Dear Church Family, We become like the things we pursue. What have you been pursuing? I’ve started the book of Jeremiah in my quiet times and came to this verse this morning: Jeremiah 2:5 (ESV)
Thus says the Lord: “What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthlessness, and became worthless?
In this chapter God is accusing the people of constantly turning from Him to other gods. Even though He has continuously loved and provided for them, they’ve wandered away time and time again. Sadly, in the process of turning to worthless things they have, themselves, become worthless. By turning to empty idols, they have become empty. Look at this sobering summary: Jeremiah 2:11-13 (ESV)
Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. 12 Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the Lord, 13 for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.
What have you been pursuing? What have you given yourself over to? Where are you looking to for meaning and purpose? Just like we become empty when we pursue empty things, we also find true life when we pursue the fountain of living waters. This reminds me of the words of Christ: John 4:13-14 (ESV)
Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Youth Group: We will not be meeting this Sunday. Join us next Sunday, July 2nd from 6-8 pm at the Stewart’s home in Nampa, contact Pastor Dave for the address. We’ll have food, games, worship, and study God’s Word. VBS Training: If you are helping with the VBS, please join us after the worship service on Sunday, July 2nd for a quick time of training. If you can’t make it, please talk to Heidi or Jenny. Stellar VBS: We’re excited for our upcoming Kids VBS at Columbia High School. It is for ages 5-12 and will be July 9-13th, meeting each evening from 6-8 pm. If you are interested in helping please reach out to Jenny or Heidi. Please be praying for God to use this event to reach kids with the Gospel. To sign up kids, follow this link: https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1796117Challenge for the Year: As we approach the half-way point of 2023, I want to remind you about our challenge for the year: to grow deeper in God’s Word. We will have a special celebration dinner at the end of the year for anyone who completes this challenge. The point is to grow in your relationship with God, so whether you read through the whole Bible or just a portion, seek to know Him more this year! Request Prayer: It’s important for us to be praying for each other as a church! If you ever need prayer, we would love to come alongside you. You can always turn in a prayer request on Sundays using the Connection Card, but you can also submit a prayer request online at any time:
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/368653 Life Groups: Life Groups are an important way to connect and grow at Gospel Life. We have several exciting groups for men, women, or both. You can hear about some of these groups here:
https://youtu.be/4GEoz7aeYTE?t=873
If you’re looking for a group to join, you can sign up below or stop by the Welcome Table on Sunday.
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/groups/small-groups This Coming Sunday:
Better Than Sacrifice – We’re back in The Gospel According to Mark this Sunday and will look at Mark 12:28-34 and see how Jesus answers the question about which commandment is the greatest. Watch Previous Worship Services
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | 
