GBC Community Update: Fear creeps back in

Good morning!  Seems like we’re having a bit of a taste of winter with the weather the last few days.  We’ve moved into ‘orange’ in terms of our Covid rating. As we get closer to winter and the weather getting poorer there is much talk about what this all means for us.  How are you doing? Do you find yourself scared? Agitated?  Regardless, may we keep our eyes of Jesus and not let fear, no matter the motivator, get the better of us.
 
 
Outreach Workshop
Next Sunday, the 29th, we’ll be having our first outreach workshop starting at 12:15(ish!). For 30 minutes we’ll be looking at practical ways that you can strengthen and gain confidence in your ability to share your faith. There’ll be opportunity to practice as well as useful teaching to help you grow in comfort in this important part of discipleship.  I’m excited to see what comes from this as well look to let the light of the gospel shine more strongly through our lives.
 
 
Wednesday Prayer
Join Jacob and Karen Ginter for a time of prayer on Wednesday afternoons at 3pm here at GBC in the Side Auditorium.
For questions or further details please contact Jacob at– [email protected] or text 519-803-4453
 
 
Thought for the day: Fear creeps back in
 
As I mentioned last week, I want to revisit the issue of fear for a bit before we move into Christmas.  It seems like the relief from Covid concerns over the summer have given way to a new and growing fear as we are full into a second wave. We see cases climbing and the government and organizations respond with more restrictions. There’s an increase in fear as a result despite the fact a vaccine is coming.
What do we do?
Let’s look again at the issue of fear from a biblical perspective.
Here’s the reality- the things we fear grab our attention. It gets us ready to fight—or flee. Whether we mask our fear with macho bravado or slink away to seek refuge, it can have a powerful effect on our thinking, decisions and actions.
A healthy fear can keep us from harm. But too often fear keeps us from doing what we want—or need—to do. Sometimes it provokes us into wrong or dangerous responses. Biblically speaking, fear can contribute to obeying—or disobeying—God’s law. Do we fear God or do we fear the things around us?  God reminds us in Isaiah 41: “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.”
What does this mean?
When fear creeps in, like it will do, remember, God is with you, He’s here to strengthen you and help you.  You’re in His hand.  In times of fear, keep your eyes fixed on Him.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris