Greetings to one and all!  

I don't know what you're going through, but the past month and half has been quite a challenge for me and my family. I took time the other day to reflect upon the some of the things we have been dealing with. Outside our home, we've been invaded by moles that have torn up the turf, rabbits that have eaten a number of our vegetable plants, Japaneese beetles that have devoured parts of our grapevine and crape myrtle tree, and a swarm of bees that have decided to build a hive in our hummingbird feeder. Inside, we've handled a handful of unwelcomed mice, countless spiders and crickets, and a baby snake I killed with my shovel. 

On the financial front, we received notice by mail in late June that our health insurance rate was increasing by 35 percent, and just last Friday we were informed that our home owners insurance was going up 67 percent. Meanwhile, both of our vehicles broke within two weeks: One needed over a thousand dollars of repairs, and the other cost more to fix it than what it was worth. Add to this a number of health issues, including an equal-opportunity stomach virus, fever, skin rashes, gouty arthritis, as well as a spiritual battle with both fear and offense.

Please realize I am not complaining...just explaining. The truth is, most believers who truly love God and are passionately following after Him are dealing with a bunch of "stuff" they would rather not be dealing with. While the enemy is out to destroy our faith (see Luke 22:31-32), God is out to build it and set us up as a son or daughter who can be trusted with a greater amount of His glory (see Hebrews 12:5-11). Listen to what He penned through the apostle Peter:

Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does. 1 Peter 5:8-11 The Message

My friend, regardless of what you are going through, DON'T QUIT! CONTINUE to follow the Lord. Seek His face and ask for His grace to remain faithful in the place He has put you. Then, by His strength, you and I can say as the apostle Paul said,

But none of these things move me; neither do I esteem my life dear to myself, if only I may finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have obtained from [which was entrusted to me by] the Lord Jesus, faithfully to attest to the good news (Gospel) of God's grace (His unmerited favor, spiritual blessing, and mercy). Acts 20:24 Amplified

I encourage you to listen to this month's Featured Message, CONTINUE, and read this month's Featured Article, which is also titled CONTINUE. We pray they are a source of strength and encouragement to you. 

As we labor together, may God's Grace, Peace & Joy be yours!   

Vincent & Allison Newfield

TIRED OF THE STATUS QUO AND A MEDIOCRE EXISTENCE? ------------------------------------------------------------

Whatever your call in life—stay-at-home-mom, student, construction worker, etc.—God has extraordinary plans for you! Extraordinary is a new 12-week study by John Bevere that will help you understand the amazing connection between faith, grace, and God’s Word. If you're tired of a mediocre existence and have a desire to please God but have struggled to do so, this study will greatly help you! I had the privilege of working with John and writing the Extraordinary Devotional Workbook. In over 35 years of serving the Lord, this study has been one of the most eye-opening revelations I've received.  YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND!

WHEN: Sundays 10:30am, Starting September 12   WHERE: Faith Community Church www.faith-community.org

FEATURED ARTICLE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Are you at a place of utter despair? Are circumstances so devastating and dismal that the desire to quit is overwhelming? I’ve been there myself as have many others. I believe the Lord has a word for you: CONTINUE. Click here to access this month’s Featured Article.

PRAY FOR AMERICA!   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Do you desire to see God mercifully intervene and turn the hearts of men, women, and children back to Him in repentance? Please join with me and countless Christians from across the country in a concert of prayer and fasting for America.

Click here for details on FAST FOR FREEDOM FRIDAYS.

Click here for some specific, biblical PRAYER POINTS to pray for America.

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