Isaiah 35, Hebrews 12:1-3
Reflect
Furnace Creek is a small outpost in Death Valley National Park. I have had the opportunity to visit Furnace Creek, California, not once but twice. Both times I visited was in the month of March in 2011 and again in 2019. Why do I mention when I visited? Because Furnace Creek is one of the hottest places on earth. The air temperature is said to have reached 56.7°C and quite often goes above 45°C in the summer months. Undoubtedly, Furnace Creek is a mostly desolate place. However, with most of the rainfall coming in February, (26mm for the month) the flowers bloom there in March. For that reason, March is a beautiful time to see the desert come to life.
Life rain falling on a parched land bringing the joy and beauty of blossoms, Jesus comes to bring joy to a world scorched by sin. His coming was and is anticipated like the rain in the desert. The joy of His coming is what we look for. As we go through this season of advent, may we find great joy as we celebrate His first coming. In the same way we anticipate the beauty and joy of His return.
Pastor Mike
Pray
- Pray for our Senior Lead Team Pastor, Lyle Buyer, his ministry, and family.
- Pray for our Church Board members: Beth Cheung, Gerhard Hiob, Hal Reirson, JD Kliewer, Mary Jetha, 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 Liudmyla Lushchyk.