GBC Community Update: Building character takes commitment

​Good morning!  I hope you’re making this a great week!  I don’t know about you, but I’ve been enjoying the recent more spring-like weather. While I’m sure winter is not quite done it’s a good reminder of what is ahead.  There’s a spiritual application to this as well. We all go through times of ‘winter’ but ‘spring’ always follows. Trust in the Lord!
 
 
Time of Prayer for Ukraine and for GBC
This Sunday after the service in the Main Auditorium, we will be having a time of prayer for the war in Ukraine and also for our pastoral transition.  All are welcome to attend and raise their prayers to the Lord for these important items.
 
 
Join us on Sunday in-person or on our livestream as we continue our series “Servant in motion”
Sunday at 11am Jacob will be sharing from Mark in our winter series: “Servant in Motion”. A key theme is Jesus as servant so that will direct our study as we look to see what it means for us.  This week he’ll be looking at chapter 7 and part of chapter 8.
You can also ‘read ahead’ and get prepared by looking at the passage for the day- Mark 7-8:26.  We cover a lot of ground so it might help to read before 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.
 
 
Thought for the day: Building Character Takes Commitment
I’ve been looking at how to develop character and been using Jesus as a guide. While there are certain elements of character inherited there’s much we can do to develop it as well.  It’s not easy and does take work but is so worth it.
This thought brings us to our next character trait: commitment.
Jesus had no lack of commitment. Wherever He was, or whoever He was with, He was fully in the moment and fully committed to His goals. Despite praying fervently in the garden of Gethsemane to avoid having to bear the cross and all that physical torture, He knew it was the only way to pay for everyone’s sins, so He stayed completely committed to His goal. There were certainly many obstacles during His ministry, but He stayed on track and finished strong.
It also takes commitment to live out the next key character trait of Jesus: Forgiveness.
One of the most startling things said in the Bible is found in Luke 23:34, when Jesus is on the cross and says: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Even while bleeding and experiencing pain, Jesus had His heart set on forgiveness—even forgiving those who put Him there in the first place! This is definitely contrary to the everyday mantra of looking out for number one and obtaining personal justice. Jesus was by no means concerned for His own life; all He wanted was to provide a way for forgiveness.  What an incredible challenge for all of us.  Who can we forgive today?
That’s how you show character!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris