Berea Update for July 18, 2025
Welcome to this week's Berea update! Next week, I will be on vacation, so there will be no blog update, but I've tried to include events in this post for the next couple of weeks so you have all the information you need!
Throughout this past week, I've been pondering the strength that we have in Christ to fight the battles that come before us in life. Battles look different to each of us--for some it's temptation into sin, for others, it's the loss of a friend or family member, and for others, it's just that our bodies start falling apart! The reality is, it's not a matter of "if" there's a storm, it's just a matter of "when." One thing that I don't think we take seriously enough though as believers is spiritual warfare. The reality is that Satan wants to destroy. He is lurking around, and will use whatever means he has available to him. This week, as you read through the devotions below, meditate through Ephesians 6:10-20. The reality is, God has given us all the tools we need to fight off Satan's attacks! Stand firm in the Lord and His mighty Word!
Upcoming Events
1. This Sunday Pastor Miller will be continuing his new sermon series on the book of Philippians called "Holding Steady in our Storms." This week's message is from Philippians 1:1-11 and is called "A Thankful Heart: The Power of Gospel Partnership."
2. There have been many items that have collected in our "Lost and Found" box over the last several months. This Sunday, and next, there will be a table set up in the Gathering Area with all of those items. Please check to see if you've accidentally left something behind! All items remaining on the table after August 3 will be donated.
3.
As you shop the back-to-school sales, continue to look for pencils, pens, crayons and notebook paper for our Operation Christmas Child boxes! We're well-stocked on crayons, but we desperately need the rest. Donations can be dropped off in the green box in the Gathering Area on Sunday mornings. There continue to be other needs as well. An Amazon Wishlist is available to view here:
OCC Amazon Wish List Consider taking a look to see how else you can fill the boxes!
4. "Christmas in July" continues! Thank you to everyone who has already taken an ornament! If you haven't already, each year, we set up a Christmas tree in the Gathering Area with ornaments. On each ornament are local missionaries and organizations that we support! We encourage you to take an ornament (or more than one) and return it with your donation sometime during the month of July. Donations can be dropped in the offering plate or box, or given directly to someone in the office. At the end of the month, we'll send the money that's collected for each missionary and organization to them as a way to encourage them for the rest of 2025!
Ways You Can Pray This Week
1. Pray for our community. There are so many in Springfield and Clark County who need to know Christ! Pray that we all have opportunities to share the Gospel, and to live it out with conviction each week!
2. Pray for the young babies we have in our church family! Pray that they continue to grow healthy and strong, and that they grow in their love for the Lord as the grow to maturity!
3. Pray for our widows. Pray that they might have peace and comfort that comes only from the Lord. Pray that they might have relationships with others that can grow, and even in the grief, that they might see how God is using it for His glory!
***Please know that there are many individuals who need prayer this week due to health concerns and other events going on in their lives. Out of sensitivity to each individual's situation, these requests may not appear in this weekly blog. We have a "Prayer Team" at the church who receives more detailed information, and commits to praying for individuals in our church family.
This Week's Devotions
Day 1: Strength for the Battle
Ephesians 6:10–11 (ESV): “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Before Paul lists any armor, he reminds us where true strength comes from—the Lord. The battle we face is not in our own strength but in God’s. Every day we wake up in a spiritual war, and God equips us to stand firm.
Reflection Question: Where are you relying on your own strength instead of God's today?
Day 2: The Belt of Truth
Ephesians 6:14a (ESV): “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth...”
The belt was foundational to a soldier’s armor. In our spiritual lives, truth holds everything together. God’s Word is truth, and living in it guards us from the lies of the enemy.
Reflection Question: What lie have you believed lately that needs to be replaced with God’s truth?
Day 3: The Breastplate of Righteousness
Ephesians 6:14b (ESV): “...and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,”
The breastplate protected the heart. In Christ, we are made righteous—clean and accepted before God. When Satan accuses, we don’t stand in our performance, but in Christ’s righteousness.
Reflection Question: How can remembering your identity in Christ help protect your heart today?
Day 4: The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
Ephesians 6:15 (ESV): “...and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.”
Just as good footwear gives stability, the Gospel gives us peace and readiness to move forward. We walk in confidence knowing we are at peace with God, and we carry that peace wherever we go.
Reflection Question: How can you bring the peace of the Gospel into one of your relationships this week?
Day 5: The Shield of Faith
Ephesians 6:16 (ESV): “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;”
Faith is our defense against fear, doubt, and lies. Roman shields could lock together—reminding us that faith is strengthened in community. Satan’s arrows may fly, but faith extinguishes them.
Reflection Question: What “flaming dart” is Satan using against you right now, and how can you respond in faith?
Day 6: The Helmet of Salvation
Ephesians 6:17a (ESV): “and take the helmet of salvation...”
The helmet protects the mind. Salvation is not just a past event—it’s a present confidence and a future hope. When our thoughts are anchored in what Christ has done, we can resist fear, shame, and discouragement.
Reflection Question: What truth about your salvation do you need to dwell on today to guard your thoughts?
Day 7: The Sword of the Spirit & Prayer
Ephesians 6:17b–18 (ESV): “...and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit...”
The only offensive weapon in the armor is the Word of God, empowered by prayer. Scripture pierces lies, reveals truth, and strengthens faith. Prayer activates the armor and keeps us alert.
Reflection Question: How can you use Scripture and prayer together this week to fight spiritual battles?
Kids (and Kids at Heart) Korner
Q: Why did the teddy bear say no to dessert?
A: Because it was stuffed!
I'm keeping the same word search link here for this week, as it goes so well with Pastor Miller's sermon series!
Philippians Word Search
Let us know if there's something we can do for you this week!
Take care,
Mark