2025 will come alive! This is our championship year! Watching our favorite team in any sport has always been exciting – especially when they're winning. But there wouldn't be much to watch if most of the players just sat on the sidelines, refusing to participate because they were afraid of getting hurt or just didn’t feel like playing. And the team definitely wouldn't make it to the championship game without enough people on the field. It takes all of the players being involved, coming together with their talents and strengths, to have a championship season. We're coming to the end of our first quarter in this 2025 championship year. So, are you in the game or sitting on the sidelines? Matthew 28:19-20 TPT says, “Now wherever you go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And teach them to faithfully follow all that I have commanded you. And never forget that I am with you every day, even to the completion of this age.” Now, we’ve heard people say, “That’s not what I’m called to do,” or “I can just help support others and their calling while I stay behind the scenes.” But God wants EVERYONE to get in the game! He didn’t say to use only the best players in the church while the rest just cheer them on from the sidelines. He said, “wherever YOU go,” – He’s not only speaking to each of us individually in this scripture, but He’s directing the entire church to be the team He wants on the field. EMIC Outreach has many opportunities for you to use the gifts and talents He has given you. And we’re launching into our championship year with a chance for you to get in the game and help us fulfill this great commission!

I took some time recently to look up information about the homeless population in the United States. The most current statistics show that there are close to 600,000 people experiencing this situation due to these four factors: lack of affordable housing, low wages, unemployment, or poverty. Since our world and economy has seen so many changes in the last few years, reading that over half a million people lived this way was not a shock. Sadly, it’s become a regular thing for us to see people on the streets in downtown areas or tent cities popping up randomly. But because of my lack of reaction to the statistics, I had to ask myself a difficult question – have I become immune to seeing the needs of the homeless and asking the Lord how I should help? The best help we can ever give is to share God’s greatest gift with them – Jesus! He is the one true source that will help them out of any situation. But then what? Leviticus 25:35 (NIV) says, “If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them as you would a foreigner or a stranger, so they can continue to live among you.” We know that “help” can come in so many different forms – physical, financial, spiritual, etc. This doesn’t necessarily mean that we are called to find homes for everyone and feed them – although we don’t discount that “we can do all things through Christ Jesus.” But it does mean that we shouldn’t ignore, turn away, dismiss, or feel sorry for anyone that is in a homeless situation. In fact, Proverbs states very clearly how we are supposed to respond to those in need. Proverbs 19:17 (AMP) “He who is gracious and lends a hand to the poor lends to the Lord, and the Lord will repay him for his good deed.” Proverbs 28:27 (VOICE) “Whoever gives to the poor will have what he needs, but the one who shuts his eyes to their plight will face curse after curse.” I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve had to repent for acting like I don’t see the person on the side of the road asking for money or food, but we are called to have compassion for those in need. God never meant for any of His people to be homeless. We should be asking the Lord what our role is in each situation we come across. Sometimes it may be to bring them a meal – other times we may be called just to pray for them. But if we don’t take the time to become more aware of the homeless community, we will be missing a unique opportunity to be obedient and bless others. EMIC Outreach partners with Deep Love Ministries every month to minister to the homeless community in Fort Worth. If you would like to join us, click on emic.org/opportunities for more information.

Here in Texas, we seem to have a never-ending flow of weird weather patterns. One day it’s 80 degrees outside and the next day it could be below freezing. Most of the time, we can prepare for the weather based on the patterns and predictions. But when an unexpected storm comes, are we really ready? In Mark 4:35-41 NLT, we see the disciples in a boat attempting to cross the lake when a “fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.” And Jesus is sound asleep on a pillow while all of this is happening. Now, why isn’t their first reaction to use their faith in the situation? They had been in faith boot camp learning all about what to do in these types of situations. Their lessons were coming straight from the Master. Maybe they had a lack of confidence? They were still learning how to use faith in their own lives and how God could use them. Jesus obviously trusted that God was working with them because He was asleep! But at least they did the next best thing. The disciples called out to Jesus, who is able to calm each and every storm no matter how big or how strong. There are so many questions that could come out of this passage of scripture: What could the disciples have done differently? Why would they accuse Jesus of not caring about what’s happening? Did they have more faith in the earthly things around them (boat, waves, etc.) than they had in God? After everything they had witnessed by following Jesus, why was fear able to come in so quickly? Could they have been more prepared before they left the shore? No matter what the disciples could have done or should have done, the fact remains that the storm still came. And when the storms come, we have to decide whether to react (like the disciples did) or respond by using the faith we know we’ve been given. Here at EMIC/KCM, we faithfully pray Psalm 91 protection over our congregation, eMembers, and Partners. And we’ve received miraculous testimonies of how Jesus got them through the storm while protecting their family and property. But at the time when a Partner is in need after a major storm, God has our Relief Team ready to respond to that call.

Hebrews 13:1-3 TPT “No matter what, make room in your heart to love every believer. And show hospitality to strangers, for they may be angels from God showing up as your guests. Identify with those who are in prison as though you were there suffering with them, and those who are mistreated as if you could feel their pain.” When the period of shelter in place began in 2020 during the COVID pandemic, families and businesses were not the only things affected; it completely shut the doors to onsite prison ministry. Only recently have some prisons allowed group services to be held in person. But they are still not open to individual ministry inside the units. It’s been 3 years now since we’ve been able to take a group of volunteers inside to share Jesus with these inmates. There are currently more than 2 million incarcerated here in the United States. This is one of the largest groups of unchurched people and we’ve been unable to reach them in person for so long now. But the Lord is still working in the prisons!

Having fellowship with other believers is a blessing that has been given to the body of Christ. Maintaining healthy, Christ-centered relationships is a crucial part of keeping our mind, will, and emotions centered on God. It can be difficult to look at things happening in the world right now and not be discouraged. Many people lost loved ones due to a global pandemic and some are still walking through long term effects associated with the virus. We hear about political turmoil that started with unfair election practices. We’re seeing the financial increases because of distribution issues which began with the pandemic shutting down businesses…the vicious cycle could just keep going and going. Just the thought of everything changing around us can cause anxiety, depression, frustration, anger; not to mention the physical needs that may have become heavier – rent/housing costs, fuel prices, lack of items on the grocery shelves. It can become very overwhelming. You may relate to some of these issues listed and it can begin to feel like you’re the only one that feels this way. Please be assured that you are never alone. As believers, we always have God with us when we’re walking through the valleys. ( Psalm 23:4 ) But He went further than that to help us. He made sure that man was not alone from the very beginning of creation. ( Genesis 2:18 ) Fellowship with God is a key factor in any believer’s life. It’s necessary to spend time with Him in order to build relationship, but He also speaks to us about fellowship with each other. Fellowship allows us to connect with each other through our connection with the Lord. Not only will our personal relationships grow, but our spiritual relationship with Heavenly Father will also grow as we sharpen each other with the Word and worship. ( Proverbs 27:17 ; Hebrews 10:24-25 ) If you’re feeling alone in your struggle, we want to encourage you to attend our Overcomers group on Fridays at 7:00pm in the Chapel. The Lord will bring you together with other believers that will help you focus on Jesus and get a better understanding of who you are in Christ. Here are some testimonies of victory that have come from this group: “I’ve found a new level of trust in ABBA’s love for me.” “Overcomers is a safe group of like-minded believers. It’s given me more spiritual tools so I can let go of hinderances and fight the enemy at his onset.” “Overcomers has been a blessing to me. I’ve come to new levels in trusting God. This group has been an overwhelming answer to prayer!” “This group is definitely Spirit led – it’s the real deal. I look forward to coming because I know I will hear from the Lord and experience His presence.” “Glory to God for the leaders’ faithful anointing in Overcomers! I’m learning to grow and overcome. I have received deliverance and freedom from anxiety and fear. I now have peace and feel safe to enter into praise, worship, and prayer with Father God.” “This weekly class will equip you to be victorious in life. It teaches how God works in and through us as seasons begin and change happens. It prepares us to be able to stand.”

When we talk about serving in the church, we usually refer to Jesus telling His disciples that He came to be a servant, not to be served Himself. ( Matthew 20:24-28 ) His life was all about serving others through His teachings and His healing ministry. He also led by example as He washed the disciples’ feet the night before His arrest. ( John 13:12-17 ) If our goal is to become more like Jesus every day, then we are called to be servants in the church. We should never have any difficulty finding volunteers then, right?? Why doesn’t everyone in the church jump in and help when there’s a need? Holy Spirit revealed a couple of things to me when I asked this question. It really doesn’t come down to whether we should or shouldn’t be serving. The real question is this: Do you want to serve? Doing something you think you’re supposed to do is very different from doing something that you want to do. It becomes a matter of what’s in your heart. Real service is an act of love – love for God, love for people, love for your church family. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 tells us that love should be the foundation for everything we do. If we don’t include love in our actions, serving means nothing. People can also see volunteering as “work” or just another thing that gets added to their To Do List. Webster’s 1828 definition of the word serve is “to act as a minister of.” We all become ministers of the Gospel when we choose to serve in love. If we learn to see volunteering as ministry and not just work, would we be able to say no if we’re being asked to serve? None of us are called to do everything – we all need to ask Holy Spirit what our assignment is. But there is a place for everyone to be involved in ministry. Click HERE to see the opportunities available to you at EMIC!

Over the last few weeks, we’ve heard several teachings referencing fire throughout scripture. There are two things that the Lord consistently asked me to pay attention to as I listened: the Holy Spirit fire within us and God Himself being described as fire. John the Baptist spoke of believers being baptized in the Holy Spirit and fire when Jesus arrives. ( Matthew 3:1-12 ) Verse 10 in this text also references the fire that consumes the trees chopped down by God’s judgment. It shows that fire can be different things at different times. As I meditated on this, God began to reveal Himself further. Holy Spirit Fire Holy Spirit fire is God’s gift to us! After Jesus was crucified and about to be taken up to heaven, He told the disciples that those who believed and were baptized would receive the Holy Spirit and everything that accompanied it – miraculous signs, speaking in tongues, and laying on of hands. ( Mark 16:16-18 ) Later on, we see this promise fulfilled in Acts 2:2-3 . One definition from Webster’s Dictionary 1828 describes fire as “heat and light emanating visibly, perceptibly and simultaneously from any body.” Now, if we are filled with the Holy Spirit, shouldn’t others be able to see that fire when they look at us? Jesus not only told us we could have it; He then told us to go out and share it with others ( Matthew 28:19 ). But how can they see our Holy Spirit fire if we don’t keep it maintained? Just like any other fire source, our spirit requires fuel. We add to our fire by being consistent in prayer, worship, and studying the Word. And when you add fuel to a fire, it can grow into something that can no longer be contained! God’s Fire God’s fire is also a gift to us – just in a different way. This fire is meant to shake things up and “clean house.” It serves as a warning to those who have not chosen Him as the Lord of their life. ( Hebrews 12:27-29 ) Praise God that we have all been given the opportunity to step into an unshakeable kingdom by receiving Jesus! ( John 3:16 ) We also see where God’s fire provides us with protection or guidance. ( Exodus 13:21 , Zechariah 2:5 ) Most notably, God will use fire to refine His people ( Zechariah 13:9 ). God’s fire can shine a light on things we need to change while at the same time using that fire to devour what we don’t need to hold on to. It’s time for us to take a closer look at our fire within. How big is your flame? Can it be seen by others? Are you ready when the Lord is asking you to minister to someone? If your fire is about to go out, what can you do to build it into an uncontainable blaze? It’s time for us to walk through God’s refining fire. What do we need to let go of that’s not honoring to God? Are you willing to ask Him to shine a light on the things that need to change?

June 14th is known as Flag Day in the United States. When we look at our flag, we should be reminded of the freedoms we have as citizens of this country – freedom to worship God, freedom to assemble, freedom of speech, freedom to vote… The most common knowledge about the U.S. flag is that the stars represent the 50 states of our country, and the 13 stripes represent the original colonies that founded it. But over the years, there have been different interpretations of what the colors mean. Words to describe the red stripes have been hardiness, valor, courage, and sacrifice. The white stripes are meant to represent purity, innocence, and high ideals. The blue is said to symbolize vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Each one of these words should remind us of the sacrifice and determination it took for this country to remain free. One interpretation that caught my attention was that the red stripes symbolize the blood of the patriots who fought to protect this country and our rights. Veterans have always held a special place in my heart. I’ve had multiple family members in the service, including my own father, and it humbles me to think of the sacrifices they were willing to make for my future. These men and women chose to enlist, endure, and engage in situations most of us will never see or be involved in. So, what can we do for them? Scripture tells us in John 15:13 (AMP) , “No one has greater love (nor stronger commitment) than to lay down his own life for his friends.” Veterans have shown how much they love this country that we know is “one nation, under God.” Some gave the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives. But so many others came home with physical disabilities, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and have struggled to keep their homes and their families. Romans 12:9-13 (NIV) speaks to us about Love in Action – specifically to honor others above ourselves, share with those who are in need, and practice hospitality. This is how we should be serving our Veterans and EMIC Outreach has a way for you to get involved! We are partnered with Veterans United for Christ (VUFC) to help reach out to the homeless Veteran community. This team of volunteers goes out in the Fort Worth area to minister and show honor to the Veterans in need of some extra help. Along with prayer and sharing the Word, VUFC supplies essentials such as toiletries, blankets, hats, and gloves. And in the background, they are diligently working to help get these Veterans off the street and connected with resources that help provide housing along with faith-based counseling and rehabilitation. Our Homeless Veterans Group has seen God work! So far in 2022, there have been multiple miracles/healings, and we have seen 65 Veterans be taken off the street and placed into new housing. Glory to God! This group meets twice a month on Saturdays for training and street ministry. For more information, click here . Help serve those that have sacrificed for our freedom.

The spiritual battles we face today are very real and very powerful. Satan doesn’t just try to attack us physically, but also mentally and emotionally. Wouldn’t it be great to see the devil be taken out with a rocket launcher or run over by a tank? But it’s impossible for us to fight against him using human weaponry. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NASB) says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage battle according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” So, what are these spiritual weapons of warfare? The weapon we should be using most is the Word of God. Ephesians 6 calls it our Sword of the Spirit. Out of everything listed in this chapter, it’s the only offensive weapon. While the other pieces of armor are meant to protect us, the Word is what we’re meant to fight with. Knowing the truth of God’s Word and what He says about His children is essential to standing up against the flaming arrows that attack us daily. Although the Word is more than enough to defeat the enemy, there are other things we can do that will make us stronger for the battle. Prayer is our way of communicating with the Father. It’s impossible to have relationship with someone without spending time with them. The more we learn about our Savior, the stronger our foundation for warfare becomes. Worship helps us recognize and glorify God for who He is and the things He’s done for us. It’s such a powerful weapon that it can change the entire atmosphere immediately. We can go from chaos to peace in an instant. Love is the greatest commandment in the Bible. ( Matthew 22:37-40 ) First, we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. But then it says we should also love our neighbor as ourselves. One of the best ways to care for someone is to share the love of Jesus with them. We are all called to spread the good news of the Gospel message with others. And what better way to defeat the devil than by making sure Jesus is known throughout the world! There are two specific outreach opportunities this weekend that will help you stand stronger during the fight. Please join us as we stand together to defeat the enemy! Evangelism Event with Christ for All Nations – June 9th & 10th The teachings and training during this 2-day event will be sure to inspire REVIVAL in the church and in the hearts of God’s people. For more information, click this link: Dallas Harvest Weekend Overcomers Worship Night – June 10th This will be a special time of worship during our regular Overcomers group time. Come break free from every weight and bondage while we glorify God and the wonderful things He does in our lives! Click here for more information: Overcomers Worship Night