When the Enemy Starts Shooting Back
Salt and Light Newsletter
November 19, 2025
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Pastor’s Thoughts
When the Enemy Starts Shooting Back
There is a phrase I have said many times over the years. You know you are over the target when the enemy is firing. It is true in war and it is true in the Christian life. When you begin moving in obedience, when you take ground that used to belong to the enemy, when you start stepping into the calling that God has placed over you, you should expect resistance. You should expect the pushback. You should expect that at the very moment you decide to stand, something will try to knock you down.
As we wrap up Part I of The Real House of David this Sunday, we see a pattern that has repeated itself throughout David’s early life. Every step forward invited opposition. Every time God exalted him, Saul tried to strike him. Every time David took one step deeper into God’s plan, someone rose up to pull him back. It is almost as if the crown could not come without the conflict. David’s rise did not come through a smooth road. It came through pressure, persecution, betrayal, and the constant reminder that the enemy never attacks what he does not fear.
I believe the same is true for our church. We have taken ground. We have launched a school. We are purchasing our building. We are growing spiritually and numerically. We are preaching the Bible without apology in a culture that wants us silent. We are raising up families and children who know the Word of God. Do not be surprised when resistance comes. Do not be shocked when adversity shows up at the same time that God is blessing. Do not think for a second that spiritual warfare is imaginary. When a church begins tearing down enemy territory and rescuing people out of darkness, hell does not stand by quietly. It fires back.
Scripture does not hide this reality. It actually highlights it again and again.
Here are a few examples that have strengthened me this week:
• First Peter 5:8
“Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
This is not poetic language. It is a warning to stay spiritually awake.
• Ephesians 6:12
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this age.”
The fight you feel is real and spiritual, not imaginary or circumstantial.
• Matthew 16:18
Jesus says, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
The gates of hell will try. They will press. They will push. They just will not win.
The Bible is not unclear. The believer who walks with God will face opposition from the enemy who hates God.
Here is the truth that encouraged me this week. If the enemy is fighting, it means you are flying over the right target. It means you are not wasting your life. It means your obedience matters. It means your church is doing something that threatens the kingdom of darkness. And it means that God is moving in ways that you may not fully see yet. The presence of warfare is not a sign of failure. In many cases it is the evidence of faithfulness.
So what do you do when you realize you are taking fire spiritually. The first step is to stay alert. Peter follows his warning by telling us to be sober minded and vigilant, which means refusing to be caught off guard when the pressure comes.
The second step is to resist. James 4:7 says to submit to God and resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Resistance is not passive. It is choosing obedience when temptation calls. It is choosing prayer when anxiety presses in. It is choosing faith when fear whispers otherwise.
The third step is to pray and put on the armor of God. Ephesians 6 lays out truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God as spiritual armor. You do not win spiritual battles with physical effort. You win by staying covered in the strength of God.
The fourth step is to stand your ground. After describing the armor, Paul says in Ephesians 6:13, “having done all, to stand.” You stand when you feel shaken. You stand when you feel tired. You stand when you are unsure what comes next. You stand because God is faithful.
David never sought the battles he faced, but he trusted God inside of them. He was anointed long before he was appointed, and the space between was filled with warfare. Yet in all of it, God fought for him. God protected him. God guided him. And God fulfilled every promise He made. The enemy could roar, but the enemy could not remove what God had already decided to do.
Remember this simple truth. The presence of a battle is not proof that God has abandoned you. It is often the evidence that He is building you. It is the confirmation that you are right where you need to be. The devil does not fire at empty skies. He fires at targets that threaten his territory.
So keep walking. Keep serving. Keep praying. Keep giving. Keep believing. If we are being fired at, then praise God. It means Salt and Light is flying exactly where God wants us to be. It means the Spirit of God is working. And it means the best is still ahead.
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Church Happenings
Good Neighbor Reminder
There are concerns from the HOA in L'Esprit that people are speeding down L'Esprit Pkwy.
Please watch your speed. The speed limit is 35 and we want to be good neighbors.
If you are passing someone on a horse, pass at the speed of a fast walk to not startle the horse. _________________________________________________________
Wednesday Night – November 19
6-6:45 PM - Dinner - Upper Lobby
French Onion Chicken Meatballs, Salisbury Steak Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, and Dessert
A $5 donation is requested that will cover food costs with additional going to the Building Fund. If you cannot make a donation, please join us for dinner, all are welcome.
7:00 PM – Night of Worship and Thanksgiving - Sanctuary
Nursery - Birth to Age 3 | Lower Level Children - Age 4 - 5th grade - join their families for Worship Night Middle and High School Youth | Lower Level Romans 16 with Paul Thomas 8th grade Girls - “Lies Young Women Believe” with Sarah Thomas
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Titus 2 Women’s Ministry - Thursday, November 20 | 7–9 PM Upper Lobby
Preparation for the Holidays - Come for an evening of fun and fellowship as we discuss tips
and tricks for enjoying the Holiday season to the fullest!
Bring your favorite holiday appetizer and the recipe to share along with heartfelt thoughts about
making the most of your holiday season.
Future Dates in 2026 - January 29, February 26, March 26, April 2
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Prayer Meeting - Friday November 21 | 7 PM | Sanctuary
Come together for a time of prayer for our church, families, and country. _________________________________________________________
This Sunday – November 23 | 11 AM
The Real House of David – Part I: The Rise of David
Message: 2 Samuel 4 - What They Didn’t Know?
This Sunday we conclude Part I of The Real House of David with a powerful message titled “What They Didn’t Know.” In 2 Samuel 4 we watch tragedy, fear, and chaos unfold for one simple reason. The people surrounding David didn’t know the covenant he had made.
Many today live the same way. Hearts fail because they do not know the New Covenant in Jesus. Some run because they don’t believe it. Others try to earn what can only be received through Him. As we close this first section of our trilogy and prepare for a powerful Christmas series, we will be reminded that there is only one way to God’s Kingdom.
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Decking the Halls for Christmas
Sunday, November 23 12:30-2:30 PM & Saturday, November 29 9 AM-Noon
It's time to get into the Christmas spirit!!
Sunday, November 23rd - Stay after the service to put up Christmas trees and string the trees and skywalks with lights.
Saturday, November 29 - 9 AM-12 PM - Decorate the trees.
Come one or both days and be a part of preparing our church building for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, our Lord & Savior!
Sign Up Here to let the Event ministry know you are coming.
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Salt and Light Academy Fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse - Monday, November 24 | 4-9 PM
Only at 5005 Shelbyville Rd - St. Matthews Location
Tell your server you are there for Salt and Light Academy and 10% of your total food purchases
will be donated to Salt and Light Academy.
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Coat Drive - Collecting through December 7
Salt & Light is collecting new and gently used, clean, warm coats, hats, gloves and scarves for the children, teens and adults at Good News Homes.
Please place in the labeled bins at the church entrances through Sunday, December 7th.
Questions? Text Sally Moriarty 502-216-3868
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Christmas on the Skywalk – Sunday, December 7 | 6-8 PM
Bundle up and join us for live music, firepits, hot chocolate, smore's, fellowship and more. Be sure to bring a camp chair... and maybe a blanket too! This is a Salt and Light classic held on the skywalk to the main entrance that you don't want to miss.
Sign up to bring s’mores and hot chocolate supplies and to serve throughout the evening here
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Salt and Light Academy Christmas Program - Friday, December 19 | 6-8 PM
Join Salt and Light Academy for their annual Christmas program. Each class of students will give a presentation. The church is invited to what is sure to be a delightful evening celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, when God came to earth to dwell among us.
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The Bible and The Constitution of The United States of America
Sundays through December 21 | 10 - 10:50 AM Upper Lobby
Studying the vital role of the Bible in American History as outlined in this book.
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Women of the Word Bible Study- Tuesdays | 9:45-11:30 AM
at Sharon Holbert’s Home Questions? Contact Sharon 502-235-6687 _________________________________________________________
Salt & Light Cookbook
As you prepare food for the holidays, please submit your favorite recipes for the cookbook being compiled. We would love to have at least one recipe from each family!
When completed, the cookbooks will be sold with the proceeds going to the church.
Please email your favorite recipe(s) and a favorite scripture for each recipe - along with a photo of the completed dish, if possible - by December 31 to Ashley Mazzoni at Ash.82Mazzoni@gmail.com
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Youth Camp - June 12–16, 2026
5 days of fun and fellowship—lake swimming, staying up late, eating too many snow cones, and most importantly, growing in God’s Word.
Students 12 years old (by June 12 and have completed 6th grade) through high school may attend.
A $5 registration fee is required to hold your spot.
Total cost is $400 per student - $75 is due February 16th and the remaining balance of $325 is due May 18th. All camp payments are non-refundable.
Register Here
If the cost of camp is a hindrance to your student’s attendance, please see Paul Thomas or email Youth@SaltandLightKy.org
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Young Adults | Next Chapter (Ages 18-31)
For anyone around 18–31 who wants to stay connected, build friendships, and grow in faith together.
Signal Group - to request to join and stay in the loop or with questions - text Joshua Rieth 502-230-6629 or Kaiden Perrodin 502-663-3681
Bible Study - Sundays | 10:05 - 10:45 AM - Meets near the Library
Currently studying Colossians
Questions? Email Cheri Grinnell - Cheri@SaltandLightKY.org
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Lee Corps - Tuesdays | 7 - 9 PM Upper Lobby
Lee Corps provides a youth led, adult facilitated, Christian cadet program to foster leadership and a love for Christ in our community’s youth, ages 12-18. They excel in leadership and military skills preparation with a Christian worldview to serve their country and communities through training in tactics and field training, Christian apologetics, marksmanship, physical conditioning, and much more.
Lee Corps is not associated with or a ministry of Salt & Light Church but uses our facilities for their weekly training and welcomes interested young people to attend. No registration required.
Younger youth are welcome if they can sit through and be engaged in the presentations.
For more information LeeCorps.org or contact LtCol (Ret) Michael Muller (270) 300-1571 _________________________________________________________
Serving Opportunities & Needs
Building Fund - $138,589 of the $200,000 due 12/31 has been given.
Thank you for prayerfully considering giving an offering toward the property purchase. Please memo your offerings “Building Fund”.
In 2021, when Salt & Light outgrew our former location, God provided the beautiful 71 acre property with a former horse auction facility and barn where we now gather as a church family.
We entered a lease to own agreement with a payment due December 31 of each year until the purchase is complete. Monthly rent and all improvements and repairs the church invests in the property is also credited toward the purchase.
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Food Pantry - Last year’s Thanksgiving Food Drive shared 10 meals. The Food Pantry team had a goal of sharing 20 meals this year. God did exceedingly more than we asked or imagined and through your generosity on Saturday we served meals to 34 families! We prayed and shared the gospel with each and 8 people accepted Christ. To God be the Glory!!
With the absence of SNAP benefits this month we have served many more families each week and are in need of donations to restock the shelves with the following items. They are listed in order of greatest to least need.
Canned Meats- Tuna, Chicken, Roast Beef, Spam
Cheese
Frozen Pizzas and Meals
Pancake Mix and Syrup
Hamburger Helper
Instant Oatmeal/Cereal Bars (Nutri Grain)
Chef Boyardee
Jelly
Chili Powder
Taco Seasoning
Canned Carrots
Canned Peas
Alfredo Sauce
Spaghetti Sauce
Knorr Rice/Rice a Roni
Beef or Chicken Ramen
Cereal
Thank you for donating and praying for this ministry!
If you know someone in need of food, please encourage them to text Courtney Day 502-648-5447 for an appointment to shop in the pantry.
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Children’s Ministry
Teachers for 4-6 year old class - 11a Sundays - God has sent many precious children to Salt & Light in recent weeks and they need teachers to share the gospel and Bible with them while their parents worship and learn in the Sanctuary service.
Music with the Children - if you are musically gifted, we would love for you to teach and sing Bible songs with the children twice each month or as you have time to share.
Substitute and Rotational Teachers are needed to fill in for 1 class or multiple weeks when regular teachers are unavailable or to give them a break for a month or so.
Special Needs - Volunteers are needed to serve as one-on-one buddies in class with children with special needs.
For More Details - text Jessica Walker 502-365-0839
Greet and Check-In children and their families to the nursery and their classes when they arrive on Sunday morning and/or Wednesday evening. Text Debbie Duvall 502-321-8798
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Salt & Light Academy
Thank you to each one that attended, sponsored tables, and gave so generously at the Foundations of Freedom Banquet. Your investment in this K-8 Christian school, the mission of Salt & Light Church, is impacting lives for eternity.
Classroom Build Supplies Needed - new classrooms have recently been constructed and a few items are needed to complete the project. If you have any of these items you could donate, know a donor, or would like to give money to purchase supplies, please see the listing of needed items here.
Questions contact Kurt Shelton 502-387-0960
Lunch & Recess Volunteers - Interact with and help the children to give the teachers a planning period. A background check is required. Email Michelle Elliott michelle.elliott@saltandlightacademy.com
Please continue to pray, promote, and support Salt and Light Academy. Your ongoing giving keeps the school fully funded and tuition-free, and every gift matters.
One-time or auto pay weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly donations may be made or set up online Here
Donations of needed supplies for classes and the office are greatly appreciated. You can view and give through our Amazon Wish List
Guns4Good Raffle - $20 per ticket
A parent-led fundraiser for Salt & Light Academy
4 guns will be individually awarded with first name drawn having first choice, second having second choice of the remaining guns, etc.
Purchase tickets at the front desk inside the main entrance during school hours or text Paul Thomas 502-480-7287
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Wednesday Dinner
Volunteers are needed to assist with food prep at Katie’s house in Shelbyville on Tuesday and/or Wednesday.
We don't need a weekly commitment, anything you can do to lend a hand will be greatly appreciated!
Contact Katie Anasis by call or text 937-441-4225. Thanks so much!
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Salt & Light Library
Open Sundays 8:30 - 11 AM and 15 min after service
Wednesdays 5 - 7 PM and 15 min after service
Volunteers needed! Contact Sharon Holbert at 502-235-6687
Book Donations appreciated — view our wishlist:
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Family Communication Board
We have a bulletin board in the Upper Lobby inside the main entrance, on the wall above the giving box across from the Connection Point area, for you to post needs you would be blessed to receive and shares you would like to give.
Freely Receive - If you have a need - a service or item or a friend to do something with - please post it on the side of the board labeled “Freely Receive”.
Freely Give – when you have something to give - a lawn mower that still works, furniture you aren't using, a willingness to serve by sharing a skill or some spare time - please post on the side of the board labeled “Freely Given”.
Note papers are in the basket to write your give and receive notes to post on the board.
This is not a buy, sell, or trade board, but a family sharing board.
The only money that should be exchanged would be a paycheck if you are offering to hire someone.
Check our family sharing board often, there may be a message that will be a blessing for you!!
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Care Ministry
If you are in need of care (hospital, long-term facility, homebound), please contact Salt & Light 502-265-6828
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Stay Connected – Join Our Facebook Groups
Stay encouraged and connected!
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Have an Announcement of an Event or Volunteer Need?
Please email new submissions by Monday each week to Marie Long at Long12686@gmail.com
Thanks for helping us keep everything clear and timely!