Blood on The Ear

In the Bible, the concept of blood on the right ear (Leviticus 8:22-24 & 14:28) serves as a visible mark of consecration, signifying that the person is dedicated to God's service and has been set apart for a specific purpose.

This act represents a physical and spiritual transformation, preparing the individual for their sacred role. Here's a breakdown of the significance:

• Right ear: The right ear represents hearing and obedience. In ancient times, the right ear was considered the most important ear, as it was the ear that heard the words of God.

• Blood: Blood represents life, sacrifice, and atonement. In this context, the blood is a symbol of purification and consecration.

• Consecration: Consecration means to set something or someone apart for a specific purpose, making it holy and dedicated to God. In this case, the blood on the right ear signifies that the person is being set apart for a sacred task or role.

• Priestly consecration: In Leviticus 8, the blood is applied to the right ear of Aaron and his sons, consecrating them as priests. This act sets them apart as mediators between God and the people.

• Purification: In Leviticus 14, the blood is applied to the right ear of the person being cleansed, symbolizing their purification and restoration to the community.

God bless America!

“Moses slaughtered the ram and took some of its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot.” Leviticus 8:23

Little James

Jordan Walker Ross is an American actor, screenwriter, and producer best known for his breakthrough role as the disciple Little James in the hit historical drama series The Chosen.

•Born on February 8, 1990, in Arlington, Texas, Ross has become a prominent advocate for disability representation in Hollywood, openly sharing his journey of navigating the entertainment industry with cerebral palsy and scoliosis.

•Early Life and Family Background:

Ross was born two months premature, which directly led to his diagnoses of minor cerebral palsy, severe scoliosis, and severe asthma.

Due to these conditions, he spent significant portions of his childhood undergoing intensive medical procedures, including a full spinal fusion and multiple hip surgeries at Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas, Texas.

Ross comes from a family with deep roots in Texas public life and entertainment

•Grandfather:

Legendary veteran actor Barry Corbin, whose extensive film and television career inspired Ross from a young age.

•Father:

Jim Ross, the mayor of Arlington, Texas.

Career BeginningsPrevented from participating in high-exertion sports due to his health, Ross turned to creative outlets.

He began acting at the age of six, landing his very first role as Tiny Tim in a community production of A Christmas Carol.

He went on to perform in more than 40 professional stage productions across Texas and California during his youth.

As a teenager, he shifted his focus to screen acting, making early appearances in series like Walker, Texas Ranger and Reno 911!.

He eventually earned an Associate Degree in Acting from the KD Conservatory College of Film and Dramatic Arts in Dallas.

Following a four-year break, Ross was cast in The Chosen (2018), with his personal health journey integrated into his character's story.

This role launched his career, leading to further roles in projects like 1883 and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. He advocates for disability awareness and hosts the podcast What's Your Limp?.

Source: Michael L Tabanao 

#TheChosen

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Little James

Little James" (also known as James the Less or James, son of Alphaeus) is one of the original twelve apostles of Jesus.

He is a historically obscure figure in the Bible, but has recently become widely recognized through his prominent, deeply personal storyline in the acclaimed series The Chosen.

•Biblical & Historical ProfileIdentity:

He is commonly identified as James the son of Alphaeus.

The moniker "the Less" (or "Little James") is traditionally believed to distinguish him in height, age, or status from the other apostle named James (James the Greater, son of Zebedee).

•Scriptural Mentions:

He appears in all lists of the twelve apostles, but is never recorded as speaking or performing individual actions in the canonical Gospels.

•Later Ministry:

Church tradition suggests he preached in Syria and Egypt.

Some biblical scholars and historians also equate him with James the Just, the brother of Jesus, who served as the first Bishop of Jerusalem.

•Martyrdom:

According to ancient traditions, he was eventually martyred for his faith, often reported to have been stoned and beaten to death with a club in Egypt or Jerusalem.

•Pop Culture & The Chosen AdaptationCharacter Representation:

In the hit series The Chosen, Little James is portrayed as a loyal and devoted follower of Jesus who walks with a visible disability.

•The Actor:

He is played by actor Jordan Walker Ross, who also lives with cerebral palsy and scoliosis in real life.

•Narrative Impact:

The character's emotional wrestling with his disability—and his profound, moving confrontation with Jesus over why he hasn't been healed while others are—has become one of the series' most resonant storylines.

Source: Michael L. Tabanao,  Facebook 

#TheChosen

Your Transcending Purpose

Your Transcending Purpose

Galatians 6:9 (NIV®)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Most organizations have developed an overarching statement of purpose that serves as a foundation for their work. At World Outreach Church, our mission statement is “Helping people become more fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.” No matter the time, place, format, or age group, we plan every event and activity to support that goal. Many people also have a “life verse,” such as Galatians 6:9, which undergirds their life goals and personal ministry endeavors. If you do not have a personal mission statement or a life verse, I encourage you to begin thinking about those things—and think big! Think beyond today, this month, and this year. Think beyond your current physical and financial abilities. Think about your spiritual legacy. We have one brief window to make a difference for the Kingdom of God, so ask the Holy Spirit to show you a purpose that will transcend your days on the earth.

THINK ABOUT IT

If you already have a personal mission statement or life verse, are your daily activities supporting those goals and beliefs? If you don’t have those declarations of faith, why don’t you begin praying about them right now?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, forgive me for when my goals were not informed by You and Your purposes. I repent and ask You to reveal Your purpose for my life. Give me the wisdom to pursue goals and dreams that will lead to Your best plans for me. May my life honor and glorify You in such a way that You will be able to consider me a “good and faithful servant.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

Allen Jackson 

World Outreach Church 

God Can

God Can!

Romans 11:33 (NASB®)

Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!

When I was a young boy, before my parents knew the Lord, my mother was healed of what the doctors said was terminal cancer. It was there, and a few days later, it simply wasn’t. That miracle was a gift for many people. My mom got to live a long and productive life. My dad wasn’t left to raise three boys alone. My brothers and I were able to grow up with our birth mother. And that miracle resulted in my parents’ salvation, which would have a ripple effect across continents and decades. We learned a lesson early on that God can _____ , and you can fill in that blank. God can heal a body. God can deliver a family. God can save the most hardened sinner. I don’t always understand the pathways He chooses or His timing, but I know that I see miracles around me on a regular basis. The God we serve is a remarkable God of grace, mercy, and compassion. I don’t have a more profound message for you today than this: God can.

THINK ABOUT IT

Create a list of times God has intervened in your life or in the lives of others. Then, make a second list of areas where you still need God’s intervention—it’s your “God Can” list.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, You are the One who makes a way where there seems to be no way. Thank You for being an Almighty God who is never discouraged, despondent, or distant. Through the blood of Jesus Christ, You have brought freedom, deliverance, and wholeness to our lives. Thank You for doing what only a Living God can do! In Jesus’ name, amen.

Allen Jackson

World Outreach 

Fuel for Spiritual Growth

Fuel for Spiritual Growth

Joshua 1:8 (NIV®)

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.”

God was commissioning Joshua to lead His people after Moses’ death, and amidst His reminders to be strong and courageous, we find this command. Joshua had been Moses’ right-hand man, but God knew he still needed instruction and encouragement. God knew Joshua would need His Word in his head and on his lips to fulfill the things God had planned for him to do. The single most important thing that can fuel your spiritual growth is giving time and energy to reading the Word of God. When you read Scripture, you learn about the character of God. You learn the purposes of God and how God acts in the world. It also ignites your prayer life and your faith in God’s goodness. This is not an unproven theory to me because I have experienced it in my own life. I encourage you to make it a daily habit to spend time with God in His Word. He will bless your efforts and draw you closer to Himself.

THINK ABOUT IT

The best way to initiate and sustain spiritual change in your life is to create a foundation of consistent engagement with God’s Word by systematically reading the Bible. Nothing will impact your spiritual life more than the determined and intentional reading of your Bible.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of opening Your Word and inviting You into my life. Forgive me for the times I have regarded this blessing with negligence, indifference, or ambivalence. I want to turn my heart to You in new ways. Give me a hunger for Your Word greater than any I’ve ever known. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Allen Jackson

World Outreach Church 

Simon the Zealot

Simon the Zealot was one of the 12 apostles of Jesus.

His New Testament background is highly mysterious, as he is only mentioned in the Bible's roster of disciples.

However, his moniker and early church traditions highlight a rich and debated history.

•Biblical RootsName & Meaning:

Simon's title "Zealot" comes from the Greek word Zelotes, meaning "enthusiast" or "zealous".

The Gospel of Matthew and Mark in the King James Version translate his moniker as "Simon the Canaanite", which scholars recognize as an Aramaic reference to his zeal rather than a reference to the region of Canaan.

•The "Zealot" Identity:

Scholars debate what the label meant.

It may imply he belonged to the Zealots, a militant Jewish political party seeking to violently overthrow Roman occupation.

Alternatively, it could simply mean he was incredibly zealous for the Mosaic Law or for Jesus' teachings.

•The DiscipleContrast of Ideologies:

As a potential revolutionary, Simon's background contrasted sharply with other disciples like Matthew, who was a tax collector working for the Roman government.

•Following Jesus:

Simon laid aside his aspirations for violent political rebellion to join Jesus' mission of spiritual salvation.

Early Church Tradition & Legacy While the canonical gospels do not describe his life after Jesus' resurrection, early church historians and writings provide differing accounts of his missionary work and death

•Travels:

Some historical accounts suggest Simon traveled to spread the Gospel across the Middle East, Egypt, and North Africa.

Other early church documents, like those discussed by OverviewBible, suggest he may have even traveled to the British Isles.

•Martyrdom:

Traditions heavily vary on how he died.

The Orthodox Church in America notes that he suffered martyrdom by crucifixion after winning many to the Christian faith.

Other traditions from Justus Lipsius and Moses of Chorene suggest he was martyred in Persia or Caucasian Iberia.

Source: Michael L. Tabanao, Facebook 

#TheChosen

#comeandsee

#truth