Weekly Update – May 11th, 2023
The phrase “listen to your heart” is not an uncommon mantra of our modern day. If you don’t know what direction to take in making a decision in life, you might hear the advice, “listen to your heart.” If you are unsure about what to do in a relationship, you might hear, “listen to your heart.” If you are unsure about whether something is right or wrong, you might hear, “listen to your heart.” On the surface, this might sound helpful as our post-modern culture tells us that our heart can never steer us wrong. But as nice as this might be, is it good advice?
Towards the end of the book of 1 Samuel, David is extremely discouraged. He doesn’t know what King Saul’s next move will be. David knows that he has been anointed to take over the kingship of Israel, but yet he won’t lay a finger upon Saul. Therefore, “Then David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines” (1 Sam. 27:1). In this verse, there is no mention of God, no mention God’s word, nor is there any mention of wise counsel. Instead, David is “listening to his heart” which takes him into enemy territory, away from God’s place, God’s presence, and God’s people.
As David enters the land of the Philistines, he “arose and went over” (27:2), symbolizing that in many ways he had left and went to “the other side.” There he meets Achish, the king of Gath (27:2), is eventually given his own Philistine city (27:6) and lives among a pagan people for one year and four months (27:7). While he and his 600 men live outside of God’s place, they make raids upon various people groups, killing everyone wherever they go (27:8-9). Then, David deceives Achish as to where he is going (27:10-11), so as to gain favor in his eyes (27:12). Some will argue that it was David’s right to go against these foreign peoples, as many of them were to be removed from the land under Joshua’s time (Num. 33:50-56), but the failure to seek the Lord and the following deception of Achish seem to indicate the results of listening to your heart over following the word of God.
Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” By nature, we all have, “sinful, unbelieving hearts” that have “turned away from the living God” (Heb. 3:12). Yes, the promise of Christ coming was that those who believe would have new hearts (Ez. 11:10; 36:26) as they would become a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), but at the same time, we must still guard our hearts (Pro. 4:23), for out of our hearts flow the way we think (Matt. 9:4), feel (Matt. 6:21) and choose (Matt. 15:8). Here then is the work of the Christian life: to continually put off the old self, be renewed, and put on the new self (Eph. 4:22-24). This work occurs fundamentally within the heart.
Therefore, as those who have been changed through the power of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5), don’t listen to our hearts, but instead, seek to have your heart continually transformed. How do we do that? Our hearts are transformed by the renewal of our minds (Rom. 12:2) by the word of God. Furthermore, the peace of God guards our hearts as we seek him in prayer with all of our daily needs. As a result of transformed hearts, the way we think, feel and choose will then be conformed to the will of God as we are continually transformed by the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18).
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week
"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight." - Romans 12:14-16
Announcements:
Parent/Child Dedication: On Sunday, May 14th, we will have a parent/child dedication during our morning service. This is a time for parents to affirm their commitment to raise their child in the Lord (Eph. 6:4), as well as the church to affirm their commitment to invest and encourage parents as well as pray for their child to one day know the Lord. If you have had a child born in the last few years and have not taken part in this dedication and you would like to, contact the church office before the end day on Friday (5/12)
Women’s Brunch & Craft: All ladies of the church are invited to the Larson Home at 10am on Saturday, May 20th, for a potluck brunch and a time of crafting. Please bring an item for the brunch and your knitting, crocheting, or other craft project to work on after the meal. Contact Cassie Larson for the address (816) 665-0688.
Men’s Outing: On May 20th, the men will go to the World War I museum. We will carpool or take the church van, leaving at 12:30pm. Cost for the museum is $16. After the World War I museum, the men will plan to go to Burnt Ends BBQ for an early dinner. Look for a sign up sheet in the hallway.
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering: We surpassed our goal! Our goal was $8500 for North American Missions and we brought in $9094.27. Thank you for giving!
Vacation Bible School: Mark your calendar. This year, we will host Vacation Bible School on Monday, July 10th-Friday, July 14th from 5:45-8:00pm. More information on how you can help is available on the bulletin board in the hall and more information about how to register your child is available HERE. We are now collecting items for VBS decorations. We are looking for large square cardboard boxes, white wrapping paper, black wrapping paper, large sheets of insulations foam, large sheets of sturdy cardboard, and any leftover interior acrylic paints in bright colors, pastel colors, black, or white.
Volunteers Needed: Volunteers are still needed during the 10:30am nursery time. Check the update or email the office for more information on how you can serve.
Awana
We had a great year this year! We look forward to starting again in September.
Equipping Hour
We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Evangelism: Engaging the Lost” will meet in the Sanctuary, a biblical exposition of 1 and 2nd Thessalonians will meet in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the Old Testament will meet in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.
Giving
To Give Online, Go HERE.
You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030
Home Groups
Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.
Prayer
An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE.
Prepare for Sunday
Guide for Worship can be found HERE.
Worship Service
Worship Service begins at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. Nursery care for children ages 0-4 years is available during the worship hour.
Livestream
Continue to join us at 10:30am on Sunday mornings.
Facebook live: HERE.
YouTube: HERE.
Join us and invite a friend or family member to watch with you.
Sunday School
Children and Youth Sunday School take place at 9:15am on Sunday mornings.
Ages 0-4 meet in the nursery suite.
Grades K-3rd meet upstairs in U-5.
Grades 4th-6th meet upstairs in U-6.
Grades 7th-12th meet downstairs in the youth room.
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