Armona Seventh-day Adventist Church

09/08/2026

Rise Up, O Men of God

The church doesn’t move forward simply because good ideas are discussed. It moves forward when someone is willing to step up, take responsibility, and make things happen.

Paul told the believers in Corinth, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Those words are a challenge to every Christian man. God calls us not merely to attend church, but to stand firm, serve faithfully, and accept responsibility for His work.

Too often, we wait for someone else to lead. We see a need but assume someone else will meet it. We notice a problem but hope someone else will solve it. We have an idea but never take the first step.

Nehemiah could have looked at Jerusalem’s broken walls and said, “Someone ought to do something.” Instead, he prayed, organized the people, and picked up the work. When opposition came, he declared, “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding” (Nehemiah 2:20).

That is the spirit the church needs today.

Men, our families need us. Our churches need us. Our communities need us. Most importantly, God’s mission needs us. We don’t have to be famous, gifted, or powerful. We simply need to be willing.

Sometimes leadership means chairing a committee. Sometimes it means fixing something that is broken, mentoring a young man, volunteering for an unfilled responsibility, or simply saying, “I’ll take care of it.”

Don’t wait for someone else. Pray. Step forward. Take responsibility. Make something happen.

God still uses men who are willing to say, “Here am I. Send me” (Isaiah 6:8).

09/08/2026

09/06/2026

Health Nugget: West Nile Virus

Summers in Kings County bring long, warm evenings—and plenty of mosquitoes. Most mosquito bites are simply annoying. But one bite can sometimes carry a much more serious threat: West Nile virus.

The warning is especially timely this year. As of August 21, 2026, California has recorded 46 human cases of West Nile virus, including four deaths. Kings County has reported five human cases, one death, 83 positive mosquito samples, and one infected horse. That means Kings County accounts for nearly 11% of the state’s reported human cases so far this year.

The danger is not theoretical. Kings Mosquito Abatement District identifies Culex tarsalis and Culex pipiens—both common in our area—as efficient transmitters of West Nile virus.
So what should we do? The Bible teaches us that wisdom includes taking reasonable precautions. Proverbs 22:3 says, “The prudent see danger and take refuge.”

That means dumping standing water around our homes, keeping screens in good repair, wearing long sleeves when mosquitoes are active, and using an effective mosquito repellent when outdoors. These simple actions aren't signs of fear. They are signs of stewardship.

There is also a spiritual lesson here. We cannot eliminate every danger from our lives. We cannot control every mosquito, illness, accident, or unexpected event. But we can faithfully do what is within our control—and then place what remains in God's hands.

Psalm 121:7 reminds us, “The Lord will keep you from all harm; he will watch over your life.”
This summer, take precautions. Protect yourself and those you love. And remember that the God who calls us to trust Him also calls us to live wisely.

09/03/2026

08/29/2026

Except By Praying and Fasting by Pastor Abel Pangan