As Christians our ultimate example is Jesus and as Jesus inspired the disciples of His time, His legacy continues to inspire us through scripture, songs of praise, worship, and poetry. Our 2021 Poetry Night included thought provoking awareness of self and community (enjoy the replay on YouTube on the Ephesians 3:20 Ministries Elder Lisa King page). God has blessed many of us with unique gifts and we are grateful to our special guest Joshua Lester and Victoria Turner who poured out from their gifted hearts for God’s glory.
 
As we observed the Resurrection of Jesus, following the suffering of the crucifixion we were enlisted to grab hold of “The Resurrection Joy That Never Ends”. A bold statement in times like these, however the discernment of the hindrances to our spiritual progress were exposed and we embraced our pioneer and perfecter of our faith Jesus the Christ, the anointed one, no longer hindered by our unbelief. Embrace the joy Jesus anticipated would come after He endured the cross. Permit the perfecter of your faith to mature and correct you. Fight and hold on. As we may endure challenges or struggles know (meditate on at least one scripture day and night) the joy of the RESURRECTION.
 
Speaking of the RESURRECTION can you recall sharing an incident that happened and the person you were telling the accounts either said something or looked a certain way at you indicating they did not believe the accounts as you stated. That is what Jesus experienced when the eleven disciples while having a meal held disbelief when Jesus appeared in the room where they were hiding behind locked doors.  As often as we proclaim we are waiting on Jesus, consider Jesus saying, “I’ve Been Waiting for This”. Be mindful of the unpopular example of Thomas called Didymus who said to the disciples “unless I touch the nail prints in his hands” he would not believe Jesus had risen from the dead.
 
Then and now Jesus is looking for BELIEVERS! When Jesus appears in your situation will He find you believing only because you see or believing in faith even when you cannot see? Just as we are waiting on Jesus to show up Jesus is waiting to bless those who believe in His love, authority, and power. If Thomas had remained in the fellowship with the believers, he may not have experienced the discouragement and distrust. Avoid the unnecessary attacks and be encouraged to remain close to the promise of the blessings for those who believe without seeing.
 
#2021LivingForTheNew!
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The Lenten season of reflection, renewal and preparation led us to the final week of Jesus’ earthly living. As we traveled alongside Jesus and followed the path Jesus traveled that week as summarized in scriptures, we agreed in prayer in the Holy Week Prayer Call for breakthroughs, deliverance, healing and peace. The power of the Resurrection continues to manifest those promises and more today. Experience with an open heart and mind the reflections below and be the RESURRECTED witness.
 
An effort is defined as a vigorous or determined attempt. The effort you make to get dressed, chew your food, read this newsletter require action on your part. “Stretch Out Your Hand” to God as you exercise your faith and put forth the effort to know there is an opportunity for God to increase you, provide for you, heal you everywhere you hurt. What effort(s) will you make to prepare and align to the promise? STRETCH to receive! Speak, envision, celebrate your restoration. The paralysis of the man’s hand in Mark 3:5 was a public opportunity for Jesus to take what was once weak to become strong. Jesus was the Master of Conflict Resolution, be determined that amid those watching your vigorous application of faith God is resolving the issue. Jesus spoke to it...STRETCH. Look for the schedule of experiences and join us in one or all.
 
Suffering and trouble are a part of life. Elder Frieda Smith dug deep within us to speak to the glory that is coming forth from the suffering. If we were struggling with any situation or “thorn thing” be transparent admit how you feel. The Apostle Paul said “the sufferings of this world cannot be compared with the GLORY which shall be revealed in us”, as found in Romans 8:18. Elder Frieda declared we are not defined by our struggles, but struggles help us develop maturity, strength and endurance. Struggle leads to testimony. We concluded the matter determined that if the “Struggle is Real” we have glory on display and like the song writer said the “Struggle is Over” or at least while we await its end, we can respond in a manner like the initials behind our name C.O.G. (Child of God).
                                                                                #2021LivingForTheNew!
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