. “It has already been four days.” Unless God has access to the areas of our life – with open heart surgery, we will not have a restoration. The stone in front of Lazarus’ tomb represents what we must move — doubt, pride, fear, excuses. God often waits for our obedience before displaying His power. What is easy for Jesus – raising the dead (or) go through the cleanup process? God is not interested in the Miracles being performed in our life, but instead He is very interested in our character and shaping our future. Principle: God performs miracles, but He often waits for us to move the stone.     #2. Believe to See the Glory — Faith Before Sight “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” Jesus reverses human logic. We want to see first, then believe. But Scripture consistently teaches the opposite. In 2 Chronicles 20, when Judah faced overwhelming armies, King Jehoshaphat sent worshipers ahead of the soldiers. They believed before victory was visible — and God set ambushes against their enemies. In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego declared that God could deliver them from the furnace

Have you ever opened the Old Testament and had these thoughts: How am I supposed to relate to these stories? Borrrring… Primary Text: Judges 4: 4–54Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time. 5And she would sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the mountains of Ephraim. And the children of Israel came up to her for judgment._____________ I’m excited to introduce Deborah to you today and show you how God used her as an instrument to lead an entire nation. Her life was marked by devoted service to God and His people, and her story is anything but boring. Who was Deborah in the Bible? Deborah was a wife, prophetess, and judge. As a prophetess, she received divine revelations from the Lord and was a charismatic leader. As a judge, her responsibilities were similar to a judge you’d meet today—a leader who’d arbitrate legal disputes. She fulfilled military duties as part of her leadership role as well (Judges 4:4–5). Deborah was also the only female in the Bible who was a prophet and judge, joining the ranks of Moses and Samuel. ________________ 1️⃣ Do Everything From Presence, Not Position à Intimacy with God Intimacy with God – is the #1, Character! Judges 4:4 tells us Deborah was first a prophetess. Intimacy with God is experienced through obedience to God. Your personal relationship with the Lord directly relates to how well you serve His people. Deborah had an intimate relationship with God, and it propelled her to live her life in a way that honored Him and His people. In return, God drew near and blessed her. _________ 2️⃣ Her Courage was Contagious  Judges 4:3And the children of Israel cried out to the Lord; for Jabin had nine hundred chariots of iron, and for twenty years he had harshly oppressed the children of Israel. Iron chariots in the Book of Judges were feared because they represented superior, high-tech weaponry—the ancient equivalent of tanks—that rendered the foot-soldier Israelites vulnerable on flat terrain. Commanded by Sisera, these 900 vehicles caused severe, 20-year oppression, showcasing a massive military advantage.  Barak reluctantly responded, “I will go, but only if you go with me” (Judges 4:8 CSB). Deborah agreed to his request.Deborah did not retreat. She stood beside him. Deborah was not a warrior, but she went into battle knowing God would fight on her behalf. ____________ The Deborah Factor reminds us: Your courage is not just for you.It is fuel for those watching. Deuteronomy 31:8 (CSB) says, “The Lord is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” This Old Testament truth is one that still stands firm for us today. As we enter into our own battles each day, we can draw courage from God’s power and presence, just like Deborah did.

Matthew 2:1Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”…. 9When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.________________ Magi – it is a tribe of people.   They are from Medo-Persian empire.  They choose one tribe to be the priests– Magian Tribe.  They represented the nation of Mede’s…  They maintained influence… They were highly influential and revered group of people.They flowed through in Babylon, Medo-Persian empire, they were in Greek empire and the present roman empire of this time. When they came – they came in caravan… and 100’s of them accompanies them.    They come with loud noise.   In fact, Nero, the roman emperor when he was in his peak – killing and burning Rome, when heard that Magi were coming, he rolled a red-carpet to them.Kings sought them, for advise – they are like Levites.  No Persian king can be made king, unless Magi crowned them._______ They worshiped one god – they worshiped fire.   They had an altar the fire was burning and another altar they sacrificed animals. They also had clean vs unclean animals – just like Jews.They also believed touching a corpse – defies a man. Why is this important - Daniel 5:11, When Daniel comes in as their chief/leader – in Babylon.  He brings the Jewish belief system.  They realize their system is very same as Jewish. These were the king makers – in the book of Esther 1  - they even say, it is law of the Mede and Persians.  That’s after the Kings consulted with the Magi. Priestly tribe, influential many kingdoms, interacted with Daniel… 6th century BCE, when King Darius (Medo Persians) – decided to create one-religion Zoroastrianism.   There are 3 groups of Magi’s: Followed the ancient Medo-Persian system Followed Daniel and his teaching - True God Followed King Darius religion.

What gives us confidence is not that we are careful enough, but that our God is watchful enough.   Often, we wonder – Does God see what I am going through? In the movie, Bruce Almighty, the Hero says – God do you have problem seeing? I am here in this coordinate… El Roi means “The God Who Sees” – I love the kindness and care that this name holds as it points to God’s character.   He is one who chases after us, who follows us with goodness. He is the one who sees us when we feel lonely, He is the one who sees us when we do all on our own, He is the one who sees us when we just need the reminder that God is close.   He sees the hidden snare. He goes before us into the unseen dangers. He is our Deliverer.

Often, we wonder how am I doing?   We are always looking for approval.  Lot of talk about Green card, Citizenship etc.,Social Media & Approval: Over 70% of social media users say they post for validation, attention, or approval (Statista, 2023). "Likes" activate the brain’s reward center in the same way as food and money (Harvard University, 2018). Over 60% of Gen Z feel anxious if their post doesn’t get enough attention within the first hour (American Psychological Association, 2021).   Peer Influence & Conformity: Solomon Asch's classic conformity experiment showed that 75% of participants conformed to a wrong answer at least once to fit in with a group. Teens and young adults are especially susceptible, with up to 80% changing their behavior or opinion based on peer approval (Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2017). ---  In order to have a healthy walk with the Lord – we need God’s approval and not Man’s approval…  How do we get God’s approval?   Let’s look at Daniel’s life… #1: Faithfulness Under Pressure Insight:True faith doesn't bend under pressure. Daniel didn’t compromise his commitment to God, even when his life was on the line. Verse: "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room… Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."— Daniel 6:10 Deeper Insight:Daniel didn’t start praying because he was in trouble — he prayed because it was his lifestyle. His faith wasn’t reactive, it was consistent. Faith that lasts must be practiced before the crisis arrives. Example:🔥 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image. Like Daniel, they were already walking in devotion before the test. When the furnace came, their faith was ready. Modern Application:What you do when no one is watching prepares you for when everyone is watching. Our spiritual habits shape our spiritual resilience. Reflection:Faith is not proven in comfort but in conflict. Daniel didn’t change his routine to avoid detection. His loyalty to God was more important than his safety. 🙏 2. Prayer Is Power Insight:Daniel’s first response wasn’t panic — it was prayer. Prayer was his lifeline, not his last resort. Verse: "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."— James 5:16 Deeper Insight:Daniel wasn’t praying to be delivered — he was praying to stay connected. His posture shows humility, and his consistency shows dependence. Example:📖 Jesus in Gethsemane (Luke 22:41–44) also knelt and prayed before His greatest test — the cross. Prayer didn't remove the trial, but it prepared Him to endure it. Modern Application:Real power doesn’t come from position but from prayer. If you’re too busy to pray, you're too busy to stand when the lions come.   Reflection:What you do consistently in private will sustain you in public trials. Daniel’s prayer life prepared him for the lions’ den long before it came.     👑 3. God Honors Those Who Honor Him Insight:Daniel’s integrity and devotion to God didn’t go unnoticed — either by the king or by God. Verse: “Them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”— 1 Samuel 2:30 (KJV) Deeper Insight:Daniel’s loyalty to God meant he was willing to lose the king’s favor. Ironically, that loyalty earned him more favor than ever before. Example:🕊️ Joseph in Genesis 39 honored God by refusing Potiphar’s wife — and ended up in prison. But God elevated him to second-in-command over Egypt because of his integrity. Modern Application:You may lose friends, status, or opportunity by standing for truth — but God will give you influence that no man can take away.   Reflection:Even in a foreign land, under a pagan king, God raised Daniel up. Those who walk uprightly will never lack God’s favor.     👼 4. God Sends Angels in Crisis Insight:When Daniel was in the den, God didn’t remove the trial — He entered it with him. Verse

Zechariah 4:2 – 3  (Vision):So I said, “I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. 3Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.” V6:  ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ V10: For who has despised the day of small things? ________________ Zechariah 4 is rich with symbolism, encouraging the Israelites to rely on God's Spirit in rebuilding the temple. Let’s examine each element in more detail, with supporting Bible verses and practical examples. #1:  "Not by Might, Nor by Power, but by My Spirit" God’s message to Zerubbabel underscores reliance on the Spirit rather than human strength or military power. This message applies to any endeavor where human resources are limited, but God’s power makes a way. Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God tells him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” At some point, “We have to stop talking to God about your mountain and start talking to the mountain about your God” * Anxiety or addiction mountains of depression or fear or shame * You can’t let that mountain intimidate you At some point enough is enough Obstacle is the way that mountain is gonna make you a bigger person You’re gonna have a testimony on the other side too Whatever you tolerate will eventually dominate that is robbing God of his glory pleasing and perfect will What are you tolerating that is permissible but not beneficial What are you tolerating that undermines the price Jesus paid on the cross For your salvation For your healing For your delivery Start talking to that mountain and see what God does. Zechariah 4:6 encourages you to trust that God’s Spirit can enable the project beyond what human power could accomplish. #2:  Don’t despise the small beginnings We overestimate what we can do in a year or two instead of seeing what God can do in 10 or 20 In building the temple:  The Lord says, “Do not despise the day of small beginnings” Why? God will do big things like they are little things When we get our knees in prayer When we obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit God sets divine appointments for the Lord rejoices God is great because nothing is too small he rejoices plum line was an ancient architectural device God is already rejoicing All you have to do the little things like big things, then God will do the big things like small things Don’t despise the day of small beginnings. This vision, then, teaches that God’s work relies on His Spirit, not human might. The temple in Jerusalem was ultimately completed by Zerubbabel and Joshua’s guidance, fulfilling this prophecy and illustrating that God’s Spirit works powerfully through those who trust in Him. ____________

Nothing is done, unless the father says – it is done. When God decides to do something through your life – There is nothing, the enemy can do. No Season, No mistake, No Mess, No Argument nor any Human limitation can stop Him. When Jesus said, Lazarus, come out of the grave… then grave had no choice but to let Lazarus go… There is a break through, waiting to happen in your life and mine.

Luke wrote:  Luke 18: 35 - 38 35As Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting beside the road, begging. 36When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” they told him. 38So he called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48Many people admonished him to be silent, but he cried out all the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man. “Take courage!” they said. “Get up! He is calling for you.” 50Throwing off his cloak, Bartimaeus jumped up and came to Jesus. 51“What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked. ___________________   When Bartimaeus realized Jesus had stopped and called for him, he threw off his cloak. (Mark 10:50)  The cloak Bartimaeus was wearing would’ve been heavy. Perhaps this is the reason he threw it off. He didn’t want anything slowing him down on his way to Jesus.   But perhaps there was something more going on . . .   What is the significance of Bartimaeus throwing off his cloak? At first glance, Bartimaeus throwing off his cloak seems like a minor detail.   But this is why it’s so important to slow down and pay attention to the little things as we study Scripture. To dig into the context of a verse. And learn about the cultural and historical backgrounds.   Because throwing off the cloak was actually a big deal.   The cloak was an outer garment that was not only used like a long coat but was also used as a blanket at night for protection against the cold. This garment was so important to the ancient Israelites that they were forbidden to keep it as security on loans (Exodus 22:26-27, Deuteronomy 24:12-13).  This cloak would have also served as Bartimaeus’s means of acquiring money.  Scholars believe he would have sat down and spread his cloak over his lap. This way people could drop money onto the cloak so he could easily collect it.   Which means this cloak would have symbolized his means to protect himself and acquire what he needed to survive.   But it also meant one more thing . . . it was a symbol of his old way of life. And he chose to cast it aside.   He had complete and total faith that after he met Jesus . . . he would no longer need it.

It is no coincidence that Paul puts “love” first in the fruit of the Spirit. The Greek word for love in this instance is agape. It is the highest form of the different kinds of love expressed by distinct Greek words, including eros (romantic love), philia (friendship love) and storge (familial love). Agape is the kind of love God has for his creation. It is pure, selfless and self-sacrificing. It seeks the best for others — even enemies — at all times, at all costs. A beautiful description of agape love is found in the Bible verses of 1 Corinthians 13, a well-known passage of Scripture. God showed his agape love for us in sacrificing his only Son to save us from our sinful nature. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

The joy, Paul refers to in Galatians 5 is much deeper than a sense of happiness or gladness from life’s circumstances. It is a profound delight and rejoicing that comes from knowing and serving God.   The Bible describes the importance of this divine joy to the Christian’s life: Nehemiah 8:10, And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”