"This is why it says: When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men. What does 'he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?"

Ephesians 4:8-9 NIV

What a day it is today! You might be wondering what I am referring to. Today is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice an be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 It may seem ordinary, and rainy, but it is a day that God has made for a purpose. You and I may not know what God is up to, but for sure He is doing some great things.

Our verse today refers to Jesus rising from the dead. Those who are "captive"are the souls that died before His resurrection. He freed those who had passed away previously from the sting of death and the grave. Why did He take these to heaven? They were believers in the promise of the coming Savior.

 We are saved from death{our souls I mean}because we look back to the work that Jesus did on the cross. These who were led by Jesus into heaven were those who believed before He came. Our God is so wonderful. He has made a way for all to partake in His grace, as long as we are willing.

When Jesus was crucified, be went into the "lower earthly regions" as Paul writes. The purpose of this was for Him to rise above all principalities and powers, and truly be Lord over all! He reigns over every lie, and destructive thing the enemy tries to put on you.

The power of the resurrection is beyond our understanding. We have not seen God moving in His power in this country the way He wants to move. Is it because we don't pray? We do pray, but maybe we haven't hit the mark yet. Maybe we need more dedicated time in prayer specifically for revival?

Some of you know I lead a prayer ministry in our church called 24/7 prayer.We hope to have someone praying every hour around the clock for revival, and blessing on our region.We are not complete yet, but are trusting God to send more people who will dedicate an hour once a week.

Who knows what God will do through prayer on Long Island? We know He is willing. May our cries reach His heart with sincere reality of our needs. He will answer with His might. It is all in His timing.