Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus . . . LET US draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith. Hebrews 10:19, 22a

LET US hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, LET US also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and LET US run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

LET US consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24

LET US press on to maturity. Hebrews 6:1b

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, LET US hold fast our confession. Hebrews 4:14

Therefore LET US draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Press on!
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

Copyright © 2012 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:5

When we look into the Word we see this element called wisdom that will make us strong. The Greek word for wisdom is sophia, and it’s defined as “insight into the true nature of things.” Wisdom helps to differentiate between a good idea, a better idea, and the best idea.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5.

God loves to pour out wisdom on people who seek Him with a heart of faith. You can pray about wisdom for every area of your life: for your kids, for your career, for when to buy or not to buy a house, during times of disaster, or when your brain is feeling numb. And God will give it to you!

But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30

Jesus is the embodiment of wisdom. He knows all things, and in Him we can do all things (Philippians 4:13). Want an increased flow of wisdom in your life? Dive into Proverbs. Develop an understanding of the New Testament. Spend time with Jesus. He is the most wonderful being that has ever been.

Today is a new beginning. You’ve never been where you are now. But all your life experiences inform you and develop you and prepare you for credibility, for contact, for unimaginable impact. Maybe you don’t feel worthy or believe you have what it takes to pull it off. Don’t quit! You are destined for something very fruitful, effective, and significant. And wisdom will make you ready.

Get wisdom,
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

Copyright © 2012 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:23-24

Your words have power. In every situation, you can bring peace or you can contribute to the storm. Before you speak, ask yourself these questions: Is it Jesus-glorifying? Is it life-giving? Is it healing? We must learn to be selective with our words because at the end of the day we’ll give an account of what we have said (Matthew 12:35-37).

For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. Matthew 12:34b

What goes into your heart will come back out. That’s why it’s good to pack the Word down inside so that when you need it, even when you don’t feel ready, you’ll be filled with wisdom. Or in those stressful situations when you’re fatigued and tempted to get angry, you’ll be able to bridle your tongue.

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:29-32

If you’re tempted to talk negatively about someone, before you say anything, ask yourself this question: Would I be uncomfortable saying this in front of the person I’m talking about? The Church is an accumulation of people who would be broken without the grace of God. Understanding that will help us to get that judgmental and bitter attitude out of the way and be kind and forgiving to others.

Who is the man who desires life and loves length of days that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:12-14

The hour is critical. Every situation we face has the potential to impart death or life. In times of discouragement I’ve had someone say a simple word to me that was like lighting a match to a fire, and it gave confidence to my spirit. As we get in the Word and renew our understanding about how powerful our words are, our effectiveness will increase and we’ll be used by God to speak life and change into situations all over the earth.

God bless you!
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

Copyright © 2012 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

The one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the Word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the Word, and it becomes unfruitful. Matthew 13:22

Fears that try to plague your life are not coming to you from God. The devil attacks us with anxiety to choke the effect of the Word in our lives. But God is calling us to better things than giving ourselves over to worry from the time we wake up until we go to bed.

To defeat fear, make the Word your confession. Some of you will have to stop the negative intake you have been allowing into your life. Some of you need to find scriptures that address what you’re dealing with and meditate on them. When I’ve been worried and discouraged, God has instructed me to go to the Word and read His promises and remember His great faithfulness.

Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? Matthew 6:26

The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Psalm 37:3-6 NKJV

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7

Your situation may feel hopeless, but with God nothing is impossible. When Jesus shows up in a rough situation, He calms the storm. So don’t go any further being burdened with worris and fears. Remember God’s faithfulness and speak out what the Word says about your life. He who has begun a good work in you will complete it (Philippians 1:6).

You can trust God!
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

Copyright © 2012 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11

Satan will try to keep you from fulfilling the things assigned for you to do (1 Thessalonians 2:18). But God has given you the power to overcome everything that comes your way. Whatever set of circumstances you’re dealing with—sin patterns, hurts from past abuse, even self-inflicted misery—God wants to deliver you. His Word is true. You can drive a stake in the ground and stand firm knowing that at the name of Jesus demons flee.

Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

If you feel unsure of where you are in life right now, the confidence-producing Word of God will adjust you back into your purpose. Cast down the weirdness in your head. Don’t underestimate the power of cracking open your Bible when you don’t feel like it, opening your mouth and praising God, and staying in fellowship with other believers. This consistency will sustain you.

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

If your vision has gotten disrupted or your momentum is crippled by hurts, challenges, and trials, continue to stand and resist the devil—God is at work (Ephesians 6:13-14). Don’t live in the distortion of the moment. Lift up your eyes and look to God to receive strength and strategy. As Paul said: “We learn to not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9). There are miracles God has up ahead for you, mountains to climb, ground to gain, and people to reach. His sustaining grace will bring you through and enable you to fulfill the call.

Press on!
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

Copyright © 2012 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! 1 Peter 1:3 MSG

REPAIRED – mended, fixed, and restored.
Jesus left the splendor of heaven on a mission to save what was lost—to repair what the first Adam forfeited (Luke 19:10). The Bible says Jesus went around doing good and healing everyone who was sick and oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him (Acts 10:38). When we turn to God, our lives get repaired and restored—we’re set free!

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one calling in the desert, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.” Matthew 3:1-3 NIVUK

PREPARED – equipped in advance for a particular purpose.
Preparation precedes opportunity. Before Jesus, there was a forerunner named John the Baptist who came with great conviction and urged people to get their hearts ready for the Messiah. God convicts us so that we can remove obstacles in our lives and prepare for action.

“For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

MADE READY – immediately available; poised for action.
If you’re feeling dull or apathetic and wondering what your purpose is, call out to God. He can take a cold heart and make it white hot and give you fresh hunger for truth. None of us is cut out to be “religious.” We are called to a new life in Christ. So focus on Jesus—He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). This is the reason for our existence.

Happy Easter!
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

Copyright © 2012 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

So don’t worry and don’t keep saying, “What shall we eat, what shall we drink or what shall we wear?”! That is what pagans are always looking for; your Heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Set your heart on the kingdom and His goodness, and all these things will come to you as a matter of course. Matthew 6:31-33 PHILLIPS.

1. Worrying About Tomorrow Is Unnecessary. Five times in Matthew 6 Jesus addresses worry. He’s saying to quit obsessing on the “what ifs” and the “how comes” and seek first His Kingdom, and then all the other things we need will be added.

2. When We Acknowledge God, His Guidance Is Assured. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul (Psalm 143:8 NIVUK). God is worthy of our focus. When we present our soul—our thinking faculties, will, and emotions—to the Lord, we have the assurance that He will bring guidance (Proverbs 3:5).

3. Seek God’s Will About Plans For The Future. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground (Psalm 143:10 NIVUK). When the will of God is known through the written Word of God (like in the areas of healing and finances) we don’t need to pray “if it be Your will.” But when it comes to life decisions—marriage choices, career choices, where to send the kids to school—keep an open heart and seek God’s will (James 4:13-15).

4. God Has Promised To See Us Through. Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6 NIVUK). God knows more about the future than we do about the past. The cure for anxiety and fear is realizing that as we daily put Jesus first, we can trust God to lead us through the course of our lives (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

5. God’s Plans Are Always The Best Plans. I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart (Psalm 40:8 NIVUK). Knowing God’s will requires a submitted heart. God is looking for vulnerable, yielded, and humble people who are willing to step up and say: “Lord, I renounce complacency and apathy and submit to Your decisions. God’s will be done: in my life, in my town, in my church and in my generation, in Jesus’ name.”

Seek God,
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

Copyright © 2012 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. New International Version – UK (NIVUK) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

The Lord said to Moses, “Is the Lord’s power limited? Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not.” Numbers 11:23

God is all about outreach and growth. He didn’t free the Israelites from Egypt so they could wander around the wilderness in recovery mode forever. His purpose was to get them to the Promised Land. But the Israelites had become discouraged because of the journey (Numbers 21:4), and ten out of the twelve scouts came back with a bad report saying the giants were too big. So it’s really amazing when you hear the response of one of the scouts, Caleb: “We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it” (Numbers 13:30b).

Enlarge the place of your tent; stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, spare not; lengthen your cords and strengthen your pegs. Isaiah 54:2

God’s calling us to possess the land, but it takes a different spirit to see the land and then to take it. If we get waylaid by the negatives around us, we could lose sight of God’s faithfulness, but when God calls His people to do something, He also gives them everything they need to accomplish it.

I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2

Even if you’ve had a crummy beginning or you’ve let the journey wear you down, you can finish strong and alert. God has rescued you. He saves you, repairs you, and puts you back on track for your life’s purpose. If you’re believing for breakthrough, spend some time in prayer and fasting. You will see God’s plan come to pass in your life.

Press on!
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

Copyright © 2012 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers. John 10:3b-5

There are many voices clamoring for our attention, but there is nothing more worthy of consideration than the voice of God’s Word and the voice of the Holy Spirit. You can be led by the Holy Spirit. It’s not just for people with an unusual spiritual aptitude. You are created to be a conduit of the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit, to hear from God and be a creative thinker. We live in a world where people are hungry for answers. In darkness, they are turning to psychic hotlines and horoscopes, which are just poor counterfeits for the one true voice of the Holy Spirit.

This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Joshua 1:8

God wants us to get hold of the realities of His Word and be full of fervency and awareness—listening to, gazing upon, and meditating on the Scriptures. When you get in this Book and pay attention, it will give you wisdom to know what is of God. Some of you need to get back in the promises of God, to turn off the TV and spend a moment in the Word. You don’t have to try to read the entire Bible at every sitting. Study the Proverbs. Read about Creation in Genesis. Study the New Testament.

Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth and put devious speech far from you. Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left. Remove your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:23-27

Before great opportunities, we have to get tuned up. As you renew your mind in the Word, your thought life won’t be so easily highjacked by distractions and you’ll be able to tune in to the Holy Spirit to receive wisdom, clarity, decision-making ability, and healing. Consider yourself a resource in the hands of God. Develop what God has given you. Don’t let the voice of your need crowd out what God’s trying to say to you. Don’t let the voice of opportunity try to get you to do something else when God’s disciplining you to stay on the task He’s called you to fulfill. There are opportunities knocking in 2012. Get ready!

God bless you,
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

Copyright © 2012 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

I’m dedicating March 11-17 to prayer and fasting so we can filter out distraction and seek God. God has some significant things up ahead. Let’s increase our Word intake and sensitize ourselves to the Holy Spirit so we’ll be ready to walk out His plan.

1. To Sow to the Spirit and Humble the Flesh. I humbled my soul with fasting. Psalm 35:13b

2. To Receive Direction. While they [the early church] were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13:2-3

3. To Obtain Breakthrough. Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6

4. To Prepare for Action. Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.”
Esther 4:15-16

Approach fasting prayerfully. Don’t get legalistic. God may be calling you to fast just one meal. Daniel in the Bible fasted everything but vegetables (Daniel 1:12-18). Or you might fast media: King Darius fasted entertainment while Daniel was in the lions’ den (Daniel 6:18). Use wisdom; if you have blood sugar or medication issues, don’t just stop eating. The point is, ask God what kind of fast He is calling you to. As we jumpstart our year by fasting and seeking God, we will see breakthrough and we will receive direction.

God bless you,
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

PRAY:
• Removal of obstacles.
• Increased love.
• God’s perfect will.
• With the end in mind.

Copyright © 2012 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.