Date: 08/21/2023

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to Him be the Glory, Power, and Dominion forever and ever and to the Holy Ghost that is yet abiding in the body. This month’s key word is ENCOURAGEMENT, and the key scripture is Isaiah 40:31. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint”.  

“Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God” (Isaiah 40:1). The 40th chapter of Isaiah allows us to see our problems. It tells us that when we stand between God and our problems; with our back to God, we focus on the problems and lose sight of God. In the storms of life, God intervenes and shelters us. But He also allows us to be exposed so that we will be pressed more closely to Him. My brothers and sisters those who wait in true faith are renewed in strength so that they can continue to serve the Lord. The believer who waits survives by counting on God’s goodness, love, and wisdom. Remember, we are instruments of God, earthly vessels that He uses to carry out His purposes. Focusing on God and the truth of His Word develops courage, strength, and endurance.

In closing, God calls us to live by faith in His Word, in His sovereign purposes, and in His majestic being. Though His ways and thoughts transcend ours, He calls us to comfort one another as we face the difficulties of life with challenges. It replaces our weakness with His strength.  Isaiah 40:29 promises, “…He increaseth strength.” It lifts us out of despair and allows us to soar above the pressures of life. Isaiah 40:31 promises, “they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” This means we can soar above the reproaches and pains of this life by hope, and hope gives endurance and turns us into endurance runners that shall not be weary, and we shall walk and faint not. Until next week, remember, “…With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop