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

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.

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

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.

Choose between two sessions: June 4 – 7 and June 11 – 14. For more information and to register for this year’s JUMP camp, visit jumpkids.com

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

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.

Wednesdays • 8:45 AM • Worship Center

Enjoy a light breakfast, great fellowship, and an encouraging message by Pastor Patsy! You are invited to stay afterwards for a book study. Childcare is available for ages birth – 12 for $10 per family. To register for childcare, call Paula at 636.733.8334. For more information about the book study and to see a list of the books, visit our Women’s Ministry page.

Wednesdays • 8:45 AM • Worship Center

Enjoy a light breakfast, great fellowship, and an encouraging message by Pastor Patsy! You are invited to stay afterwards for a book study. Childcare is available for ages birth – 12 for $10 per family. To register for childcare, call Paula at 636.733.8334.

Spring Book Study

Begins After Women’s Meeting

Worship Center

Cost for the book study is $25, or $10 if you have the book(s). Register at the book study. Topics for the Spring Study include:
• Faith by Kenneth Hagin
• The Tongue by Charles Capps
• His Healing Power by Lilian B. Yeoman
• The Holy Spirit Unleashed In You by Kay Arthur
• Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
• Boundaries with Kids by Cloud & Townsend

Moms of young children will be studying Boundaries with Kids.

Wednesday, February 8 • 7:00 PM

It’s time for our annual Valentine’s party! Re-use your homecoming outfits and enjoy a night of food, a great message, and lots of fun activities. It’s a great way to make new friends. No need to sign up – just show up!

High School Retreat

February 10 – 12 • Lake Williamson

If you haven’t gone on a retreat before, this is a great way to kick off your year by drawing close to God, making new friends, and having a ton of fun! Register at the Information Center before and after weekend services. Registration from January 30 to February 5 is $150. Late Registration, February 6-8, is $170. Price includes meals, transportation, lodging, and activities! To scholarship a teenager, visit the Information Center after weekend services.

Saturday, February 11 • 4:00 – 8:00 PM

Kids Birth-Grade 5 will enjoy a Valentine’s Party while parents enjoy a night on the town! Early Registration is January 13- February 5, with the cost at $10 per child or $25 for three or more in your immediate family. On February 6, registration cost goes up to $15 per child or $35 for three or more in your immediate family. Register at the Information Center after weekend services.

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

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.