“You have made us for yourself, O Lord,
and our heart is restless until it rests in You.”
-Augustine-
Vroooooooooom.
There he goes, you have seen him. He is middle-aged, gray-haired, and drives a bright red convertible. Next to him, in the passenger seat sits a twenty-something blonde, with big sunglasses on her face and an oversized hat on her head. We have all seen him, he lives in every city and small town in America. When he zooms by, everyone knows “Convertible Ken” is going through a midlife crisis.
King David was suffering something worse. He suffered from a serious case of privileged exceptionalism. Something like, “I know the rules, but they don’t really apply to me.” King David had everything. He had fought off bears, conquered armies, and defeated a giant, all of them in the name of the Lord. He had seemingly endless wealth, power, and respect, but he wanted more, resulting in tragedy.
One day, David’s generals were fighting in battle, but David is home. He should have been out fighting with his men. He walks out on his rooftop deck and sees a woman taking a bath. She is naked, and he is tempted. He asks who she is, and he is told the woman is a married woman named Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife. David could have stopped there, but he didn’t. Lust is a torturous thing. You know what that’s like, don’t you? Tempted to look, tempted to stare, tempted to… well you know.
David was restless.
David forgot the Lord’s words about marriage, that a man should leave his father and mother and take a wife, and two become one. Instead of turning away, David summoned the servant to retrieve Bathsheba and he had sex with her and Bathsheba became pregnant.
(Keep reading, it gets worse)
In an attempted cover-up, David first tries to get Uriah to leave the battlefield and sleep with his wife. Honorable Uriah refuses to leave his men. David then sends him to the frontlines and ultimately to his death on the battlefield. But there are no cover-ups with the Lord who knows all things. The Lord sends Nathan to speak to David.
This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. 9 Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ - 2 Samuel 12:7-10
David does not lie, he makes no excuse, he knows he has sinned and he confesses to the Lord, “I have sinned against the Lord.” The Lord forgave David immediately.
The story was tragic and David suffered the natural consequences of his sin. It is no different for us. If you confess your sins, God will forgive you too, but like David, there are still natural consequences for your actions.
Don’t ever forget, Christ Jesus died for you too! Rest in the Lord and his promises.
See you Sunday as we rest in the Lord in chapter 12 of The Story.
PRAYER:
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in You.”
(Augustine’s prayer to the Lord)
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The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
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Would you like to submit your offering online? Thank you!
Simply click the link to securely give to Grace Fellowship.
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Would you like to submit your offering by mail? Thank you!
Please send offerings to
Grace Fellowship Church
PO Box 4280
Gypsum, CO 81637
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Where: Sylvan Lake State Park - Group Camp Site, 10200 Brush Creek Road, 81631
When: Thursday, July 21 @ 1 pm to Monday, July 25 @ noon
Who: Grace Fellowship Church, Family, Friends
Details: Bring your tent, pop-up, or fifth wheel and find a spot at the group camping site. (See map below). Pack your own food and drinks, camping equipment, and recreational gear to enjoy during your stay.
Do I have to camp? If you hate the thought of not sleeping in your own bed, join us for the church campfire service on Saturday @ 5 pm. Burgers, hotdogs, and paper products will be provided. Please bring a side or dessert to share and your camping chair.
The group campsite is paid for, but you will need to cover your own admittance to the park which is $9 per vehicle per day. (If you need assistance with covering this cost, please contact Pastor Austin.) Bathroom facilities and water are on-site. Can't wait to see you!
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ATTENTION!
Regular service times and Bible study will be held as usual on Sunday, July 24th. Come learn about chapter 13 of The Story, "The King Who Had it All." Saturday's campfire service will be a celebration of God's creation. We hope you can join us that weekend!
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Please mark your calendars for July 31st! Everyone is welcome to help, even if you can't join us during VBS. See Missy if you have any questions.
Register Your Kids Now! Invite their friends!
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- THIS Sunday -
July 17th Bible Study
10:15-10:45
*Read Chapter 12 of The Story
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Sunday Services
July 17th, 2022
9:00 or 11:00
-or-
ONLINE
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KIDS CHURCH at 9:00 am service
(Ages 3 through 2nd grade)
Kids Church follows the kid's sermon. We can’t wait to see them!
NURSERY
Nursery for Newborns – 2 year olds.
Nursery is open during our 9:00 am service and during bible study from 10:15-10:45!
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Join us on Facebook Sunday morning at approximately 9:15 AM, or view the recording anytime on Facebook, Vimeo or YouTube.
Click the image below to connect.
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LORD JESUS, HEAL OUR LAND, OUR BODIES AND OUR HEARTS.
Please pray for . . .
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The family and friends of Andrew Patterson, who tragically died this week in a car accident. Lift them up for comfort and peace beyond all understanding.
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For our Vacation Bible School participants and volunteers, that God will do mighty things in, through, and for each of them.
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The family of Michele Farans, who recently passed away. Please pray for comfort and peace for those who knew her.
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Rosemarie, Dora's niece, who is experiencing serious trials with her health and is waiting for a kidney transplant. Pray for continued healing, provision, and perseverance.
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Todd Purse, who has been diagnosed with cancer. Continue to pray for healing and comfort. Give praise and thanksgiving for good test results this week!
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Debra's mom, who is struggling with health issues. Pray for comfort, peace, and answers.
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Carol Proffitt who has been sick and is homebound, and her daughter Pam who is caring for her. Grant them peace and comfort.
- Everyone in our congregation and their families who are dealing with the pains and trials of cancer, including Todd Purse; Connie Kerr; Keith; Chris; Sharon Hlavinka; Rance Ketterling; Amanda; Jerry Wiisanen; April; and Suzanne.
GOD'S WILL BE DONE
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Contact Information
Phone: 970-445-3101
Email: Austin@GraceGypsum.com
Staff and Volunteer Staff
Missy Kraft, Administrative Assistant/Youth Director, 970-445-3101, melissa@gracegypsum.com
Pastor Dan Rohlwing, Pastor Emeritus in Memoriam
Sunday Schedule
Worship Services: 9:00 and 11:00 am (nursery provided at 9:00).
Sunday School: 10:15-10:45 for all ages (Nursery provided)
Kids Church: During sermon-time at the 9:00 am service.
Affiliation
Grace Fellowship is affiliated with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (lcms.org).
Our Mission
Proclaim, Nurture, and Serve.
Proclaim Jesus as Savior.
Nurture faith in Jesus.
Serve in the name of Jesus.
Our Purpose
Embrace Christ!
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