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Hi everyone! I hope your week is going well, and that your plans are coming together nicely for Canada Day weekend.

Canada Day is a wonderful time of celebration … though I must confess that it sometimes sneaks up on me, proud Canadian though I may be. In general, we Canadians are somewhat less loud and demonstrative about our nation’s birthday than people are in many other parts of the world. I became especially conscious of this during the years that Diane and I lived in the U.S., where we were bombarded with constant reminders that July 4th was on the way, for weeks leading up to the date. Flags were everywhere, there were parades and special events and concerts and sales and all sorts of hullabaloo, all rising to a crescendo on the big day. It was impossible to ignore the occasion. It was just so much noisier than what I was used to at home around the 1st of July.

Canadians love our country, too. But we’re a little more subtle about it. Yesterday I was in a store, and when I walked past a bit of flags for sale, my first thought was, “Oh ya, that’s this weekend, isn’t it?”  In my days in Chicago, there would have been 6 bins of flags for sale, plus a row of pennants on sticks, with patriotic streamers and banners everywhere, while every other shopper would be wearing at least one flag-themed article of clothing. Here? No streamers, and I don’t think I saw any maple leaf t-shirts or “keep Canada awesome” hats.

All the same, Canadians do think that Canada is awesome. I certainly do. It’s a privilege to live in such a beautiful land. To have ample resources, and the ability to get outdoors and into nature so easily. To live in relative safety and comfort, with the freedom to move as we wish, to speak what we think, to pursue our goals and interests. To worship without having to hire armed guards who monitor the doors. We are very blessed, and this weekend is a most appropriate time to remember and to return thanks to God for all His goodness.

On that note, I’m reminded of Paul’s instruction that the church pray for our land and its leaders. You will recall his words from 1 Timothy 2:

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (2:1-4)

May we find time this week to invest some focused prayer in the land of Canada, its diverse population - much of which badly needs Jesus - and its leaders, who need God’s wisdom and direction. May our Lord continue to give us peace, freedom, and the ability to serve Him openly. And may we all have a joyful time celebrating our national holiday this next week.

For those who are looking to do some advance reading for Sunday morning, this week we’re going to take a short digression from Elijah to look at the life of another prophet who served during the same period: Micaiah. You’ll find the story of Micaiah in 1 Kings 22. Like Elijah, Micaiah delivered God’s word to King Ahab of Israel. We’ll focus on 1 Kings 22:1-40. If you’re interested in a little more of the background that sets up the Micaiah story, I recommend reading 1 Kings 20 as well. (Chapter 21 is relevant too, but the most significant background is found in Ahab’s wars with the king of Aram in chapter 20, which get picked up again in 22.) 

If you’re reading ahead, I’d invite you to reflect on the question: What is God’s word like, and how can we best prepare ourselves to hear it? 

Well, that’s the plan for Sunday, and a reminder of the holiday that we’ll celebrate through the weekend and into Tuesday. On the subject of reminders, as mentioned in recent announcements, the office will be closed on Monday, June 30, as well as Tuesday, the 1st, allowing our staff to take full advantage of the long weekend.

In the meantime, have a great week. Hopefully, we’ll see many of you on Sunday. For those who will be away celebrating the long weekend, have a wonderful time. May God bless you all, and may He continue to touch this land with His hand of blessing as well.

- Pastor Ken