09-06-2026

Double Down

The devotional title may or may not mean anything to you, but the meaning behind it ccertainly will. In my day, when someone, usually in authority, said to “double down” it meant to “lock in”, “bow up”, “dig deep”, “press through” or as one of my former coaches used to say “suck it up”, with some additional words added for emphasis. The thought of course is the desired response to adversity. Usually adversity triggers one of two responses. One response is to cower down, make excuses, blame others, play the victim card or just quit. And to be honest and with some regret there have been times when I did just that. The other response is just the opposite. You have heard it said or said yourself “that when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Adversity is all around us, the pressure to conform and compromise is immense in our current day. But like Esther, “who knows that we have been called for such a time as this.” By the power of the Holy Spirit we can rise up, be counted, take a stand, confront the darkness and challenge the system for “greater is He inside of us than he that is in the world.”

Blessings,

PK

Scripture Verse for the week: Revelation 22:12; “And behold, I am coming quickly,

and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.

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

*Last Sunday’s attendance was 226. 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 Bill and Rene Bowen for more information.

*Announcing: Our Missions Spotlight for the month of August is Doug and Ramona Jacobs missionaries to Nepal. 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.

FACS volleyball and football this week; call the school office for information or go to www.facslions.org to see schedules.

Announcing: Extreme Kids “Back to School Crusade” is September 12-14th . See Pastor Mark Smith for more info.

2026 Ministry Theme is “Change is coming!