It has taken me a lifetime to learn – and I am still learning – to arrive early at appointments. Many years ago, I began a bad habit of “cutting things too close” – like hoping that all the lights would be green while I was driving. Of course, that doesn’t happen, except on Marcel-Laurin Blvd. in Saint-Laurent, where it seems that all the lights are synchronized most of the time. In recent years, I have had the privilege of taking my parents to doctors’ appointments and have seen how they prepare to leave early so that they will arrive on time if something unforeseen happens. I will get another opportunity to be early this afternoon, as Karen and I are meeting friends from Oklahoma who are taking the train from Quebec City to Saint-Lambert.

During the past couple of months, we have had the joy of welcoming several friends to our home. It is wonderful to see friends that we have not seen for many years and hear how the Lord has worked in and through them. It is also encouraging to meet people whom we feel we have known for a long time, because of the bond that we have through faith in Christ.

This week, the federal election resulted in many changes in the composition of Parliament. While waiting in line to vote on Monday, I thought about how Canadians enjoy a privilege that people in some countries, like China and Syria, do not enjoy. I was saddened when I learned that only 66% of Canadians exercised their right to vote. It is possible that some people were bothered by the acrimony that took place during the 40-day period prior to voting day.

The number 40 is prominent in the Bible, representing a time of testing. To learn more about this, please see: https://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/40.html. The children of Israel wandered for 40 years in the wilderness after departing Egypt and the people of Nineveh were warned by the prophet Jonah that their city would be destroyed in 40 days if they did not turn from their wicked ways. Although many people in countries like Canada and the United States are living very comfortably, things could change very quickly. The Word of God teaches that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). There is a judgement day coming and it may be sooner than most people think. If you have never asked God’s forgiveness for your sins, don’t wait another day, for we are not guaranteed tomorrow.              

Scripture for the weekend: “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.” Titus 3:1-2 (NASB)

Thought for the weekend: “The truth of God’s Word applies to all men and women in every culture, in every age, in every walk of life. It is His supernatural manual that alone reveals His mind and ways so that humankind may know and experience His presence and eternal love.” – Dr. Charles Stanley (from “The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible”)