Dare to believe for the impossible!
By Pastor Eric

Jesus glanced around at them and said, “With men [it is] impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27

How many times have you heard “that’s impossible?” It’s so easy for people to have little faith or unbelief. It’s “normal” thinking that keeps us from accomplishing the mighty exploits God wants for our lives. Let’s face it, we are not normal!

We are in a season now of believing for the impossible and seeing it come to fruition. Things that seemed as if they couldn’t possibly come to pass happen right before our eyes.

One day a few weeks ago, I was out working with a friend. I was looking for income. After all, I have to meet our needs right? Well Laura and I have been making a deliberate effort of saying to each other on a regular basis, Philippians 4:19. Not because it is a magic formula or if you say this verse you will see a miracle. No, because when we continue to keep God’s word in our mouths we build our faith up.  Read Joshua chapter 1.
When I returned after working and sweating and busting my knuckles, I was greeted by Laura saying and sort of singing “My God shall supply all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” I replied “yes, amen!” She said look around. Someone had knocked on the door earlier that afternoon and had a car load of groceries for us. God does take care of us. Impossible? Well, with human carnal thinking, yes.

I share this to help you with your faith, right where you are.
Have faith in God. Jesus said that and I believe it.

You know we have been traveling throughout the country preaching and teaching the Gospel of the Kingdom. Right now we are on assignment in Greenville, TX, where a local church has received us with open arms. They are so hungry for the Word.

Recently, I was in a conversation with an awesome brother in Christ. We were discussing having meetings in different areas and he mentioned South Africa. Something leapt inside of me and I heard down in my spirit one word. Macedonia! It has been working on me for many days now and I know without a doubt that we are to go there. As part of our vision to bring up churches and ministers and teach how to operate in God’s Kingdom system, and to build up unto full maturity believers that will do mighty exploits for His glory.

That may sound impossible for some, but that’s okay. We trust the Lord and know that He will lead us and guide us. Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”

Please pray for us as we move forward in doing all that the Lord has called us to do and remember that as you sow into His work the Lord will reward you as if you were going with us.

Prosperity
by Pastor Eric

What does the Bible really say about prosperity, wealth or being rich?
Well, let’s take a look.

In the Old Testament, there are several scriptures.
Deuteronomy 28 speaks of the blessing through obeying His commandments. Verse 8 says “The Lord shall command the blessing upon you in your storehouses, and in all that you set your hand to; and He shall bless you in the land which the Lord your God gives you.”
Oh, but that was for Israel and not for us today, you say. Okay, so the commandments that He set are not to be followed today? Of course they are!
Let’s look at another one. Psalm 35:27 … “Let the Lord be magnified, which takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” And Psalm 112:3 “Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.” It sounds to me like the Lord wants us to have wealth.

In the New Testament, 3rd John verse 2 in the Amplified says, ”Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and (that your body) may keep well, even as (I know) your soul keeps well and prospers.” Notice it didn’t say “only your soul prospers.”
The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians in chapter 4:19 “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” He was thanking them for their financial support of his ministry. He also told the church at Corinth that because of financial support they will have more than just enough to get by on and have an abundance of supply hat they can give to every good work. Read 1st Corinthians 9 and 2nd Corinthians 9.

It is important for us to understand that gaining wealth just to have and save up for ourselves is not what God intended. We are blessed to be a blessing.

By Pastor Eric

We ALL have a part/role within the Kingdom of God. Each person has been gifted to do good works, as Ephesians 2:10 says. We should find our place and work within the Church.

The book of Nehemiah gives a great picture of how the Church should function. As Nehemiah followed the vision that God gave him to rebuild the walls, he showed it to the people and they did their part. Each family was assigned an area to work on and they helped each other accomplish the work.

This is how the local church should function. The Pastor has the vision and teaches or imparts the vision into the congregation. The congregation should then take the instruction of the Pastor and perform the work. There needs to be leadership in place to help carry out the vision, not force people or try to control people. There is one Pastor and one vision. Any other way will only bring confusion to the body and the vision will not come to fruition.

First of all, we all need a Pastor to lead us, guide us and bring us up in the things of God. Secondly, we need to be plugged in, participating in the activities and events of the church. There are no lone-rangers. Thirdly, we need to submit to the vision.

It is not the job of the Pastor to do all the work. Pastors are to equip the saints so that the saints (congregation) are able to do the work. Too many times people want the Pastor to do everything.

Find your place. God will give you grace to do what you’ve been called to do. There may be a time of stretching and learning how to function in your call, but the frustration level will not be unbearable. Challenges will come but they don’t have to overtake you.

Get behind your Pastor and fully engage in his or her vision. Show up on time and be ready to go to work. Great exploits will follow commitment.

Read the book of Nehemiah; Ephesians 2:10, 4:11-13; 2Timothy 3:16-17 and  Proverbs 29:18

By Pastor Eric

A lot of times we hear preaching about being faithful and working at doing right. Not to take away from that at all, we should be doing right and be faithful however, it is the Lord’s faithfulness that keeps us. Our relationship with God is not predicated on how faithful we are but on His faithfulness.

Here’s what the Word says in 1John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  If you have confessed your sins to Him, not everybody at church, then you have been forgiven. No more does sin have any control over you.

God is faithful to His Word, His Covenant, His Promises, and His People.

In Psalms, David wrote many times about how good God is. Psalm 36:5 says “Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.”  Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”

Take the time to look up verses on God’s being faithful and faithfulness. You will see there are far more verses concerning His faithfulness than ours. Why? Without Him, we can’t obtain faithfulness.

When we get these truths rooted down in our inner man, we can then move forward into the love that He has for us.

Hang on to what His written word says and what He has promised you personally. God loves you.

by Pastor Eric

Are you carefree?

Carefree, to be without any cares whatsoever. Is that you? It should be. God’s Word tells us in several places about cares of this world and what to do with them.

In Mark 4:18-19 it says… “And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”

Now, it’s not just speaking of things that we would covet, but also the things that we dwell on. We begin to worry about the bills, the kids, our marriage and on and on. We’ve heard what the preacher has said, and we read our Bible, yet we get distracted from the truth of God’s Word.

Let’s look at 1Peter 5:6-8… “6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you. 8Be sober be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour…”

We see three major parts to these verses:

1.    Be humble and you will be exalted
2.    Give your cares to Him
3.    Think straight

When you humble yourself, it does not mean grovel or put yourself down. “I’m just a sinner saved by grace. I’m just a clay pot.” That is not what you are called to be. You are the righteousness of God, justified and called to be a child and heir of God. Humble yourself by glorifying Him. You can do nothing without Him. Then He will exalt you. Wow! God wants to lift you up to high places. God does not want you in a place of constant want.

Casting your all your cares, really, this is the same as taking your heavy burdens and putting them on His shoulders. Just as the farmer would bring in the harvest in big sacks, then he would put them on his donkey and the donkey would carry the load while the farmer just walked alongside. Now, see yourself walking with Jesus right by your side and He is carrying all the weight of your concerns.

It’s interesting that the writer goes right into being sober and vigilant.
You have to think right. Understand that there is an enemy that’s out to get you. Don’t walk in fear, go after him. He, the devil, fears you. Greater is He that is in you.

Now make up your mind this very moment that you’re not going to carry any more cares. When something comes up, there will be times of trial, give it to the Lord and say “I no longer care about this, I’ve given to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all that I could think, ask or imagine.”

Don’t give up, stand firm in your faith and you will see the blessing flow without measure in your life!     

by Pastor Eric

What is a partner? Why is it important for a ministry to have partners?

First let’s look at the definition.

A partner is…

1archaic: one that shares : partaker
2 a: one associated with another especially in an action : associate, colleague b: either of two persons who dance together c: one of two or more persons who play together in a game against an opposing side d: a person with whom one shares an intimate relationship : one member of a couple
3 a member of a partnership especially in a business; also: such membership
 
A person that is of like-faith can partner with another person or ministry to accomplish great things for the Kingdom of God. Jesus had partners, not only the disciples, but people who supported His ministry. Let’s look at Luke 8:2,3 – “And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.”  Ministered means “served.” Do you see that? There were people who supported His ministry by giving food, finances or whatever was needed. Jesus didn’t go around dirt-poor begging for anything. People that God had called to help Him in preaching the Gospel gave continuously. OK, not enough you say? That was Jesus. What about Paul? In his letter to the church of the Philippians chapter 4:15-19 he wrote…”15Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

You may not be called to go across the nation preaching and teaching and laying hands on the sick, but you can receive credit for the work we do. In the Amplified Bible, verse 17 says …”I do seek and am eager for the fruit which increases to your credit [the harvest of blessing that is accumulating to your account].” You have an account in heaven that builds up for you when you support this ministry.

Our prayer is that all who contribute to the spreading of the Gospel through this ministry be blessed and in good health. We pray for you daily.

We ask that you prayerfully consider being part of this ministry by praying for us and sowing in to The Gathering Place International on a regular basis.

May God prosper you and keep you in health even as your soul prospers and that your heavenly account be full at all times.

 The definition of partnership according to Webster’s Dictionary is…

1 the state of being a partner : participation
2 a: a legal relation existing between two or more persons contractually associated as joint principals in a business
b: the persons joined together in a partnership
3 a relationship resembling a legal partnership and usually involving close cooperation between parties having specified and joint rights and responsibilities

 

 

By Laura Menefee

I am writing this because this is on my heart, and has been for many years. I also speak from experience. You see, for explanation purposes only, I am profoundly deaf and considered “hard-of-hearing” with my hearing-aid. But just because I speak very well (which is a gift from God, praise God!), don’t make any assumptions that I “function” like a hearing person.

My husband and I are pastors and ministers of the Gospel, and according to the Word, Mark 16:15 – “And he said unto them, Go ye into ALL the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (emphasis mine), that is what we are doing.

I am writing from my own experience, and I know many other deaf friends and there are thousands more around the world. So, I am not shooting down deaf people but am speaking from my own experience.  The Bible says, Matthew 11:5 – “The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.”  There are many deaf people that are proud to be deaf. I do know that there are some advantages to not hearing things such as sleeping through the night during thunderstorms, or if you’re out in public, hearing people overhear other people’s conversations and oftentimes don’t want to hear it because of bad language, negative talk, gossiping/rumors, slandering, and more. So, there is a small advantage to being deaf. But… God created humans with ears to hear.  Why then would this be written in the Bible, that Jesus healed the deaf?  I do not claim myself as calling myself as a deaf person. I do not want it because I desire to function as a hearing person, using the telephone, listening to CDs, talking to my husband in the dark, understanding heavy-accented people, being able to communicate with those I minister to more easily instead of depending my husband to interpret in sign language. I am trusting the Lord for manifestation of new ears and complete hearing in Jesus’ name! Hallelujah!

As a minister of the Gospel, I too, need to hear the Word of God, hear preachers (those in right-standing with the Word of God), and receive whatever the Lord has for me through these Ministers, Pastors, Evangelists, and even teachers. Teachers who also teach computer classes, or college classes, or anything. How do I receive the Word or the lesson if I don’t or cannot understand them? 1 Corinthians 15:1 – “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;”  This Scripture brings me to the next Scripture which is: 2 Corinthians 4:3 – “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:”  Now, I see many, many ministries, colleges, large businesses, that sponsors/funds many things such as sports, cancer research, increasing a campus for colleges or businesses, malls, and more. I am focusing on ministries in this blog. I am very thankful that there are several churches that do provide ASL (American Sign Language) interpreters and have some words on the screen during worship time. And am thankful that closed-captioning is provided on TV and on a few DVDs (ministries only).

The Gospel needs to get out and reach deaf people, just like everyone else.  Mark 16:15 – “And he said unto them, Go ye into ALL the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”  It is fabulous that ministries and churches grow as long as it stays in right standing with the Lord and His Word. I ask that all the churches and ministries stop being cheap and spending funds on all the lights and “entertainment” of worship, large plays (not referring to Easter, Passover, or Christmas). When Jesus preached the Gospel, there were no lights or cameras anywhere. He even spoke to 5,000 people without a microphone! God is amazing! Churches and ministries have oftentimes overlooked, or chose to ignore the needs of deaf people by providing inadequate ASL interpreters, putting all the words on the screen during worship time, and/or even using live captioning during the preaching. I have had my share of interpreters for many years. And my conclusion is this... I am not interested if an ASL interpreter has 5 different certifications or not. I have had interpreters that were “highly qualified” according to paper, but absolutely terrible at interpreting and their attitudes, too, were absolutely horrendous. I’ve had certified interpreters that were absolutely marvelous, too! I also have had non-certified ASL interpreters that were phenomenal and their hearts were there to serve the Lord and bless deaf people. And, I’ve also had non-certified interpreters that were also horrendous in their skills and attitudes.

Our vision is to provide other ministries qualified ASL interpreters who are Christian. These interpreters I hire would be serving the Lord and getting the much-needed Word to the deaf people. Many people do not realize that only about 2% of deaf people have heard of the Gospel. If anyone (hearing people) can go to any church/ministry at their own choosing (really, they should follow where the Lord leads them to go), then deaf people should be able to do the same. Why should they be forced to a limited number of ministries/churches because of the lack of ASL interpreters? If the Lord leads them to a particular ministry/church, then that ministry/church needs to step up to the plate and do their best to provide a way for deaf people to receive salvation, deliverance, restoration, healing, and be constantly fed the Word of God as much as they want to. Now, I do understand that some ministries/churches are uneducated and don’t know how to do this. This is where I step in.  I would like to be the “go-to” person and help them get their much-needed qualified interpreters there. The same thing goes for conferences and meetings, ASL interpreters are needed there as well.

If you would like to partner with us and our vision, please go to our Sow a Seed page on this website and let’s get this ball rolling! God will bless you for sowing into GPI to get the Gospel out to all people.

I have found countless numbers of fears, or anxieties, phobias, in my studying this topic. There is a fear of flying, fear of meeting people, fear of open spaces, fear of closed spaces, and so on. Many of these are debilitating to those who suffer from them.

These may be on the extreme side of life, however most people have some fear in them. Fear is not from God nor is it good for you. Maybe you’ve heard it before, “a little fear is a good thing.” Not so.

What does the word of God say about fear?

Proverbs 29:25 – “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.”

1John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

Philippians 4:6,7 - Message Bible reads – “6Do not be over-anxious about anything, but by prayer and earnest pleading, together with thanksgiving, let your request be unreservedly made known in the presence of God. 7And then the peace of God, which transcends all our powers of thought, will be a garrison to guard your hearts and minds in union with Christ Jesus.”

When we put up with fear we negate our faith. Faith works by love and there is no fear in that. The fear of the Lord is not fear. It really means reverent worship and respect for God.

Fear is part of the curse that came when Adam gave in to satan. The first thing he said when God was questioning him was we were afraid.
Don’t allow the devil to get you into fear. You are more than a conqueror!