07-26-2026

Iron sharpens Iron

This past week at the Men’s retreat, rubbing elbows with men of faith, hearing their stories, being encouraged by their testimonies only reaffirmed to me the principle of “iron sharpening iron”. We all would agree that in battle a sharp sword would be a must. Ecclesiastes 10:10 says;  If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.”  A dull sword like a dull ax makes the job much harder. I know in my personal life trying to do life with a dull sword/ax adds needless stress and anxiety. The way I see it, life has enough hardship on its own without me adding to it. Thus I commit to hanging around people who sharpen me. I place a premium on church life. I realize I am my brother’s keeper and I not only need to be sharpened myself, I need to be sharpening others. Sometimes, church can get messy, for as long as humans make it up, there will be messes to clean up, learn from and  fight through, but the church, with Jesus at the head, is still the best ship floating. As Paul encouraged the men on the ship in Acts 27, so it rings out today, “stay on the ship!”     

Happy Sunday!                            

-PK 

Scripture Verse for the week: Proverbs 27:17; As  iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

*The FA family welcomes our guests. We are excited that you are here. 

*Last Sunday’s attendance was 274. Invite someone this Sunday. It could very well change their life forever.

*Keep up with all that’s happening by visiting our website at www.firstagashland.org

*Attention: Children are a vital part of the ministry here at First Assembly. See Pastor Mark Smith to get involved.  

*Attention: Find a small group that fits you. Join us for coffee, juice and doughnuts in the FACS center beginning at 8:45am. Classes start at 9am, see Earl Wood for more information.   

*Announcing: Our Missions Spotlight for the month of July is Forrest and Autumn Belson, missionaries to Germany. Please take time to pray for them and all of our missionaries.

*Wednesday Night is Family Night at FA offering ministry for the whole family. Fellowship supper begins at 5:30pm with ministry for all ages beginning at 6:30pm. See ya there! 

*Saturday Night Prayer is every week beginning at 6pm in the Family Center. 

*Announcing: Outpouring Family Youth Fine Arts Team leaves in the am for National Fine Arts in St. Louis. Pray for them and may the Holy Spirit bless and use them mightily!

*Announcing: FACS ELC Open House is Sunday, August 2^nd, session 1 is at 3pm, session 2 at 4pm. See Kim Jordan for more information. 

2026 Ministry Theme is “Change is coming!