GBC Community Update: Repent...it has an impact you might not expect!

​Good afternoon.  And just like that, all the snow is gone! I’ve been reading over the responses to Dan’s question sheet he gave us on New Year’s Day. There are some powerful things that people experienced this past year and also inspiring things being anticipated. Thanks to those who participated in this, it was both encouraging and moving for me. God is moving here, it’s great to be part of it!
 
 
Oasis@Midweek starts again tomorrow
Our popular children's ministry event Oasis@Midweek resumes for the 2023 season tomorrow night. Kids JK to grade 6 are invited to join us from 6:30pm to 8pm for an Oasis Camp themed evening of music, games, life lesson and this time a craft led by our Kid’s Church team.  O@M is not just for those who went to camp but for all who would like to remember how MONUMENTAL God is and celebrate his awesomeness.
 
 
Thought for the day: Repent…it has an impact you might not expect!
You may recall, last week I started looking at some ways to put more ‘resolution’ into our journey in 2023.  Resolution only means to resolve, or be purposeful about what you do.   Here is the second ‘tip’ or thought on how to do that.
2. Repent
I think the first one, ‘remember’, is probably a lot easier than this one because it really does call for a choice, and often some form of loss.  Our worship of God for his faithfulness, grace and majesty should lead us to repentance. His goodness breaks us in fresh ways as our sin is exposed by the light of his glory. But this isn’t a morbidly introspective, navel-gazing exercise. To repent is to rejoice. Have you ever thought of it that way?  We have the opportunity to CLAIM the promise of 1 John 1:9-if we confess our sins God is faithful and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Why?
Because we know our forgiveness has already been purchased at the cross.
Beginning the new year with repentance is to draw closer to Jesus, to appropriate the fresh grace that is ours in him. This is why confession always brings relief and joy. It’s the gateway to greater intimacy with God.
How can we begin new plans and journeys in 2023 without first allowing his light to penetrate the darkness of our hearts and to reveal areas in need of growth? How can we start working, grinding and dreaming without first renewing our joy in the One who directs our steps?  It’s a great way to start the day, the week, the month and yes, the year!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris