The Strength of the Lord
Scripture: Isaiah 40:27-31
Why do you complain, O Jacob? Why to you say, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? Read more…
Looking to Sunday
by Elaine Poproski
This week is the annual gathering of representatives from the family of churches to which we belong. Together, we’re called Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec (CBOQ, for short). We call this annual gathering, “Assembly.”
On Friday, Debie and I will be attending the CBOQ Annual business meeting on Walmer’s behalf, but that’s not all there is to our Assembly. And you don’t have to be a delegate to participate in the best parts. Thursday at 7:00 p.m., Friday at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday at 11:00 a.m., we’ll be gathering in person and on-line for a time of worship as well as to hear from our guest speaker, Gordon T. Smith. He’s the president of Ambrose University and Seminary in Calgary. You can read more about him here. You can tune in live, by clicking on this link, or you can watch the videos later with the same link.
Assembly this year has been designed around themes that come from Isaiah 40:27 – 31. They are themes of renewal and strength in our weakness and exhaustion. The last 2+ years have taken a toll on most of us, not just as individuals, but as churches. Churches across Canada (around the world, really) have struggled and suffered and have found themselves wondering where God is in it all at various points along the journey. Isaiah has hope to offer. So on Sunday, we’re going to follow along with Assembly’s theme and spend some time in those same five verses from Isaiah 40. Ken Foo, the CBOQ Director of Church Life & Leadership, has prepared a sermon that’s well worth our time and attention. It’s an encouraging sermon, but not without a bit of challenge thrown in.
As you prepare for Sunday, what is it that you need from God? Maybe you don’t know; that’s o.k.; God knows. Maybe you do know and you’re afraid or embarrassed to admit it or to ask God for it. Please know, we have no need, ever, to be afraid or embarrassed before God. He wants to hear from us. He wants to hold us, to comfort us, to encourage us… He wants to love us the way a perfect parent loves their child. What do you need from God this week?