- Published on
From Elder Lisa’s heart...
Blessings upon you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! I pray you had a glorious Resurrection Sunday celebrating with your family and friends, and that you are now positioned to believe you will see “the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Psalms 27:13) God’s goodness is all around us—in nature, in His word, and through His blessings and His provision. You cannot miss it! Every morning when you open your eyes to a brand new day, that’s God’s goodness. When Spring emerges after a cold and blustery winter, that’s God’s goodness. Every morsel of food you are blessed to eat is proof of God’s goodness!
Last month, God’s goodness was demonstrated in the preaching of His holy word. On Sunday, April 6, the Lord blessed us with an inspiring word based on Acts 27:27-38, titled “Throw It Over.” In this passage, the Apostle Paul was a prisoner yet he was an ADVISOR to the crew of a ship bound for Italy. Paul warned them of the impending danger, yet his warnings were unheeded. As a result, the predicted violent storm threatened the ship and its cargo. How was Paul able to serve as an ADVISOR? Well the night before, an angel appeared to Paul and told him not to fear and that no lives on the ship would be lost due to the storm. Paul, in the midst of his imprisonment, was an ADVISOR and ENCOURAGER for his shipmates who had become HOPELESS. Paul led them to eat and to stay on the boat and release the weight of all that was weighing the ship down.
Like Paul, God has called us to encourage those around us even if you are feeling imprisoned and unheard. Do not let fear and the lies of the devil cause you to do or think unwise things. Instead, THROW OVER fear and drop your anchor on your faith in God Almighty and His promises. Do not let your circumstances stop you from trusting the Lord and encouraging those connected to you to trust God. Throw over hopelessness, sickness, fear, worry, and depression, and let down your anchor on the power of God. Then, watch God save you by the broken pieces of the sinking ship!
Then on Resurrection Sunday, after a dynamic Sunday School lesson, led by our own Sis Lydia, the Lord provided an answer to anyone still questioning His Resurrection. In our Resurrection message titled, “Proof?...I’ll Give You Proof…of the Resurrection!” based on Matthew 27:55-61 (NET) and Matthew 28:16-20 (NET), we were reminded to look at what the Lord has already said and done in our own lives. YOU ARE THE PROOF as you went from BELIEVING TO LIVING! Think about it. Did that stray bullet hit you, or sail right over your head? Did you perish in that car accident? Survive emergency surgery? Our text provided PROOF that JESUS’ RESURRECTION was fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy as in Isaiah 53:8. Praise the Lord, you are the proof of Jesus’ Resurrection power! As Jesus exposed doubt in His disciples, may the HOLY SPIRIT expose any doubt in our hearts, making us unafraid to share our truth—that we are the PROOF of the resurrecting power of Jesus--with anyone still having doubt
Happy Birthday blessings to those born in May
E320’s Volunteer Appreciation Prayer Breakfast Was a Huge Success!
By Sis Sherry
We had a Holy Ghost-filled good time at the Ephesians 3:20 Ministries’ Volunteer Appreciation Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, April 19. The sold-out event was held at the Embassy Suites Hilton St. Louis Airport. As guests arrived, the atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and anticipation of what the Lord was going to do on this rainy morning.
The mingling ceased when the booming voice of Elder Lisa King, Pastor and Founder of Ephesians 3:20 Ministries, shouted “Glory to God!” and began offering vociferous praises to God as she is known to do. The biennial Volunteer Appreciation Prayer Breakfast is the personal vision of Elder Lisa as she appreciates the important work and sacrifices of those with a heart to volunteer their time and talents to ministry, non-profit organizations and community causes. Her passion for volunteer workers was on full display when she extended a heartfelt welcome to all the volunteers in the room, calling on them to identify the organizations where they volunteered. Then she acknowledged the Ambassadors of Ephesians 3:20 Ministries, thanking them for all they do to advance the work of building the KINGDOM of GOD. (See photo of Ephesians 3:20 Ambassadors above.)
The buffet breakfast was a delicious spread of the usual breakfast items, including scrambled eggs with cheese. As for this writer, my favorite were the waffles.
After breakfast, we were taken higher in our praise through the music ministry of Jesse Prather & Committed II Christ. Brother Jesse is truly gifted and anointed to touch hearts with the truth and spirit of God’s word through song. Soon, the Bradley Ballroom was transformed into a church sanctuary, as guests lifted their hands and their voices in praises to God Almighty, and some took off running around the ballroom as the Spirit moved them.
It may have been a rainy Saturday morning outside, but inside it felt like a sunny Sunday morning! We look forward to 2027, when Elder Lisa and Ephesians 3:20 Ministries hosts its next Volunteer Appreciation Prayer Breakfast! To God be the Glory!
Blessings upon you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! I pray you had a glorious Resurrection Sunday celebrating with your family and friends, and that you are now positioned to believe you will see “the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Psalms 27:13) God’s goodness is all around us—in nature, in His word, and through His blessings and His provision. You cannot miss it! Every morning when you open your eyes to a brand new day, that’s God’s goodness. When Spring emerges after a cold and blustery winter, that’s God’s goodness. Every morsel of food you are blessed to eat is proof of God’s goodness!
Last month, God’s goodness was demonstrated in the preaching of His holy word. On Sunday, April 6, the Lord blessed us with an inspiring word based on Acts 27:27-38, titled “Throw It Over.” In this passage, the Apostle Paul was a prisoner yet he was an ADVISOR to the crew of a ship bound for Italy. Paul warned them of the impending danger, yet his warnings were unheeded. As a result, the predicted violent storm threatened the ship and its cargo. How was Paul able to serve as an ADVISOR? Well the night before, an angel appeared to Paul and told him not to fear and that no lives on the ship would be lost due to the storm. Paul, in the midst of his imprisonment, was an ADVISOR and ENCOURAGER for his shipmates who had become HOPELESS. Paul led them to eat and to stay on the boat and release the weight of all that was weighing the ship down.
Like Paul, God has called us to encourage those around us even if you are feeling imprisoned and unheard. Do not let fear and the lies of the devil cause you to do or think unwise things. Instead, THROW OVER fear and drop your anchor on your faith in God Almighty and His promises. Do not let your circumstances stop you from trusting the Lord and encouraging those connected to you to trust God. Throw over hopelessness, sickness, fear, worry, and depression, and let down your anchor on the power of God. Then, watch God save you by the broken pieces of the sinking ship!
Then on Resurrection Sunday, after a dynamic Sunday School lesson, led by our own Sis Lydia, the Lord provided an answer to anyone still questioning His Resurrection. In our Resurrection message titled, “Proof?...I’ll Give You Proof…of the Resurrection!” based on Matthew 27:55-61 (NET) and Matthew 28:16-20 (NET), we were reminded to look at what the Lord has already said and done in our own lives. YOU ARE THE PROOF as you went from BELIEVING TO LIVING! Think about it. Did that stray bullet hit you, or sail right over your head? Did you perish in that car accident? Survive emergency surgery? Our text provided PROOF that JESUS’ RESURRECTION was fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy as in Isaiah 53:8. Praise the Lord, you are the proof of Jesus’ Resurrection power! As Jesus exposed doubt in His disciples, may the HOLY SPIRIT expose any doubt in our hearts, making us unafraid to share our truth—that we are the PROOF of the resurrecting power of Jesus--with anyone still having doubt
Happy Birthday blessings to those born in May
E320’s Volunteer Appreciation Prayer Breakfast Was a Huge Success!
By Sis Sherry
We had a Holy Ghost-filled good time at the Ephesians 3:20 Ministries’ Volunteer Appreciation Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, April 19. The sold-out event was held at the Embassy Suites Hilton St. Louis Airport. As guests arrived, the atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and anticipation of what the Lord was going to do on this rainy morning.
The mingling ceased when the booming voice of Elder Lisa King, Pastor and Founder of Ephesians 3:20 Ministries, shouted “Glory to God!” and began offering vociferous praises to God as she is known to do. The biennial Volunteer Appreciation Prayer Breakfast is the personal vision of Elder Lisa as she appreciates the important work and sacrifices of those with a heart to volunteer their time and talents to ministry, non-profit organizations and community causes. Her passion for volunteer workers was on full display when she extended a heartfelt welcome to all the volunteers in the room, calling on them to identify the organizations where they volunteered. Then she acknowledged the Ambassadors of Ephesians 3:20 Ministries, thanking them for all they do to advance the work of building the KINGDOM of GOD. (See photo of Ephesians 3:20 Ambassadors above.)
The buffet breakfast was a delicious spread of the usual breakfast items, including scrambled eggs with cheese. As for this writer, my favorite were the waffles.
After breakfast, we were taken higher in our praise through the music ministry of Jesse Prather & Committed II Christ. Brother Jesse is truly gifted and anointed to touch hearts with the truth and spirit of God’s word through song. Soon, the Bradley Ballroom was transformed into a church sanctuary, as guests lifted their hands and their voices in praises to God Almighty, and some took off running around the ballroom as the Spirit moved them.
It may have been a rainy Saturday morning outside, but inside it felt like a sunny Sunday morning! We look forward to 2027, when Elder Lisa and Ephesians 3:20 Ministries hosts its next Volunteer Appreciation Prayer Breakfast! To God be the Glory!
- Published on
Editor Sis Sherry
From Elder Lisa’s heart...
We are happy to announce the relaunch of Ephesians 3:20 Ministries’ newsletter, now renamed The Good News Bulletin. Every month, look for The Bulletin to review important points from previous sermons, provide inspiration and encouragement, and scriptural nourishment for your soul.
Blessings upon you this Lenten Season! Lent began on Ash Wednesday, March 5, and ends on Saturday, April 19. During this season, Christians set aside time for fasting and solemn contemplation, as they prepare to celebrate Easter and the RESURRECTION of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As we entered the Lenten Season last month, the Lord blessed us with a word based on Joshua 1:9 titled, “Courage to Meet the Standard,” and told us to stay courageous, be strong--unafraid, nor dismayed--because the Lord is always with us. This was not a suggestion. It is a commandment! God has not dropped His standards and His standard is holiness. God left His word with us to help us stay strong and have the courage to meet His standards. No matter what it looks like, be strong and know that God is working things out for you. When Jesus walked this earth, He faced the same challenges we face but remained courageous and never backed down from His assignment. He was faithful to the Cross and because of his faithfulness, we are never alone.
In another message titled, “The Stone of Obedience,” based on I Samuel 15:1-9, 16-19, we were reminded not to do as Saul and his army did when they disobeyed God’s explicit instructions to destroy King Agag and all of the Amalekites and their cattle. Rather than following God’s instruction (stand on the stone), Saul listened to others around him as they decided to spare the king and keep the best of the sheep and cattle to “make sacrifices to the Lord,” contrary to God’s instructions. Saul did not obey God and attempted to justify his disobedience which cost him God’s favor and, over time, the throne. Instead of listening to Samuel who heard from God, Saul listened to the wrong people and got tripped up on the “rock of disobedience.” Remember, we have everything we need to walk in the favor of obedience. Obeying God is a sacrifice, but obey Him anyway, or face the consequences (hit with the stone). And ask yourself, “Are there stones in my life blocking my obedience to God?”
And finally on “Grateful for Grace” Sunday, there was a word from the Lord based on Psalms 40:1-8, titled “Beware of the Kidnapper of the Soul.” In this context, the Satin is the kidnapper and he wants to hold you captive in mind, will, emotions by telling us lies about being unloved and forgotten. But always remember that Jesus has already paid the ransom for your soul with his blood and his death on the Cross you are free from bondage! Jesus has paid it all. The devil has failed! Never forget how good God has been to you!
- Published on
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!
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!
- Published on
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!
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!
- Published on
You were born to have VICTORY. But then, suddenly, life happens, and we need to be reminded as God told Moses to write down the promises of victory to remind Joshua of the last victory God granted over the Amalekites in Exodus 17:14-16. What about some other opposition? Do not be faint hearted or afraid do not panic or be terrified (Deuteronomy 20:36). God is with you!! God used some unusual, peculiar, strange things to bring you out in victory. Do you have any oppositions in your life--Retain the Victory in Memory. ‘To conquer, overcome be victorious from’ is the definition of the Greek word ‘nikao’ we celebrate in knowing we are ‘them’ referenced in this verse, ‘them that had gotten the victory (nikao) over the beast’ in Revelation 15: 2.
Speaking of VICTORY, we celebrated Black History Month by lifting the passions and sacrifices of Jarena Lee, the first acknowledged female preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal Church; Prathia Hall who at the age of 23 led the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) work for social justice; and Garrett Morgan notable inventor. For all their prominent efforts and advancements, we acknowledge there are yet Many Rivers to Cross. In Isaiah 48:18 an image of a river is peaceful, tranquil and is the image promised for those who would follow the instructions given in covenant relationship with God. A river a source of life. However, we also learn through scripture the river can be a great barrier. Take for example the Jordan River, the ability to cross the Jordan is considered miraculous as was crossed by the Israelites under Joshua. The river served as a boundary but how do you cross when there are no bridges. Ask the African American historical leaders like Sojourner Truth who experienced Many Rivers to Cross by helping slaves escape to freedom. The question you may be asking is where is the peace? God’s promises in Isaiah are a refreshment that no matter what we endure we can still have peace within our mind, heart, and emotions. Our best witness is Jesus, stepping into the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist. Jesus was letting those who would follow Him know, #YouAreNotAlone. Jesus knows all about what we are facing and experienced His own sufferings and trials. When Jesus emerged from the Jordan, let us remember what GOD said to Jesus, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17). Say that today, when I come up from this river I hear God saying “This is my beloved Daughter/Son____, with whom I am well pleased.”
Palm Sunday March 28 – First Day of Holy Week
"They took branches of palm trees and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" (John 12:13)
Speaking of VICTORY, we celebrated Black History Month by lifting the passions and sacrifices of Jarena Lee, the first acknowledged female preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal Church; Prathia Hall who at the age of 23 led the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) work for social justice; and Garrett Morgan notable inventor. For all their prominent efforts and advancements, we acknowledge there are yet Many Rivers to Cross. In Isaiah 48:18 an image of a river is peaceful, tranquil and is the image promised for those who would follow the instructions given in covenant relationship with God. A river a source of life. However, we also learn through scripture the river can be a great barrier. Take for example the Jordan River, the ability to cross the Jordan is considered miraculous as was crossed by the Israelites under Joshua. The river served as a boundary but how do you cross when there are no bridges. Ask the African American historical leaders like Sojourner Truth who experienced Many Rivers to Cross by helping slaves escape to freedom. The question you may be asking is where is the peace? God’s promises in Isaiah are a refreshment that no matter what we endure we can still have peace within our mind, heart, and emotions. Our best witness is Jesus, stepping into the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist. Jesus was letting those who would follow Him know, #YouAreNotAlone. Jesus knows all about what we are facing and experienced His own sufferings and trials. When Jesus emerged from the Jordan, let us remember what GOD said to Jesus, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17). Say that today, when I come up from this river I hear God saying “This is my beloved Daughter/Son____, with whom I am well pleased.”
Palm Sunday March 28 – First Day of Holy Week
"They took branches of palm trees and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" (John 12:13)
- Published on
From Elder Lisa's Heart...
Celebrating the next 28 days to reflect and glean upon the history of a people who are survivors, builders, inventors, creators, care givers, courageous, determined, etc., etc. Many of you who Ephesians 3:20 Ministries serve are BLACK HISTORY, your paths have likely led the way for generations to experience better than your experience. A special THANK YOU to all the TRAILBLAZERS, first to take a risk and not permit a label or fear to prevent you from pressing toward your goal. As we continue to keep pressing for FREEDOM & LIBERTY for all, we recall the fortitude and courage of the shoulders of which we are ABLE to stand taller.
Speaking of courage, we began 2021 proclaiming our commitment to LIVING FOR THE NEW. During our January 3rd worship we dug deeper into 2 Corinthians 5:11-17 and discovered our encouragement to not lose heart based on the trouble we have seen; be convinced that with Jesus we have been given the power to evolve daily growing and maturing spiritually; and finally, be commended by God, not by others. GOD’s love exhibited through Jesus should compel us to continue to LIVE FOR THE NEW.
What Did/Do You Expect? The question we pondered together on third Sunday. With pride, arrogance, rebellion we should anticipate trouble. Developing our dependency upon GOD ALONE, standing on GOD’S word, leaning into God’s strength raises our expectations. We no longer have to be ashamed when God is with us as we follow after Jesus’s example earnestly and eagerly.
It was 5th Sunday, and we were GRATEFUL FOR GRACE!! Submission to God and each other exudes when LOVE leads our response. When I Call Your Name showed us this name calling works both ways. Calling on the compassionate Holy name of Jesus has ALL POWER in ALL situations; bread, life, door (access), shepherding (follow-ship). When God calls on us are, we present and attentive to humbly declare and respond in unity of the call? Jesus EXPECTS our repose to be YES!
Celebrating the next 28 days to reflect and glean upon the history of a people who are survivors, builders, inventors, creators, care givers, courageous, determined, etc., etc. Many of you who Ephesians 3:20 Ministries serve are BLACK HISTORY, your paths have likely led the way for generations to experience better than your experience. A special THANK YOU to all the TRAILBLAZERS, first to take a risk and not permit a label or fear to prevent you from pressing toward your goal. As we continue to keep pressing for FREEDOM & LIBERTY for all, we recall the fortitude and courage of the shoulders of which we are ABLE to stand taller.
Speaking of courage, we began 2021 proclaiming our commitment to LIVING FOR THE NEW. During our January 3rd worship we dug deeper into 2 Corinthians 5:11-17 and discovered our encouragement to not lose heart based on the trouble we have seen; be convinced that with Jesus we have been given the power to evolve daily growing and maturing spiritually; and finally, be commended by God, not by others. GOD’s love exhibited through Jesus should compel us to continue to LIVE FOR THE NEW.
What Did/Do You Expect? The question we pondered together on third Sunday. With pride, arrogance, rebellion we should anticipate trouble. Developing our dependency upon GOD ALONE, standing on GOD’S word, leaning into God’s strength raises our expectations. We no longer have to be ashamed when God is with us as we follow after Jesus’s example earnestly and eagerly.
It was 5th Sunday, and we were GRATEFUL FOR GRACE!! Submission to God and each other exudes when LOVE leads our response. When I Call Your Name showed us this name calling works both ways. Calling on the compassionate Holy name of Jesus has ALL POWER in ALL situations; bread, life, door (access), shepherding (follow-ship). When God calls on us are, we present and attentive to humbly declare and respond in unity of the call? Jesus EXPECTS our repose to be YES!
- Published on
From Elder Lisa’s Heart
Happy Birthday BLESSINGS to those born in January
Happy NEW YEAR 2021
As we embrace NEW OPPORTUNITIES, we have been PREPARED to be DISCIPLINED, to TRIM OFF the excess to fit
THE FRAME of God’s planned image of God’s glory in us, to STAY CLOSE to the CROSS the fountain of healing
streams flowing. We can no longer have the form of godliness and denying its power (2 Timothy 3:5). I encourage all, those
of us who live in Christ, no longer live for just ourselves but for He who died for us and was raised again in us
(2 Corinthians 5:15). #2021LivingForTheNew
As we may continue to find ourselves in challenging times we believers have our focus on “Jesus the Joy to the World”
and our December first Sunday worship highlighted King David and the Prophet Isaiah’s fourth coming promise of the
JOY closing with the Apostle James the half-brother of Jesus re-emphasizing the JOY had come. Even during adverse
times our attention is best served drawn to the great gift of JOY. Joy to the world the Lord has come and will come again for
the redeemed.
For many of us our gift exchanges were different in 2020. The Sunday before CHRISTmas, one gift we all received and
are encouraged to open daily is “The Gift of Peace”. God promised to keep us in peace for those whose minds are stayed
on God. Did you know God trust you and me to do so? May God find US all trustworthy.
As the clock struck 8:21 PM on December 31, the Saints entered into the presence of the Lord to celebrate the exiting of the
old year and the entering into the new. Why 8:21 you ask, in military time it represented 20:21. The Saints of God have
been made aware of the rebellious and sinful nature of the wickedness of this world. The number 21 reiterates caution, to be
on defense by rebuking the rebellion therefore the necessity for disciples in the army of the Lord, know this, we are
needed during difficult times. How we ended the old year is how we started this newsletter to you. Meditate on the
prophetic instructions noted above leading you into #2021LivingForTheNew.
Psalm 126:5 those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.