Dear Church Family, I just finished up the book of Judges in my devotions. The last chapters, and especially the last verse, summarize this difficult time in Israel’s history: Judges 21:25 (ESV)
In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
We desperately need truth to ground us and keep us from the destructive path of following our own selves. Today I started reading the book of Proverbs. Verse seven is a great summary of that grounding that we all need: Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Too often we’re like the fool who despises, or refuses to listen to and obey, God’s wisdom and instruction. We fear the Lord when we recognize Who He is and respond with reverence, obedience, and worship. It all comes down to us choosing whether to do what is right in our eyes or what is right in God’s eyes. To do that, we need to be in His Word, soaking in His wisdom. How are you doing at getting in His Word? How are you doing at obeying what you read? I noticed this strong contrast between the wise and the fool at the end of the chapter: Proverbs 1:29-33 (ESV)
Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, 30 would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, 31 therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices. 32 For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; 33 but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Communion: We will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper as part of our Sunday morning service this Sunday, October 22nd. Through the ordinance of communion, we remember the sacrifice Jesus made to save us from our sins. Youth Group: Join us for youth group this Sunday, October 22nd from 5-7 pm. We’ll have dinner, games, worship, and continue our Bible study through the Book of Joshua. Elder Training: The next elder training will be this coming Tuesday, October 24th at 7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house. We’ll pick up at 1 Timothy 2:9-15. New Men’s Life Group: We’re starting a new men’s life group that will meet on Wednesday mornings. We’ll enjoy breakfast together and go back more in depth over the previous sermon, including the “for further study” section in the bulletin. Our first meeting will be October 25th at 7:30 am at Bob’s Restaurant and Lounge (1411 Shilo Dr, Nampa, ID 83687). Church Potluck: Join us after the morning worship service for a potluck meal on Sunday, November 5th. Please bring one of your favorite dishes to share with the group. Prayer Night: Our next prayer night will be November 7th at 7 pm at the Kropfs’ house. We have the privilege of bringing our needs before the Lord and praising Him for Who He is and what he has done for us. Life Groups: If you would like to grow in your relationship with the Lord and other believers, please consider joining a Life Group. We have groups for men, women, and youth. You can check them out here:
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/groups/small-groups?enrollment=open_signup%2Crequest_to_join&filter=enrollment 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 This Coming Sunday:
A Glimmer of Hope – Join us on Sunday as we study Ruth 2:1-16 in our series “Finding God in Tough Times.” After such a painful chapter of loss, we begin to see God work and provide for Ruth and Naomi. Watch Previous Worship Services
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | 
