It seems worth mentioning that life is often about meeting challenges.  The nature of the challenge changes as maturity sets in. And the level of difficulty rises as our capabilities grow. But one of the realities of life is that from the cradle to the grave we must face and surmount whatever obstacle circumstances set before us. The infant struggles to learn communication and crawling.  The toddler works on potty training and walking. 

At some point the transition is made from the crib to the big-kid bed. Soon baby food gives way to small portions of table foods. And with the passage of time a teenager who used to be that small child walks in needing the keys to the car as the parents wonder; "Who are you and what did you do with my baby"?

God is such a wonderful Father. He wisely does not shield His children from the challenges of life just as the wise parent does not carry the developing child from room to room protecting them from all potential dangers. It's painful to watch as the little one attempting to crawl falls on his face. But when the tears are dried the loving parent once again allows the child to face and perhaps this time to conquer the challenge.

One can never know exactly what life may dish up this time. But if things go as they have in the past we are certain our tomorrows will be interesting and definitely challenging. And should we fall, Father will be there to pick us up, right what is wrong and let us try again.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 KJV

Growing in the Grace of God,

Pastor Richard Orrell

1 Thessalonians 1:2  (NLT)

“We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly.”

This Sunday you’re honoring Pastor Orrell and Linda and Pastor Phil and Twila on Pastor Appreciation Day at Battlefield Assembly.

Well, your Pastoral Staff goes on record today to say WE thank God for YOU, and you are in our prayers daily. We love you all.

We are blessed to serve as your Pastors.

As we gather this Sunday let it be a day not only to say ‘thanks’ to the Pastoral leadership, but let’s make sure we say thanks to God for His eternal blessings on us all.

“God is good, all the time, He’s good all the time.”

Thanks for honoring us this Sunday.  We are proud to serve as your Pastors!

Love ya,

Pastor Orrell & Pastor Phil

I'm not much of an archer these days. Old shoulder injuries make it a bit tough to pull even the new compound bows. But it's a sport I admire from a distance.

Perhaps events from childhood also factor into my being a spectator rather than a participant. You see; around the age of eight or nine I was given a starter kit designed to whet my appetite for the sport. Included was a small bow, several targets and six arrows in a fancy faux leather quiver. It took less than half a day for me to exhaust my store of arrows. One shattered as it made a direct hit on a very unforgiving ancient grapefruit tree. Two of my shiny new arrows went through the paper target and buried out of sight in the tall grass at the edge of the yard never to be seen again.

With childish lack of forethought I entered into a contest with a visiting cousin about my age to see who could shoot an arrow the longest distance. You're miles ahead of me, I'm sure, wondering what made me think we would ever find any of the arrows shot so far into the neighboring pine forest.

I confess, I was completely amazed at how far my little 25 lb. bow could send one of those expensive arrows! Oh, it was beautiful watching them soar over the trees and out of sight. And the lesson learned about thinking ahead was truly priceless. But sad reality dictated one cannot be much of an archer without arrows.

Hopefully we can all benefit from my expensive lesson. It's really important to consider the consequences of our actions BEFORE we release the arrow.

Be blessed today with maturity and wisdom!

Pastor Richard Orrell

Psalm 122: (NLT)

 “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

Seems like these days most everyone is   wearied by the cares of this world.

Friends—the Psalmist David penned these words to encourage us to be in the House of the Lord when the doors are open.

In HIS sanctuary is where we’ll find rest,   encouragement, and the spark of life we need from God to be overcomers this week.

Being absent from His house robs us of blessings and uplifiting worship and ministry from the  Word.  God is our Source!

We have Worship twice on Sunday and also Wednesday evening.   Plan now to attend all 3 services.   Your spiritual batteries and all that are around you will be glad you did. 

Love ya, Pastor Phil