FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR

July 2026 • Stay Prayed Up

Grace and peace to you from God our Father,

I pray this letter finds you resting in the abundance of God's embrace and under the safety of His divine care.

Beginning this month, it is my desire to write to you at the start of every month. These letters are simply the heart of your Pastor—an opportunity to share what I believe the Lord is saying to our church family, encourage you through His Word, and help us move together in the direction He is leading.

The Bible reminds us,

"My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me." — John 10:27 (CSB)

My continual prayer is that we would become increasingly sensitive to the voice of God—not merely reacting to what is happening around us, but responding to what He is saying among us.

What I Believe the Lord Is Emphasizing

As I have prayed concerning this season, I continue sensing three areas that require our attention: Irritation. Distraction. Offense.

These are not simply emotions. They are often the enemy's entry points into the lives of believers.

Irritation

Summer naturally brings heat, and heat has a way of exposing pressure.

Think about what happens when two objects continually rub against one another. Friction eventually produces heat. Left unchecked, heat produces smoke. Smoke eventually gives way to fire.

The same is true spiritually.

Small irritations that are ignored often become larger conflicts.

A misunderstood conversation.

A delayed response.

An unmet expectation.

A hurt feeling.

If these moments are not surrendered to God, they can ignite unnecessary fires that damage relationships, families, ministries, and even our witness.

The Scripture tells us,

"Be angry and do not sin. Don't let the sun go down on your anger." — Ephesians 4:26 (CSB)

Deal with small things before they become big things.

Distraction

One of the enemy's greatest strategies is not always destruction—it is distraction.

If he cannot stop your purpose, he will attempt to redirect your focus.

Nehemiah understood this when he declared,

"I am doing a great work and cannot come down." — Nehemiah 6:3 (CSB)

As a church family, let us remain spiritually discerning.

Not every conversation deserves your attention.

Not every opinion deserves your agreement.

Not every invitation deserves your response.

The Scriptures remind us that there are times when individuals seek to create division, confusion, and competing loyalties among God's people.

"I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock... Men will rise up even from your own number and distort the truth to lure the disciples into following them." — Acts 20:29–30 (CSB)

Be prayerful.

Be discerning.

Guard your heart.

Let every conversation strengthen the unity of Christ's body rather than weaken it.

Offense

Few weapons have crippled believers more than offense.

Offense has the ability to reshape how we interpret everything around us.

When offense goes unresolved, it begins writing stories that God never authored.

It convinces us people meant harm when they may not have.

It feeds pride.

It magnifies hurt.

It clouds discernment.

The Word reminds us,

"Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." — Ephesians 4:3 (CSB)

Refuse to allow offense to find a permanent home in your heart.

Forgive quickly.

Communicate honestly.

Love deeply.

Where God Is Taking Us

I believe God is leading Bethel Temple into territory we have never occupied before.

New territory always requires greater trust.

There will be moments when we do not have every answer.

Moments where we cannot fully explain what God is doing.

And that is alright.

Faith has never required complete understanding.

It has always required complete surrender.

Jesus continually withdrew to lonely places to pray.

"Yet he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed." — Luke 5:16 (CSB)

Notice that He never withdrew from God's people.

He withdrew to be strengthened by His Father.

This month I encourage every member of Bethel Temple to intentionally create space for God.

Pull away from unnecessary noise.

Turn off distractions.

Spend time in His presence.

Your private devotion will determine your public strength.

Our July Focus: The House of Prayer

Our teaching emphasis this month is The House of Prayer.

I believe this could not be more timely.

Several months ago through prophecy, the Lord impressed upon my heart a burden concerning this summer, particularly for our youth and young adults throughout East Texas and our surrounding communities. As events have unfolded, I have been reminded once again how important it is for the Church to hear God's voice and faithfully respond in prayer.

This is not about any individual(s) directly. It is about the faithfulness of God to warn, prepare, and position His people.

The Scripture declares,

"Indeed, the Lord God does nothing without revealing his counsel to his servants the prophets." — Amos 3:7 (CSB)

As your Pastor, I am asking every member and every family to intentionally pray throughout this month.

Three Prayer Focuses

1. Pray for Protection

Pray over our children, students, young adults, families, schools, neighborhoods, and our city. Ask God to surround them with His protection and preserve life.

"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and rescues them." — Psalm 34:7 (CSB)

2. Pray for Purity

Ask God to purify our hearts, our motives, our conversations, and our church family. May Bethel Temple remain a house marked by holiness, humility, and unity.

"God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me." — Psalm 51:10 (CSB)

3. Pray for Power

Pray that Bethel Temple will continue becoming a true House of Prayer where lives are transformed, souls are saved, disciples are made, and the presence of God is unmistakable.

"My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." — Mark 11:17 (CSB)

A Summer Reset

July marks the seventh month of the year.

Throughout Scripture, the number seven often points toward completion, fullness, and God's perfect work.

For us, this month will serve as a Summer Reset.

Come faithfully.

Worship wholeheartedly.

Serve joyfully.

And don't neglect rest.

Remember Elijah.

After one of the greatest victories of his life, he found himself exhausted.

God did not first rebuke him.

He fed him.

He gave him water.

He allowed him to rest.

Then He strengthened him for what was ahead.

Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is rest in God's presence and allow Him to renew your strength.

Never forget:

Rest is holy. Rest is Christlike. Rest is your portion.

Stay prayed up. Stay hydrated. Stay alert.

And above all, stay close to Jesus.

A Shepherd's Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I pray over every individual and every family connected to Bethel Temple. Strengthen the weary, encourage the discouraged, protect our children, guide our leaders, and draw us closer to You. Guard our hearts from irritation, distraction, and offense. Let our homes be filled with peace, our church be filled with Your presence, and our lives reflect the glory of Christ. Unite us in love, establish us in truth, and help us remain faithful to everything You have entrusted to us.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

More Grace,

Pastor Erick D. Bowens

A Scribe for Christ