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.

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.

We can all get bogged down with the cares of life. That’s why every day we need to get washed with the “water of the Word” (Ephesians 5:26). So take time to get into the amazing Word of God!

• It is powerful. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

• It equips. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

• It guides. 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

• It blesses. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. James 1:25

• It brings peace. My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Proverbs 3:1-2

• It strengthens. Strengthen me according to Your Word. Psalm 119:28b

• It always comes to pass. So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

• It is truth. Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth. John 17:17 AMP

• It saves. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21

• It heals. My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them and health to all their body. Proverbs 4:20-22

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. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

I pray that your partnership in the faith may become effective as you fully acknowledge every blessing that is ours in the Messiah. Philemon 1:6 ISV

Ac•knowl•edge v. To admit the existence, reality, or truth of; to recognize as being valid or having force or power; to express thanks or gratitude for.*

Jesus has done something so great—we have so much to be thankful for. Getting saved is the best feature of your life. And now you’ve been given the mission to communicate this amazing truth of the gospel of Jesus.

But how can we spark a hunger in others if we’re not really excited about what God has supplied? How can we be joyous about it if it’s dull to us, or inform people if we aren’t familiar with it? That’s why we need to delve into the Scriptures and find out what God has done for us. We have been blessed with every blessing that heaven has itself (Ephesians 1:3). We could spend a lifetime discovering and understanding what those amazing blessings are.

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

You don’t have to “feel” spiritual in order to be used by God. As you press through the attack of the enemy and stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit, you will have moments of impact that can precipitate change in a family, a neighborhood, a region.

People can tell you’ve been with Jesus, not because of your superior speech but because of the authentic presence and power of God (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). God has given you the heart of a conqueror (Romans 8:37), so shake off the heaviness, fear, and doubt and be ready to intercept broken lives.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:19

God is faithful!
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. ISV verse taken from the International Standard Version®. Copyright © 1996-2008 by the ISV Foundation. *The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

That the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. Philemon 1:6 NKJV

When we acknowledge every good thing in us in Christ Jesus our effectiveness increases. As we acknowledge who God is, what He has done for us through Jesus, and who we are in Christ, we get out of lethargy and into action, out of dullness and into cutting edge. And we have God’s wisdom to understand the times and what we
are to do.

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

Jesus came on the scene and brought light to darkness (Isaiah 9:2a). But instead of finding the light, many people have adjusted their eyes to the darkness of the fall.

Something awful has happened; something terrible. Something worse, even, than the fall of man. For in that greatest of all tragedies, we merely lost Paradise – and with it, everything that made life worth living. What has happened since is unthinkable: we’ve gotten used to it. –John Eldredge, “The Journey of Desire”

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

I don’t ever want to adjust my eyes to darkness and live below the amazing standard Jesus provided for us when He died on the Cross and rose again. New things have come! We now have wisdom. We now can know the mind of Christ to help us deal with issues. We are now new creatures and we have God’s righteousness—we are whole and clean.

Jesus cleansed us so thoroughly that we are actually containers of the Holy Spirit! Sure you have scars and some grooves that have been worn into your life from hurt. Sure you’re locked up in some of your thinking. That’s why you need to be renewed in the spirit of your mind (Ephesians 4:23) by studying and meditating on God’s Word. Get up in the morning, get hold of the Scriptures, and look in the mirror of God’s Word. Remind yourself of what the Bible says about who you are in Christ. As you do, light will come and dissipate the darkness!

Press on!
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. NKJV scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. “Desire” by John Eldredge. Copyright © 2000, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN.

For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority. Colossians 2:9-10

The truths in the Bible, inspired and revealed by the Holy Spirit, will liberate you from the devil’s accusations (Revelation 12:10) and bring you into the understanding of who God created you to be. Understanding who you are in Jesus isn’t just for a feel-good moment; it will make you more effective in your prayer walk, in your relationships, and in your church life!

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God. 1 Corinthians 2:12

God is a God of revelation. He wants to reveal things to us through His Holy Spirit. When we look away from the mirror of God’s Word, it’s easy to forget what we truly look like (James 1:22-24). That’s why we need to be constantly reminding ourselves of who we are and what we have in Jesus.

Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

God’s Word is more stable than the trends and seasons of the world. There is power in the name of Jesus. There is power in prayer. There is power in getting a renewed mind (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23)—it enables you to cast down imaginations and resist the accuser. So delve into the Scriptures and begin acknowledging every good thing that is in you through Christ Jesus (Philemon 1:6 NKJV).

Press on!
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. NKJV reference taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

And I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake. Philemon 1:6

Our identity needs to be clarified by the Word of God. God wants us to understand who Jesus is, why we were created, and what His death, burial, and resurrection bring into our lives. Human nature is prone to acknowledge failure and weakness and forget what God says. That is why our mind must be renewed daily. (Ephesians 4:23).

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

For quick reference, print up verses about who you are in Christ. Speak God’s Word over your day first thing—when you’re getting ready for work or while you’re in the car. Walk around your house saying what you have in God. Don’t let the devil shut your mouth—confess God’s truth till the devil leaves you alone. The knowledge of what Jesus has done for you will free you and open the door for greater effectiveness.

[I pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. 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. Ephesians 1:17-19a

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.

For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. James 1:23-24

Our most valuable possession is our identification with Christ. But some of us have lost sight of what we really have and who Jesus is in us. We need to go back to the mirror of the Word to address this spiritual amnesia.

The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7

The treasure of the Bible is worth more than anything you can find in life. God’s Word brings us out of ignorance and into wisdom. It restores us. It gladdens the heart! (Psalm 19:8). David writes that the scriptures “are more desirable than gold” (Psalm 19:10), and Psalm 119:162 says: “I rejoice at Your Word, as one who finds great spoil.”

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Before Jesus, there was a veil over our hearts, but “whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away” (2 Corinthians 3:16), and we see in the mirror of the Word that we are new creatures on the inside (2 Corinthians 5:17). Like the moon reflects the sun’s brilliance, we reflect Jesus as we get in the Word and spend time with Him.

But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. James 1:25

The Word of God is always powerful—it does not return empty without accomplishing what it sets out to do (Isaiah 55:11). This ought to inspire every one of us to action. We can prevail in life, we can see our prayers answered, and we can overcome. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). We’ve been set free from sin to have a renewed life, to walk with vision and purpose.

Get ready for the harvest!
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.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2a NKJV

The definition for traction is “the act of drawing or pulling.” In wheels and shoes, traction is represented by the adhesive grip that gives you the stability you need to make progress. Though we’ve never passed this way in life before, we can run this race with confidence because we know Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, has provided traction for each step of the journey.

God’s Word is the grip that is the surety under our feet—it’s the salt and the sand under our tires in the snow. He wants to reinforce traction and stabilize things so we can move forward in boldness.

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until the full day. 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. Proverbs 4:18, 25-26

But whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. 1 John 2:5-6

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

Gaze straight ahead at God and only glance at your problem (Proverbs 4:25). God’s strategy for each one of us is that we don’t spin our wheels, stay stuck, or veer off course, but we connect with divine appointments, be strong, and do exploits.

Walk forward,
Pastor Jeff Perry
St. Louis Family Church®

Copyright © 2010 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 love the book of Philippians! It represents the fruit of Paul’s obedience in Acts 16 when he didn’t go where he had a “good idea” but instead followed the “God idea.” The result of that missionary journey was a vibrant, alive church that funded outreach in city after city. Philippians has four chapters, and there are anywhere from 21 to 30 verses in each chapter. If you read the whole book out loud to yourself it takes about 12 minutes. Here are a few of the great verses to meditate on. Reading these kinds of things puts us back in touch with how amazing the redemptive power of Jesus really is.

Don’t Worry. Trust God.
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

Dealing With Life.
I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:12-13

A Heart of Thankfulness.
Do all things without grumbling or disputing. Philippians 2:14

Eight Things to Think On.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8

God the Supplier.
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

I can’t think of any better response to this Gospel than to get evangelistic with it. God is looking for Philippian-type churches that will shape culture. We don’t need a comfort zone of religiosity. Instead let’s reach this generation and let everything we do translate into souls—more people in heaven!

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

Copyright © 2010 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. All rights reserved.