Passion Church Tucson

Ociel Monroy shares how we can fully trust in Jesus during seasons of uncertainty, pain, and fear. No storm is greater than God’s power, and His peace will carry us through every trial. Stay anchored in faith. Jesus is still in control. matter how strong the storm may be, Jesus remains faithful through it all. In life’s hardest moments, we can choose faith over fear and trust that God is still in control. Like, share and subscribe to stay connected!Plan your visit here!https://tinyurl.com/planavisitWebsite!https://www.passiontucson.org

Jesus lived in response to the Father, not to the devil or to circumstances. Jesus modeled dependence on the Father and the Holy Spirit, and he invites us to do the same.However, when we allow worry and fear to control us, we limit the authority we have been given as God’s children and citizens of heaven.Worry and fear left to rule in our minds will dilute our confidence in asking God. Today, I want to specifically look at the link between asking God for something, or petitionary prayer, and remaining in God’s joy.• What has been shaping your prayers lately—faith or fear?• Are you approaching God with confidence as a beloved child, or merely hoping He might listen?

Jesus came to redeem us—to restore us, to bring us back, if you will, to His original intent. That intent was for us to walk with God in the cool of the day, and to live in His abundant life—to live continually in God’s presence.From the very beginning, the theme of healing runs throughout Scripture—from the Old Testament to the New. This is not a secondary theme; it is central to God’s heart and His redemptive plan. Jesus came to redeem, restore, and heal us.

While we can’t control the outcome of prayer, we can control our response to situations. Jesus lived in response to the Father, not to the devil or to circumstances. Jesus modeled dependence on the Father and the Holy Spirit, and he invites us to do the same.Confident prayer is rooted in our intimate relationship with Jesus.As we choose to stay in God’s love, peace, and joy, our faith deepens, making prayer more assured. However, when we allow worry and fear to control us, we limit the authority we have been given as God’s children and citizens of heaven.God wants us to ask and to expect that, as a loving Father, he will answer. Worry and fear left to rule in our minds will dilute our confidence in our right to ask of God.Today, I want to specifically look at the link between asking God for something, or petitionary prayer, and remaining in God’s joy.

At the center of Jesus’ teaching on prayer in John 15 lies a profound and often misunderstood promise: “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7 NKJV).At first glance, this statement can seem sweeping—almost absolute. Jesus appears to offer His followers an extraordinary assurance: whatever you ask will be done. Yet this promise is not detached from context. It is anchored in a condition that shapes, defines, and governs the outcome: abiding.To understand the authority of the believer in prayer, we must first understand what it means to abide in Christ and how that abiding transforms our desires and requests.Like, share and subscribe to stay connected!Plan your visit here!https://tinyurl.com/planavisitWebsite!https://www.passiontucson.org

When it comes to petitionary prayer, “Do you have the right to ask God for your requests?”When it comes to prayer, there are different aspects to consider. For example, prayer is mainly about communion with God. At its core, prayer should be a joyful connection with our creator, savior, and friend. But prayer also involves petitionary elements.In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus encourages us to ask, “Give us today our daily bread.” (Matt. 6:11 NIV) God expects us to “ask” for our needs, even though he already knows them.Additionally, prayer involves interceding for others. We should be confident in asking!Like, share and subscribe to stay connected!Plan your visit here!https://tinyurl.com/planavisitWebsite!https://www.passiontucson.org

There are moments in life when everything hinges on a single question. Not a trivial question, but one that reorders how you see reality, suffering, hope, and even your own future. Easter confronts us with that kind of question: Did Jesus really rise from the dead—and if He did, what does that mean for my life right now?This is not merely a doctrinal issue. It is not an abstract theological claim tucked neatly into a creed. The resurrection is either the defining event of human history—or it is nothing at all.

As we enter Passion Week, I have been reflecting on what it truly means for us to rediscover our identity in Christ and to live out His new life within us. Over the past few weeks, we have been laying a foundation—understanding who we are because of what Jesus has accomplished

Last week, we began exploring what it means to be in Christ—our new identity. And as we continue, the goal is not merely to gather information, but to renew our minds and fully embrace what God says is already true about us. Transformation in the Christian life does not begin with striving—it begins with revelation. It begins when we see clearly who we are because of Jesus.Like, share and subscribe to stay connected!Plan your visit here!https://tinyurl.com/planavisitWebsite!https://www.passiontucson.org

One of the fundamental questions people ask throughout life is simple but profound: Who am I? Closely related are other questions: Why was I created? What is my purpose? What gives my life meaning?Many people answer those questions by pointing to what they do. They define themselves by a career, an education, a role in the church, a family position, or personal success. However, Scripture directs us to a deeper answerLike, share and subscribe to stay connected!Plan your visit here!https://tinyurl.com/planavisitWebsite!https://www.passiontucson.org

Recognizing your acceptance into God’s family and kingdom is essential for becoming the person God intends you to be. Understanding your authority as a believer begins with knowing you are fully accepted and adopted into God’s family.By the way, more on this important subject can be found in my book, Fulfill Your Dreams.Like, share and subscribe to stay connected!Plan your visit here!https://tinyurl.com/planavisitWebsite!https://www.passiontucson.org

Recognizing your adoption into God’s family and kingdom is crucial for becoming the person God intends for you. Understanding your authority as a believer starts with knowing you are fully accepted and adopted into God’s family. By the way, more on this important subject can be found in my book, Fulfill Your Dreams.Like, share and subscribe to stay connected!Plan your visit here!https://tinyurl.com/planavisitWebsite!https://www.passiontucson.org

If our understanding of the Father is skewed, then our Christian identity will also be distorted.Our understanding of God’s adoptive nature and the Father’s unconditional love for us is essential to living a healthy, victorious Christian life. Maybe your church background portrayed God as stern and judgmental. Perhaps your father or a father figure was strict or absent. None of these images accurately reflects our heavenly Father. Jesus is the perfect representation of the Father, embodying love, mercy, and grace!Like, share and subscribe to stay connected!Plan your visit here!https://tinyurl.com/planavisitWebsite!https://www.passiontucson.org

Before we fully understand what Christ has done for us, we must first have a clear revelation of who God is, what His heart is like, and how deeply He loves us. Our understanding of God’s adoptive nature and the Father’s unconditional love for us is essential to living a healthy, victorious Christian life.Our Christian identity is deeply connected to how we see God. If our understanding of the Father is skewed, then our Christian identity will also be distorted.Like, share and subscribe to stay connected!Plan your visit here!https://tinyurl.com/planavisitWebsite!https://www.passiontucson.org

If we want to rediscover our identity in Christ, we must start with the right foundation: the Father. Before we fully understand what Christ has done for us, we need a clear revelation of who God is, what His heart is like, and how deeply He loves us.

We yearn for love and acceptance, but many have only experienced pain, rejection, and shame. In Christ, we are made new. He has carried our grief, sorrow, and shame, and through His cross, we can find freedom and wholeness to move beyond the pain and shame of the past.

As I’ve shared over the past four weeks, God shows favor to those who are willing to carry His purposes and assignments. We see an increase in His grace and favor when our motivations and pursuits align with God’s purpose and calling in our lives.

Remember, we are assured of favor because of Jesus Christ.We are fully accepted in Him, loved by the Father, and will never face rejection again. Our inheritance is in Him, which includes increased favor and grace as part of our blessings

God’s favor and grace are upon His faithful followers. Do you believe this? Our new identity in Christ lifts us into a new life and relationship with God. It is His gift—His grace. Moreover, He promises to bless those who walk with Him with even more grace and favor.Prov. 12:2 says, “A good man obtains favor (or grace) from the Lord …”(NKJV). Obtain also means to “draw out”. We could say then that “A good man draws out grace from the Lord …”We draw out His grace when our ways please Him.

God grants favor and grace to those He can trust with His purposes. God loves us all equally, but His favor in our lives differs from person to person. We can work with God to receive more of His grace and favor in our lives.God sought a virgin to give birth to His Son and chose Mary because she could be trusted with a special purpose. The angel Gabrielle declares to Mary:“Rejoice highly favored (charitoō) one, the Lord is with you … you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:28 NKJVPlan Your Visit Here!https://tinyurl.com/planavisitWebsite:https://www.passiontucson.org

Have you ever asked someone for a “favor”? Sometimes, we all need help or “grace” from others. Favor from friends is common, but favor from strangers is rare.There is favor from people, and there is favor from God—both are sought after. But favor from God will move you toward fulfilled destiny.

I love the story of Joshua and the children of Israel at Jericho. Perhaps you recall the story of how the walls “came a tumbling down?”God gave them a very specific strategy. As they obeyed God, simply marched around the city walls for a week, and gave a big shout on the last lap of the last day, supernaturally, the walls collapsed, and victory was achieved.

I started sharing three weeks ago about how to live the abundant life Jesus promised. Today, I want to talk about the importance of Godly contentment as we pursue God for the “more” that He promises.

For Jesus, living an abundant life was not just a future goal. Instead, it was the essence of our new life and relationship with Him.

Is it really possible to live an abundant life? Yes! Jesus assured us this is both a spiritual and physical reality for His followers.Abundant life begins with a genuine relationship with God through Jesus. As we walk closely with Him, we understand that He promises to love, care for, and provide for us in every way.

God invites us to accept His love and freedom through Christ, and as we do, we start living the abundant life God has planned for each of us.Over the next few weeks, my series will explore biblical principles for living an abundant life. I’ll be examining Jesus as our great shepherd and our relationship as sheep under His care in His flock.

We’ve been exploring a series called “Dollars & Sense: Keeping Money in Its Place.” We’ve learned that many issues in life happen when money is not managed well. Last week, we talked about earning, giving, saving, and spending—and how we need to prioritize our money. Our goal for this series is straightforward: the more we encounter Jesus, the more He helps us keep everything in its proper place—including money. Sometimes that encounter is very spiritual—like in prayer or worship—and sometimes it’s practical, like when a brother or sister in Christ says, “Hey, have you ever thought about making a budget?” Either way, Jesus uses His Body to help us align our lives with His Word.

Dollars & Sense Keeping Money in it's Place, pt 3 - PrioritiesWe’re continuing our series titled “Dollars & Sense: Keeping Money in Its Place.” Today, we will talk about how we decide where our money should go. The reality is that many of the problems we encounter in life occur when we don't prioritize money correctly. Here’s the good news: The more we experience Jesus, the better He supports us in maintaining stability — even in our finances.

Dollars & Sense – Putting Money in Its Place, Pt. 2 – StewardshipLast week, I started a new series, “Dollars & Sense – Putting Money in Its Place – Generosity.” Today, I want to continue this important topic by focusing on stewardship. Jesus had a lot to say about money and wealth. One of seven verses in Luke discusses money. One-third of the parables talk about money. He only spoke more about the Kingdom. “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” Matt. 6:24 NLT Jesus must be first: you can’t serve God and money at the same time. Money and wealth are tools to fulfill God’s kingdom purposes.

Jesus encourages us in the Lord’s prayer to ask for our “… daily bread.”Question: Does God want to provide for us? Yes!Absolutely, the Lord truly longs to bless us. As Jesus wonderfully expressed, He came to give us a life that overflows with abundance—especially for those who follow Him (John 10:27). Experiencing abundant life isn’t just about finances and material needs; it also means having our deeper needs fulfilled and our hearts satisfied.

This past Sunday, my wife, Pastor Carolyn, gave an inspiring message about the importance of abiding in Christ. In this article today, I look forward to sharing some of Carolyn’s inspiring key points and her heartfelt story of abiding in Jesus, highlighting an important message about discipleship. I Am the Vine, and You Are the Branches (John 15:1-17) Jesus said in John 15:4, “Abide in me, and I in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” (NKJV)

Lord, Teach Us to Pray - Part 7Throughout this series, I’ve explored the importance of the Lord’s Prayer (Luke 11:1-4). Now, I want to conclude by emphasizing the vital role of forgiveness and how it affects receiving answers to our prayers. “And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Luke 11:4 NKJV

Lord, Teach Us to Pray - Part 6Today, we’re going to explore the power of confession. Jesus’ disciples had seen His supernatural lifestyle and concluded that it was because He prayed consistently. So, they asked Him, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1 NKJV). In response, Jesus gave them what we now call the Lord’s Prayer, but really, He was giving them the principles for effective prayer, as seen in Luke 11:2-4.  And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Luke 11:4 NKJV Confession should be a key part of prayer, as shown in the phrase “Forgive us our sins.”

We all encounter major decisions, crossroads, and sometimes evil in life. Learn to cherish quality time with God in prayer to hear from Him, gain His perspective, and receive His guidance.  Gordon Lindsay, a twentieth-century minister and co-founder of Christ for the Nations, wrote about the importance of prayer.  “A successful life is shaped in the crucible of the daily hour of prayer.” 1 Jesus promised us abundant life. Prayer helps us live in Jesus’ abundant life and achieve success as we walk with Him.

Since prayer was central to Jesus’ ministry, He wanted it to be a foundation in His disciples’ lives. What we call the “Lord’s Prayer” might be better called the “Disciples’ Prayer,” as it serves as a guide or blueprint for prayer.  Throughout Bible and church history, we see many examples of prayer’s power. God chooses to use humanity through prayer to move mountains and change the course of history. 

We first notice that Jesus was “Praying in a certain place.” Luke 11:1 Jesus had entered Bethany. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived there. Jesus was probably relaxing in the garden behind Martha’s house. He felt at home here and was comfortable. He spent the night in Bethany before his triumphant entry into Jerusalem.  Most of us have places like this. We often call them “prayer closets.” My prayer closet is also my home office. We’ve lived in this house for 24 years, and over time, my office has become my prayer space. There is a sense of God’s presence here, and I treasure my moments with Him. In some ways, it has become my Bethel (see Gen 28). 

Jesus shares principles of prayer in Luke 11:1-4.  “Lord, teach us to pray.” Luke 11:1 NKJV The disciples observed Jesus’ supernatural way of life. But, they asked to learn how to pray, not to heal or deliver the oppressed. Why? The disciples watched Jesus heal the sick. They saw His miracle power to open the eyes of the blind and the deaf. They saw Him cleanse a leper with just a touch. His words calmed a stormy sea and brought the dead back to life.  

Consider that as you surrender completely to God, confident faith develops. Faith comes by His grace, but your partnership with God allows the Spirit to strengthen your faith. As you faithfully follow Jesus, your faith grows, and your prayer becomes more confident. Faith and prayer are connected. God’s faith inspires confident prayer.  Just as grace and faith are connected, so are faith and prayer. God extends grace so we can believe in Christ; then the Spirit empowers us to become people of faith who turn into people of prayer.  You have received God’s faith, Spirit, promises, and authority! Expect impossible situations to transform as you persist in prayer. When you have God’s faith on a matter, you begin to pray and speak with confidence that the promise is already yours and on its way.

Before I dive into the passage in Acts, remember that as a believer in Christ, your true family lineage is through Christ; we are born from above now, no longer belonging to this world. We have a new identity—a heavenly one. We are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:14-17) and heirs according to God’s promise (Gal. 3:26-29). “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” Col. 3:10 NLT “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Rom. 12:2 NLT

Have you ever stopped to consider this truth? The same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead lives within you! (See Eph. 1:18-20) This insight will revolutionize your prayer life!

Your prayers are not “feeble attempts” to get God’s attention; instead, your prayers carry “resurrection life” because the greater one within you releases His presence and power through you. Understand that, “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world!” (1 John 4:4 NASB)

Aren’t you glad to know that God’s word says that “nothing is impossible with God!” When situations seem hopeless, always remember that we walk with Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and He has promised that when we ask believing, we shall receive! Our circumstances do not limit God! However, we must learn how to prevail in faith and prayer to see the greater breakthroughs He promises to bring.

A few years ago, I ministered at a church in Brazil and witnessed firsthand the power of prevailing faith and prayer. The church was located in a storefront in a poor area of the city, but the people were rich in faith. When our team arrived at this church, I could hear the intercessors praying loudly in a back room. The pastor asked me if I wanted to join them in prayer before the service started, and I quickly responded, “Yes!” I love being in prayer meetings where faith and expectation are at work. As soon as I walked into that prayer room, I could “feel” the presence of God in a tangible way. These Brazilian believers were praying for souls to be saved, for healings to occur, and for God to perform miracles among them. I knew God was going to move powerfully in the meeting that night. 

Fathers and men, we honor you not only for what you do but for who you are. Your love, strength, leadership, sacrifices, and life of faith carry eternal weight. In a world that is desperate for godly fathers, your example shines brightly. Whether you’re raising children in your own home, mentoring spiritual sons and daughters, or simply standing as a pillar of integrity, you reflect the heart of our heavenly Father. Your influence spans generations. The love you nurture in the lives of others will echo throughout eternity.   In Mark’s gospel (Mark 9:17-27), we encounter a story about a father desperate for his son’s healing. 

The past three weeks have included discussions about the characteristics of faith. I’ve examined how faith hears, sees, and speaks. Last week, we discussed how faith speaks. When God’s faith is active, proclaiming faith over your circumstances boldly declares heaven’s reality. Faith states, “I’m about to speak something I don’t fully understand, but I trust God’s revealed will and will declare it!” Today, I want to discuss how faith endures and receives. Using Abraham and Sarah as examples of faith and patience, I will examine these vital principles of faith. Abraham’s Faith and Obedience (Heb. 11:8-16) Abraham is mentioned 74 times in the NT, ranking second only to Moses.

Our perspective, apart from the faith of God, is limited in clarity. We are to lean on God’s understanding, not ours. Our sense knowledge and circumstances distort our ability to see with the eyes of faith.  Faith recognizes as truth what is not visible to our natural senses. Faith trusts God’s promises to transform unseen realities into tangible existence! Faith is the connector to God and His Kingdom; it is the key that unlocks heaven’s resources. It’s been said that “faith is the currency of heaven.” If I want to receive anything from the Lord, I must believe in Him and His promises—regardless of what I see or understand in the natural world.

For the past two weeks, I’ve been discussing the characteristics of faith. Last week, I shared how Faith Hears. Today, I want to talk about how Faith Sees. I discuss in detail these characteristics of faith in my book Our Eyes are On You: Principles to Prevail in Faith & Prayer, available on Amazon. Faith Sees Paul makes a simple yet profound statement about faith to the Corinthians.

The Bible and church history abound with stories of men and women who exhibited courage, conquering their fears, flaws, and failures to embody lives of brave faith. Most of these people were just like us, choosing to trust God despite their inadequacies, past mistakes, and concerns about the future. They believed in God and His promises, overcoming challenges to achieve the impossible and bring glory to Him. God invites us to the same walk of faith today! Faith loves and adventure, Church!

A mother’s love and encouragement shape our worldview. Godly mothers impart faith that guides and strengthens us. The influence of a mother cannot be overstated. I am grateful for my mother’s impact. She always believed in me, and her confidence helped me overcome challenges and setbacks later in life.  While this message and article are directed to mothers, keep in mind that all of us are called to have God’s heart of love and nurture to reach and disciple others for Christ. George Washington, the first US president, said this about his mother: “All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all of my success in life to the moral, intellectual, and physical education I received from her.”

When you need more faith, you must look to Jesus. The writer of Hebrews states, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Heb. 12:2 NKJV Real faith is faith that comes from Christ, imparted to us by grace. Sometimes faith is weak, but even weak faith is not to be criticized. Sometimes, all the faith you have is enough to “cling” to Jesus. Nineteenth-century pastor Charles Spurgeon said, “Sometimes faith is little more than a simple clinging to Christ in a sense of utter dependence…always cling to what you know…cling to Jesus, for that is faith.”