August 23, 2024

Dear Church Family,

Have you heard the saying, “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you?” It doesn’t make any sense to view the person trying to help and provide for you as your enemy. I was reminded of it as I read Hosea 13 this morning. Throughout the Book of Hosea, God continuously rebukes the nation for abandoning Him, their protector and provider, and running off to other gods.

Hosea 13:9 (ESV)
He destroys you, O Israel,
for you are against me, against your helper.

Instead of treating God as their helper, they treated Him as their enemy. Even though He had faithfully provided for them, they forgot Him and turned to false gods who could provide nothing. Just like them, we have those two tendencies. Sometimes, we can view God’s commands, not as safeguards to protect us, but as roadblocks to our happiness. When we do this, we view him, not as our helper, but our enemy. It’s vital that we remember that He is our helper and always has our best in mind.

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

There is also the temptation to forget the many ways God has provided for us. This is what happened with Israel.

Hosea 13:4-6 (ESV)
But I am the Lord your God from the land of Egypt; you know no God but me, and besides me there is no savior. 5 It was I who knew you in the wilderness, in the land of drought; 6 but when they had grazed, they became full, they were filled, and their heart was lifted up; therefore they forgot me.

In light of this, it’s important for us to remember what God has done for us; to really view Him as our provider. How has God provided for you? How has He led you? How has He proven Himself faithful in your life? Remember today that He is your helper and provider. Listen to this reminder from the final verse of the Book of Hosea.

Hosea 14:9 (ESV)
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.

–Pastor Dave

What’s Happening at Gospel Life:

Youth Group: Join us this Sunday, August 25th, from 5-7 pm. This week we’ll be back at the Bronleewes’ house. We’ll have dinner, games, worship, and continue our study, “Who am I in Christ?”

Elder Training: Our next Elder Training is Tuesday, August 27th at 7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house. We’ll continue our study in 1 Timothy 5. Please contact Pastor Dave if you have any questions or need a copy of the homework.

Interested in helping with Youth Meals? Each week at youth group we enjoy the fellowship of a meal together. You could help by donating food, supplies, or even a Costco gift card. Please contact Laura Stewart if you’d like to help.

Life Groups: If you’re interested in joining a life group, we have several going through the summer. You can check them out here:
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/groups/small-groups

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

Upcoming Dates: No Youth Group (September 1st), Communion (September 8th)

This Coming Sunday:
Filling in the Gaps: Part 2 – Join us on Sunday in our series through 1-2 Thessalonians, titled “Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow.” This week we’ll be back in 2 Thess. 2:1-12, as Paul begins to fill in some more details about the Day of the Lord to calm the church’s fear and misunderstandings about that day.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c