John 17:1-19
Reflect
A few days ago I had a chance to spend an hour with a retired pastor and we had a really good time sharing together. Through the course of our conversation, he talked about the importance of not only starting well but finishing well. We recognized the challenges for all believers to run the race with perseverance, as Hebrews 12 speaks of. For most of us, the race marked out for us is not a sprint but an ultra-endurance race; one that has highs and lows, beautiful viewpoints, and some dark spots where it is sometimes hard to see our footing. What we can see from Scripture is that we are never alone in the course of life. We have a constant and faithful companion that is with us all the way through.
Here Jesus is on the homeward stretch of His journey, and He is praising His Father in heaven for what has been accomplished thus far. He also is thankful for those who He has been able to bring with Him on the journey that will carry on after His leg of the race is completed. This final push to the finish line will be the hardest but also the most rewarding. Where are you on the course? How are you keeping pace with the rhythms of sabbath and work? I pray that not only have you started well but that we all will at the right time, finish well.
Pastor Mike
Pray
- Pray for our Senior Lead Team Pastor, Lyle Buyer, his ministry, and family.
- Pray for our Church Board members: Gerhard Hiob, Hal Reirson, JD Kliewer, Lia Daniels, Mike Ross, Randy Voss, Seth Jansen, Trevor Toews, Uwem Okome.
- Pray for our Custodians, Adit Gamble, Stan Goodnough and Anne King; Facilities Manager, Joe Richards.
- Pray for our office staff: Vicky Bailey, Naomi Voss; Bookkeeper Lynette Carlson.