Weekly Bulletin – January 22, 2023

“And the LORD shut him in.” Genesis 7:16

Noah is the first of God’s shut-ins mentioned in the Bible: “And the Lord shut him in.” The Lord shut Noah and his family into the ark, not only for their own protection but that through them, mankind might have a new beginning. In Scripture, we often come across some servant of God “shut in” by circumstances beyond his control, or rather, shut in by the Lord.

Joseph was shut in prison in Egypt after being falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife. But he knew the Lord’s presence, for we read, “But the Lord was with Joseph.” The Lord was with him to prosper him and to fulfil His sovereign purpose for his life. As a “shut-in,” Joseph learned the wonderful truth of God’s sovereignty.

Moses became one of God’s “shut-ins” in the desert of Midian, and it was there he learned the lessons of his own inadequacy and the truth of God’s all-sufficiency. As a “shut-in,” Moses had to learn that God alone was his sufficiency for the task ahead.

Daniel was another of God’s “shut-ins.” He was shut up in the den of lions, but God sent His angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that “no manner of hurt was found upon him because he believed in his God.” As a shut-in, Daniel had to learn the lesson of God’s fidelity.

God’s shut-ins may be overlooked by man, but never by Him. He has a ministry for them, even in their difficult circumstances. Very often, it is a ministry of prayer and of personal witness. Let us not be discouraged. He loves us still. May the Lord this day enable us to trust and believe in Him so that we, like God’s servants from the past, may prove His presence like Joseph, His power like Moses, and His protection like Daniel.

Quote: “God loves to smile most on His people when the world frowns most.” Thomas Brooks

Daily Devotions are from the book “Footprints of Faith”. Copyright Let the Bible Speak 1989.

Everyone is invited to a family skate on Saturday, February 11, from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. You are welcome to invite extended family and friends. We have rented the ice at the Canlan Sports Arena at 159 Dynamic Dr, Scarborough, ON M1V 5L8. Helmets are recommended for everyone but are only mandatory for youth 16 years old and younger. You are also invited to the church for a pizza lunch after the skate. The cost is $10 per person. Please use the sign-up sheet in the church’s foyer and see Jonathan McAnally for payment.