The Oasis | Refuel

Though His disciples could not see it at the time, Jesus explains the spiritual benefits that will take place for them after He returns to the Father.  In like manner, we may not see the profit of something God is doing in our lives at the time which is why we must walk by faith. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/04/the-advantage-of-jesus-departure-john-16-1-7/">The Adva...

Understanding the World’s Animosity (John 15:18-27) Jesus continues to prepare His disciples for the adversity they are about to face. In spite of His physical absence, they will be equipped by Him both to survive and thrive in that which He has called them to do and to be. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/04/understanding-the-worlds-animosity-john-15-18-27/">Unde...

Jesus is speaking on many different aspects of being His disciples but He reveals to us that all of these distinct features are actually interrelated to one another.  They all impact and feed off of one another.  This is why it is so important that we continue being faithful followers.  If one area of our spiritual walk […] The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/04/connecting-a...

Jesus teaches His disciples about the one indispensable position necessary for being fruitful followers.  It is in maintaining unbroken fellowship with Him.  Out of our fellowship with Christ the fruit will flow. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/04/being-fruitful-followers-john-15-1-8/">Being Fruitful Followers (John 15: 1-8)</a> first appeared on <a href=&quot...

These words of Jesus to His disciples are so rich and full of meaning.  In the midst of all the trouble and turmoil surrounding them, they can find peace in Jesus.  This is true for us as well.  What an endowment we have through Jesus. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/03/the-legacy-of-jesus-john-14-27-31/">The Legacy of Jesus (John 14:27 – 31)</a> first appeared o...

Jesus has reminded the disciples one last time that He is going back to the Father.  However, He is teaching them about the arrival of the Holy Spirit who will enable and empower them in the days ahead!  Instead of walking physically with Jesus they will now lean to walk spiritually through the Holy Spirit. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/03/help-is-coming-john-14-15-31/"...

Jesus’ focus here is on solidifying the disciples’ spiritual foundation.  They are beginning to succumb to the events happening around them.  Faith in Jesus enables us to rise above our circumstances. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/03/jesus-words-of-reassurance-john-14-1-14/">Jesus’ Words of Reassurance (John 14:1-14)</a> first appeared on <a href...

While others are falling all around Him, Jesus is rising to the culmination of His earthly ministry. Surrounded by denial and betrayal is the one true rock, Jesus Christ.  If we want to be rock solid in life, we must follow Him. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/03/seen-for-who-he-really-is-john-13-18-38/">Seen For Who He Really Is (John 13:18-38)</a> first appeare...

Jesus speaks about the power and authority of both His Word and His example.  When we allow both His Word and example to be the guide of our lives, we will be blessed and will enjoy abundant life. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/03/how-one-attains-spiritual-prosperity-john-12-44-13-17/">How One Attains Spiritual Prosperity (John 12:44 – 13:17)</a> first appeared...

This account of Paul’s journey to Rome reminds us that God is in the minutest details of our lives and that He will see to it that we are protected and provided with what we need to do His will.  We are also reminded just how unique His will is for each of us and how we should embrace His […] The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/02/paul-finally-arrives-in-rome-acts-28-1...

We encounter the many twists and turns as Paul sailed to Italy. His journey contains many great spiritual principles that will profit us today.  It is also a reminder that in each of life’s trials something spiritually beneficial can be gained from the experience. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/02/pauls-voyage-to-rome-acts-27-1-44/">Paul’s Voyage to Rome (Acts 2...

Following in the long line of opportunities God has granted Paul to share his testimony is Agrippa, the great grandson of Herod, the Great  (the ruler who sought to destroy any rival to his throne by murdering the children of Bethlehem).  Even in this meeting we are reminded of the futility of resisting or opposing […] The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/02/pauls-witness-to-...

God was going to bring Paul safely to Rome but not in the way Paul would have imagined. There were many twists and turns along the way which would allow Paul to be a witness to people that in no other way would have crossed paths with Paul. Our journey in life is very similar. […] The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/02/encounters-along-the-way-acts-25-1-27/">Encounte...

Paul is given opportunity to testify of his faith in Christ to the governor. There is much encouragement here for those who seek to share the gospel with others. We are only responsible to share with others what Christ has done in our lives. We are never held responsible by God for their response. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/01/pauls-witness-to-felix-acts-24-1-27/"&gt...

Tuesday, January 20, 2015  –  Paul’s Testimony To The Sanhedrin  (Acts 23:1-35) Paul is given an opportunity to address the leaders of his nation.  This occasion did not end the way he would have desired and he even may have felt as if he had failed.  How would Jesus respond to Paul in the moment? The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/01/pauls-testimony-to-the-sanhedrin-...

Paul Shares His Conversion  (Acts 22:1-30) God had revealed His plan for Paul right from the start.  (Acts 9:15-16)  However, just like us, he didn’t know every detail or twist or turn.  He had to learn to trust God and we have to do the same. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2015/01/paul-shares-his-conversion-acts-22-1-30/">Paul Shares His Conversion (Acts 22:1-30)&lt...

Tuesday, January 6, 2014  –  Paul’s Journey to Jerusalem  (Acts 21:1-40) Luke recounts the similarities between what Paul was enduring as he sought to reach his fellow Jews with the gospel and what Jesus endured in seeking to do the same.  This chapter highlights the truth of Jesus teaching that a disciple is not above his teacher.  […] The post <a href="http://theoasisaz...

“Why We Celebrate Christmas” Many people observe Christmas,  but do they really celebrate it? The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2014/12/why-we-celebrate-christmas/">Why We Celebrate Christmas</a> first appeared on <a href="http://theoasisaz.com">The Oasis</a>.

Knowing that he would never see these leaders of the church in Ephesus ever again, Paul’s final exhortation summarizes the key aspects that each spiritual leader should continually be aware of to fulfill the calling God has entrusted to us. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2014/12/pauls-appeal-to-spiritual-leaders-acts-20-25-38/">Paul’s Appeal to Spiritual Leaders (Act...

Many Christians tend to view the Apostle Paul as a task oriented person.  Yet here in this chapter, we discover the tenderness of Paul’s heart toward others.  As we minister ,especially over time, we can develop a hard heart towards others.  Paul allowed God over time to create a heart like Christ’s for those around […] The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2014/12/the-...

In Acts Chapter 19, we have documented for us the more significant moments of Paul and his team of missionaries who ministered in Ephesus.  May their faithfulness to God’s calling inspire us to be faithful to what god has assigned to us. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2014/12/pauls-ministry-in-the-city-of-ephesus-acts-191-41/">Paul’s Ministry In The City of Ephesus (...

We can learn so much when we consider the lives of the people God was working in and working through here in the book of Acts.  Disciples of Jesus are continually being reproduced as was God’s design for His followers all along.   The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2014/11/the-principles-of-life-changing-ministry-acts-181-28/">The Principles of Life Changing Ministry (Ac...

Luke continues to chronicle for us their missionary efforts.  In this chapter, we see the Word of God taking hold in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens.  We should not the different approach the missionaries took depending on their audience. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2014/11/bringing-light-into-the-darkness-acts-171-34/">Bringing Light Into The Darkness (Acts 17:1-34)&lt...

In this chapter we find the details of Paul’s second missionary journey. It is a journey that reveals the greatness of God’s plan for those who will follow Him. It is not an easy road, but it is a path in which one will experience things that only a life of faith can produce. The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2014/11/the-greatness-of-gods-plan-acts-161-40/">The Gr...

For many, this chapter may not seem significant, but what took place in this chapter forever shaped church doctrine. It could have been used by our spiritual enemy to get God’s people forever off course, but thanks to the leadership of Holy Spirit-filled people, the church met the challenge before them. We would do well […] The post <a href="http://theoasisaz.com/2014/11/dealin...