REJOICE IN THE LORD!!

"Rejoice in the Lord, again I say rejoice. Let all men know your forebearance. The Lord is at hand." (Philippians 6:4,5)

As I was meditating on this I became aware of how often I complain instead of rejoicing. The hard part of rejoicing "always" is when things aren't going my way. I can rejoice quickly and easily when I hear good news or experience something wonderful. Anyone can do that. When I am cut off in traffic, get in the shortest line at the grocer that then takes the longest time due to some difficulty, have a disagreement with one I love, etc., etc. That is when it is difficult to rejoice, yet that is the very time it is so important and actually helpful. When I succeed in such circumstances to rejoice in the Lord and give thanks the moment begins to be transformed into a time of sweet fellowship with our God! He calms me and lifts my spirit.

The next verse assures of us that..."Be anxious for nothing, but in all things by prayer and supplication, WITH THANKSGIVING, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God that passes all understanding will keep your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus". (Philippians 4:6,7).

Again, I am good at prayer and supplication, pleading with God for one thing or another, one person or another. But, the key to peace is doing all that pleading with a heart of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving for the circumstances and for the people. I am working on that....

Blessings in Jesus, Gerry+

Remember the Word!

Dear Brother's and Sister's.

Some asked that I send the Outline (from the sermon Sunday) of how we work the Word of God into our lives. This demonstrates that the more we meditate and memorize the Word the more it will truly be a major part of our lives, influencing our thinking and emotions!!

This comes from the Navigators, a worldwide Christian ministry based in Colorado Springs.

Make an outline of your hand... Working from the small finger toward the thumb....

1. HEAR... Romans 10:17.....(10% retained) we hear the word at church.

2. READ..... Mathew 21:42....(20% retained) use study notes - have a system

3. STUDY... Acts 17:11......(50% retained) use a commentary or study Bible.

4. MEMORIZE....Ps. 119:11....(90% retained) use your head!

5. MEDITATE.....Joshua 1:8....(95% retained) Open your heart


Blessings in Jesus, Gerry+

Spiritual Warfare

The week of April 7-12 two of our Epiphany Staff were called upon to go to extreme lengths to help a family member find victory in an excruciating spiritual battle... on Monday I was called to intercede on the phone. Others were called upon to intercede as well... I went to their home... we prayed all day confronting unimaginable evil.. it was right out of the Bible! It became clear the victory would not be won unless our Catechist and his wife flew to the state and city and met personally with their family member... they did that and after several days of getting help from a ministry in Indianapolis that deals in Deliverance and ministry of Spiritual Warfare they were able to help Melissa find freedom and new life in Jesus!! Alleluia!

The ministry of Jesus Christ to overcome all evil remains a vibrant and vital ministry in the church today. I rejoice that we now have two more members of our staff who are being equipped and empowered to bring victory into the lives of those tormented by evil.

If you are one who needs prayer be sure to reach out to us or to those you know can help... you don't need to suffer on and on without help.... please come and worship with us on Sunday also and ask for prayer. Blessings in Jesus, Gerry+

Post Easter Duldrums

Do you ever get through Easter.. the celebration of the Ressurection of Jesus and feel sort of down? It happens. So much build up. We allow the Holy Spirit to examin us and convict us of sin. We confess our sin. We receive God's promised forgiveness. Life is euphoric!! Alleluia, Christ is Risen. The Lord is Rissen indeed, Alleluia!! Then normalcy returns. It rushes in without warning. The sun rises. Work resumes. Our family has the same issues as before. We have the same issues as before. But, somehow God is indeed in the midst of our normalcy. He is present. His presence increases. Or more accurately we become more and more aware of His presence and as we do life improves ever so slowly.

Today is indeed much better than the days of my life ten years ago. Look back far enough and we see true and lasting change. Perspective. Alleluia! Christ is risen. He lives in you and in me. Alleluia!