Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isa 40:28-31 ESV)
Hi again Friends!
Countless people have found great comfort in the above verses from Isaiah. What a great promise from our Lord, the everlasting God, the Creator of all things. If you are faint and weary, you are not alone! All people will experience that at one time or another (or many times!). The key is to, in your weakness, find your strength by waiting on the Lord. Are you doing that today?
This Sunday I will preach on Psalm 57, a message entitled “Exalted in All the Earth”. The focus will be just what it sounds like – worshiping our God, exalting His name (that is part of our E3 purpose after all – EXALT, extend, equip!). Please spend some time between now and then meditating on this Psalm. For the background behind the Psalm, you may want to read the stories in 1 Samuel 22 and 24 about David hiding from Saul in caves.
We will also be observing Communion together on Sunday. Let’s come prepared in our hearts for this important time of remembrance. Also, as part of our Communion Sunday, we receive funds for the Care Fund (in the box in the foyer after the service). This is used to help people in our church who are facing financial difficulties. Please consider a gift to this fund as the Lord leads you.
We have two Sundays left in our summer Sunday School study. Starting Sept. 15 the young adults will be meeting seperately again, and we will be using the Answers in Genesis curriculum which will correspond with what the children’s classes will be using. This will allow for opportunities for your whole family to discuss the things you’re learning in the different classes. Randy’s adult class will resume the study in Romans in the Worship Center. I encourage everyone to come and participate in Sunday School!
There are a number of important events and dates in the bulletin this week, please make sure and take note of them. Summer is almost over 🙁 and it’s time to head back to school. That means our fall programs are kicking back into gear, so take advantage of opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and outreach.
One event I want to make sure you get on your calendar is our 4 Days of Prayer, Sept. 9 — 12, from 5-9am & 5-9pm. (Only a.m. on Thurs.) Each day we will gather to pray, especially focusing on praying for the upcoming fall programs, the completion of the classrooms, and the people in your life that you hope to invite to church, to Sunday School, to Awana, and to Trunk or Treat. Come for one hour or all 28, or anywhere in between! We take a break each hour so people can come and go, get snacks or drinks, etc. This Sunday and next, please write down the names of people you are praying for, and turn them into the offering, so we can pray for them together during 4 Days of Prayer.
Wait for the Lord & renew your strength!
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael