I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might. Ephesians 1:18-19

The impact of the Good News. Occasionally all of us have to deal with feelings of inadequacy and insufficiency. This world’s system is depleted, but not so with God’s kingdom! It is vibrant and complete. Jesus came on a rescue mission, not to institute another world religion but to erase our sins and to lift us out of the pit (2 Corinthians 3:5).

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

A heavenly mindset. The worst we face in this life isn’t even worthy to be compared with what awaits us on the other side. If you’re hurting, bear this in mind and receive help from the Lord. There is no limit to God’s scope. He always does exceedingly abundantly beyond. He comes in on the scene and takes the impossible and turns it around. Paul said he wasn’t ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God to salvation to everyone that believes (Romans 1:16). “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).

[I pray] that you, being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17b-19

The amazing love of Jesus. The love God has for us is beyond the reach of our human understanding—it’s inexhaustible. As we begin to see how much God loves us and realize how rich in mercy He is, we can become carriers of His love to a lost and hurting world. His love helps us to become more tolerant toward others. You are anointed and empowered by God to impact people. Take hold of this and, having done all to stand, continue standing. (Ephesians 6:13-14).

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.

But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Matthew 23:11

If you want to have greatness, get involved with a life of serving. Jesus came not “to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). The world is skewed in valuing what’s important, grabbing at any form of happiness that can be found. But a follower of Jesus knows that the greatest in God’s kingdom is a servant (Matthew 23:11). Here’s a ten-step recipe for happiness: Do something good for somebody and then repeat it elsewhere nine more times.

“One thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.” –Albert Schweitzer, theologian and physician

We all have aspirations to live great lives and bear a lot of fruit. God anoints for greatness every believer that understands the invitation to serve. You do have a gift, and God calls you to use it to serve others (1 Peter 4:10).

Don’t underestimate the “little” moments of kindness—letting someone go ahead of you in line, promptings to pray, a phone call, a simple note. These are all divine encounters coming from a heart of servanthood. This church is what it is because of those who serve, because of all of you who have given your lives to honor God and help people. And that is true greatness.

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.

One of the synagogue officials named Jairus came up, and on seeing Him [Jesus], fell at His feet and implored Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live.” And He went off with him; and a large crowd was following Him and pressing in on Him. Mark 5:22-24

In Mark 5, an account is given of two people who were desperate and tenacious enough to seek God’s help. Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, overcame prestige barriers and fell at Jesus’ feet to ask for healing for his 12-year-old daughter, and a woman with a 12-year hemorrhage overcame social and inferiority barriers to reach out and touch Jesus. Whether you are a big shot or a “nobody,” Jesus’ love and grace know no bounds.

Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. Mark 5:25-29a NKJV

What situation in your life seems desperate? Whatever it is, channel that drive toward God. He is faithful, responsive, and resourceful. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus is the same consistent savior, healer, and deliverer that He was in the Bible and “no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11).

We obtain miracles when our beliefs are based on the amazing Scriptures, on the reality of who Jesus is. When the woman with the hemorrhage heard of Jesus, she thought and said, “If I get in touch with Him I’ll get results.” Hold on to what you’ve been praying for and keep believing God for greater things. Don’t ever let up. Read Mark 5 and other biblical accounts of miracles so that you can develop clear thinking and believing, and then speak what God says about your situation.

God cares about you and knows how to restore things—even if it’s the 12th year of your problem. He knows how to dissolve cancer cells. He knows how to restore marriages. So get tenacious. Press through the crowd and fall at Jesus’ feet.

Keep fighting,
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.

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

This verse underscores the reason we read the Bible and give our lives to its truth. The Apostle Paul talks about how “all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable,” and when we look at the Scriptures, we see account after account of God’s faithfulness throughout the generations (2 Timothy 3:16).

And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Hebrews 11:32-34

When we look in the rear view mirror of history and see the patterns that were set in the Scriptures, we can take away something personal: Instead of letting the battles of life reduce us to a state of survival and maintenance, we find that we too are called to rule and reign and to carry the Gospel of Jesus around the world.

We are to be people filled with hope. Don’t conform to the bitterness and misery of the culture around you. Instead, get in the Word and find out who you are and what you have been called to in Jesus. You are a child of God and He is not weak toward you but mighty in you (2 Corinthians 13:3)! You are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God (Psalm 139:14; Genesis 1:27-28). You are called to change the world, to be fruitful and multiply, to meet and influence people, and to pray big prayers of faith. You can go into workplaces, schools, economies, cities and nations and make a difference by the power of the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6).

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.

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1

RENEW YOUR PERSPECTIVE. There is more to life than meets the eye—more than maintenance, survival, or just coping. Your perspective is renewed when you seek the things above and start seeing yourself as God sees you. You can live the Christian life. You can pray amazing prayers and experience victory. And you can identify the call on your life and see it come to pass.

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20

RELEASE YOUR PAST. When you get your perspective renewed in the Word, then you can release your past. In Ephesians, Paul reflects on past failures just long enough to amplify God’s faithfulness, but he doesn’t get stuck there (Ephesians 2:1-3). He goes on to tell us how God, being “rich in mercy, because of His great love,” has made us “alive together with Christ” (Ephesians 2:4). If we’re going to lead strong lives, we can’t hold on to our old selves and our old citizenship. Let the past show you how faithful God is, but press on toward the prize as a “new creation” (Philippians 3:13-14; 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV).

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work . . . Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.” John 4:34-35

REMEMBER YOUR PURPOSE. God is looking for people who respond to Him, who take a stand and don’t let their minds get clouded by the accuser (2 Chronicles 16:9). I pray you get ridiculously hungry for the Word of God, where you just want to turn off the TV and renew your perspective. Use this beginning of the year to shake off any heaviness and sharpen your awareness of who you are in Christ. We might as well be those daring people who lift up their eyes and walk in confidence and faith, believing that one act of obedience, prompted by God, can change the world.

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.

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus. Romans 15:4-5

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

The historical accounts we read in the Bible reveal a pattern of how God consistently helps people. When we run into alarming situations, we can turn to the Scriptures to see examples of God’s faithfulness through the ages.

Take Daniel for example. Getting thrown into a lions’ den qualifies as a really bad day. When that happened he had no natural hope against the hungry lions. We’ve all had times like that, when circumstances betray us and there is no help in human terms.

Then the king arose at dawn, at the break of day, and went in haste to the lions’ den. When he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice…“Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?” Then Daniel spoke to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me.” Daniel 6:19-21a

At the break of day we see that God had rescued Daniel from the situation that was designed to take him out. Daniel’s God is your God. Whatever battle you are in (even if it’s a protracted one)—your “break of day” is coming! Continue to stand. Follow Daniel’s example (Daniel 6:10) and consistently press into the promises of God. Pray and seek God. Spend time in praise and worship, even when the circumstances are pressuring you to do the opposite.

There is no pit so deep that God can’t pull you out (Psalm 103:2-4; 139:8). Even when the odds are overwhelming and the situation looks hopeless, God is right there with you, working things out for good (Romans 8:28).The God of hope will give you perseverance and encouragement—so face your battles with confidence, knowing that God will deliver you.

More than a conqueror in 2012,
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.

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 1 Peter 5:7 AMP

Jesus said when you see signs of the end times do not be afraid, but instead “straighten up and lift up your heads” and “be on guard so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness [escapism methods] and the worries of life” (Luke 21:28, 34a). You may have lapsed into unbelief and fear, but Jesus’ mercy triumphs over judgment. You can destroy fear with faith and get back in your A-game.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

To cultivate a heart of confidence and trust in God, go to the Scriptures and get settled in God’s consistency. Read what King David wrote in the Psalms, or read about Caleb and Joshua, or study the early Church. The Bible is filled with men and women who continually referenced the faithfulness of God rather than the difficulties of their circumstances. In God, your thought processes can be redeemed and renewed. In God, you can overcome a spirit of fear and the vicious attacks of temptation. Use January as a month of fasting and prayer, a month of seeking God.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

God has some stuff He wants to do through you—as an individual, in your family, through us as a church, through this generation—that you don’t have an inkling of right now. So keep trusting God. Make mid-course corrections, keep a humble heart, and keep standing. As you dial into how present and available God is, 2012 will become a year of stability, a year where you are fortified, rooted, and solid.

Because of Jesus it is a happy new year!
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.

Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.”

But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

God is calling you to carry joy to a fallen world, but the devil wants you to become so preoccupied with the issues in your own life that you stay in the constant cycle of maintaining and trying to overcome discouragement and distraction instead of being what God has called you to be.

Sing to the Lord a new song, sing His praise from the end of the earth! Isaiah 42:10a

Choose the good part like Mary did: “sitting at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.” Don’t wait for the worship team or for an inspirational moment. Thank God in the morning, thank God in the noontime, thank God in the night. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving every day (Psalm 100:4).

You are still here. Whatever highs and lows you’ve had in 2011, you didn’t get alienated and cynical, you didn’t cave in to self pity, you didn’t throw in the towel, you didn’t let the devil run you off, and you didn’t negotiate with him when he was terrorizing you. Even if you feel meager and feeble in your faith, at any time, day or night, you can cry out to the Lord and He will respond. Don’t fear the future. If God has called you to a task, you will have grace and blessing equal to the task. As you take time to seek God and listen to His word, He will show you what to do.

God bless you this New Year!
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.

Long before [God] laid down earth’s foundations, He had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago He decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. Ephesians 1:4-6 The Message

When Jesus, the King, was born in a feeding trough over 2,000 years ago, God was showing the love and value He places on each one of us.

We were trapped and lost. We couldn’t save ourselves. Jesus became like we are so that we can be made right with God. What happened in that manger and ultimately on the Cross is fully available today. He died to save us, and when we call on the name of Jesus we bring that vital action into the present of our lives.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 NLT

People need breakthrough that only a Mighty God can give; they need an Eternal Father’s unconditional love and the Prince of Peace to save them from the war in their hearts. Jesus is each of those things, and He is available to you.

God sent His Son to save us from our sins. If you’re not a Christian, I encourage you to humble yourself and call out to God. He will respond. Bury your regrets about the past and your fears concerning the future—trust in a faithful God. He loves you.

Pray this prayer: Lord Jesus, You know everything about me. Please forgive me for all the wrong things I’ve ever said or done. I know that You died for my sins and rose from the dead. Please come into my life and be my Lord. Help me to follow You always. Amen.

Merry Christmas!
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

Copyright © 2011 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. Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

There is a God in heaven who cares about you. When you experience high times and feel like you are flowing with the Holy Spirit, or when you feel worn slick with nothing going your way, God’s grace stays constant, undiminished. Wherever you are, day or night, you can cry out to the Lord and He will respond.

The Word of God is a hammer that you can use to pound through weird circumstances. It’s without error, it’s reliable, it’s trustworthy, and you can bet your life on it.

I [God] am watching over My word to perform it. (Jeremiah 1:12b)

The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:130)

Strong is he who carries out His Word. (Joel 2:11)

The Word of God is food for your soul (Matthew 4:4), renewal for your mind (Romans 12:2), and strength for your fight. It’s thunderously powerful. It’s a weapon—a two-edged sword of the Spirit (Hebrews 4:12).

Let it be to me according to your word. ~ Mary, Mother of Jesus (Luke 1:38 NKJV)

Just say the word, and my servant will be healed. ~ The Centurion (Matthew 8:8)

His Word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones. ~ The Prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:9 NKJV)

Stay in the Word, stay in fellowship at church, and learn how to give and serve, even in the midst of discouraging circumstances. God, the burden bearer and yoke destroyer, will raise you up in victory and strength to activate change in this world.

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

Copyright © 2011 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.