JULY THEME – “Armed for Battle: Winning the War You Can’t See”

SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY

Satan is working overtime to pull you out of this church—not because this church is perfect, but because God’s purpose for your life is being stirred here. He doesn’t care where you go, as long as it’s not here—where truth exposes lies, where conviction leads to healing, and where the Spirit of God is calling you deeper. He’ll use offense to harden your heart, busyness to distract your time, exhaustion to drain your will, and even isolation to make you question your place. You may find yourself thinking, “Maybe I don’t fit in here anymore… Maybe there’s somewhere easier… Maybe it’s time to slip away quietly.” But those thoughts are not neutral. They’re fiery darts designed to disconnect you from your covering, your calling, and your community. Satan fears what will happen if you stay planted, stay faithful, and grow strong. He knows that a believer rooted in truth, surrounded by accountability, and submitted to spiritual authority is dangerous to the kingdom of darkness. So he whispers, agitates, distracts, and isolates—anything to get you to walk away before the breakthrough comes.

Have you realized his tactics? This isn’t just about a shift in emotions or preferences—it’s spiritual warfare. The enemy is terrified of what will happen if you stay, surrender, and mature. He knows the fruit that will come from your obedience, the souls that will be impacted by your testimony, and the freedom that will erupt when you walk fully in your calling. God didn’t bring you to this house to visit—He brought you here to be planted, shaped, and used. You weren’t meant to church-hop every time things get hard or uncomfortable. You were meant to dig roots, fight for unity, and grow through the hard seasons. If the attacks have increased, it’s because the assignment is weighty and the enemy sees the harvest ahead. Don’t retreat when you’re this close to a breakthrough. Stand your ground. Shake off discouragement. Silence the lies. And tell Hell itself: “I’m not going anywhere. I’m planted on purpose—for a purpose.”

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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart

PLANTED ON PURPOSE

“Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.” — Psalm 92:13

God does not place His children randomly. He plants them—intentionally, strategically, and for a purpose that reaches far beyond what they may currently understand. Like a tree that bears fruit only when its roots go deep into the soil, your spiritual flourishing depends on staying rooted in the place God has assigned. Psalm 1:3 says of the righteous man, “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season…” God plants you not just to bless you, but to make you a blessing where you are.

But the enemy knows that planted people are dangerous people—because they grow, they multiply, and they influence others. That’s why he uses offense, boredom, busyness, or hurt to get you to pull up your roots just before your breakthrough. In John 15, Jesus taught that abiding—not just visiting—is the key to fruitfulness: “He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit…” (v.5). In the same way, your local church is part of the soil where God is forming your character, deepening your faith, and connecting you to His people. You don’t grow best in isolation—you grow best in community, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Consider Ruth. After her husband’s death, she could’ve returned to Moab—to what was familiar. But she stayed with Naomi and said, “Whither thou goest, I will go… thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” (Ruth 1:16). Because she stayed rooted in the land of promise, she became part of the lineage of Christ. Her story reminds us that staying planted—even through pain—leads to legacy.

A gardener once told his apprentice: “You don’t measure a tree’s growth by how tall it stands in spring. You watch it survive winter.” In seasons of hardship, your roots either reach deeper—or you wither. Many believers hop from church to church, seeking comfort instead of calling. But those who stay planted through storms become oaks of righteousness—not easily shaken.

Practical Application: Don’t confuse friction with failure. Discomfort doesn’t mean you’re out of place—it might mean God is refining you. Ask yourself today: Am I planted or just potted? A potted plant can be moved at will, but a planted tree weathers seasons and still stands. Choose to stay, serve, grow, and trust God with the fruit.

Prayer: Father, thank You for planting me where You see fit. Forgive me for the times I’ve been quick to run from hard places. Help me recognize the difference between Your pruning and the enemy’s lies. Teach me to grow through trials and trust Your timing. Root me in Your truth, anchor me in my assignment, and use me for Your glory where I am. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Challenge: Write down 3 reasons why God may have planted you where you are—your church, your community, your circle. Pray over them, thank God for them, and ask Him to help you remain faithful, even when it’s difficult.

MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS

Jessica Headrick – Pet Scan Today

John Parillo

Sadie Almand – Home

Linda Mays – Heart Procedure on Tuesday

Ann Stanley – Home

Kim McClain’s Mother 

Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shellnutts

Doug Stephens

Jason Parker – James & Sarah’s Son – stroke

Mary Williams – Rehab

Scotty Nix

Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shellnutts

Angela Bryan’s Sister

Danny Jarrard 

Darlene Wiggins

Doris Loyd

Dr. and Mrs. Davis

Eric Magnusson’s Mother

Eric Ward

Friend of Linda Hodge

Gayle Sparks

George & Linda Alexander 

James Burnette

James Garner

John McClain’s Mother

June Cronan’s Sister

June Davis

Kailey Bateman

Kathryn Raines

Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda

Lee Cronan

Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom

Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah 

Lonzo Christian 

Lori Blount’s Mother

Mary Williams

Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom

Mrs. Franklin 

Nora Allison

Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA

Scott Lanier 

Steve Michaels

Theresa Bain’s Granddaughter

Tom Witcher