GBC Community Update: What to do when fear creeps back in

​Good morning.  On this dreary day may the light of Jesus shine in your life.  For my devotions of late I’ve tried to follow a theme for a certain length of time. For the next couple of weeks I want do share some less-connected, but still important, things that have been on my mind. Think of it as fall cleaning!  I hope they continue to be challenging and encouraging.
 
 
Fall work party coming up
Our fall work party (and trust me, it will be!) is coming on Saturday November 5 from 9am to noon. This is an opportunity for us to help our Property Team with some of the things that need to be done to get ready for winter.  There will be a variety of tasks to do. Please come for all or part and pitch in the help out.
 
 
Spiritual Gifts seminar coming
What’s My Spiritual Gift? This question and others like it, find voice in GBC’s “Spiritual Gifts Seminar.” The apostle Paul makes it clear that each believer has spiritual gifts, and that each gift has a place and a purpose in the church of Jesus Christ.
 
Mike Stone of Vision Ministries Canada joins us on Tuesday, November 1 to walk through just what the Bible teaches on Spiritual Gifts. At the seminar you’ll have opportunity to explore your own gifts, understand how your gifts interact with the gifts of others, and clarify the purpose of these gifts. You’ll also be equipped to engage in a six week discussion on Spiritual Gifts in a Small Group setting. There’s room for all! We look forward to exploring this together for the glory of God, the joy of serving together in Guelph, and the building up of the Body of Christ!
 
Seminar Details:
Date: Tuesday, November 01
Time:     6:30pm – 7:00pm (pizza and pop – come right from work!)
7:00pm – 9:30pm (seminar and discussion)
Cost: FREE of Charge!
Signup: A Sign Up sheet will be available in the GBC foyer October 02 to October 30. You may also wish to write [email protected] indicating your intention to participate. You may also text Jacob Ginter (1-519-803-4453) to sign up. October 30 is the final date for sign up.
 
 
Thought for the day: Fear creeps back in
I’ve noticed that after a bit of a pause after Covid there seems to be a certain amount of fear creeping back into society. The war in Ukraine has led to fear of nuclear war, environmental concern grows, our economy teeters on the brink of recession with inflation hurting many AND there are some trying to rekindle the flame of fear over Covid.
Yikes!  
What do we do?
Let’s look at this 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, that’s a good thing. But too often fear keeps us from doing what we want—or need—to do, that’s not so good! Of greater concern is that 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 hands.  In times of fear, keep your eyes fixed on Him.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris