Dear Church Family, How do you like being corrected? Most of us would answer with, “I don’t like it at all!” I’ve been in the book of Proverbs for my quiet times and started chapter 12 today. This is the first verse I read this morning: Proverbs 12:1 (ESV)
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but he who hates reproof is stupid.
Being disciplined is never fun. Being corrected usually hurts. But these can be tools to help us learn and grow. It really comes down to how willing we are to let others speak into our lives. Our pride usually keeps us from hearing what others have to say. It’s also that pride that keeps us from growing. That’s why Solomon uses the harsh word “stupid” to describe those who refuse to listen to reproof. Something someone shared with me when I was younger that has always stuck with me is to look for the nugget of truth in every correction or criticism. To ask, “How can I grow from this?” It’s tough because correction and criticism come in many forms. Sometimes the correction is invited, but sometimes it’s not. Sometimes it’s warranted, but sometimes it’s unwarranted. Sometimes the reproof is spot on, but other times it’s off-base. Sometimes the other person’s motives are good, while other times their motives are selfish or hurtful. In all these forms, though, what we can do is humble ourselves to listen. Is there any nugget of truth in what they have to say? Even if 99% of what they have to say is wrong, is 1% correct? Even if their motives are wrong, is what they have to say right? So, how are you doing at listening to others? Do you have anyone that can speak hard truths into your life? We often want to run from criticism. What if we actually sought it out, instead, but from someone wise who is willing to speak the truth in love? Someone who loves us and has our best interests in mind? I believe that is what Proverbs 12:1 is aiming for. Who is that in your life? Proverbs 13:20 (ESV)
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Pastor Appreciation: Thank you so much for the kind notes and generosity to our family! We feel so blessed to be part of this church family! Daylight Saving Time Ends: Don’t forget the time change as we fall back an hour this Sunday. See you at 10 am for our morning worship service! Church Potluck: Join us after the morning worship service for a potluck meal this Sunday, November 5th. Please bring one of your favorite dishes to share with the group. Youth Group: Join us for youth group this Sunday, November 5th from 5-7 pm. We’ll have dinner, games, worship, and continue our Bible study through the Book of Joshua. 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. Men’s Challenge “Facing the Giant”: Join the guys at Jump Creek 9:30 am – 2:30 pm on Sat., Nov. 11, for a hike, lunch, stories, talk of facing giants, and a further physical challenge. For more details re: what to bring, car pooling, etc. please get in touch with Kevin Edgerton or Michael Gerdes on or before Nov. 8. Elder Training: The next elder training will be Tuesday, November 14th at 7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house. We’ll pick up at 1 Timothy 2:9-15. Upcoming Dates: Communion (Nov. 26th), No Youth Group (Nov. 26th), Men’s Ministry Vision Building Event (Dec. 2nd) 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:
Finding Hope Again – Join us this Sunday as we continue our series in Ruth, “Finding God in Tough Times.” We’ll be in Ruth 3:1-18 and look at the hopeful pursuit of a Redeemer. Watch Previous Worship Services
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | 
