God's Word to Refresh

In our worship service this past Sunday, we were blessed to have a report from missionaries Daryl and Sun Young whom the church has supported for almost 20 years.  Daryl is a pilot for Wycliffe Bible Translators and the family lives and serves in Cameroon.  For more information about the Youngs and their ministry, see their website.  As a missionary aviation family, the Youngs help bring God's Word to remote areas and to the people of West Africa in their own native language.

I think it's wonderful that we as a church can be a small part of what God is doing in Africa by supporting the Youngs.  The translation and distribution of God's Word is critical for people to come to know Jesus and His kingdom.  God's Word is rich and alive and speaks to men's hearts and souls.  It endures over time to reveal who God is and what He is doing.  It also serves to strengthen and guide people to walk in His ways.  Isaiah 40:8 says "the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever."

Have you been feeling physically and spiritually tired lately?  Perhaps dealing with the pandemic for the past three months and now the social unrest across our country for the past three weeks has gotten to you.  Add in the daily pressures of life, and all of it can weigh heavy on us, sap us of our energy and motivation.  When I feel this way, sometimes I know it's because of a lack of rest (or perhaps too much internet or tv).  Sometimes it's because I focus too much on the news and social media, and the constant voices and headlines.  But sometimes I know it's because I'm not spending adequate time in the richness of God's Word.  I know this may sound counter-intuitive because reading the Bible and praying takes effort, but if you're feeling tired or weary I encourage you to spend time in the Lord's Word.  It is amazing how God will help you and use that time to ground you, encourage you, and even refresh you.

In 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul urges Timothy to stand strong in the truths of Scripture despite Timothy's weariness as he faces stress and opposition.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 says "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."  As you spend time in God's Word and prayer, you will be drawn closer to Him.  And He will not only equip you but He will empower you with His strength and perseverance.  In closing, hear the word of the Lord in Isaiah 40:28-31 to His people who who are tired and weary:

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

God bless,
Pastor Darren