​Good morning! I hope you’re making this a great week!  Our kickoff to Oasis@Midweek went great last night. We had a large and enthusiastic turnout as we continued our camp theme of ‘monumental’. We had a number of visitors as well which only added to the blessing of the evening. Thanks to all of you who prayed for the event!
 
 
Join us on Sunday for a chance to meet our pastoral candidate Dan Andrade
Our pastoral candidate Dan Andrade and his family will be here again on Sunday. He will be speaking again but this time shortly after the service there will be aQuestion and Answer period and then a ‘meet and greet’ luncheon.
If you have questions for him you can share them with either Dan Chapman or myself so we can collate them and use the time most effectively. 
 
 
Join us on Sunday in-person or on our livestream for a chance to meet and hear our pastoral candidate Dan Andrade
Okay, I’m repeating myself!  As has been mentioned, our pastoral candidate Dan Andrade and his family will be here for the second of two visits Sunday. He will be speaking this Sunday from the Book of Luke.  
Remember, you can join us as we gather in-person or you can connect through our website www.guelphbiblechapel.ca  our YouTube channel as well as Facebook LIVE.
 
 
 Thought for the day: Growing fruit takes patience!
On Tuesday I introduced what the Fruit of the Spirit is and how to get it.  Now let’s jump in and try to understand what this means for our journey as followers of Jesus.  As with any fruit, we won’t see it and enjoy it right away. We won’t see evidence of the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives the second we surrender our lives to Jesus. Fruit starts from a seed and that seed contains everything for the plant to begin and produce more fruit. In order for a tree to yield fruit it goes through a cycle where it must be planted in good soil, it must be nurtured, it must have a light source; it must be watered until it reaches maturity. The fruit is initially a seed, then a seedling, then a sprout, until it’s a fruit (ripe for picking!). What does this mean for our spiritual condition? First comes the planting, which happens when we accept Jesus into our life and then the WAITING for the fruit to grow and then ripen.  We’ll look at that process next week. Until then, be patient and allow God to grow fruit in you in his timing.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good morning! What a great weekend!  It was nice to have Dan Andrade and his family with us and then  the potluck and communion service Sunday night was a pretty special time.  So, lots of blessings going on. I hope you’re experiencing a few yourself!
 
 
Oasis@Midweek kicks off tomorrow!
Our popular midweek kid’s ministry Oasis@Midweek is ready to launch for the year tomorrow night.  Oasis@Midweek happens the 2nd and last Wednesday of the month featuring an Oasis camp themed evening of music, games, topical life lesson and either drama or a craft.  This coming Wednesday is a special kickoff night which will start at 6pm with a pizza party and finish at 8pm.  Going forward it runs from 6:30-8pm.
O@M is open to all children from JK to grade 6 regardless of whether they were at Oasis Camp or not. Come out and join the fun as we remember how monumental and awesome God really is.
 
 
Join us on Sunday for a chance to meet our pastoral candidate Dan Andrade
Our pastoral candidate Dan Andrade and his family will be here again on Sunday. He will be speaking again but this time shortly after the service there will be Question and Answer period and then a ‘meet and greet’ luncheon.
If you have questions for him you can share them with either Dan Chapman or myself so we can collate them and use the time most effectively. 
 
 
Spiritual Gifts seminar coming
What’s My Spiritual Gift? This question and others like it, find voice in GBC’s “Spiritual Gifts Seminar.” The apostle Paul makes it clear that each believer has spiritual gifts, and that each gift has a place and a purpose in the church of Jesus Christ.
 
Mike Stone of Vision Ministries Canada joins us on Tuesday, November 1 to walk through just what the Bible teaches on Spiritual Gifts. At the seminar you’ll have opportunity to explore your own gifts, understand how your gifts interact with the gifts of others, and clarify the purpose of these gifts. You’ll also be equipped to engage in a six week discussion on Spiritual Gifts in a Small Group setting. There’s room for all! We look forward to exploring this together for the glory of God, the joy of serving together in Guelph, and the building up of the Body of Christ!
 
Seminar Details:
Date: Tuesday, November 01
Time:     6:30pm – 7:00pm (pizza and pop – come right from work!)
7:00pm – 9:30pm (seminar and discussion)
Cost: FREE of Charge!
Signup: A Sign Up sheet will be available in the GBC foyer October 02 to October 30. You may also wish to write smallgroups@guelphbiblechapel.ca indicating your intention to participate. You may also text Jacob Ginter (1-519-803-4453) to sign up. October 30 is the final date for sign up.
 
 
Thought for the Day:  What is the Fruit of the Spirit and How Do I Grow It?
Its fall and harvest time. Patrick has been picking his grapes as usual and has had  another big yield of fruit which he was sharing during ‘Lunch on the Lawn’ recently.  I’ve been thinking about fruit lately and will be talking about it her for the next few weeks.  If you’ve been around the church for a while you’ll likely have heard of the Fruit of the Spirit.  The Fruit of the Spirit is comprised of the following character traits: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control and we find it in Galatians 5.
But what is it?
It’s like a rubber band ball tightly woven together, each band interconnected.  The only way to produce the Fruit of the Spirit though is to have the Holy Spirit in you. This initial step happens when we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  If a person doesn’t have the Holy Spirit, they don’t belong to Jesus, it’s really that simple.  The key here, if this is the case, is it’s impossible to grow the fruit of the Spirit in one’s life if you don’t have that connection. We receive the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation, when we make a conscious decision to follow Jesus and let Him be the Lord of our lives.  Then, through the Holy Spirit, you can begin to grow in the Fruit of the Spirit.  We’ll look more at this in the weeks ahead.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good morning. I hope you’re making this a great week!  Seems like the cool, fall temperatures are finally here after a warm month to date.  Things aren’t cooling down here though with lots going on. Please read the updates below.   Also, don’t forget we’ll be having a potluck and communion service on Sunday.  There’s still time to sign up for this unique event.
 
 
Monthly Giving Update
As promised (and requested by many) below is the current state of giving for this month. Here are the numbers:
General Fund offerings: month-to-date September 19
Budget: $14,595    Actual: $13,398
 
Year to date Offerings - Sep 19,2022
Budget $144,990
Actual  $133,055
Deficit  9,935
As you’ll see, we’re running behind this month which doesn’t help our year to date.  If you could help us out with a financial gift I’d sure appreciate it.  You can give through EFT or drop a check/cash off in the offering box at the back of the auditorium
 
 
Join us on Sunday in-person or on our livestream for a chance to meet and hear our pastoral candidate Dan Andrade
As has been mentioned, our pastoral candidate Dan Andrade and his family will be here for the first of two visits Sunday. He will be speaking this Sunday from the Book of Ezekiel and again next Sunday.   You will have an opportunity to get to know them better next Sunday at a bit of a ‘meet and greet’ luncheon. In the meantime, if you have questions for him you can share them with either Dan Chapman or myself.  
Remember, you can join us as we gather in-person or you can connect through our website www.guelphbiblechapel.ca  our YouTube channel as well as Facebook LIVE.
 
 
Oasis@Midweek craft supplies needed
This has come from our Oasis and Oasis@Midweek craft leader Krista Schito:  “We are in need of 30 little glass jars by Oct 9th.  Jam jars.  Mason jars, etc.  We have collected 2 so far. A size that a bunch of standard-sized popsicle sticks can fit in and stick out the top. We don’t need the lids. The jars will be primed so that the kids can paint and make “Praise Jars” on Oct 12th.   Krista Schito is collecting these. Thank you!
We would also love donations of any craft supplies for this ministry.  Thanks to everyone who has been donating supplies.  The kids love being creative with your generous donations!”
If you can help out with this, that would be great.
 
 
Thought for the day: Focus on the positive
Like the faithful people of old, we should focus beyond this fearful world on the positive future God has in store. We can also meditate on and appreciate the comfort and peace God gives now.
Paul directed our thinking toward the positive in Philippians 4: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Later in the scriptures he reminded us to rejoice always and gives thanks in everything.
Here's a positive take on fear from the scriptures: “perfect love casts out fear”.  As a result, fear is conquered. John summed up the ultimate goal this way: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear”.
We can go to God with our fears. We can seek more of His Spirit. We can grow in faith in His ability to defeat anything that threatens us. We can find comfort and security in His loving care.  The fear and loathing of this age will be replaced with love and rejoicing forevermore.  What a great thought to carry us through the day.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good morning!  Fall ministry continues to roar along with more things starting up or gaining momentum. With so much going on we’re looking to resurrect our monthly calendar to give you one source of upcoming events and opportunities.  Look for this to come on for October.
 
 
Potluck Dinner and Communion Service coming on Sunday
Our next opportunity for communion is coming up Sunday evening.  We’ll start with a potluck dinner together at 6:30pm and then share in the Lord’s Supper.  We will not only be sharing in communion but learning a bit more about its importance and how it fits into life of a growing disciple. For those who are newer to GBC this is a great way to understand more about how we view this important act of spiritual obedience.
For more information or to sign up to be part of the pot luck contact either Dan Chapman or myself.
 
 
Oasis@Midweek kick off Wednesday September 28!
Our popular midweek kid’s ministry Oasis@Midweek is ready to launch for the year next Wednesday night.  Oasis@Midweek happens the 2nd and last Wednesday of the month featuring an Oasis camp themed evening of music, games, topical life lesson and either drama or a craft.  This coming Wednesday is a special kickoff night which will start at 6pm with a pizza party and finish at 8pm.  Going forward it runs from 6:30-8pm.
O@M is open to all children from JK to grade 6 regardless of whether they were at Oasis Camp or not. Come out and join the fun as we remember how monumental and awesome God really is.
 
 
Thought for the day: Pray to God
As you hopefully know after our summer teaching series, prayer has been one of our key focus areas for the last while as a church. So, I wanted to share a thought on the subject today.
Here it is: pray to God!
This may seem obvious but its also one of the things we often forget when things get tough.  One of the best ways to overcome fear is to simply surrender all your fear to God in prayer.
We can only do so much. There comes a point in our life that we are powerless and the situations we face are beyond our control. So, what we can do, and really, we MUST do, is place our fears in the hands of our heavenly Father.
Psalms 34:4 tells us: “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”  When King David’s spirit was out of balance, when his fears were too difficult to handle, when his mind was tormented by worry, he “sought the Lord.”
When we seek God with all our hearts, he will hear us and deliver us from all our fears. When you are fearful, bend your knees, put your hands together, and pray to God.
God is more than willing to deliver us and eliminate the disturbance produced by fear. It seems so simple, and it is, but remember, it was Jesus dying on the cross for us that opened this door to God’s peace and provision. Are you afraid of something right now? Pray to God!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good afternoon. I hope you’re making this a great week.  Ministries are starting out and there is a sense of momentum here. But remember who is directing it and who all we do is pointed towards-God!  God is moving but let’s be sure all we do is aligned and pointed towards him.
 
 
Join us this Sunday between 12:00 pm and 1:15 pm for Pizza and Prayer 
Pizza will be served at approximately 12:pm. After the pizza we will pray for the launch of fall ministries, outreach in the city of Guelph, and pastoral transition.  If you have not already indicated you are attending, please RSVP to Patrick Thornton by email, phone, or text. thornton.patrick@gmail.com or 519-835-1005.
 
 
Introducing our newest elder
The spiritual health and vitality of the church and its members is the responsibility of a plurality of Elders. These men are responsible to the Lord as shepherds of the assembly and so a vibrant and vital Elder’s team is necessary for the health and function of the church.
The Elders are responsible to consider prayerfully men who have the Biblically stated characteristics to serve as Elders and will invite these to accept appointment.  I’m happy to share with you that Ken Tamminga was been invited to serve in this role.
Ken has been a part of the GBC Family since 2015.  He married Rebekah in January 2019 and Levi was born Feb 2021.
Over the past year, the Elders have been engaged a book study with Ken during which time we have gotten to know him better and have evaluated his suitability to join the elder team.  
Ken is willing to serve in this capacity and has been found to meet the qualifications of the role.  On that basis, he has been invited to join the Elder team as of the beginning of October.  
I’m super excited to have him as part of the Elder’s team as he’ll add a lot to us.  If you have any questions, please reach out to me or any of our other elders.  Praise God for how he is moving! 
 
 
Join us on Sunday in-person or on our livestream as we continue our new fall series “one body, many parts”: a study of 1 Corinthians 12
Where do I fit in this church? What is God calling me to do?  Does it even matter if I do anything here?   These are all great questions which we will be looking at this fall. 1 Corinthians 12 give a great summary not only of spiritual gifts but about God’s call on those who are part of the church. This Sunday I will be continuing to look at the foundation for the gifts God gives us as well as introducing some of them as I look at verses 4-11.  I hope you’ll join me.
Remember, you can join us as we gather in-person or you can connect through our website www.guelphbiblechapel.ca  our YouTube channel as well as Facebook LIVE.
 
 
Thought for the day: Be strong and of good courage
I’ve been thinking about heroes recently as I’ve reflected on the death of Queen Elizabeth as she was as hero of mine.  That has led me to think of another selfless hero of mine-Joshua.  After Joshua took over when Moses died, he needed encouragement. As with Queen Elizabeth who had a quiet but resolute faith in God so to did Joshua.  When the people were afraid and needed assurance from God (as did Joshua), their leader went to God.
And God answered.
In Joshua 1, we see the command, “Be strong and of good courage” repeated three times.  Verse 9 says:
“Have I not commanded you? BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go”
It’s worth noting that God actually commanded Joshua to be STRONG and of GOOD COURAGE. It isn’t a request of God or some mere suggestions but it’s a command.
We can learn from this. 
Instead of fearing, God encourages us to be strong and be courageous. But what does this mean?  It means that we should not stay weak. We must be strong in the Lord. That means we need to obtain strength from our Supreme Eternal God.
Being strong isn’t enough but we must also be courageous. Being courageous means that we should have the confidence to do what God wants us to do. Though things may not seem to go your way, being courageous means that you are able to move forward as you trust God.
God wants us to have a different kind of courage, the kind Joshua showed, to have the courage to do what is right and proper in God’s eyes.
So, be strong and courageous, you can definitely overcome fear through the Lord and that will change a LOT of things in your life.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

Good morning! It was an amazing kickoff to fall on Sunday. I was excited with the Ministry Fair and the effort all our different ministries put in and those of you who engaged with them. Then the Lunch on the Lawn had a great turnout and was a super time of building community.  What a great way to start the fall!
 
 
Youth@GBC starts up tomorrow
Our youth ministry kicks off for a new year tomorrow night. Starting at 6:30pm and going every Wednesday during the school year, there is a time of study with practical life application, games and a chance to hang out and make friends. Youth@GBC is for both junior and senior high students (gr.7-12) and is open not only to those who go to GBC but those students who’d like to be part of it.
Beyond Wednesday night ALIVE there are monthly events coming up plus the return of SURGE, our monthly community service project. Youth@GBC are on the move!
If you’d like more details contact Caroline or David Lewis
 
 
Introducing our pastoral candidate
As was mentioned on Sunday, we’d like to introduce our pastoral candidate. Dan Andrade has a heart for the Lord, passion for the Bible and a desire to see the gospel move. You’ll get the opportunity to meet him and his family and get to know them better in two weeks.
A handout that was distributed on Sunday is available from any of the elders that tells you more about this as we move forward with this exciting new development many months in the making!
 
 
Saturday Night Supper Report
Our latest installment of the Saturday Night Supper service opportunity through Royal City Mission saw 88 guests served.  In total there were 15 volunteers from GBC either provided a food item or a monetary donation to the meal.
This was the first time since the start of the pandemic that we were able to serve the meal in person, and so along with the team at RCM 3 GBC volunteers were able to stay and serve the guests at their tables. It also provided us an opportunity to get to know and serve alongside the team at RCM.
Thank you to everyone who served last night either by donating their time, resources or prayers to this ministry and thank you to Carroll Chapman for her leadership of this ministry.
 
 
Thought for the day: Be filled with love
Thursday I talked a bit about fear.  Here’s another way of looking at this issue.  God is love and those who follow God must also be filled with love.  If we want to get rid of fear, we must replace it with something. If we keep our minds empty, fear can easily return.  That’s why we read in 1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”  Now, here’s one of the most important keys to getting rid of fear: We must be filled with love.  We can cast out fear with love.
But how?
Love is an affection and emotion that does NOT produce any fear. In fact, if we truly love God, we should not fear anything.  We don’t need to fear death because after death, if we are secure with God, we can be confident that we will meet our Creator during our next waking moment.  As long as we have love in our hearts and lives, we can expect fear to never bother us. The moment that our love wavers, that’s the same moment that fear starts to creep in again.
When love prevails, fear stops from existing.
When love overcomes, fear is suppressed.
And when love reigns, fear is banished.
Sounds pretty good, huh? Let’s be filled with love!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good afternoon. I hope you’re making this a great week!  I’m excited for this Sunday’s fall kickoff, ministry fair and “Lunch on the Lawn”. I hope you’ll be part of it as we launch into the days ahead. God’s on the move here and I’m glad to be part of it!
Reminder: our Sunday service start time changes to 10:30am this Sunday
 
 
Ministry Fair and Lunch on the Lawn
As part of our fall ministry launch Sunday we’ll be having a Ministry Fair in the Side Auditorium.  You’ll have the chance to connect with a variety of GBC ministries and find out what’s going on, how you might pray and serve there too.
In addition, we’ll be having our always-popular ‘Lunch on the Lawn” This BYOL (bring your own lunch) event is a chance to connect with you church family and build community. Bring some food, a blanket or lawn chairs and we’ll provide the drinks. In case of rain we move indoors.
 
 
Monthly Financial Update at end of August 2022
The following report was given to us by our treasurer Ken Finlay. I really appreciate all he does to keep us on track financially. Please read carefully
 
The ministry of GBC, including support for our global missions partners,
is sustained by the faithful financial contributions of our members. 
Our financial position year to date is as follows:
 
Budgeted revenue: $134,885
Actual revenue received: $124,866
Shortfall: ($10,019)
 
We ask that all who call GBC home make a regular contribution towards
the ministry of the church. Information on various ways in which to
contribute financially can be found at the following link:
www.GuelphBibleChapel.ca and click on Give
 
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."  2
Corinthians 9:7
 
 
Join us on Sunday in-person or on our livestream as we start our new fall series “one body, many parts”: a study of 1 Corinthians 12
Where do we fit in this church? What is God calling me to do?  Does it even matter if I do anything here?   These are all great questions which we will be looking at this fall. 1 Corinthians 12 give a great summary not only of spiritual gifts but about God’s call on those who are part of the church. So, this Sunday I will be kicking things off and laying the foundation for the weeks ahead.
Remember, you can join us as we gather in-person or you can connect through our website www.guelphbiblechapel.ca  our YouTube channel as well as Facebook LIVE.
 
 
Thought for the day: Seek the peace of God
As fall launches there are some who are trying to fan the flames of fear about a new Covid wave and the need for a return to restrictions.  Sadly, fear seems to be sticking around.  Fear brings turmoil in our hearts and minds. When we’re filled with so much fear, we can’t think properly.
It seems everything that we do is subject to danger. We’re constantly stricken with the thought that things can go wrong.  Thankfully, God left us His peace. Jesus said this: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Jesus gives us a reason why we shouldn’t be afraid. He gives us peace and this should ease our fear.  But you might ask, how can peace extinguish fear in my heart?
Great question!
The simple answer is that the two are contrary to each other. You can’t have both peace and fear at the same time. It is either you are peaceful or fearful.  It can’t be both.
The peace that Jesus brings originates from Him. It is NOT something that you ordinarily get from the world. For most people, peace is the absence of conflict and war. But for God, peace is having an intimate and close relationship with Him.  Peace is having God in your life. Peace comes from the assurance and belief that God is always in control.  When you are filled with this type of peace, then you can cast away fear from your heart no matter the wave or whatever else is going on. Get the peace of God!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris

​Good morning!  While the official start of fall is still coming up, to most of us fall has arrived. School started today for many, fall activities resume and so the new adventure begins. What are you excited about this fall?  Not sure? Find something!  There are SO many opportunities out there to serve, to grow, to experience God and to let your light shine. 
 
 
Reminder: Sunday services change to 10:30am this Sunday
As a reminder, this Sunday our service times are changing to 10:30am.  Set you alarms so you can be here for our fall kickoff. As a reminder, we’ve moved our service up to allow for more relevant content as well as having time for community building afterwards.
 
 
Ministry Fair and Lunch on the Lawn
As part of our fall ministry launch on Sunday we’ll be having a Ministry Fair in the Side Auditorium.  You’ll have the chance to connect with a variety of GBC ministries and find out what’s going on, how you might pray and serve there too.
In addition, we’ll be having our always-popular ‘Lunch on the Lawn” This BYOL (bring your own lunch) event is a chance to connect with you church family and build community. Bring some food, a blanket or lawn chairs and we’ll provide the drinks. In case of rain we move indoors.
 
 
Summer thoughts to keep you on the journey: Live in community with others
This is the last of the summer thoughts I’m going to be sharing. The last thing I want to share is the importance of being in community as a church family.  Whether you are attending services here in person or are part of the livestream congregation, there can be a pull in these increasingly polarized times to withdraw emotionally. Allow yourself, as best you can, to feel the loss of community, the sadness of either not meeting in person or the lament of the changes in our society.  With these vulnerable feelings, communicate your longing and pain to those you miss or those who are on the journey with you. Whether by meeting together, sending a letter, making a phone call, sending a text, or having a video chat, let those close to you—or those you realize are closer than you thought—know that their connection is a significant part of your life. Perhaps you can send a card or note or simply send a text that expresses your heart for connection. That expression of relational need will itself be life-giving and will, hopefully, be received and returned. As Paul says, “For I long to see you…that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine” (Rom 1:11–12). Paul expresses his longing for mutual connection and there is mutual encouragement even in his expression of that desire.  Live in community with others no matter what that looks like!
Oh yes, and come out to Lunch on the Lawn Sunday too!
 
In His grip,
Chris

​Good morning. I hope you’re making this a great week.  I hope also you have a good long weekend as we prepare ourselves for fall.  I won’t be here on Sunday as I’m going to Woodstock to see Alec preach at his church.  I can’t wait to see him ‘in action’ again!
 
 
Reminder: Sunday services change to 10:30am as of September 11
As a reminder, as of September 11, our service times are changing to 10:30am.  Set you alarms so you can be here for our fall kickoff. As a reminder, we’ve moved our service up to allow for more relevant content as well as having time for community building afterwards.
 
 
Ministry Fair and Lunch on the Lawn
As part of our fall ministry launch on September 11 we’ll be having a Ministry Fair in the Side Auditorium.  You’ll have the chance to connect with a variety of GBC ministries and find out what’s going on, how you might pray and serve there too.
In addition, we’ll be having our always-popular ‘Lunch on the Lawn” This BYOL (bring your own lunch) event is a chance to connect with you church family and build community. Bring some food, a blanket or lawn chairs and we’ll provide the drinks. In case of rain we move indoors.
 
 
Join us on Sunday in-person or on our livestream as we conclude our summer series “Hear my prayer, Lord”: Great prayers of the Bible
Sunday we wrap up our summer series “Hear my prayer, Lord”: Great prayers of the Bible.    This Sunday Jacob will by tying things off.  He won’t be talking about the Lord’s Prayer this time.  What’s he looking at?  Find out on Sunday!
Remember, you can join us as we gather in-person or you can connect through our website www.guelphbiblechapel.ca  our YouTube channel as well as Facebook LIVE.
 
 
Summer thoughts to keep you on the journey: Spiritual Practices to help us draw closer to God
As we wind down the summer, you’ll recall I’ve been talking at times over the past two months about choices as I seek to help you “keep on the journey”.  I hope you’ve been gathering that a key element of doing this is walking close to God.  This can be more than just an attitude, it can become a spiritual discipline or practice. There’s lots of ways we can draw closer to God.  One practice to consider is turning our hands up to God at various times and praying like the Canaanite woman, “Lord, help me” (Matt 15:25) or with blind Bartimaeus, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mk 10:47). Or we might consider meditatively praying the Lord’s Prayer morning, noon, and evening. The verse “Give us this day our daily bread” will seem more relevant than ever. Perhaps as we take in news updates, we could imagine presenting the need or concern found in it to Jesus seated at the right hand of the Father.
Additionally, short prayers of lament can aid us in bringing our loss, anger, and confusion to God: “How long, O Lord?” (Ps 13:2), “Why, O Lord, do you stand far away?” (Ps 10:1), “Come quickly, Lord, to help me” (Ps 40:13), “Lord, have mercy on us,” (Matt 20:21), and “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me” (Matt 26:39). In times like this when God can seem far away this brings him back to where he really is- as close as we let him be.
These are not practices that are meant to take us out of the moment. Instead, they are practices that allow us to remain in the moment in a faithful, redemptive, life-giving way and that helps us walk closer to God.  Bring these ideas into your daily life and you can’t help but draw closer to God.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris