Armorbearers were personal attendants of a warrior chieftain who accompanied him in dangerous missions; they held huge shields sometimes surrounding their leader to protect him. Intercessory prayers by church members can protect their leaders from “the flaming arrows of the evil one” and uphold them “that words may be given to me [Paul] in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.” (Eph 6:16, 19) 

As the world is in turmoil, and we hear every day of wars that are going on among nations, and the evil events that are happening right here in our own country, may we be reminded of God’s holy and Sovereign Presence over all events. This holy, blessed Christmas, may we remember our LORD’s birth and the assurance that He is the Hope of the Future, the Foundation of our lives. He tells us, “Fear not for I Am your God... I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

(Isaiah 41:10)

Hark the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King:

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”

Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies;

With th’angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.”

Pray as the Holy Spirit guides you in thinking about, and praying for our pastors, elders, and deacons. Some suggestions for prayer are included, but pray also as you are aware of other particular needs and concerns they may have.  

Monday: To love God with all their heart, and to love others as themselves. (Matt. 27:37-39) 

Tuesday: To trust the Lord completely for their wisdom, so that he will direct their daily path. (Prov. 3:5,6) 

Wednesday: To pray always, putting on the armor of the Lord to stand against the wiles of the Devil. (Eph. 6:11ff) 

Thursday: To love their wives and manage their family in ways that honor Christ. (Eph. 5:25, I Tim. 3:4,5) 

Friday: That God’s word will be their reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. (II Tim 3:16) 

Saturday: To care faithfully for the flock and have compassion for lost sheep. (John 10:16, Lk. 15:4)  

Sunday: To empower the preaching/teaching of the Gospel in the power of the Spirit. (Matt. 4:23, Rom. 10:15)

Pray as the Holy Spirit guides you in thinking about, and praying for, our ministry leaders and staff:  

Monday: Debbie Smith, Director, Child Development Center 

Tuesday: Debbie Friday and Phyllis Withers, Financial Team 

Wednesday: Lauren Henderson, Director of Christian Education and Children’s Ministry  

Thursday: Lisa Revels, Communications Director   

Friday: Sandra Taylor, Administrative Assistant Saturday: Worship/Music Ministry Team 

1. Robert Billings: Please pray for Israel and the hostages.
2. Lynn Burrell: Please pray for my siblings who have not yet come to Christ.
3. Josh Clevenger: Praise for our Pastoral Search Committee and their work for eighteen months.
4. Ron Ensley: Pray that the Holy Spirit will work within me to make me more like Jesus in my daily life.
5. Mason Friesenhahn: Pray for me as I’m moving to a new station.
6. Mike Gamage: Pray for effective outreach and spreading the Gospel through Christmas Journey and Youth Volleyball.
7. Chris Graham: For us to have the joy of Christ during the holidays and 2024.
8. Mark Harper: Please pray that I can be the husband and father that God wants me to be.
9. Rick Herd: Pray that the Christmas Journey has touched lost souls.
10. Joel Jessen: Pray that Christ will be honored in our home over Christmas.
11. Dillon Lamb: Pray for Jessie’s recovery.
12. Dan Ormsby: Pray that we will show Christ’s love to each other.
13. Jamie Revels: Continue to pray for Harrison as we make decisions about his care and getting him as healthy as possible.
14. Robert Rhyne: Pray for purity of the church in an impure world.
15. Bill Robinson: Please pray our pastor coming will be the right fit.
16. Will Robinson: Pray for a good transition for the worship team with the new incoming pastor.
17. Ron Smith: Continue to pray for Debbie’s brother, that his struggle would improve so that he could remain at home.
18. Jeremy Abernathy: Pray for Christmas blessings for the staff and residents of the Stanley Total Living Center.
19. Chip Beatty: Pray for the children in our church to always remember the true meaning of Christmas.
20. Mark Beatty: Please pray that each man in the discipleship group will grow in his walk with Christ.
21. Robert Billings: Please pray for our new pastor.
22. Lynn Burrell: Pray for the people of Israel.
23. Josh Clevenger: Pray for students and teachers navigating the holiday season at school.
24. Ron Ensley: Pray that I might be of service in God’s work to redeem sinners.
25. Mason Friesenhahn: Pray for my family and our busy schedules.
26. Mike Gamage: Pray for witness to the love of Jesus throughout the Christmas season.
27. Chris Graham: For our officers to always seek the LORD first in every decision.
28. Mark Harper: Pray that I will seek God’s will in all the decisions I make in my everyday walk and that I will be a blessing to all those around me.
29. Rick Herd: Pray for time for quiet time.
30. Joel Jessen: Pray for our new officers that will be installed in 2024.
31. Dillon Lamb: Pray for the officers of the church.

Praise and Thanksgiving 

• Praise for the fellowship and dinner opportunity to meet our Pastor Candidate, Jay and his wife, Wendy.
• Praise for all of the volunteers who faithfully set up for our dinners and helped bring the Christmas Journey to Bethlehem to the community.