Rock Of Refuge Ministries

Gravity Matters: Ascension Day

📖 Ephesians 4:8 NKJV
“Therefore He says: ‘When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.’”
Life has many forces that try to pull people down. Fear, addiction, shame, toxic relationships, painful memories, unhealthy thinking, unforgiveness, and disappointment can leave people feeling helpless and overwhelmed. This is the gravity of life that we all face daily.
But the good news of Ascension Day is that Jesus did not only overcome death, hell, and the grave — He also overcame gravity itself. The ascension was not Jesus disappearing; it was His coronation. Heaven announced that the King had won.
📖 Psalm 68:18 says:
“You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive…”
Jesus ascended as:
The victorious King,
The conqueror of death,
And the giver of spiritual power to the Church.
The cross was not the end of the mission. The ascension completed the victory and launched the Church into purpose.
A king returning from battle does not come back empty-handed. He returns with victory, authority, and rewards for his people. Jesus ascended carrying victory, authority, keys, and gifts for believers.

1. No Surprises — He Always Knew
📖 John 6:62
“What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before?”
Jesus always knew:
where He came from,
why He came,
and where He would return.
Bethlehem was not His beginning, and the cross was not His end. The ascension was always part of God’s plan.
People without purpose panic during difficult seasons, but Jesus endured suffering because He understood the destination. When you know God’s purpose for your life:
pain will not make you panic,
delay will not destroy you,
warfare will not wear you down.

2. He Led Captivity Captive
📖 Colossians 2:15
“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them…”
Jesus conquered:
sin,
death,
Satan,
fear,
and spiritual bondage.
The enemy thought the cross was defeat, but the cross became heaven’s victory. Jesus did not just free prisoners — He defeated the prison system itself.
📖 Revelation 1:18
“I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”

3. The Ascension Brought a New Era
📖 John 16:20
“Your sorrow will be turned into joy.”
The disciples thought they were losing Jesus, but heaven was transitioning them into something greater.
Before ascension:
Jesus was with them physically.
After ascension:
Christ would dwell in believers through the Holy Spirit.
The ascension opened:
direct access to the Father,
Spirit-filled living,
and bold prayer in Jesus’ name.
His departure was not abandonment — it was empowerment.

4. Christ Gave Gifts to Men
📖 Ephesians 4:11-12
Jesus did not ascend empty-handed. He released gifts, grace, purpose, and Kingdom assignments to the Church.
Every believer carries:
purpose,
spiritual gifts,
and divine empowerment.
You were not saved just to attend church — you were saved to serve.

5. Living From Victory
📖 Romans 8:37
“We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Believers do not fight for victory — we fight from Christ’s victory. The ascension means Christ reigns, the throne is occupied, and heaven backs believers.
📖 Matthew 14:22-33 shows Jesus walking on what should have sunk Him. The greater miracle is that He invited Peter to walk too. Jesus gives believers power to rise above fear, shame, limitation, and every storm of life.
The ascension reminds us:
the battle has been won,
the Church has been empowered,
and the King is returning.

“Jesus ascended in victory, and the Church walks in His authority.”
“The grave is empty, the throne is occupied, and the Church is empowered.”
“The King who ascended is the King who is coming again.”

That’s My Mommy – Podcast Summary
Mother’s Day carries different emtions for different people. Some are celebrating joyful memories with their mothers, while others are grieving loss, carrying pain, or longing for the love they never received. Yet today we honor not only biological mothers, but also grandmothers, aunties, adoptive mothers, spiritual mothers, big sisters, and every woman who stepped into the role of nurturing and caring for others.
Our main text comes from 📖 1 Samuel 1:1–15, the story of Hannah.
Hannah was married to Elkanah, a devoted worshipper of God, but she struggled with barrenness while Peninnah, her sister wife, had children. Peninnah constantly mocked and provoked Hannah because of her condition. This teaches us that sometimes the deepest pain comes from people closest to us—family, friends, church members, or colleagues.
Peninnah had blessings of her own, yet she focused more on Hannah’s pain than on gratitude for what God had already done in her life. Often, people who hurt others are battling insecurity, emptiness, and unresolved pain within themselves. Hannah, however, chose not to become bitter. Instead, she carried her pain to God.
The dysfunction within Elkanah’s family also reminds us that unhealthy relationships create jealousy, confusion, and emotional conflict. Elkanah tried to comfort Hannah with special treatment, but it only increased Peninnah’s resentment.
Even though Hannah’s family faithfully worshipped God yearly, her prayers still seemed unanswered. This reveals an important truth: faithful people also go through painful seasons. Serving God does not exempt us from waiting seasons, disappointment, or hardship.
📖 Hebrews 10:36 reminds us that we need endurance after doing the will of God so we may receive the promise.
Many people give up when prayers are delayed. Some become discouraged, bitter, or lose faith altogether. But Hannah responded differently:
She continued praying.
She honestly poured out her soul before God.
She trusted God’s character even before seeing results.
She endured in faith.
📖 Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God.
The Bible repeatedly shows that God specializes in bringing fruitfulness out of barren situations. He did it for:
Abraham and Sarah
Isaac and Rebekah
Jacob and Rachel
Zechariah and Elizabeth
And finally Hannah herself.
📖 Isaiah 54 reminds barren people to sing because God can turn hopeless situations into testimonies.
Eventually, God remembered Hannah and blessed her with Samuel. Hannah remained faithful even after receiving her miracle. She continued caring for Samuel and honoring her vow to God. Her faithfulness released even more blessing into her life.
The sermon closes with this encouragement: if you feel like Hannah today—praying, waiting, and wondering why nothing seems to change—do not lose hope. God is still working in seasons of barrenness. Sometimes He uses waiting seasons to deepen our relationship with Him, teach us dependence on His grace, and prepare us to handle future blessings well.
God still turns barrenness into fruitfulness.

UNITED IN OBEDIENCE PART 2
Judges 7:1–22

This message reveals that God gives victory not through numbers, strength, or resources, but through people who are united in obedience. Gideon began with thousands, yet God reduced the army to only 300 men. This was intentional—so that Israel would not take credit for the victory. God’s principle is clear: He does not depend on human ability but on surrendered hearts. As Zechariah 4:6 declares, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.”

God is not looking for crowds, but for commitment. A small group that is disciplined, obedient, and united can accomplish what large numbers cannot. Sometimes reduction in life is not loss, but preparation for God to demonstrate His power.

Before the battle began, Gideon received confirmation through an unusual source. A Midianite soldier shared a dream that symbolized Gideon’s victory. This shows that the enemy can recognize what God has placed in you even before you do. The enemy knows your calling, your authority, and the victory prepared for you—that is why he fights you, but also fears you. Gideon responded not with fear, but with worship, understanding that the battle was already settled in the spirit (1 John 4:4).

Every one of the 300 men had an assignment. Each carried a trumpet, a jar, and a lamp. These were unusual tools for battle, yet each item had purpose. No one could carry another man’s responsibility. This reflects the Body of Christ today: different roles, one mission. As 1 Corinthians 12:18 teaches, God has placed each member in the body as it pleases Him. Victory comes when everyone embraces their role without comparison.

Gideon instructed the men to act in unity and precise timing—to blow the trumpets, break the jars, and shout together. They did not argue or act independently; they followed exactly. Many victories are delayed because people move outside God’s timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that everything has its appointed time.

When the 300 acted together, confusion entered the enemy’s camp, and they turned against themselves. Unity created impact. One voice alone may not shift the atmosphere, but agreement releases power. As Matthew 18:19 teaches, when believers agree, God responds.

The breaking of the jars revealed the light inside. This symbolizes how God uses brokenness to reveal His glory in us. We carry treasure in earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7). When pride, self, and flesh are broken, God’s power is made visible.

The victory came because everyone did their part. No one was unnecessary, and no one stood aside. If one failed, unity would be affected. In the same way, every believer matters—every prayer, every act of service, every contribution.

In conclusion, Gideon’s 300 demonstrate that great victory comes when people are united in Christ and walk in obedience. They were few, but united; simple, but obedient; ordinary, but available—and God used them to defeat a mighty army. Even today, no matter how small the group or limited the resources, when God’s people move together in obedience, victory is certain.

UNITED IN CHRIST IN OBEDIENCE
Joshua 6:1–25
Introduction There is great victory when the children of God work together in unity and obedience. In Joshua chapter 6, we see the story of Jericho, a city that was tightly shut because of fear of the children of Israel. The walls were high, the gates were closed, and there seemed to be no way in. But what was impossible for man was possible with God. Before the battle even began, God spoke to Joshua in Joshua 6:2: “See, I have given Jericho into thine hand…” God spoke victory before the battle started. This teaches us that God’s promises are often declared before we see the manifestation. Many times, God gives us His Word and promises, but we look at our situations and surroundings instead of believing Him. Fear, doubt, and circumstances make us question what God has already spoken. But Joshua was different. He believed God even when there seemed to be no way out. Numbers 23:19 says: “God is not a man, that he should lie…” If God said it, He will do it.

Jehovah Jireh, The Lord Our Provider:
Genesis 22