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June 21, 2024 | ||
Dear Church Family, I’ve started reading through the book of Ecclesiastes in my devotions. Solomon warns us against seeking meaning and purpose apart from God. He calls this “vanity of vanities” and compares it to “striving after the wind.”
I think we’ve all experienced this. The things of the world were not meant to fill the deepest longings of our hearts. They all come up short, because only God can provide the true joy we were meant to experience through relationship with Him. Sometimes, though, we can take this to an extreme. We can look out at the things God has provided us in the world to enjoy and see them as evil or bad. True, they are not meant to be idols that we use to replace God. But, they can be viewed in their right place, as good gifts from God. That is the balance that I see in Ecclesiastes. I was reading today in chapter two. Right after describing the futile pursuit of self-indulgence, wisdom, and toil, Solomon pauses with this reminder:
These things, pursued apart from God, are pointless. But as received as gifts from God, they become good and enjoyable. When you think of the good things God has provided for you, which ones have you been tempted to pursue as idols? Which ones have you tried to use to replace God? Remember that those are gifts from Him, not idols to replace Him. How can you thank God for these gifts? How can you enjoy them as, “from the hand of God?” How can you use them for His Kingdom and His glory?
What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Women’s John 14:6 Ministries: Ladies, don’t forget, tomorrow, June 22nd, is our next John 14:6 Ministries meeting. Join us at 10 am at Teresa Osterhoudt’s home (15364 Moss Creek Way Caldwell, ID 83607). We’ll have a time of fellowship and learning together and refreshments will be served. Baptism on Sunday: We’re excited to celebrate through baptism this Sunday, June 23rd, at the end of the morning worship service.Church Potluck: We’re having our next church potluck this Sunday, June 23rd, right after the baptism. Come celebrate with us and bring one of your favorite dishes to share with the group. Youth Group: Join us this Sunday, June 23rd, from 5-7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house (17354 N Wingtip Way Nampa, ID 38687). We’ll have dinner, games, worship, and continue our study, “Who am I in Christ?” Ladies PJ’s and Pancakes: Attention all women of all ages! On July 13th at 6 pm we’ll be meeting at the Borrors’ house (10542 Hackberry Ct. Nampa, ID 83687) for pancakes, fellowship, and a fun movie together. Come wearing your PJs’s. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Annie Borror (208-550-9880). New Young Adult Life Group: Kevin & Alice Edgerton are hosting a group that meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 6-7:30 pm. They are studying, “Discoveries of Modern Science & the Case for Intelligent Design.” The group will watch John Ankerberg’s video series on science to understand some of the discoveries of modern science that point to the existence of God. They will also discuss the absolute reliability of the Bible and how to use what they learn to share truth with others. Their address is 415 W Wycliff Dr. Nampa, ID 83686. 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: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | ||
Balance
