Strength to the 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. (Isaiah 40:28-31)

The end of the school year brings final exams, commencements, and celebrations that can leave even youth exhausted—not to mention their parents and teachers! Being tired is not in itself evil: productive exertion is one of our purposes. Yet even before our ancestors fell into sin, God created the weekend: a day of rest every week on which we are urged to cease our labors, celebrate God’s goodness, and have our strength renewed by our Creator. The Lord lead you to fill your summer not only with recreation, but with Sabbath: the refreshment of your spirit through trust in and time spent with God!

Heavenly Father, give us wisdom to rest in You this summer, renewing our strength in body and spirit. Bless our children, and especially our graduates, with a sense of Your Spirit’s calling, in Jesus’ name, amen.  

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BEST LAID LESSON PLANS

A Sunday school teacher was telling the story of the Good Samaritan. 
She asked her class, "If you saw a person lying on the roadside, 
all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?"
A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, "I think I'd throw up."

Another Sunday school teacher was telling the story of Noah.
He asked, "Do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark?"
"No," replied one student. "How could he, with just two worms?"

Another teacher was working with her class to learn Psalm 23. 
She gave the children a month to memorize all six verses. 
One boy tried hard, but suffered from a learning disability. 
On the day that he was to recite the psalm in front of the class,
he was nervous and found he could barely remember the first line.
His parents assured him that God understood and told him to do his best.
When it was his turn, he stepped to the front of the room and said proudly, 
"The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know."

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The Lord enable you to rest in Him this summer!

Pastor Kirk