Jesus, Lord of the Breakthrough

One of the most life-altering ministry opportunities I've had the chance to be part of occured a few years ago in Huntsville, AL.  I happened (by God Incidence) to be in visiting my old college town when a pastor invited myself and a few friends to help with a Christmas program he was doing in a local maximum security prison.  I'll never forget the cold feeling of traveling through barb wire fences, a tight security check, and sealed doors that led into the prison quarters where we would be ministering.  We entered into a different world.  We did two worship services that each had around 100 prisoners.  These brothers sang, worshipped, and were very enthused that we had come and were sharing with them.  I'll never forget the pandemonium that broke out when a member of our group  began to sing the hymn "Because He Lives".  By the times she reached the second chorus, and kept repeating the phrase "my life is worth the living just because He lives" it was like the spirit of hope entered the room as prisoners wept, worshipped, and clung to these words.  What was the most powerful was when one prisoner got up to testify, and in a quiet humble voice....he said " I don't know what y'all had planned when you came here...but I don't even feel like I'm in prison right now"....Those words are forever engraved in my heart and memory.  As he continued speaking it was like God said "Michael, that's the power of the gospel, that's the power of my presence".  The greatest breakthrough is not what happens to us (new job, new car, new boyfriend etc)....it is what happens in us.  Breakthrough is accepting God's promises, and allowing our hearts and minds to be transformed by His Word & Spirit.  Breakthrough is being anxious for nothing. Breakthrough is rejoicing always.  Breakthrough is having the peace of God guarding  or "tucking in" our hearts and minds through Jesus, the prince of peace. Breakthrough is having a Spirit of love, power, and a sound mind instead of fear.   The apostle Paul in Hebrews 13:5 said

"be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

In otherwords----when you are fully aware that you  have the Greatest Of All Time standing with you --what  more do you need?

I desire to come to a place where I am aware of ,embrace, and value the presence of God in my life.  That's why Jesus could sleep in a storm, thats why Paul could sing in Prison, that's why the brother I saw in jail could say---I don't feel like I'm behind bars right now----that's the power of the presence of God.  He is indeed the Lord of the breakthrough----He breaks through darkness with light.  He breaks through sorrow with joy. He breaks through fear with love.  He breaks through anxiety with peace.  He breaks through imprisonment with FREEDOM! 

Isaiah 61


The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me.
He sent me to preach good news to the poor,
   heal the heartbroken,
Announce freedom to all captives,
   pardon all prisoners.
God sent me to announce the year of his grace—
   a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies—
   and to comfort all who mourn,
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,
   give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom,
   a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.
Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness"
   planted by God to display his glory.

Breakthrough is Jehovah, the Creator, The Everlasting God, becoming  Jesus, the God-man and dying for us.  Breakthrough is an empty tomb!  Through Jesus Christ we now have access to the undiluted love, power and presence of God through His Holy Spirit.  May God allow us to experience the power of His presence today, and may we be content in Him!

Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life;
   you will fill me with joy in your presence,
   with eternal pleasures at your right hand.