Pastor's Corner: September 3rd, 2021

Here we are in the month of September already. 

I don't know about you guys - but it is incredibly hard for me to believe that in 4 short months, it will be 2022. It feels like 2019 was just yesterday and the past couple of years in many ways have been a blur. But despite the blur, despite the insanity, there are certain aspects of the calendar that are consistent and serve to center us and snap us back to the now.

Weekly, it is the Sabbath - that returns us to God's time, to His focus, and brings us back to center.

Anuually, it is the spring and Fall Holy Days which serve this purpose.

The Fall Festivals are soon upon us, and God in his infinite wisdom provided these days as ways for us to re-center, to refocus, revitalize and to re-prioritize what is truly important. Despite whatever is going on out there, whatever is happening in the world, in far-flung nations, between various countries, and right here in our own backyard -- these dates serve to bring to remembrance that which God is doing in this world and with His people.

A plan in which you have been provided a front row seat. 

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. (Romans 8:18-24, NJKV)

Beloved brethren, let us not grow weary in these troubled and challenging times, let us continually keep our eyes on what God has promised us, on the calling He has provided, and the part we all have to play in it. May we all perservere!

Happy Sabbath to you all,

With Love,
Ben