RECAP: God-Given GPS based on John 16:1-15
Jesus assured his disciples that if they chose to follow after him, they would see trouble. Matter of fact, the more faithful we are to following after God, the more we will come into conflict with the system of the world and will face difficulty. But Jesus also stated that we would not have to face the peril on our own; we would have the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide us through. How can the Holy Spirit help us?
- He gives us the strength to stand for God. It is hard to stand alone. Jesus warned that because of the coming trouble, many would fall away from the faith and give into the teaching of false prophets. When the fire is on, few can take the heat. But with the Spirit, we are not alone; we have the very strength of God with us. We don’t have to fall away or compromise with the world; rather, we can take a stand for God! Even when we are silenced, threatened, or people do harm to us, thinking they are working on God’s behalf because they have confused God’s voice for the voice of culture or their own, we can still stand strong. This is possible because God’s very strength can fill us from the inside out through the work of the Spirit.
- He is our reminder of God’s presence. God promised he would never leave us or forsake us, for he is with us always. The Spirit is our Advocate, not only working on our behalf but also serving as our cheerleader and encourager. The Spirit is our Counselor, guiding us to the Word of God and to the holiness and character of God. The Spirit is our Comforter, our strength, and a reminder that we are not alone.
- He is the judge of what is right and what is sin. It is the job of the Holy Spirit to serve as God-given GPS, directing us in the path of eternal life. When we sin and veer from the path, he convicts us by encouraging us to change our course, just like GPS will shout “Make a u-turn” when we have missed our destination! The Spirit will guide us into God’s righteousness and condemn Satan. The Spirit also will grant us discernment to recognize what is sin and what is the work of the enemy.
- He will guide us into all truth. The Spirit is like a compass, only pointing in the direction of that which is true. He is not bought or swayed by humanity, but will only speak what God the Father tells him to say. He will never lead us into a fad, for he is not led by emotion or the changing winds of the day. Rather, he is consistent with God’s enduring and eternal character and will always guide us back to Christ.
- He will grant us full access to the counsel of God. Many of us want to know we are following the right path. When we have the Spirit, he will constantly glorify, lift up, and exalt God, revealing the will and mind of Christ. Therefore, we don’t have to wander aimlessly or hopelessly, for he will be our guide.
This is the gift God has given us to stand and endure times such as these. Will you embrace the Spirit?
Questions for Reflection
1) Under pressure, do you find it easy to stand for God? Or do you struggle to stand against culture?
2) In what way could you use a specific reminder of God’s presence today?
3) Do you recognize when the Spirit is convicting you of sin? What would help you recognize it better?
4) Do you allow your life to be guided by truth? Or does today’s popular opinion matter?
5) Is there a specific need in your life today that you need the full counsel of God?
Upcoming Service
This Sunday, Pastor Ryan will conclude the study in the discipline of guidance with the sermon titled, “Dreams and Visions”, based on Joel 2:28-32. What role does the Spirit play in the growth of the church? What can we do through the Spirit? Come or tune in Sunday to find out!
Daily Bible Readings for May 23 – 29
May 23: 1 Samuel 8 What counsel did Samuel provide Israel? Did they listen?
May 24: 2 Samuel 6 What guidance did David receive? Did he listen?
May 25: 1 Kings 12:1-24 What counsel did Rehoboam receive? Who did he listen to? What was the cost?
May 26: 1 Kings 13 Which counsel did the man of God from Judah obey? What was the cost?
May 27: 1 Kings 19 What guidance did the Lord provide Elijah? Did he listen?
May 28: John 14:15-31 What guidance did Jesus provide about life? About the Holy Spirit?
May 29: John 15:18-27 What guidance did Jesus provide about life? About the Holy Spirit?
This Week’s Events:
Sunday, May 28–Instachoir Picnic @ 5 pm
Upcoming Events:
Sunday, June 4–Summer Hours Begin; First Sunday Breakfast @ 8:45, Sunday School @ 9:15, Worship @ 10:30.
Sunday, June 4–Get Out Of Your Head Bible Study Begins, 4 pm @ Lynne Lent’s home.
Saturday, June 17–Father/Son Dinner
Sunday, June 18–Graduation Recognition Sunday
Sunday, June 25–Outdoor Worship
Sunday, June 25–Summer Vespers @ 6 pm
Saturday, July 22–Back to School Event/Community Yard Sale
Sunday, August 13–Children’s Church begins
Announcements:
Summer hours are quickly approaching! This Sunday is the LAST Sunday of normal hours. Summer hours begin Sunday, June 4.
Guidance– Spiritual Discipline Challenge
This week, we will ask for guidance for our nation. Pray for a spirit of repentance to fall upon our nation. Pray that our leaders, national, state, and local, would listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit in making decisions for our nation. Also, pray for, the Leadership Team, the Focus Teams, and for me, that we would be sensitive to God’s direction and lead Beaver Creek in the direction it should go.
Graduate Recognition
We will be honoring our graduates on Sunday, June 18. If you have a graduate, please contact the church office so we can make sure they are recognized and honored. We are aware of six graduates already. We also are asking for a photo of each graduate to be submitted to the office.
Father/Son Dinner
Women’s Fellowship will host the father/son dinner on Saturday, June 17 @ 5 pm. The sign-up sheet will be on the bulletin board this Sunday. Please sign up if you plan to attend!
BIRTHDAYS NEEDED!
If you are a newer attendee at Beaver Creek, please call the office or leave in the offering plate your birth date so we do not miss anyone!
Call for Worship Leaders and Children’s Story
We are in need of both worship leaders and children’s storytellers. If you would like to serve, contact Alice Over (worship leading) or Phyllis Simmons (children’s story).
New Bible Study!
During the Summer months of June, July, and August, we will be doing a new study based on Jennie Allen’s book “Get Out of Your Head.” Do you want to recognize the toxic spirals in your life that leave you feeling far away from God? Do you want to be equipped in how to win the battle in your mind and draw closer to Christ? Then this short study will be good for you!
We are still working on the details as far as time. If you are interested in possibly joining this study, please either call the office, or let Lynne Lent or Bill Wood know so we have an idea of how many books to order. Child care will be provided. Please let us know by Thursday in order to order the correct amount of books!
Call to Prayer
Let us continue to pray for our nation in the following ways:
1) National return to God
2) Repentance of personal sin
3) Repentance of corporate sin
4) Healing for the brokenness of relationships
5) Our leaders
6) Revival
7) Guidance for our congregation in the days ahead
Idea Box!
What do you want to see at Beaver Creek? What are some ideas you have for the long-term growth of our congregation? Any outrageous outreach ideas? Please either email Pastor Ryan or write them down and place them in the brown suggestion box in the narthex. Dream big!
Nursery
The Christian Education Team is looking for six to eight volunteers for the nursery during the Sunday School hour and church hour. There will be a signup sheet in the back. If you would be willing to volunteer to allow our families to be able to participate in worship, please let one of the members of Christian Education know (Theresa Eckard, Scott McAvoy, Becky Whitmore), or sign up on the signup sheet!
Sight & Sound Interest
The Fidelis class is looking at sponsoring a church-wide trip to Sight & Sound in 2024. But before the class can investigate bus prices and total cost, we want to gauge the true interest in the church. If you are interested and would like to be considered for this one-day event next year, please contact the office or let Pastor Ryan know in the next few weeks.
Graduation Party Invitation
On Saturday, May 27 we will celebrate Samantha Cooper’s graduation from high school. The whole church is invited! The party will take place from 11 am – 2 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Please RSVP to Pastor Ryan preferably by Thursday for food purposes.
Four Ways to Give!
1) Mail your tithe into the church office
2) Drop it by the church office on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, 9 am – 1 pm
3) Our online giving platform: https://beavercreekchurchva.churchcenter.com/giving
4) Drop off in the offering plate on Sunday!
Prayer Needs
Continue to Keep in Prayer our members in Skilled Care Facilities: Mary G Miller, Shirley Miller & Carolyn Wine
Eddie Baker (health)
Terri Burkholder (health)
Deanne Dastoli (health)
Patsy Dastoli (health)
Elijah Tucker Dean (health)
Natalie Dodge (health)
John Fix (addiction)
Cindy Heatwole (health)
Bob Hess (health)
Darlene LaPrade (health)
Lynne Lent (health)
Alma Long (health & recovery)
Mark Martin (health)
Barbara Meadows (health)
Betty Miller (health)
Norlen Miller (health)
Mary G Miller (health)
Mary M Miller (health)
Savannah Miller (health)
Tami Plaugher (health)
Ann Simmons (health)
Crystal Smith (health)
Whitmore family (house)
Mary Whitmore (health)
Cindy Wittig (recovery)
Shelvy Wittig (health)
Pastor Ryan Cooper
Beaver Creek Church