August 23rd, 2023

…take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish 

all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  

- Ephesians 6:16 - 

Fiery arrows were one of the primary weapons of choice for armies because they were a double threat. The arrows were dipped in pitch, lit on fire, and catapulted toward the enemy soldier. If the arrow missed, it would catch aflame the dry grasses around the enemy providing another danger - distracting smoke. If the arrow struck the unlucky warrior it would impale him. If that were not enough, the flames would burn the soldier alive. Yikes!  

The apostle says Satan (the evil one) is launching darts at YOU. In moments of difficulty, in moments of trial, when our hearts are shaken, Satan reaches over his shoulder, into his quiver, lights the arrow on fire, and fires at you. In moments of grief, Satan wants you to fear. In moments of difficulty, Satan wants you to abandon your faith and reject God for something else. You can hear them whiz through the air and feel the heat as they approach…. 

Arrow #1, “Does God actually care about me?” 

Arrow #2, “Why would God allow something so awful to happen?”  

Arrow #3 “Does God really forgive me?”  

Satan fires arrows of doubt when you are not expecting them and that is when they are most dangerous. What should you do? 

Armor Up! God gives you the shield of faith! This is not your shield of great faith, this is the shield of faith given to you! This shield is the best quality, the best material, the strongest of them all. When Abram doubted, the Lord’s word came to him in Genesis 15:1, 

“Fear not Abram, I am your shield, your reward shall be very great.”  

The object of our faith is the Lord himself! He defends you, he protects you, and he douses those flaming arrows of Satan with blood- not yours, but his. 

Go ahead Satan, fire away! We are standing secure and firm in the Gospel of Peace, holding shields of faith in Jesus Christ our Lord, in Him, we are fully protected.  

See you Sunday as we continue our series The Armor of God.   

I can’t wait!

The Calendar at a Glance 

• August 21st, Service for Castle Peak residents @ 10 am

• August 27th, Sunday Services, Connect Groups Meet, Movin' Up Sunday for Kids' Church & Kids'/Youth Connect Hour

• August 28th, Power of the Purse purse cleaning at Grace Fellowship @ 6 pm to 8 pm (see details below)

Connect Hour Groups for all ages

will meet this Sunday, August 27th!

Fellowship 10:00–10:15

Connect Hour Bible Study Groups 10:15–10:45

Fellowship 10:45–11:00

See you then!

Season 2 of The Chosen meets TONIGHT,

August 23rd, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.

Come watch and discuss Episode 4 with us!

Backpacks & Blessings Recap!

Service Project Opportunity!

When: Monday, August 28th, 6pm - 8pm

Where: Grace Fellowship

What: Come help Corazon de Esperanza

clean and prepare donated purses for the

Power of the Purse event. Donate your new and gently used purses in the lobby.

Sunday Services

August 27th, 2023

9:00 or 11:00

-or-

ONLINE

KIDS' CHURCH at 9:00 am service

(Ages 3 through 5th grade)

Kids' Church follows the kid's sermon. They will further explore the day's sermon theme with their group. We can’t wait to see them!

NURSERY

Nursery for Newborns – 2 year olds.

Nursery is open during our 9:00 am service and during Connect Hour from 10:15-10:45!

Join us on Facebook this Sunday morning at approximately 9:15 AM, or view the recording anytime on Facebook, Vimeo or YouTube.

Click the image below to connect.

LORD JESUS, HEAL OUR LAND, OUR BODIES, AND OUR HEARTS.

Please pray for. . .

• Erich Petersen, former EVHS student and Gypsum resident who was in a serious accident last week. Praise God that he was moved from the ICU to the neurology floor and has made progress, but he still has a long road to recovery. Praise God for answered prayers! Continue to lift their family up during this time.

• Ian Skluzacek, who will be having shoulder surgery soon. Pray for talented doctors, a successful surgery, and full recovery.

• The Arguello family: Larry, Rita, and Julie who are all battling different medical issues. Pray that Larry can receive his knee surgery very soon to relieve his pain and get him back to an active life that he loves, for Rita to continue to heal well from her surgery and that her eye will heal as well preventing another surgery, and for Julie's cancer journey that she is in the midst of. Pray for restoration of her body back to full health.

• Praise for Susan Lucas, whose hearing in her left ear has been restored!

• The people of Maui, their families and friends, after the loss and devastation of life and property from the wildfire. We ask for provision, comfort, and strength as the community moves forward to rebuild their lives.

• 8-Year-Old Oliver, who is still dealing with medical issues. Pray for healing.

• Kipp Hamberger, who is still recovering from surgery.

• Debra Ketterling and family, as they have been facing some health challenges lately. The Lord is the ultimate healer and provider. Pray for peace, healing, strength, and comfort during this challenging time.

• Our military members and their families. For those that are deployed, please give them courage, hope, and strength and be their power and protector during their mission. God, continue to watch over all military families and bless them for their service.

• Hope in Jesus to rise within our valley and our world for the many hurting people out there. Help us to continue to shine the Light in the darkness, share the Good News with others, and minister to those around us.



• Carol Proffitt, who has been sick and is still homebound, and for those who are caring for her. Pray for continued care and provision during this difficult time.

• everyone in our congregation and their families who are dealing with the pains and trials of cancer and other illnesses including Todd Purse; Connie Kerr; Keith; Chris; Sharon Hlavinka; Rance Ketterling; Darlee, Amanda; Jerry Wiisanen; Rosemarie; April; Suzanne, Mary's sister-in-law; Bonnie Lamotta; Mark Von Soosten, Aaron, Ryan, John Kirchner, Oliver, Sue Carver,

GOD'S WILL BE DONE