“My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
(Psalm 73:26 ESV)
Dear Christian Friends,
Greetings in the name of Jesus!
We Christians probably read too fast and listen too quickly to the Bible. There is quite a bit of talk out there about meditation. The anxious Western world has taken the idea of meditation and made it all the rage in our stressed-out society. Unfortunately, they usually gather their ideas and practice of meditation from Eastern religions which is a dangerous practice for Christians.
However through the ages the Christian Church has been big on meditation. The psalmist writes, “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.” (Psalm 119:15–16 ESV)
True Christian meditation is not getting “in tune with the universe” but an unhurried contemplation upon the Word of the Lord. In this light, let’s consider the words of Psalm 73 above. As we age, we struggle with fatigue. We get frustrated with ourselves and with others. We need to acknowledge this is normal because we are limited, sinful human beings. Our “flesh and heart” fail. At this realization, we take heart in the knowledge we have a heavenly Father who loves us with an almighty and everlasting love.
He made us and all that exists. Our life is not merely an accident of nature. He also provides for the needs of the heart by sending His Son to redeem us. Through Jesus Christ, God gives us assurance of true mercy, divine love, forgiveness, reconciliation with God, purpose in this life, and the promise of eternal life with Him. Truly, “God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Give yourself some time (I call my devotional in the morning “Quiet Time”) to go to Psalm 73:26 and simply meditate on the words and the meaning – for you.
The Lord be with you!
P.S. (This is a good place to mention that Bible reading calendars for July are available in the church lobby)
Sunday (July 8) here at Prince of Peace…
9:30 am Service of Prayer & Preaching
Please note the summer worship time is 9:30 am
Prince of Peace News …
Youth Fund Raiser: The youth of Prince of Peace are holding a fund raiser for those attending the National Youth Gathering 2019 in Langley, BC (http://nyg19.ca/). North Country Meats (MacGregors meats) is a great product with an even greater return to the fundraising organization. The delivery date is now Thursday, July 19.
Summer Adult Bible Class resumes this week – July 10. Come as you are able. We have a lively discussion as we examine the Scriptures with the aid of the new Small Catechism & Explanation. We meet Tuesday evenings, 7:15-8:30pm.
60th Anniversary Celebration: By God’s grace, Rev. Dr. Roger Winger has served His Lord in active ministry for 60 years. In recognition of this milestone, a service of praise and thanksgiving honouring Rev. Winger will be held Sunday, July 22, 4:00 pm at Historic St. Paul’s, 137 Queen Street in Kitchener. Please come and add your voice to the many giving thanks to God for this dedicated servant. A light reception will follow the service. “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’” Matt 25:21
A Youth Pool Party/BBQ & Lock-In is being planned for Friday August 10 and Saturday August 11. Parents and younger siblings are welcome to come for a swim and BBQ. After that, the excitement will continue with an overnight lock-in at Prince of Peace. We pray you will be able to join us. Friends are definitely welcome!
Retirement Celebration for Rev. Kevin Walrath: (as taken from the District news email, “EN3”): Please join Prince of Peace to celebrate and honour Pastor Kevin Walrath, retiring after 35 years in the ministry. The Dinner Reception is planned for Saturday, August 25, at the Continental Austrian Club, 664 Spring Gardens Road, Burlington. Doors open at 5:00 pm, Dinner at 6:00 pm. The fully catered meal will include Roast Beef and Pork Schnitzel served family style. Tickets are $35 for Adults and $15 for Children 10 & under. Reservations are required. RSVP by July 29 to office@poplc.ca or call 905-332-7671 (office hours 8:30 am to 12:30 pm).
Online News …
Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. This week’s topics include: Teaching Forgiveness to Our Children, Misused Bible Passages, Proverbs, Lutheran Catechesis and more. You can listen live or on-demand at www.issuesetc.org and on the LPR mobile app.
Prince of Peace YouTube channel: That’s right! We now have a YouTube channel featuring our sermons. View if you miss a Sunday. Share with others around Burlington or around the world. To get to the POP YouTube Channel click here. Please subscribe.
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those in Hospice care
- Those dealing with health concerns
- Those recovering at home
- Our seniors as they face each day with courage and faith
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
