Genesis 3:1-10  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday, we will be starting a new series entitled "Here I Am," where we will look at all the times these powerful words are spoken by humans throughout Scripture. For this first week, we'll look at a time these words should have been spoken, but were not: when Adam and Eve hid in the garden.

Pause for Reflection:

Have you ever wondered what would have happened if Adam and Eve had chosen not to hide from God after they sinned? What if they had said, "Here we are, Lord. We have done wrong. Help us." Why do you think we run from God when we have done wrong? What do you think He wants to do and say in those moments?

Pray for our youth mission team as they minister today. Pray that they will bless and encourage one another and have incredible unity as a team.

Our Mission Team:
Cami, Gabriel, Mara, Larissa, Ian, Mark, Jan, Hannah, Joy, Jamie, Jackson, Janie, Melody, Banner, Kal-el, David, and Merci

Pray for the Dominican Republic. This short video gives you an overview of where to start in prayer.

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Genesis 2  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday, we will be starting a new series entitled "Here I Am," where we will look at all the times these powerful words are spoken by humans throughout Scripture. For this first week, we'll look at a time these words should have been spoken, but were not: when Adam and Eve hid in the garden.

Pause for Reflection:

Do you notice any added depth of understanding in this chapter to the desires of God for relating to mankind? How did He immediately set about to bless them? Jot a list of everything God had created for their enjoyment in Genesis 1-2.

Pray for our youth mission team's physical health today. Pray that they will each be protected from sickness and injury.

Our Mission Team:
Cami, Gabriel, Mara, Larissa, Ian, Mark, Jan, Hannah, Joy, Jamie, Jackson, Janie, Melody, Banner, Kal-el, David, and Merci

Pray for Students International to fulfill the call the Lord has given them. This is the ministry our team is serving this week. You can find out more about them at this link.

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Genesis 1  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday, we will be starting a new series entitled "Here I Am," where we will look at all the times these powerful words are spoken by humans throughout Scripture. For this first week, we'll look at a time these words should have been spoken, but were not: when Adam and Eve hid in the garden.

Pause for Reflection:

Have you thought much about why God created mankind? What inferences can you draw from this passage about His thought process and desires?

Pray for our youth mission team as they wake up this morning at their mission site in the Dominican Republic. Pray for all nerves to settle and for the peace of God to surround each one.

Our Mission Team:
Cami, Gabriel, Mara, Larissa, Ian, Mark, Jan, Hannah, Joy, Jamie, Jackson, Janie, Melody, Banner, Kal-el, David, and Merci

Pray for the Dominican Republic. This short video gives you an overview of where to start in prayer.

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Jonah 3:1-2  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday, we will be commissioning our Youth Mission Team as they leave for the Dominican Republic. This week's devotionals will focus on the importance of missions and how we can ALL be missionaries. They are taken from The YouVersion Bible Study entitled "Why Missions Matters," which you can find in its entirety here.

Pause for Reflection:

"Just Say the Word" By Lisa Supp

“Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, ‘Arise, go to Nineveh, the great city, and proclaim to it the proclamation which I am going to tell you.’”—Jonah 3:1–2 (NASB)

It took just eight words: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown” (Jonah 3:4 NASB). Although Jonah bereaved his calling, his reluctance was nonnegotiable. Once he conceded to God’s order, the bedraggled prophet journeyed into Nineveh to deliver God’s judgment upon the people. Then, all at once, “the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them” (Jonah 3:5 NASB).
 
Bedraggled indeed! Imagine what the people of Nineveh saw that day. A man with skin bleached white from his voyage inside a fish. Perhaps seaweed draped from his body as he stumbled throughout the city proclaiming God’s verdict upon their atrocities.

Jonah, who had once resisted God’s call to warn the Ninevites, now stood among his enemy as an extension of God’s lovingkindness. Jonah relented, and the people repented.
 
This bothered Jonah! The unbridled cruelty the Assyrians had inflicted on his countrymen justified their destruction. It was altogether unthinkable that God would show even a modicum of mercy. But Jonah knew God, and he knew what would happen.

Upon hearing Jonah’s warning, the king of Nineveh stood up from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat among the dust. Throughout the city, the king decreed that everything–human to beast–would fast. Like the king, they were to cover themselves with sackcloth, repent of their violence, and call vehemently upon God for mercy. Perhaps God would turn and relent from His burning anger so they wouldn’t perish (Jonah 3:6-9).

And God did turn.
 
The impact of Jonah’s appearance and the story he undoubtedly shared of his journey was certainly one avenue for their repentance. But ultimately, the word of God, His truth, and His desire was what prompted the Ninevites to act. This word from God was delivered in simplicity—no flowery dialogue or grandiose theology was required. Just eight words empowered by the Almighty God created the greatest revival in the history of mankind.

The Lord’s desire to call people to Himself hasn’t wavered. He doesn’t want anyone to perish but come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). That’s all people need to hear! Then God’s word accomplishes all it intends (Isaiah 55:11). The process begins when God stirs the hearts of the unsaved, and it finds its way through the voices of His people–ordinary people with truth on their lips. The Ninevites didn’t believe Jonah, they believed God. And God knew they would.

Jonah’s mission was incredible, yet his journey was physically and spiritually arduous. You might not feel led to go on an overseas mission trip, but what about reaching an isolated neighbor, a Muslim friend, or an unnerving cousin? The Church is commissioned first and foremost to go and tell.

You don’t have to go to the ends of the earth—just look around you. Who is God leading you to speak to with His truth?

Pray for the service today at Living Faith.

Pray for the faces God brings to your mind when you ask Him, "Who do I need to talk to about the gospel?"

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Isaiah 6:8  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday, we will be commissioning our Youth Mission Team as they leave for the Dominican Republic. This week's devotionals will focus on the importance of missions and how we can ALL be missionaries. They are taken from The YouVersion Bible Study entitled "Why Missions Matters," which you can find in its entirety here.

Pause for Reflection:

"A Child's Admiration" By Samantha Rodriguez

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”—Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)

In the past two days, we’ve talked about what God’s call to mission may look like and what God’s overall purpose for missions is. But before we talk about how we should respond to the mission, let me paint a picture for you.
 
A young boy of about eight years old watches his dad with awe and admiration build a custom-made table in their garage. His father loves his work, but he loves the boy even more. He catches a glimpse of his son watching in amazement with eyes wide and full of wonder. He puts down his tools, looks up curiously, and asks himself aloud, “I would love some help on this project, but I wonder who would want to help me? Who would want to do this even though it’s not always easy or fun?” The boy almost immediately jumps in front of his father and boldly responds, “I do! I can! I will!” From that moment forward, the father begins to instruct the boy on what steps to take and gives him more opportunities to take the lead.

Although the father did not need any help, and certainly not any help from a child, he loved his son so much that he invited him to take part in his work. He did it to teach his son because the process will require humility, submission, and patience. Yet he also did it to spend time with his son because the process will also result in a greater bond, trust, and devotion.
 
And the same is true for us!

In today’s passage, God allows Isaiah to witness His glorious throne room. Similar to the wonder of a child, yet perhaps more intense, Isaiah stands in awe of the Lord and cries out saying “Woe to me! . . . I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips . . . and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty” (Isaiah 6:5 NIV).
 
With this repentant heart, the Lord atones for his sin by commanding a seraphim to cleanse his mouth with a live coal. He does not leave Isaiah in his state of despair and hopelessness; rather, He redeems him. We see right after, though, that God also does not leave Isaiah distant or purposeless; rather, He graciously extends him the opportunity to take part in His plans for the same reasons the father gave his son the opportunity to work with him—to grow his character and to grow their relationship.

Regardless of the uncertainty or difficulty of the task, the awe, reverence, and love we have for our Lord should outweigh those factors and bring us to accept our mission with the same child-like, courageous faith!

Pray for your own heart to haved a "Here am I, send me" willingness.

Pray for the Body of Christ worldwide to be mission focused.

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Acts 13:47  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday, we will be commissioning our Youth Mission Team as they leave for the Dominican Republic. This week's devotionals will focus on the importance of missions and how we can ALL be missionaries. They are taken from The YouVersion Bible Study entitled "Why Missions Matters," which you can find in its entirety here.

Pause for Reflection:

"Light for All" By Samantha Rodriguez

“For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”—Acts 13:47 (NIV)

Think about the power and vastness of light for a second. Most can agree that the general purpose of light is to illuminate something thus making it visible to the human eye.
When we see light in the Bible, we see it used as an illuminator for our path (Psalm 119:105), an illuminator for our sins and flaws (Ephesians 5:13), and that it can only be found in God (1 John 1:5), Jesus (John 8:12), and their words of truth! However, as a result of God’s light shining within us and leading us, we can now also be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14) and live as children of light (Ephesians 5:8-9).

Within today’s Scripture, we find Paul and Barnabas preaching to the Jews and Gentiles in Pisidian Antioch. When the Jews reject and publicly contradict Paul and Barnabas’ teaching, they turn to the Gentiles and quote Isaiah 49:6 (NIV) saying, “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

Because God’s chosen people from the beginning have been the Jews, many still had a hard time believing their God could also have a relationship with any non-Jew. However, in the same way that light shines for all to see, the light of God in Jesus was always meant to shine for both the Jews and the Gentiles! This is what Paul and Barnabas were seeking to point out when the Jews rejected their message.

If we jump back to Isaiah 49 (NIV), we can read this verse in its entirety: “He says: ‘It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.’”
 
We do not serve a simple-minded God! Our God is an intelligent and intricate God, and He thus made His plan abundantly gracious and grand! Just like Jesus states in Matthew 5:15 that a light should not be put under a bowl but rather on a stand for everyone in the house to see, the light of Christ was always intended to shine for the whole world!

Praise be to God that not only can we all have the ability to see and follow the light, but we can now live in the light and shine it to those around us as we point them to the light!

Pray for missionaries to rise up within the family of Living Faith.

Pray for the Body of Christ worldwide to be mission focused.

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Acts 13:2-3  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday, we will be commissioning our Youth Mission Team as they leave for the Dominican Republic. This week's devotionals will focus on the importance of missions and how we can ALL be missionaries. They are taken from The YouVersion Bible Study entitled "Why Missions Matters," which you can find in its entirety here.

Pause for Reflection:

"Embracing Discomfort" By Samantha Rodriguez

“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”—Acts 13:2–3 (NIV)

Have you ever been in a situation where life seems to be going great, but God still calls you to another task? Sadly, it seems as if our culture assumes that someone who steps out of a position to pursue another must have had something go wrong. Although this can be the case at times, our focus on stories that follow such a narrative has caused us to falsely believe there must be some sort of issue or complication for us to make such a change. However, the commissioning of Saul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey depicted in today’s Scripture paints another picture!

The Greek word used to describe their “worshiping the Lord” in verse 2 is leitourgeō, which means to minister in the church. If we look into the context of this Scripture, we read that the church in Antioch, which is where they were currently ministering, was birthed out of the scattering that happened after Stephen’s persecution (Acts 11:19-20). As the church grew by the Lord’s hand under the leadership of various new believers, Barnabas heard about them in Jerusalem and decided to visit (Acts 11:21-22). When he “saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts” (Acts 11:23 NIV). He eventually left to find Saul and bring him to the church, which resulted in them spending a year there ministering (Acts 11:25-26).
 
Now let’s redirect ourselves to today’s passage. In the middle of serving at a prospering church, seeing the hand of God move in powerful ways, and worshiping the Lord in obedience and fellowship, the Holy Spirit urges the congregation to prepare Barnabas and Saul for another work. Although comfort is certainly a blessing God gives us, He gives it to us as we follow Him through the darkest valley (Psalms 23:4) and trust Him to be a merciful and constant “God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3 NIV). Therefore, our comfort does not come from our circumstances. It comes directly from the Lord!

When the Lord called Saul and Barnabas through the Holy Spirit to leave where they were and take on a new adventure, a new mission, a new path—all of which probably seemed uncomfortable and scary—they responded in obedience and reverence by praying and fasting before being sent off. I pray that our response to God’s various commands in life would be the same worshipful and obedient response as theirs because God will move us even when we feel good about where we are in order to grow our dependence on Him and test our faith.

Pray for our local missions arm, The Pantry. Pray that every dream God has for the Pantry will come to pass.

Pray for another world missions organization that you are aware of and support, by name and as specifically as you can. If you realize you don't know what their current prayer needs are, spend some time finding out today.

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Romans 10:14-15  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday, we will be commissioning our Youth Mission Team as they leave for the Dominican Republic. This week's devotionals will focus on the importance of missions and how we can ALL be missionaries. They are taken from The YouVersion Bible Study entitled "Why Missions Matters," which you can find in its entirety here.

Pause for Reflection:

"The Call for Us All" By Danny Saavedra

“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’”—Romans 10:14–15 (NLT)

Imagine this with me: An actress is filming a scene but she wasn’t given any lines at all. She just stands there in front of a green screen with no clue what the scene is, what her role is, or what she needs to say or do. When they start rolling, she is baffled and stands there like a deer in the headlights. The director yells cut and is upset by what just took place . . . but does he have any right to be? How can she know what to do or say if she wasn’t given a script or any context for what was taking place in the scene?
 
In today’s verse, the apostle Paul essentially questions the same thing as it pertains to faith. How can we expect people who aren’t told about the gospel to live out the gospel? How can we get so indignant at nonbelievers when their lifestyle doesn’t line up with the Christian way of life they know little to nothing about—and what some unfortunately see as a poor representation of living in Christ, as portrayed by the mainstream media and sometimes by Christians living as poor witnesses. How can we expect them to live according to the message of the cross when “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing” (1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV)? How can they be saved if believers don’t tell them about the good news of salvation?

My friends, if you are in Christ, if you are His disciple, you have been sent. It’s not just a call for some Christ-followers, it’s not just the job of a select group of believers or pastors . . . it’s everyone’s mission. Mark 16:15 (NIV) says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation,” while Matthew 28:19 (NIV) says, “go and make disciples of all nations.” This is for all of us.
 
You don’t need Bible college training to do this. Like the woman at the well who immediately went into her town to tell people about Jesus, you just need to tell people the good news that Jesus loves them, died for them, and can change their lives and hearts in ways they never thought possible. Like the blind man in John 9:25 (NIV), you don’t need to know everything, because he said, “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" 

The gospel of Jesus has the power to change every heart on its own. All you need to do is be the messenger who delivers this good news.

Pray for our church budget, which is currently being worked on for our new fiscal year, to reflect our heart for missions in a healthy way.

Pray for a world missions organization that you are aware of and support, by name and as specifically as you can. If you realize you don't know what their current prayer needs are, spend some time finding out today.

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I John 4:10  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday, we will be commissioning our Youth Mission Team as they leave for the Dominican Republic. This week's devotionals will focus on the importance of missions and how we can ALL be missionaries. They are taken from The YouVersion Bible Study entitled "Why Missions Matters," which you can find in its entirety here.

Pause for Reflection:

"Real Love" By Danny Saavedra

One of the most awe-inspiring aspects of God's nature is that He passionately and relentlessly pursues all people, each and every unique individual “from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). Each life is valued dearly by Him; so dearly that it cost Him His only Son to redeem the world.
 
1 John 4:10 (NLT) says, “This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” Romans 5:8 (NIV) proclaims, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 

Such love would clearly go any distance to reach the lost and the least—those who are suffering, hurting, and in need. And He has! He still does. And here is the amazing thing: He wants to include us in this amazing work to change lives and save people! He is inviting us to get in the story of salvation. Right now, today, He is calling us to arise and go the distance to reach our neighbor, our nation, and the ends of the earth with His great love.

Another compelling aspect of God’s nature is His profound compassion for “the least of these” . . .  those described in Matthew 25 as the hungry and thirsty, the stranger, the sick, the naked, and the prisoner.

All throughout Scripture, the Lord makes very clear His passion and priority for the poor, the orphan, the widow, the oppressed, the afflicted, the enslaved, and yes, even the refugee—whom He calls the “stranger.” His passion is so strong that it’s often revealed as righteous anger. God doesn’t take lightly the immense injustices in the world.
 
Whether hidden in a home in America, the brothels of India, the cocoa and fishing industries of Africa, or the tourist destinations of South and Central America, dark and deeply disturbing injustices occur every day, even to the youngest, most innocent children. In today’s world, there’s literally no nation without the presence of the least of these–and sadly the least are the ones who suffer the greatest.

Today’s world carries with it a darkness that shouldn’t sit well with a follower of Christ. Rather, it should produce an uneasiness that’s difficult to dismiss, a deep burden that drives us to act. We were redeemed to carry the light of the world to the least of the world and to live out the command the Lord gave Paul and Barnabas when He said, “I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth’” (Acts 13:47 NLT). This is not only a clear command from the Lord, but in Matthew 25:40 (NKJV) we also see it’s the way to Jesus’ heart. He Himself said, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”  What a beautifully tangible opportunity we have to love Jesus! When we love the least . . . we’re loving our Lord.
 
Lastly, before we dismiss them too quickly . . . consider that the least of these does not just refer to the poor, the widow, and the orphan . . . this term can also apply to the richest of men and women in the world if they don’t know Jesus. Despite their wealth,  too often, they are among the most lacking. Many carry within them a spiritual poverty and gnawing thirst for something more, something that no amount of money can alleviate or satisfy. They, too, are in great need of a Savior.

And what about the unreached people groups of the world? Those who’ve never heard the name of Jesus Christ and why He came for us? Over 65,000 people groups are considered unreached today. That adds up to a minimum of two billion individuals who still haven’t been reached with the gospel. We have an amazing opportunity in front of us; we have been given the resources and platform to change lives and bring the hope of Jesus to people around the world like never before!

The mission of making Christ, our Savior, Deliverer, and Redeemer, known to the world isn’t finished. The lost and the least live and die apart from any knowledge of Him . . . unless someone tells them. You can be that someone! You can get in the story and carry His mission to the ends of the earth. You can pray, give, go, and speak. He’s empowered us with the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8), and rest assured . . . all of Heaven is on our side!

Pray for our missionaries to the Middle East, the Richardson family.

Pray for The Sons of Abraham, a mission focused organization we have supported that ministers in Israel.

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Matthew 28:19-20  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday, we will be commissioning our Youth Mission Team as they leave for the Dominican Republic. This week's devotionals will focus on the importance of missions and how we can ALL be missionaries. They are taken from The YouVersion Bible Study entitled "Why Missions Matters," which you can find in its entirety here.

Pause for Reflection:

"The Great Commission Is Not a Suggestion" By Lysa McMillan

Many of us assume that missions and missionary work is for "someone else." That type of work is for the super spiritual, or the experienced traveler with a well-used passport, or the multilingual speaker with a natural talent for picking up new languages. We might even assume it’s for those adventurous people who don’t mind living in the most primitive of conditions. But not so . . .

Though courage is needed, missionary life doesn’t always require an address change. Instead, what it really requires is a change of our perspective, priorities, and passion. It requires an available spirit, one that is open to the leading of the Holy Spirit . . . a spirit that says, “I will go.”

But God is seeking ordinary people with missional mindsets . . . people willing to go!
When we see our lives though the eyes of God’s kingdom mission and gain His heart for the world, we live differently, we give differently, and we love differently.

God is seeking ordinary people with missional mindsets; people willing to go. Now, here’s the thing: “Go” might look different for all of us. For you, it may involve boarding a plane or praying for the work God is doing in a certain country or through a missionary. Maybe you’re compelled to give financially or speak up about the gospel of Jesus Christ with a neighbor, coworker, stranger, or a man, woman, or child from a foreign country. Whatever it may be, each of us are called to be part of God’s redemptive work here and beyond our own borders.

 For this time in history, in this moment, our Lord has chosen us to be His messengers here in our nation and to the ends of the earth! Nothing in life will ever outweigh the importance of advancing God’s kingdom. Our human, earthbound pursuits will always fall short. But if we will arise—if we will take a step of faith and GO—imagine what our great God will do!  

Pray for the upcoming mission trip participants as they continue to prepare their hearts for what's ahead and take care of last minute logistics.

Pray for the churches in Elkhart County to have a heart for missions, both global and local.

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Ephesians 6:10-20  | Read in NIV YouVersion

Today's message will focus on putting on the armor of God to be ready for battling whatever the enemy sends your way.

Pause for Reflection:
Which piece of armor have you most identified as needing to focus on right now? Is it the same one you were drawn to on Monday? Make sure you are listening to the Lord and how He is directing you to prepare for victory in that area. You don't have to move on to another passage if He needs you to remain here for a bit and continue working to more fully put on the armor of God in your daily life.

If you have not studied the armor of God before, this article is a great place to start in order to look at the significance of each piece.

Pray for today's service at Living Faith.

Pray for unity in the Body of Christ in the area.

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Ephesians 6:18-20  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will focus on putting on the armor of God to be ready for battling whatever the enemy sends your way.

Pause for Reflection:
Reflect on this last piece of armor by studying these Scriptures.

Praying in the Spirit

• Romans 8:26-27- "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God".
• 1 Corinthians 14:15- "So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding."
• Jude 1:20- "But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit..."

If you have not studied the armor of God before, this article is a great place to start in order to look at the significance of each piece.

Pray for marriages at Living Faith to be healthy and full of the wisdom of God.

Pray for strong families in Elkhart County.

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Ephesians 6:17  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will focus on putting on the armor of God to be ready for battling whatever the enemy sends your way.

Pause for Reflection:
Reflect on these pieces of armor by studying these Scriptures for each.

Helmet of Salvation

• I Thessalonians 5:8- "But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet."
• Romans 12:2-"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
• Romans 1:16- "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God to salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

Sword of the Spirit

• Matthew 4:4-"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God."
• Psalm 119:11- "Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
• 2 Timothy 3:16- "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness..."
• Hebrews 4:12- "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
• 1 Peter 1:23- "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and stays for ever."
• Isaiah 40:8- "The grass wither, the flower fades: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."
• Psalm 119:105- "Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path."
• John 17:17- "Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth."
  
  

If you have not studied the armor of God before, this article is a great place to start in order to look at the significance of each piece.

Pray for Living Faith Community Groups. Pray that new people at Living Faith will find a group to grow in when they launch in the fall.

Pray for Church Community Services.

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Ephesians 6:15-16  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will focus on putting on the armor of God to be ready for battling whatever the enemy sends your way.

Pause for Reflection:
Reflect on these pieces of armor by studying these Scriptures for each.

Feet Fitted with the Gospel of Peace 

• Romans 10:15- "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace!"
• Isaiah 52:7- "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace..."

Shield of Faith

• Psalm 18:30- "This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all who take refuge in him."
• Proverbs 30:5- "Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him."
• Psalm 3:3- "But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head."
• Genesis 15:1- "After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”"
• 1 John 5:4: "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith."

If you have not studied the armor of God before, this article is a great place to start in order to look at the significance of each piece.

Pray for the physical health of Living Faith church members. Pray for specific people as the Lord brings them to mind.

Pray for the Elkhart County Jail Ministry.

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Ephesians 6:14  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will focus on putting on the armor of God to be ready for battling whatever the enemy sends your way.

Pause for Reflection:

Reflect on these pieces of armor by studying these Scriptures for each.

Belt of Truth

• 1 Kings 2:4- "If your sons pay close attention to how they live, walking before me faithfully with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel."
• Psalm 25:5- "Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and in you I hope all day long."
• Psalm 86:11- "Teach me your way, Lord, that I may walk in your truth. Give me an undivided heart to revere your name."
• Psalm 119:30- "I have chosen the way of truth; I have set your laws before me."
  
• Proverbs 23:23- "Buy the truth and do not sell it—wisdom, instruction, and insight as well." 
• 3 John 1:4- "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

Breastplate of Righteousness

• Isaiah 59:17- "He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak." 
• 1 Thessalonians 5:8- "But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet."
• 2 Corinthians 5:21- "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 

If you have not studied the armor of God before, this article is a great place to start in order to look at the significance of each piece.

Pray for the Living Faith Pantry.

Pray for area food banks.

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Ephesians 6:10-13  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will focus on putting on the armor of God to be ready for battling whatever the enemy sends your way.

Pause for Reflection:
Read these verses again in the Message translation. It's bluntness may be a little refreshing...

"And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no weekend war that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet."

How does this language intensify the desire in you to be clothed with God's armor? Are there specific areas of spiritual warfare you are experiencing right now? It is better to be aware of it than not. Spend a moment journaling anything you feel you are facing that will require the armor (protection) of God and the breakthroughs that only He can bring.

If you have not studied the armor of God before, this article is a great place to start in order to look at the significance of each piece.

Pray for the upcoming youth mission trip to the Dominican Republic. They leave in just under two weeks, so pray for all the last minute details to come together and for everyone to stay healthy.

Pray for the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

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Ephesians 6:10-20  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will focus on putting on the armor of God to be ready for battling whatever the enemy sends your way.

Pause for Reflection:
Which verse(s) sticks out to you the most as you read through this passage? Is there a piece of armor you are immediately drawn to?

If you have not studied the armor of God before, this article is a great place to start in order to look at the significance of each piece.

Pray for the finances of Living Faith. 

Pray for local economies to be strong and for their to be good jobs in our area.

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Ephesians 5:21-6:9 | Read in NIV YouVersion

Today's message will focus on the power of self-giving love.

Pause for Reflection:
What verses have stuck with you most this week as you reflected on this passage? Is there anything you need to revisit and do more reflecting on?

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Living Faith Women's Ministry Podcast has launched! You can find out more and take a listen to Episode 1 here.

Pray for today's service at Living Faith. Pray that the Lord's presence will be tangible in our midst today.

Pray for area pastors. Pray for them to be encouraged to continue running their race.

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Ephesians 6:5-9 | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will focus on the power of self-giving love.

Pause for Reflection:
How do you interpret and apply Paul's instructions for slaves and masters in today's context?

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Living Faith Women's Ministry Podcast has launched! You can find out more and take a listen to Episode 1 here.

Pray for the Living Faith Pantry Team.

Today, on our nation's 250th birthday, pray for spiritual revival to sweep across America. Pray that hearts hungry for meaning and purpose will find rest and satisfaction in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

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Ephesians 6:3-4 | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will focus on the power of self-giving love.

Pause for Reflection:
How can Paul's instructions to children and parents in verses 1-4 apply to your current family relationships?

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Living Faith Women's Ministry Podcast has launched! You can find out more and take a listen to Episode 1 here.

Pray for the Living Faith Welcome Ministry Team.

Pray for our Woodland Crossing Area Businesses. Specifically pray that the Lord would bring in businesses that will be a blessing to our community in the vacant buildings across from us.

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Ephesians 6:1-2 | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will focus on the power of self-giving love.

Pause for Reflection:
How can you honor your parents today?

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Living Faith Women's Ministry Podcast has launched! You can find out more and take a listen to Episode 1 here.

Pray for the Living Faith Worship Ministry Team.

Pray for local foster care services and providers. Specically pray for Care Portal, a ministry we partner with that helps kinship foster providers prepare for receiving children in an emergency.

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Ephesians 5:21-33 | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will focus on the power of self-giving love.

Pause for Reflection:
Paul relates this passage to a marriage relationship, but also to our relationship with Jesus as His bride. Have you considered the ways Jesus has cared for the church as He cared for Himself? Spend some time listing the ways Jesus has been a tender bridegroom for His church throughout the years since He established her. Thank Him for this kind of care.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Today is the day the Living Faith Women's Ministry Podcast launches! You can find out more and take a listen to Episode 1 here.

Pray for the Living Faith Youth Ministry Team.

Pray for Lifeline Youth Ministries. Specifcally pray for their summer interns to live and minister in unity with one another and to be a blessing to the teens they serve.

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Ephesians 5:21  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will focus on the power of self-giving love.

Pause for Reflection:
The Greek word for "submit" (hypotass) implies a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, and carrying a burden. It is not about coercion, but about a willing choice to serve others. Spend some time before the Lord and see if He would like to point out any relationship where He would like you to bend your heart toward serving in a Christ-like way.

Pray for the Living Faith Children's Ministry Team.

Pray for local school boards.

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Ephesians 5:21-6:9  | Read in NIV YouVersion

This Sunday's message will focus on the power of self-giving love.

Pause for Reflection:
Which verse(s) sticks out to you the most as you read through this passage? Put to practice what was explored last week and try writing a song to help you remember it!  (As a reminder, this article might help you get started if you're up to trying something new!)

Pray for the Living Faith Elder Board. Pray for our newest member, Jaime Hill, as he begins working with the Elder Board.

Pray for local government officials.

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Ephesians 4:25-5:20  | Read in NIV YouVersion

Today's message will focus on life in the Spirit.

Pause for Reflection:
What verses have stuck with you most this week as you reflected on this passage? Is there anything you need to revisit and do more reflecting on?

Pray for today's service at Living Faith. Pray that the Lord will have His way in every aspect of the service.

Pray for area churches to experience the presence of God in their services today.

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