Our Message

Celebra ing Crea ion

My prayer is that as you look through this edition of Arise you will be encouraged and reminded of how important and appreciated your investment into this ministry is. Our theme for July and August is “Celebrating Creation”, a celebration so beautiful and important that it glorifies God and refreshes our spirits. And refreshment is something so many of us are craving right now after the weariness, isolation and hardships of the past few months. A few days ago, I had the chance to get into the mountains around Cape Town, eager to be alone for a few hours with just my small backpack and the Lord. As I drank in the crisp winter air and clambered over the windworn rocks, I was reminded of Paul’s stirring words about nature and how it constantly proclaims His presence and goodness to

those who are listening: “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” Romans 1:20 NLT

I scrambled up a huge cluster of granite boulders and they whispered to me about His faithfulness, His immovability and His trustworthiness. My Father was reassuring me and I felt

strength entering me again with each panting step I took. And as I mounted the top and caught my first glimpse of the vast Atlantic ocean stretching out beyond the horizon, it shouted to me about His majesty, artistry and goodness! My God was reminding me just how great and holy and beautiful He is. I felt exhilarated as I took in the view above and below me - and voice during the noise of this Pandemic? Are you still celebrating

worshipped Him.

All around us, God is speaking about His glory, character and love. His word, the Bible, speaking through every chapter. The Word (Jesus), speaking through His life on earth and directly into our hearts by His Spirit. And creation, singing listening for the voice of the Lord! And when there seems to be only

His praises and declaring His majesty with each sunrise, wave, growl, chirp and baby’s cry.

God is speaking so powerfully - through the Bible, through the life of Jesus, and through creation – but we need ears to hear! You see, what sets us is our free will. This is perhaps the most affirming gift that God gave us, yet also the one that can keep us humans, the crown of His creation, apart from Him. His desire is that we listen to Him in all the ways He is speaking to us. He invites us to believe Him, to love Him and to follow Him. But we have to choose to do so. Each day, each step, each moment.

Are you choosing to listen to His creation, despite everything going on around us? Are you living with fear, or living by faith in His strength and hope? These are questions I am asking myself right now, even as I write this.

My prayer for myself, for my family, for my CBN Team members - and for you - is that we fight to keep apart from the rest of creation

silence, that we lean in and seek it out – in His word, as we worship His Son and as we continue to celebrate His amazing creation.

- Ian

Request your Tax Certificate!

You can request your 2019/2020 tax certificate by sending an email to meagan.taylor@cbnsa.org