September 2025 Insights

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28).
 
What a precious invitation! Jesus himself personally invites you (you are included in “all”, aren’t you?) to come to him to find rest when you are weary. Sure, we can come whenever, but specifically, the Lord calls to us when we are weary and burdened. Jesus doesn’t say, ‘Leave your burdens and come’. He says, “Come”. In Psalm 50:15 we are told, “Call on me in the day of trouble”. And what is God’s promise to us in the hardships of life? “I will deliver you”; “I will give you rest”. This is certain: he said I will.
 
I am indebted to a pastor friend of mine for pointing out to me that we are not invited to a religion, a system of values, nor to a list of put offs and put ons. We are invited to a Person- a Person who was tired, ‘pressed down’, “a man of suffering, and familiar with pain”, who gently and humbly reaches out with nail-scared hands to receive us unto himself.
 
Ever long for a place where you don’t have to be “on”? Where you don’t have a long list of things that feels all on you to accomplish? Where you no longer feel completely overwhelmed or utterly exhausted? A place of serenity and safety where you could just…”ahh”? Jesus says we find that in Him. There we discover that in his presence are fullness of joy and eternal pleasures! (Ps 16:11)
 
We also find rest in his character and in becoming more like him. “Learn from me”, Jesus said, “and you will find rest for your souls”. What are we to learn? To be “gentle and lowly in heart”. It’s there that we find rest. Not ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’; not ‘you can do it, just keep going- it’s all up to you’. Rather, we find that rest in the care of a God who caries us close to his heart (Is 40:11). Jesus lived his life close to and in dependence upon his Father. I believe that this is how- at least in part- he was able to sleep in the boat in the middle of a raging storm (Mark 4).
 
This is the hope that we hold out to the men, women and children who come to Insight seeking rest for their weary souls. This is the hope that we ourselves cling to when life is difficult. What a privilege we have to share this hope! May you, too, find that rest today.

Warmly,

(If you would like to reflect on these things further, I would highly recommend reading a little book by Dane Ortlund entitled Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Saints and Sufferers.)

This year’s E4:12 Conference theme centres around strengthening our relationship with God and learning how our vertical relationship with Him impacts our horizontal relationships with people. Session topics will include: Spiritual disciplines, our identity in Christ, relationship building strategies and more.

Church Tickets are available again this year as a way for churches to invest in the biblical education and spiritual growth of members while supporting the ministry of Insight Biblical Counselling. 

Churches who purchase a church ticket will receive a unique promo code which will discount registrations by 100%. Each church will also receive announcement resources for bulletins & PowerPoints to encourage members to register and attend. If you are in interested in this opportunity for your church, sign-up to have us contact you with more information.

General Registration will open September 15. We Hope to see you there!

Adult, Kids and Family Passes are now on Sale for “Comedy In Motion” with award-winning Clean Christian Comedian & Variety Artist, Bob Cates! As a former Canadian Juggling Champion, Bob tickles his audience’s funny bone while performing seriously amazing tricks including juggling, unicycling, authentic plate spinning and more! 

A concession stand will be open at the event with snacks and refreshments available for purchase. Ticket sales & all other proceeds will support Insight Biblical Counselling and provide a free afternoon show for the Rose City Kids Youth!

Give the gift of hope by subsidizing counselling sessions for those in need.

 Make a donation to Insight here.