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Includes ministry highlights, testimonials, a financial snapshot, and prayer requests.
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Quarterly Ministry Update
You are receiving this e-mail because you have supported our ministry in the past or signed up to receive updates at LivingbyDesign.org/Give. If you do not wish to receive these types of e-mails from Living by Design Ministries in the future, you can unsubscribe here.

Hello,
Friend!

I look forward to writing these quarterly updates for you because they force me to pause and reflect on what God is doing in and through Living by Design Ministries.

I recently read a quote from Oswald Chambers that beautifully communicates the truth God is teaching me right now.

About the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, Chambers wrote, "You cannot make disciples unless you are a disciple yourself."

As ministers of the gospel, our only secure source of joy is that we are in a life-sustaining relationship with Jesus Christ.

There is so much in this life that we cannot control, yet no force on earth can steal our ability to give Christ full access to our lives.


It is our responsibility to remain true to the call of Christ upon our lives when challenges arise. He alone provides strength, security, joy, and peace in a world full of uncertainty, fear, sickness, and pain.

I've been studying the doctrine of God in my systematic theology class at Dallas Seminary this semester.

My professor believes in the value of comprehensive exams, so I've been spending a lot of time committing the course material to memory.

One of my notecards from a recent exam says "Father God, Primary Roles" on the front. And on the back, I wrote...

1. Almighty Creator
2. Sovereign Ruler
3. Holy Judge
4. Compassionate Reconciler
5. Him to Whom All Things Return

I believe in the God of the Bible. I believe He will fulfill His promises to me.

He is my hope. He is my peace. He is my joy.

When your heart feels heavy, and your soul grows weary, remember the beautiful promise of Isaiah 41:10, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand."

I look forward to sharing encouraging ministry highlights, uplifting reader testimonials, a financial snapshot, and prayer requests with you in this quarterly newsletter.

Sarah Koontz
President, Living by Design Ministries

P.S. If you have any questions or would like more information on any of the topics discussed in this quarterly update, please don't hesitate to contact our team at info@livingbydesign.org.

Introducing JoyFULL: A Free 3-Week Study of Philippians
In the book of Philippians, the Apostle Paul shares the secret of unshakeable peace and unfathomable joy in every circumstance. Hardship and suffering did not steal Paul’s joy, because he was not looking to his circumstances for comfort, peace, and fulfillment—he was looking to Christ!

Chapter 1 teaches us to be Christ-centered, "Love the Lord your God." Phil 1:21
Chapter 2 teaches us to be servant-hearted, "Love others as yourself." Phil 2:3
Chapter 3 teaches us to be Heaven-focused, "My goal is the eternal prize." Phil 3:14
Chapter 4 teaches us to be spiritually-resourced, "I can do all things." Phil 4:13


Paul found significance in suffering because he learned to view his life in light of eternity, and so must we! In this manual for joyful living, we will uncover the secret of Christian joy—Christ’s joy in us forevermore. With our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, our hearts filled with the Holy Spirit, and our minds focused on the Father’s promises, we will seek to understand and apply this rich biblical truth to our lives.
Testimonials from our Bible Study Community
Sarah's Bible studies have been a tremendous blessing during the pandemic. I haven't done a study in Psalms in some years so I did the study on Psalms 119 and it was just what I needed. I appreciate all the work that goes into developing these studies and I look forward to participating in more of Living By Design's Bible studies. - Reviewer at GreatNonProfits.org

I appreciate the quality and simple Bible Studies this ministry offers! The blog posts regularly challenge my thinking and I love to share them with my fellow mamas who, I know, need encouragement! Having such an easily accessible source for growing spiritually and personally is such a blessing. I have used/shared their resources personally and with small groups with such joy and encouragement.
- Elisha O-Farrell, Guest Writer

Living by Designs Ministry inspired and equipped me to get out of my comfort zone and heed God’s call to lead Women’s Bible Studies. Through their free Bible Studies, anyone can draw nearer to God at home in His presence, or in community with sisters in the Lord. Scriptural truth, passionate commentary, and availability are some of the reasons I follow and support this wonderful ministry.
-Janet Cafer, Discipleship Team Member
Prayer Requests for Living by Design Ministries
✔ Pray for Our Community: We have experienced unprecedented growth in our free Bible study community in 2020. As our ministry reach grows, so do the financial, physical, and emotional needs within our community. Please pray that God would continue to use our ministry to encourage and equip the Church to think and act biblically during these challenging times. Ask God for divine provision, guidance, and peace for every member of our community.

✔ Pray for our Fall Bible Study Participants: Our new JoyFULL Bible Study releases on November 2. Please pray for everyone who chooses to participate in this study. Specifically, pray that each participant would experience the joy of the Lord as they study Paul's encouraging Epistle to the Philippians. Pray that they would receive all the study e-mails, consistently engage in the process of personal Bible study, and experience the kind of peace and eternal hope that is found in Christ alone.

✔ Pray for our Year-End Fundraising: November and December are important fundraising months for our non-profit ministry. In past years, up to 50% of our yearly income has come from the final months of the year. As many of our existing donors are facing financial uncertainty due to the extended Covid-19 crisis, we are asking God to provide for our free Bible study ministry in unexpected and glorious new ways. We are resting safe and secure in the shadow of His wings, and trusting Him to continue to sustain our ministry in these uncertain financial times.
All Support Team members receive quarterly ministry updates, info about upcoming Bible studies, volunteer and fundraiser information. We also have a private Facebook group just for you. This is a place where we can connect with the individuals within our support community and share ministry updates and requests in a more timely, personal manner.  
 
 
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