GBC Community Update: God desires to develop the character already in us

Good morning!  I hope you’re making this a great week!  The storm on Saturday reminded me that while we may make plans, we need to hold them with an open hand. Much can change in a short period of time. Commit what you do the Lord and trust in Him.
 
 
Baptism opportunity
Our next opportunity for believer baptism by immersion is on Sunday June 19. If you are interested in taking this step of obedience, or would like more information, please let me know.
 
 
Outreach Opportunity: Tree Planting with the Junction Neighborhood Group
The Junction Neighbourhood Group will be planting trees and clearing away invasive plants on the morning of Saturday June 11 at Goldie Park (63 Memorial Cres).  Volunteers from Guelph Bible Chapel participated in the last tree planting in 2016 and we've been invited to join again!  This is a great way to engage and love our neighbours by supporting their efforts to improve their community park.  If you'd like to participate in this event, please let Andrea Thornton know at [email protected] or 905-537-9607.  
 
 
Join us on Sunday in-person or on our livestream as we start our new spring series “In focus”-God’s call on this church
Sunday we return to our spring series “IN FOCUS”: God’s call for this church. 
We continue to examine God’s calling for this church in 4 specific areas of ministry: outreach, small groups, prayer and our Sunday morning experience.
This Sunday Patrick will finish the topic of small groups. Why are these important and how does God use this vehicle to build community in his church?  Find out 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: God desires to develop the character already in us
It’s God’s purpose to develop the character within that He’s already planted in us. We read in Proverbs 17: “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart”. Godly character is the result of the Holy Spirit’s work of sanctification in every believer. Character, then, in the believer is a consistent manifestation of Jesus in his life. It’s the purity of heart that God gives becoming purity in action. God sometimes uses trials to strengthen character.  The Bible also says: “we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope”. God is pleased when His children grow in character.  We read in the Psalms “you test the heart and are pleased with integrity”.  God loves when we grow in character!
While its there to be developed and God helps us through the Holy Spirit, we still need to work to develop it. With that in mind, here’s our next tip:
Learn! 
Once you become more devoted to Jesus, things should become different.  I still remember that vividly in my own life.  Christian musician Steven Curtis Chapman says, "What about the difference? What about the change? What about forgiveness? What about a life that's showing I'm undergoing a change?"
In order to see that change take root we need to learn. We learn about God, about his character, his desires for us and what Godly character looks like. We can do that through doing a Bible study, being part of a small group or reading Christian literature. A great resource we have at GBC is our libraries.  We have an adult library in the Side Auditorium with amazing resources and an excellent children’s library upstairs in our Kid’s Ministry Wing. Why not check out some books and use some of your time to learn?  When you do, you can’t help but develop of character!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris