GBC Community Update: Facing fears

Good morning! It was such a blessed day Sunday.  We wrapped up our Romans series, then a group of the Oasis leaders had a poolside study to prepare for the big week at the Chapmans, then we had an amazing potluck and hymn sing to welcome the Iles’ to the GBC family.  What a joy to spend time together in the family of God!
 
 
Help!  Here are some things we need for Oasis Camp
Jennifer needs to borrow 13 small flashlights and handheld mirrors for day 1 for the closing lesson. If you can help out they can be brought to the adult ministry room during the week or given to her on Sunday. Please be sure to label them as well so you can get them back after camp. Thanks for your help!
 
 
Summer Prayer Time
Pastor Dan invites any who might be free, willing, and able to join him for prayer on Thursday mornings, from 8-9am. We'll be praying for the church, for the world, and for our lives.  This week Jacob Ginter will be leading.
Please contact Pastor Dan for the link.
 
Summer thoughts to keep you on the journey: Facing Fears
Today’s thought has some similarities to Thursdays.  I suppose fear is still on my mind since I see so much fear in people and the world around me.  In the macro there is fear for the economy, fear of nuclear war and fear for the environment. In the micro there is fear of personal and relational conflict and health issues to name a few.
To find peace in trying times we have to face our fears like King Hezekiah did. We read about his life and how he dealt with fear in 2 Kings 16-20 and 2 Chronicles 28-32. I was also able to animate his story at Oasis Camp recently too. So, he’s become a character of interest to me.  Fears can be healthy or exaggerated—and sometimes paralyzing. It takes wisdom to admit that there are dangers around us that need to be properly, and fearfully, respected, and it takes wisdom to see through the exaggerations and fear-mongering of those who use the pains of others for their benefit.
Let’s be honest, we will not have all the answers we could hope for, nor will we fully anticipate all that’s going to happen in the coming days. That can increase our fear. Yet despite that, all of us must accept the responsibilities we have in our given spheres of influence where we are called upon to serve and to lead. We must seek wisdom and make the very best decisions we can as we all seek to act generously and selflessly, in ways consistent with all that we believe as followers of Jesus. 
King Hezekiah, when faced by the seemingly unstoppable Assyrian army took his fear and went to God in prayer. That’s the first place we should go in times like that.
God tells us in Isaiah 41- “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  So, face your fears and let your light shine!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris