Friday, November 6, 2020

North Way Family,

Check out what Jesus says in Matthew 11:

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 

This passage has been a lifeline for me this year.  It reframes my heart and mind when life has grown difficult and heavy.  It refreshes my soul when I am weary.

A yoke joins two things together to be in close relationship.  Some interpret the word “yoke” in this passage as a rabbi’s teaching or way.  Either way, at times I take on the wrong “yoke”, especially in 2020 … but when I meditate on this passage, the Holy Spirit gently shows me the ways and teaching of Jesus that I can immediately begin to move toward.

This weekend as we wrap up our “In God We Trust” series, I will be talking about one of those practices that promises to lift the burdens we carry in life and in turn take on the yoke of Jesus or the yoke with Jesus.

One thing to keep on your calendar that is coming up soon

• Imagine Conference – This annual conference is something I’m very proud to put on through our church.  It is a way we seek to live out the convictions that the Holy Spirit places in our hearts.  We explore issues like justice, poverty, the sanctity of life, race and refugees to name a few.  And beyond exploring, we identify and act upon what we learn. This year there is a virtual and in person option, as well as free registration. Don’t miss it … November 13/14. More info and registration here.

I am praying for us all in this election follow-up season we are in right now.  Please join me.

The Lord is (still) at hand,

Dave D’Angelo
Lead Pastor