Friday, 19 April 2013

Step Out in Short-Term Missions

Next Step Devotion

The sun is shining, baseball is in full swing, and summertime is on the horizon! This is the time of year when we all anxiously anticipate that feeling of freedom that seems to naturally come with the summer. Even those of us who do not enjoy a "summer break" from our daily duties rest in the hope that the summer season seems to be a little less hectic. Family vacations, catching up in the garden, family reunions, and in some cases, a relaxing of church nightly activities are just a few short weeks away. 

But what if we began to look at the extra summer hours appearing in our schedules as not only an opportunity to relax, but rather an opportunity to serve? What if the body of Christ chose to trade the finances set aside for our trips to Disney World and Gulf Shores in favor of a mission trip or outreach ministry to a community in need? There is no denying that our nation is hurting. The states of Alabama and Mississippi are reeling from the effects of tornadoes, hurricanes, and financial recession. What an opportunity to shine the light of Jesus Christ across our communities!

This is not to say that we should not enjoy our family vacations, summer reading, or vegetable gardens. On the contrary, God established from the 6th day of creation that we should enjoy seasons of fulfilling and rejuvenating rest. However, scripture promises that those who invest time in refreshing others will themselves will be refreshed (Prov 11:25). If you have ever been on a short-term missions trip or served in an outreach capacity, you understand this verse fully. There is perhaps no other activity more satisfying, more invigorating, more purposeful than that of serving others in need. Perhaps this is because God created us for this purpose? Our service to fellow man is a pleasing act of worship to the Father, and we were created to worship (Rev. 4:11)! When we serve others it is as though we are serving the Lord, and as a result we reap the blessings (Mark 9:41).

You may be thinking, "I don't have the money for a vacation, let alone a mission trip!" Well, our goal this week on New Day Cafe was to share with you several short-term missions and outreach opportunities within our own listening area with which you and your family could serve this summer. There are countless ministries, churches, and organizations that are in need of volunteers, whether for one day or several weeks, to help continue their service to the community. We encourage you to take a look at the following list of ministries, outreach opportunities, and short-term missions ideas. Consider how you and your family and/or children  could use the summer months to make a lasting difference in the lives of others:

Local Ministries/Organizations:
Short-Term Missions/Outreach Ideas:
  • Call a local church and ask if there are any needs (construction, cleaning, donations) that the body of Christ could help meet.
  • Throw a fundraising event (bake sale, bike ride, etc.) for a local ministry. 
  • Donate your time at the local Crisis Center to sort donations or serve food. 
  • Assemble Hygiene kits to send to disaster areas (tornado/fire/flood disaster area)
  • Collect baby items and clothing to donate to a local pregnancy center. 
  • Provide a meal for local teachers during school preparation week.
  • Make and distribute goodie bags to teachers with needed items (expo markers, highlighters, staples) 
  • Provide a meal for a local ministry team such as Samaritan's Purse or Habitat for Humanity. 
  • Call your church and see if there are any upcoming short-term missions trips. 
  • Gather your youth/college group and give free yard care (mowing, edging) to a local neighborhood with elderly residents. 
  • Take your children to visit a local nursing home, giving cards or singing songs. 
  • Do a "Free Car Wash" where you distribute gospel tracks or Bibles to customers.
We pray the above ideas will spark a passion in your heart to step outside of the box this summer and use your time, energy, and resources in ministry to your community. Jesus calls us to "go therefore into all the world," but it starts right where you are. Let's shine the light of Christ this summer!

Interview Recap

Key Scriptures

Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power with the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.  

Proverbs 11:25 - A generous person will prosper. He who refreshes others will be refreshed.

John 20:21 - And Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father sent me, so I am sending you."

Galatians 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest. 

Isaiah 6:8 - Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And whom shall go for us?" And I said, "Hear I am. Send me!"

Mark 9:41 - Truly I tell you, anyone who gives a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.

Blessings,
Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South
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Friday, 12 April 2013

The Blessed Life!

Next Step Devotion
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.


 Have you noticed my keen notion to begin many of these devotions with hymn lyrics? While I cannot assume this is the case for all of our readers, many of us grew up proclaiming these age-old lyrics on each Sunday morning. These melodies rooted themselves thoroughly in our minds and spirits. If you are like me, I dare to admit that these lyrics often pop into my brain much more quickly during a time of questioning, trial, or prayer than even Scriptural verses. When pondering the phrase "The Blessed Life," there was no stopping the melody of this infamous doxology of our faith...."Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow!!" From this beautiful doxology flows the direction I believe God desires for me to take this devotion today. 

 What comes to mind when you hear the word blessed. Perhaps the blessing of children, that "quiver full of arrows?" Physical health, job security, or the ability to retire may represent blessing to you. Perhaps for others the word blessed has even taken a negative connotation, the unfortunate consequence of absorbing too many prosperity sermons and laboring too hard without feeling as though you've seen any of the fruit. Blessed has become a term we often use to judge another's stance before God and favor with man. Just as Job's "friends," we sit and measure ourselves against the apparent blessings of others, condemning those who are struggling, asserting it must be a consequence for some hidden sin.  

 I do not mean to sound cynical, yet this is the predominant thought-process of our culture. Christians are meshed together with Buddhists, Hindus or even Atheists in a "karma-like" understanding of blessing. What we receive balances out to how much we give, how much we sacrifice, or how "good" we are. Oh but praise be to God that the blessings of our ONE TRUE GOD are so far beyond our cultural understanding. Each and every blessing from the one true living God is eternal, having implications for our lives today and our future eternity. Each blessing is from above (James 1:17) and purposed to give glory and honor and praise to God forever (Ephesians 3:21). 

 So let's step back a minute as we consider blessings in our lives as believers. In our interview this week with June Felix, former New Day Cafe co-host and founder of Life of Prayer Ministries, June shared that while we often view blessings as material things, God's blessings are spiritual in nature and are given to us so that we can give HIM maximum glory through our lives. Let's go over that again. Blessings are not for US. Blessings are for GOD. But how can this be? If God is giving us the blessings of health, peace, and salvation, then how can we say He is giving these for Himself? They come from God to begin with right? Yes, every blessing comes from God, for He is the originator of all things good. However, God blesses us so that we might bear fruit of blessing back to Him through the manifestations of worship, service, and love to others. 

 Ephesians 1:3 tells us that God has blessed us with EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING in the heavenly realms. I  just love that! You mean I have EVERY spiritual blessing? That's what God's Word says. But we must not skip over the very beginning of that verse so that we might reach the blessing part... the verse begins "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." The blessing is proceeded by praise! We saw this as well in our interview this week with Pastor Lorenza James of Tabernacle Baptist Church. Pastor Lorenza shared with us the beautiful words of blessings found in Psalm 133. In this passage, unity among God's people is compared to the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's beard and ran down his robe. This time of anointing for the Levitical priests was one of profound worship. The fragrance from this anointing oil rose up as incense before God's throne. And there, the Lord commanded blessing. We again see this idea of blessing for God's people wholly connect to praise and adoration for our Lord.  

 So how can we apply this to our lives? When we take a look at many of the spiritual blessings promised to God's people, we must learn to view these blessings as not entirely for our own benefit (while they certainly do help us personally!). We must seek the Lord for how He desires for us to use these blessings to in turn bless others and give Him glory. What are some of the spiritual blessings? Here are a few we discussed this week: 

When we receive the devastating news that a loved one has died, we are blessed with God's peace that surpasses our understanding. It is through this peace that we are able to continue praising our Lord and Savior "who gives and takes away." When we are lost in thought and unable to confidently make a solid decision about an important matter, God blesses us with access to spiritual wisdom and insight. This wisdom allows us to make the decision that will most completely align with God's word and further His purposes for our lives. When we have labored and labored through the toils of life and feel as though we will never reach the point of breakthrough, we have the blessings of refreshment that come through the streams of living water that flow within our spirits. This stream allows us to gain the strength needed to endure in obedience to God's call on our lives. This in turn gives God glory, blesses others, and spurs the body of Christ along in hope and good works. This is the epitome of "all things working for good." The blessings of Christ do bless us, but they also bless others and give glory to our Father. 

 What sorts of blessings are you seeking? It is much easier to desire the blessings that we can see, such a money or job promotions, academic awards or popularity with others. However, the spiritual blessings that come from Christ run so much deeper than these earthly rewards ever will. The blessings of forgiveness, victory, refreshment, peace, etc will last forever....these blessings give us a taste of what we will enjoy forever in heaven with Christ. These blessings are just a preview of what is to come, and we should seek to radiate them through our lives so that others may also experience them, both now and for eternity. We truly do enjoy a blessed life because of the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. So, let's fuel those blessings into praise for our Father!

Interview Recap

Key Scriptures

 Psalm 133:1, 3b - Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!...for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. (KJV)

 Matthew 5:11-12 - Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.(NIV)

 Ephesians 1:3 -  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (NIV)

 John 10:10 -  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.(KJV)

 Psalm 5:12 - Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

 Galatians 3:14 - He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

 Be Blessed,
Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South
www.moodyradiosouth.fm 
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Friday, 5 April 2013

Encountering Christ

Next Step Devotion

 Have you ever had an encounter with someone that changed your entire life? One moment and you knew things would never be the same? Perhaps the moment you met your future spouse, or the first moment you cradled your newborn child? For those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, that moment of surrender transformed us both now and for all eternity. 

 Throughout scripture we see several life-altering encounters between God and man. When God sent His son Jesus Christ into the world, it marked the most paramount of encounters that ever was, is, or will be until Christ returns again. Colossians 1:15 reveals to us that "Christ is the visible image of the invisible God." God literally and physically came to earth that we might encounter His love, His holiness, His miraculous power, and His eternal glory. When viewed from the air we can catch a glimpse of the majesty and mastery of God's plans to redeem the world; however, the Biblical gospels give us a "boots on the ground" glance at the beautiful intimacy God desires to enjoy with each one of us. Jesus Christ portrays this as He ministers to the "least of these" personally and compassionately. 

 There is much to learn about how we encounter God through the testimonies of Christ's encounters with men and women during His time on earth. Sometimes Jesus encountered people un-expectantly and of His own accord (Woman at the Well (John 4), Men on Emmaus Road (Luke 13) ). Other times an encounter resulted from a man or woman's own pursuit, making themselves available to both His healing power and sanctifying rebukes (Bleeding Woman (Mark 5), Zaccheus (Luke 19). Jesus encountered those on the brink of death, offering salvation and giving us a prophetic vision of His role as mediator between God and man (1 Tim 2:5) (Adulterous Woman (John 8), Criminal on Cross (Luke 23). 

 In what ways have you encountered Christ? Have you ever felt hopeless and dejected only to have Jesus Christ come and offer the hand of revelation and comfort you needed to move forward? Have you ever experienced a seeming "wrestling" with the Lord when you are seeking  His wisdom, His guidance, or His blessing? Have you ever stood on the brink of death, without any hope outside of miraculous intervention, and God stepped in with his healing power? Or maybe you have lay huddled beneath the weight of your sin and shame, only to have Jesus come and extend His hand of grace and mercy. 

 I often hear comments such as, "I just wish God would speak to me clearly!" or "I just don't feel God in the my life right now." I've walked with dry and thirsty souls that are seeking to satisfy with everything but the living water Christ so freely offers. We all experience times such as these throughout the journey of life, but I want to challenge you today to ask yourself the question, "How have I encountered Christ?" When was the last time that, as the men on the Emmaus Road, your eyes were opened to the fact that Christ is walking right beside you? For some it could have been this morning as you began your day in His word! For others it may have been during a poignant sermon that pierced your soul. Or perhaps you have never experienced an encounter with the living God and your eyes remain blinded to the salvation found in Christ Jesus. 

 On New Day Cafe this week our guest Pastors and ministers shared about either Christ encounters found in Scripture or those they have personally experienced. However, in each conversation stood one common theme; we must daily seek an encounter with Christ. Every morning we should awake expecting the Lord to talk to us, walk with us, open and close doors for us, bring revelation of His word to us, and heal and forgive us. When Christ came to walk among the earth it gave a preview of the relationship with God we each can now experience day-by-day. His death and resurrection ripped the veil separating God and man, opening wide the gates of fellowship (Heb 4:14-16).  Moreover, the presence of the Holy Spirit within us allows us to encounter Christ daily in our attitudes, thoughts, and emotions, giving us all wisdom needed for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). In Christ we experience a perpetual encounter with our Heavenly Father. 

 In closing, are you encountering Christ daily? Are you pursuing His word and listening for the Holy Spirit with an attitude of expectancy? If not, let's "take the next step" together and seek a fresh encounter with the living God. 

 Interview Recaps



 Key Scriptures

 Luke 24:30-32 - When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

 Matthew 4:10-11 - Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

 Ephesians 1:18-19 - I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength.

 Luke 19:5-6 - When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

 John 20:29 - Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

 John 11:21-22 - “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

 Blessings!
Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South
www.moodyradiosouth.fm 
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Friday, 29 March 2013

Power in the Blood!


We want to thank all of those who have given graciously towards the ministry of Moody Radio South during Share 2013! We have reached 100% of our goal, with total giving at $195,121.00! 

We can not thank you enough for partnering with us to help provide this important portion of our operating expense needs. 

Next Step Devotion



 One of my most favorite hymns is There is Power in the Blood (Lewis E. Jones, 1899). Just take a moment to soak in the depths of these words:

  1. Would you be free from the burden of sin?
    There’s pow’r in the blood, pow’r in the blood;
    Would you o’er evil a victory win?
    There’s wonderful pow’r in the blood.
    • Refrain:
      There is pow’r, pow’r, wonder-working pow’r
      In the blood of the Lamb;
      There is pow’r, pow’r, wonder-working pow’r
      In the precious blood of the Lamb.
  2. Would you be free from your passion and pride?
    There’s pow’r in the blood, pow’r in the blood;
    Come for a cleansing to Calvary’s tide;
    There’s wonderful pow’r in the blood.
  3. Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow?
    There’s pow’r in the blood, pow’r in the blood;
    Sin-stains are lost in its life-giving flow;
    There’s wonderful pow’r in the blood.
Would you do service for Jesus your King?
There’s pow’r in the blood, pow’r in the blood;
Would you live daily His praises to sing?
There’s wonderful pow’r in the blood.

Yes, there is certainly POWER in the blood of Jesus Christ! However, this phrase, "power in the blood," can seem vague or confusing, and ironically lose the "power" of its statement. What does it mean to know the power of the blood? As Christians we are more prone to understand and cling to the power of the Holy Spirit, or the power of salvation, or the power of freedom from our past (as we should). Yet the foundation for every spiritual blessing that we receive as followers of Christ is wrapped up in Christ's blood. Without Christ's shedding of blood, we could  not and would not have access to salvation, the Holy Spirit, healing, freedom, hope, or peace.... 

This week on New Day Cafe we spoke with several Pastors and teachers about different aspects of the blood sacrifice of Christ and what it means for us today. Pastor Charles Lenn of Tuscaloosa First Assembly of God Church taught from Isaiah 53 where some of our most iconic scriptures about the Messiah are found: "He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him..." In verse 6 we reach the quintessential moment when Christ's suffering and sacrifice reveal their power:
"and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." ALL of our sins, ALL of our pain, ALL of our fears, and ALL of our mistakes were laid upon Jesus Christ, the Messiah, when He shed His blood in death on the cross.

It takes more than knowledgeable understanding of the power of Christ's sacrifice to alter your life.  It takes faith. You must daily walk in the faith that your fears can no longer control your mind and emotions because Christ endured the epitome of all fear on the cross. It takes faith to believe that the pain you are feeling so deep inside, the pain that is radiating through every fiber of your being can be healed as a result of the unimaginable and incomparable pain that Christ endured for you. It takes faith to believe that all your past mistakes, sins, and regrets are washed white as snow as the blood of Christ washes over you. 

While we could journey through all the prophecies, all the representations of Christ in the Jewish festivals and law, all the ways that the ENTIRE Bible points to Jesus Christ in order to brings more knowledgeable insight, at the end of the day the concept of Christ's powerful blood spans beyond the boundaries of logic. Perhaps God desired for this to be as such. He desires for us to trust by faith the sacrifice of love He made for us so that it will give greatest glory to Him. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)

Let's step back to the hymn for a moment. Within these lyrics we read several promises given through the power of the blood: 

- Freedom from the burden of sin
- Victory won over evil
- Freedom from lust and pride
- Cleansing from the "dirt" of the world
- A washing to make us "whiter than snow"
- New life flowing through us
- Power to serve Jesus, our King, though we feel helpless and unworthy
- Power needed to live daily for Him with a joyful spirit

Which of these promises do you need to receive a revelation of the power of the blood of Christ in your own life? There is "wonder working power" for you today. It was already shed, already given, and already secured for you at the moment of Christ's death and resurrection. Receive the power of the blood in your life today!


Interview Recap

Key Scriptures

Leviticus 17:11 - "For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life."

John 19:30 - "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."

Romans 5:8-9 - "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!"

Ephesians 1:7 - "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace."

Hebrews 9:22 - "Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin." 

Revelation 12:11 - "And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony." 
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Friday, 22 March 2013

Share 2013

We want to thank all of our listeners, volunteers, staff and especially those of you that partnered in ministry with us through your financial donation during Share 2013!!  The theme of Share 2013 was "Together We..." Moody Radio South is not just a radio station, we are a ministry, and it's only TOGETHER that we can make a difference! 

 As of today we are slightly over 93% of our Share 2013 goal (roughly $13,000 short). However, we want to celebrate God's provision as we continue to pray by faith for the remaining 7% needed for our radio operating expenses. Please continue to join us in prayer for this financial need!

 It was amazing to see God answer prayers throughout the week. At times when the phones ceased to ring our staff would begin walking the studio in prayer, asking God to bless our listeners so that we might continue together in proclaiming God's word. At times when staff were sick, we laid hands on them and saw them recover! On two separate occasions Share websites went down across the nation. Rob Moore, our Station Manager, immediately stopped and prayed. We then led a prayer LIVE on air and the Internet sites came back up right in the middle of our prayer!! 

Again, only TOGETHER could we continue preaching the gospel message across our nation and the globe. We know the enemy hates for God's word to be spoken forth. He is overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony! All week we spoke testimony to God's sovereignty and love, and we are confident that we are over-comers through Christ!

 We would like to share with you several photos that we've snapped throughout the week. If you didn't get a chance to come out and join us, we pray you will consider joining into the excitement for Share 2014!
Shane and Kristie Drake

Shane Dorrill of UA Public Relations 

Jodi, our Operations Specialist!



Martin and Frank Edmondson, PR Associate for WMBU
Doug Hastings and Tom Atema, our #'s Crunchers

Rob Moore in the Phone Zone!


Jeanie Killian volunteering!
Thank you to our meal donors!

Eva Phillips and Miriam McFarland volunteering on the Phones!



THANK YOU for joining us in the ministry!! 
TOGETHER WE can continue proclaiming God's Word! 

You can still partner with us. Call 800-600-9624 or give online at www.moodyradiosouth.fm
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Friday, 15 March 2013

Miraculous God: Miracles of the Old Testament



Share 2013 is almost here! All week long we have been setting up phones and computers, gathering snacks, and making other final preparations for the studio to face an influx of volunteers, talent, and visitors that will cycle through next week. We would like to make a very special THANK YOU to those who have already given your "Pre-Share" gift. We are currently at 25% of our goal through Pre-Share giving, and this will help us kick off a successful campaign! 

Moody Radio Share 2013 "Phone Zone" 
Our Share 2013 theme is "Together We." Moody Radio South cannot continue in the ministry God has given us without joining together with YOU, our listeners, in service, prayer, and giving. It is together that we can inspire our community with the teaching of Scripture, and it is together that we can dream ideas for how to make the maximum impact for Christ upon future generations. In short, Moody Radio cannot move forward without our listeners, so we are inviting you to join us during Share 2013 through your financial donations so that "Together We" can make a difference!
Water for Life Water Filter

We also have an exciting new addition to Share 2013. Moody Radio has partnered with Compassion International's Water for Life Campaign. For every $30 or more auto-gift given during Share, Compassion International will donate one water filter to a village without clean drinking water. Each filter can provide clean water for LIFE for up to 60 people! Imagine the lives that can be saved from disease and sickness through each water filter. We ask that you pray whether God would have you make this $30 or more auto-gift donation to partner with us and Compassion International in this effort.  


Next Step Devotion

 This week on New Day Cafe we celebrated our almighty and miraculous God! Specifically, we took a deep look at God's miraculous power as revealed in the Old Testament - Elijah, Elisha, Gideon, Nehemiah, Beneniah, and Ezekiel's vision of the Valley of Dry Bones were all included. Many of us grow up learning these timeless stories of God's miracles, yet we never fully understand how the principles behind the stories can apply to us. It is not every day that we see fire fall from heaven, giants slain, and skeletons come to life!

 In our interview with Pastor John Kearns of Christ Harbor United Methodist in Northport, Pastor Kearns shared that God often uses miraculous displays of power in order to instill confidence in His people to remain obedient to the Word of the Lord for their life.  Miracles may also serve to open the eyes of those who are currently blinded to the truth of God's sovereignty and love. When faced with a situation that seems entirely irreconcilable through human intervention (terminal illness, financial ruin, among others) God's miraculous provision or healing can soften a hardened heart when no human words can comfort. 

 Our Station Manager, Rob Moore, joined the morning show LIVE this past Thursday to share a message from Ezekiel 37: The Valley of Dry Bones. In this story we see the prophet Ezekiel "brought up by the Spirit" and set in a valley full of dry bones. God proceeded to ask Ezekiel, "Son of man, can these bones live?" Now this situation seems completely hopeless to human reasoning. How could piles and piles of  mangled, barren bones ever come back to life? Like with Lazarus' resurrection in the John 11, these bones were beyond dead. But God!

 As Ezekiel was obedient to prophecy over these dry bones, limb by limb the bones began to connect together, forming human bodies with tendons, flesh, and skin. However, the Bible tells us that "there was no breath in them." Ezekiel again obeyed God and prophesied  God then breathed the breath of life into those bones! Soon there stood an entire army ready for battle. God's final words in verses 12-14  reveal the message of this vision: 

 "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. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’”

 What does this story mean for us? We each have areas of our lives that seem as "dry bones." Our marriage may seem destroyed and without hope of reconciliation  We may be facing a terminal diagnosis and the doctors tell us there is no path towards healing. Our bank account may be at $0 and we have no hope of moving forward. However, God can breathe life into even the most "dead" of situations! 

 Rob shared seven principles from this  vision that we can apply to our lives when we feel like we are standing in the valley of dry bones and need a miraculous intervention:

 1. The Spirit Guides Us - The Lord led Ezekiel to the valley (vs.1)

 2. God is Omniscient - While Ezekiel did not know how the dry bones could live, God did! (vs. 3)

 3. Listen Carefully to the Word of the Lord - We must hearken our ears to God more attentively when it seems all hope is lost. Only He has the answers! (vs. 4)

 4. Only God Breathes Life - We are incapable of restoring life to dead areas of our lives, but nothing is impossible with God. (vs. 5)

 5. Be Obedient - Only through Ezekiel's obedience to God's command could the breath of life go forth. (vs. 7)

 6. God is a Restorer - Our God is for us and desires to restore hope and healing to the brokenness of our lives. (vs. 12)

 7. God is Faithful - God always follows through on His word. We can trust Him to provide, to heal, to restore. (vs. 14) 

 We pray that you will gain strength from the testimonies of God's miraculous faithfulness throughout the Old Testament. God's word promises us that our God is the same "yesterday, today, and forever!" (Hebrews 13:8) That means that the same God that rescued a nation from an army of hundreds of thousands with just 300 men can rescue you. The God that can provide oil day after day for a family living off their final penny can provide for your greatest needs. The God that can rebuild the walls of a broken, dis-unified city in just 52 days can rebuild your family! Our miraculous God is faithful!
Interview Recap
Key Scriptures

 2 Kings 4:3-6 - Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.” She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.”

Judges 6:11-12 - The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”

 Ezekiel 37:10 - So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.

 1 Chronicles 11:22 - Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab's best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.

 1 Chronicles 16:12 - Earnestly remember His marvelous deeds which He has done, His miracles, and the judgements He has uttered. 

 1 Corinthians 1:9 - God, who has called you into fellowship with His son Jesus Christ, is faithful.
Blessings!
Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South
www.moodyradiosouth.fm 

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