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January 5, 2024 | ||
Dear Church Family, Prayer is an amazing mystery! Through it, we have a connection with the Almighty God of the Universe! I’ve started reading through the Psalms and most of them involve some kind of prayer. In Psalm 5 David begins by crying out to God in hopes that God hears. We all long, through prayer, to be heard by God. The reality, though, is that we have no business being heard by God. God is completely holy and we are not. David acknowledges this:
What hope do we have of conversing with a holy God? We rightly know that, “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment” (Isaiah 64:6 ESV). Listen to David’s hope, though, in the very next verse:
It is only through the abundance of God’s steadfast love that we are able to approach Him in prayer. Because of the cross, God doesn’t see our unrighteousness, but Jesus’ own righteousness, when He looks at us. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21 ESV). Because of Jesus’ righteousness transferred to us, we now have access to God. The next time you pray, think about how amazing it is that you have that access! You can pray to God any place, any time, with any need.
What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Bible Reading Plan: If you’re interested in reading through the Bible in 2024, there are many different reading plans available. I will have copies of a simple reading plan for you at the Welcome Table on Sunday. Here is a link to a very customizable option: https://biblereadingplangenerator.com/Youth Group: We’re starting back this Sunday, January 7th, from 5-7 pm. We’ll have dinner, games, worship, and continue our Bible study through the Book of Joshua. Men’s Breakfast: Men and boys of all ages are invited to our next Men’s Breakfast on Saturday,January 13th from 8-10 am at The Greens Clubhouse (6745 E. Greens Dr. Nampa, ID 83687). Our theme will be “How Has the Spirit Gifted Me?” You can sign up at the Welcome Table on Sunday to both attend and bring something to share. Communion: We will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper as part of our Sunday morning service on Sunday, January 14th. Through the ordinance of communion, we remember the sacrifice Jesus made to save us from our sins. Elder Training: The next elder training will be Tuesday, January 23rd at 7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house. We’ll pick up at 1 Timothy 3. Please contact Pastor Dave if you need a copy of the homework. Church Directory: We’re updating the church directory for 2024. Please stop by the Welcome Table on Sunday to make sure your contact information is up to date. You can also update your information online. Here is some information on how: 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: 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: Upcoming Dates: Church Potluck (Feb. 4th), 2024 Budget (Feb.11th) This Coming Sunday: Watch Previous Worship Services | ||
Draw Near to the Throne of Grace
