Berea Update for November 7, 2025
As we pause this week on Veteran's Day to honor the men and women who have served our country, we also remember the deeper spiritual truths reflected in their sacrifice. Service requires courage, loyalty, endurance, and faith — qualities that mirror what God calls His people to embody in the spiritual battles we face each day. This week’s devotionals below draw lessons from the heart of a soldier — a heart committed to a higher cause. May we all arm ourselves with the armor of God as we go through each day!
There are also several upcoming events that we have coming up! We hope that you'll be able to join us on Sunday, but also for these other activities!
Upcoming Events
1. This Sunday, Pastor Miller will be continuing the series he started last week on the topic of revival. This week's message entitled, "The Crust: Repentance" will be from Malachi 3:7. We'll also be having a baby dedication as a part of the morning worship service, and we'll be honoring our veterans as well.
2. There will be a farewell gathering for Karen Firmin at Panera Bread on Bechtle Avenue on Sunday right after church. Everyone is invited to attend, and spend time together, before Karen moves to Boston to be with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandbaby. Karen has meant a great deal to our church family over the years. We will miss her, and hope to encourage her as we gather together. Please be in prayer for her as she finalizes packing and makes the trip.
3 The much anticipated OCC Packing Party is tomorrow (Saturday, November 8)! Please plan to join us beginning at 10:00 AM here at the church. We plan to pack 800 boxes! There will be a door prize drawing for up to six free tickets to the Newport Aquarium and a special treat for every child who attends!
4. Wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas? Are you dreading these holidays, knowing that everything has changed and that happy memories from past years can’t be recreated?
GriefShare's "Surviving the Holidays" seminar is especially for people who are grieving a loved one’s death. You’ll learn: how to deal with emotions you'll face during the holidays, what to do about traditions and other coming changes, helpful tips for surviving social events, and how to find hope for your future.
This year's event will be held on Sunday, November 16 from 3:00-5:00 PM here at the church. To register, click here:
Surviving the Holidays Registration
5. You are invited to attend and listen as I meet with my ordination council here at the church on Thursday, November 20 at 12:30 PM. This important step affirms God's call on my life, and my commitment to faithfully preach and teach the Word of God. Please be in prayer for me as I share my testimony, doctrinal beliefs, and ministry philosophy before the council.
6. Interested in participating in drama? Plans are underway to have both a Good Friday and Easter drama this upcoming year! If you are interested in acting, helping with set design, costumes, or in any other way, please see Phil Berrien, or sign-up at the Welcome Center this Sunday!
Ways You Can Pray This Week
1. Tomorrow our church's leadership team (Elders and Deacons) will be meeting all day to plan for 2026 and beyond. Please be in prayer for these men as they prayerfully consider many important topics, and make recommendations for the church moving forward.
***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: The Call to Serve
2 Timothy 2:3–4 (ESV) — “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.”
Devotional Thought: Paul’s imagery of a soldier reminds us that Christian life is not casual; it’s a calling. Just as a soldier leaves comfort behind to serve a greater mission, we are called to wholehearted devotion to Christ. Service to Him demands focus, discipline, and loyalty.
Reflection Question: What “civilian pursuits” most easily distract you from your call to follow Christ wholeheartedly?
Day 2: Courage Under Fire
Joshua 1:9 (ESV) — “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Devotional Thought: Courage isn’t the absence of fear but the presence of faith. Veterans know what it means to face danger with resolve. In our spiritual battles, we find courage not in ourselves but in the promise of God’s presence.
Reflection Question: Where in your life do you need to trade fear for faith this week?
Day 3: Sacrifice and Service
John 15:13 (ESV) — “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
Devotional Thought: Veterans embody the principle of self-sacrifice — putting others before themselves. Jesus perfectly demonstrated this ultimate love on the cross. Every act of service, large or small, echoes His example.
Reflection Question: What would sacrificial love look like in your relationships this week?
Day 4: Endurance in the Fight
Hebrews 12:1–2 (ESV) — “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus…”
Devotional Thought: The soldier’s path is rarely easy. Endurance means pressing forward when the battle is long. Our strength wanes, but Christ’s example sustains us — He endured the cross so we might not lose heart.
Reflection Question: What helps you keep your eyes on Jesus when spiritual fatigue sets in?
Day 5: The Power of Unity
Philippians 1:27 (ESV) — “Stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.”
Devotional Thought: Veterans know the value of teamwork — victory rarely comes through solo effort. The Church, too, must move as one body, shoulder to shoulder, striving for the gospel. Unity magnifies our witness and strengthens our resolve.
Reflection Question: How can you help build unity within your church family this week?
Day 6: The Promise of Victory
Romans 8:37 (ESV) — “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Devotional Thought: Victory in Christ doesn’t depend on circumstance but on His finished work. The veteran celebrates peace after conflict; the believer celebrates eternal victory already secured in Jesus.
Reflection Question: What battles are you facing that you need to see through the lens of Christ’s victory?
Day 7: The Final Salute
2 Timothy 4:7–8 (ESV) — “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Devotional Thought: At the end of life’s battle, the faithful follower longs to hear the words, “Well done.” Veterans receive honor for duty completed; believers will receive an eternal crown for faith well lived. Keep fighting — your Commander is worthy.
Reflection Question: What would it look like for you to “finish well” in your walk with Christ?
Kids (and Kids at Heart) Korner
As we are now entering November, it's a great month to focus on the idea of thankfulness. Here are two "Thanksgiving" coloring pages:
Thanksgiving Coloring Pages
Hope to see you all on Sunday!
Keep Pressing On!
Mark