​From Elder Lisa’s heart...
We are entering the glorious season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  This is a glorious time of the year for so many reasons.  Thanksgiving isn’t just a day; it is a practice of gratitude, which I purpose in my heart to do all the other days of the year.  I can feel this season in the air around me with every breath I take, on the faces of those around me, and deep within my heart.  I imagine many of you feel the same way.  In a world that often emphasizes what we lack rather than what we have, this season encourages us to count our blessings, and to appreciate the necessities, such as food, shelter, and fellowship, which we may take for granted.
 
The Bible says to “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1) This includes expressing gratitude through prayer, praise, and worship, both for good times and in difficult ones—in all circumstances, and at all times. This is God’s will for all of us. Don’t let the devil whisper lies in your ear, telling you, “That may work for others, but not for me. They don’t know my story.”  Well, let me assure you, we all have a ‘story’ yet the directive from God remains.  The   Bible tells us that we all will have tribulations, but be of good cheer, for God has overcome the world. (John 16:33) I hope you will consider all the above as we enter this beautiful season of thanksgiving and celebration.  My heartfelt prayer for all of you is that abundance and joy fill your homes and your hearts this Thanksgiving and Christmas season. It is God’s will for you.
 
We opened the month with a word of focus and clarity of our motivations in the sermon “I Think I Better Let It Go!” In this message, based on Matthew’s gospel 6:1-34, we were encouraged not to worry about tomorrow. Countless things have us bound with worry,… about people (what did they say?), thoughts (why did they say that?!), and worry (what should I do??)  The answer is: Let it roll off you like water on a duck’s back!  Shift our focus on seeking God’s pleasure and honoring God by serving others. From our giving there will be a reward, this motivates us to tell the burdens ‘I must let you go.’  In the text, Jesus teaches his disciples to care for the needy, to pray and fast without grandstanding (to be seen), and not to worry, but to seek God’s Kingdom and their reward will be great in heaven. Trust me worrying adds nothing to your life. If God cares for the birds, flowers and wild grass, certainly God cares for you. LET IT GO!  

During October, we celebrated Pastor’s Appreciation Month, and on Sunday, October 12, the day dedicated as Clergy Appreciation Day, the ambassadors and friends of this ministry showed me their heartfelt love and appreciation with an amazing gift that blessed me deeply! I will always give thanks to God for your generosity and determination to send me away for a few days.  What a day, thank you again and I love all of you!
​
We closed October trusting in God’s perfect and appointed time for all things. Hidden things will be brought to light. When it looks like evil is winning there will be vindication for the righteous. October 19, God reminded all of us that, “Time Will Tell,” based on Habakkuk 2:1-3.  In this passage, Habakkuk, had some complaints about the lawlessness and injustice prevailing over the righteous. In this season where the government is in chaos, government workers have lost their income, the vulnerable’ s food benefits are in jeopardy, we can relate to Habakkuk.  God responded to Habakkuk's complaints and to us today with these words, God has a plan write the revelation (that we may now read it), watch (stay on the wall of prayer with your concerns) and wait for the appointed time (God will correct His people).  So, I ask you today, “Are you watching, are you waiting?”  Lord knows I am!  Keep doing the will of God, stay committed to Jesus, that is your fight!  God may seem silent and inactive but God will use a strange instrument to manifest His sovereign will. Empires may rise and fall but God by his divine providence will reign supreme forever! Time will tell.
 
In this season, give thanks for unknown blessings already on the way!  Amen.
 

Happy Birthday blessings to those born in November.
19- Bro Ronnie Jackson
23– Sis Veronica Byrd
 
​
 
 

Ephesians 3:20 Ministries                                                                           October 5, 2025


                                                                  Editor Sis Sherry
 
 


​
From Elder Lisa’s heart...

Blessings upon you and your families in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  The seasons are changing once again, and Fall officially began on September 23.  As summer’s heat begins to fade, and the days grow shorter, and a gentle crispness fills the air, you may find yourself wondering, “What’s the big deal? I’ve always preferred the summer.”  Well, I’ll tell you.  Spiritually, autumn symbolizes transition, letting go, reflection, gratitude, and an inner harvest.  Autumn reminds us of the importance of letting go, it is a time of change—a season of dying and rising, and a season of thanksgiving.  It’s also a time for getting ready for new beginnings that will come with spring. The leaves changing colors and falling from the trees is a great example.  The old leaves wither and change pigmentation, allowing new leaves to grow.  Fall represents the harvest time of the year, a time to acknowledge growth.  During this season, consider what part of your old self you will leave behind, and embrace the exciting opportunities which come with new beginnings. Happy Fall to one and all!
            Speaking of the season of change and letting go, beginning at sundown on October 1 until sunset on October 2 of 2025, our Jewish friends commit to fasting, praying and repentance. Much like seasons mentioned above, the season of a spiritual NEW BEGINNING is taking place. Yom Kippur, the ‘Day of Atonement,” was observed by Jesus and His community. While the dates of these religious observances may change, I assure you if you dedicate your mind, body, and soul to reconciliation with all of humanity, ourselves, and God, your reward with God will manifest.
 
On the first Sunday of September, we were reminded that our Faith and Healing Prayer Line has faithfully stood on 2 Kings 20:1-6 for fifteen (15) years. We rejoiced when we realized the coincidence that God added fifteen (15) years to King Hezekiah’s life when he turned his face to the wall and prayed.  God heard Hezekiah’s prayers, and He hears ours too! If you’ve been saved, then you’ve been called to pray. Remain steadfast and unmovable as you trust God’s word. 
​
God also called to our remembrance Romans 15:4 (NIV) and Paul’s message, “To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people,” of ”Endurance, Encouragement, and Hope.” In this passage, Paul urges readers to be ready to encourage someone else. God has already equipped us with the strength to do this! We must hope, believe, and trust, no matter what the situation looks like.  As we re-examined this text during TIME FOR BIBLE STUDY, the Holy Spirit led us to consider living sympathetic and unselfishly ( i.e., we have a duty to stand with those who are weak). The struggle is real: good is always present, and evil is always there too, to try to pull you away, get you off track, derail your efforts. Don’t you give up on God and don’t give up on each other! Keep reaching for the good God has for you and for them.  Keep reaching for Jesus!!

On Sunday, September 21, God’s message to us was “Let It Be So,” based on Matthew 3:13-17 (NET), where Jesus comes to his cousin, John the Baptist, to be baptized in the Jordan River.  At first, John resisted Jesus’ request, stating, “I need to be baptized by YOU…” (emphasis added); however, Jesus replied that the baptism had to be done, in order to “fulfill all righteousness.” In this passage, both Jesus and His cousin, John the Baptist,  humbled (yielded) to God’s instruction.  We too, as followers of Christ, must humble ourselves and say “yes” to God’s instructions.  If God has called you to an assignment, He has already qualified you to follow His instructions, so reject the feelings of unworthiness. We must position ourselves to fulfill the righteousness of Christ in our own lives, and as we do, our Lord will take great delight in us. 

Christ’s perfection, Christ’s example and Christ’s righteousness is more than enough power to grant you the strength to be obedient. Live in harmony with the will of God.  Say “yes” to God.  Put away your pride, your low self-worth, your own imperfect plans, and LET IT BE SO!
 
                                                       Happy Birthday blessings to those born in October