Friday prayer & verses (16 04 2010)

Thought for the day

An out-of-towner drove his car into a ditch in a desolated area. Luckily, a local farmer came to help with his big strong horse named Buddy. He hitched Buddy up to the car and yelled, "Pull, Nellie, pull!" Buddy didn't move. Then the farmer hollered, "Pull, Buster, pull!" Buddy didn't respond. Once more the farmer commanded, "Pull, Coco, pull!" Nothing.

Then the farmer nonchalantly said, "Pull, Buddy, pull!" And the horse easily dragged the car out of the ditch.

The motorist was most appreciative and very curious. He asked the farmer why he called his horse by the wrong name three times.

The farmer said, "Oh, Buddy is blind and if he thought he was the only one pulling, he wouldn't even try!"

We're a lot like Buddy. We don't like to do something if we think we're the only one pulling. Need an example?

Ever said, "Why should I pour my time and effort into the work of the church? No one else seems to care!"

Or, "Why should I put forth the extra effort to do a good job at work? No one else does, and it wouldn't be appreciated anyway!"

Or, "Why should I be nice to him? He's certainly not going to make any effort to be nice to me!"

See what I mean? Like Elijah in the cave, we say to God, "I alone am left." (I Kings 19:10). Nobody else is faithful. Nobody else is trying.

But God told Elijah he had 7,000 on His side. Like Buddy and Elijah, we may be blind. Blind to what others are doing around us. But, even if we are the only one doing what is right, we need to continue.

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9)

Hang in there, and have a great day!

Verses

2 Corinthians 4:18

So we set our eyes not on what we see but on what we cannot see. What we see will last only a short time.

But what we cannot see will last forever.

John 6:63

"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

1 Peter 5:5

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders.

Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Mark 11:24

This is why I am telling you: When you are praying and asking God for something, believe that you have received it, and it will happen for you.

Prayer

Father, we find ourselves often like Adam and Eve who, instead of looking upon ALL that You had given to them for enjoyment and sustenance, chose to partake of what little You forbid. Sometimes we set our eyes on that which is too expensive and unnecessary, or that which belongs to another causing us to covet and break Your commandment. Help us to be thankful for that which we have and share with those who have less. Guard us from greed and discontent as we are daily mindful of our blessings. Help us to rejoice in other’s blessings instead of resenting them. All that we have need of is daily provided by Your generous hand. We thank You, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Thursday prayer & verses (15 04 2010)

Thought for the day

From our "stupid criminals" file:

A man, wanting to rob a downtown Bank of America, walked into the branch and wrote "This iz a stikkup. Put all your muny in this bag."

While standing in line, waiting to give his note to the teller, he began to worry that someone had seen him write the note and might call the police before he reached the teller window. So he left the Bank of America and crossed the street to Wells Fargo.

After waiting a few minutes in line, he handed his note to the Wells Fargo teller. She read it and, surmising from his spelling errors that he was not the brightest light in the harbor, told him that she could not accept his stick up note because it was written on a Bank of America deposit slip and that he would either have to fill out a Wells Fargo deposit slip or go back to Bank of America.

Looking somewhat defeated, the man said "OK" and left the Wells Fargo. The Wells Fargo teller then called the police who arrested the man a few minutes later, as he was waiting in line back at the Bank of America.

With all the stories going around, you have to wonder if one of the qualifications of being a bank robber is having an IQ lower than the temperature in Minnesota this time of year. He actually believed the teller when she said he couldn't do it! What a dummy!

Before I get carried away, though, how many times have I been "dumb" enough to believe somebody when they told me something couldn't be done? "We tried that once before, and it just didn't work!" "You're wasting your time!" "It'll never work!"

If we listened to everyone who told us what "can't be done," we'd never accomplish anything. How different was the attitude of Paul:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

Verses

James 1:2-4

My brothers, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way, for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure. Make sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Philippians 2:9-10

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,

John 16:33

"I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble. But be brave! I have defeated the world!"

Matthew 6:9

"In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.

2 Corinthians 8:9

For by experience you know the unmerited favor shown by our Lord Jesus Christ; that although He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, in order that by His poverty you might become rich.

Prayer

Father, we are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy when we proclaim, “The Lord is risen. He is risen indeed!” Though we were not personal eyewitnesses to the resurrection of Your Son we have personally experienced and witnessed in others the transformational change that the ever-living Christ brings about in the lives of those who believe. The completion of Christ’s incarnation took place at the tomb when death was swallowed up in victory as He overcame the power and terror of death’s penalty. Satan’s plot failed as God’s plan flourished making us more than victors through Christ who loves us and atoned for our sins! Thank You, for all You went through so that we might have abundant life here and eternal life on the other side. Amen.

Wednesday prayer & verses (14 04 2010)

Thought for the day

The following piece was written by Mary Rita Schilke Korzan and comes from the book "Stories For The Heart":

When you thought I wasn't looking you hung my first painting on the refrigerator, and I wanted to paint another.

When you thought I wasn't looking you fed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking you baked a birthday cake just for me, and I knew that little things were special things.

When you thought I wasn't looking you said a prayer, and I believed there was a God that I could always talk to.

When you thought I wasn't looking you kissed me good-night, and I felt loved.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt -- but that it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking you smiled, and it made me want to look that pretty, too.

When you thought I wasn't looking you cared, and I wanted to be everything I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking -- I looked . . . and wanted to say thanks for all those things you did when you thought I wasn't looking.


Those of us who are parents are ever conscious of little eyes and ears watching and hearing all that we do and say. But all of us have an effect not only on younger ones watching us, but others as well -- people around us at work and at school. People are watching us, even at times we may not be aware of it.

Recognizing that fact, may God help us to live in such a way that others are led closer to God by our example.

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

When you thought others weren't looking...........they were. Thanks for doing and saying those things that have brought people a step closer to the Savior.

Verses

Matthew 9:29

He then touched their eyes and said, "According to the measure of your faith it shall be to you."

1 Peter 2:24

He personally carried away our sins in his own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by his wounds!

Hebrews 13:5

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Acts 4:31

And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

1 Timothy 6:17

Enjoin upon those who possess worldly wealth not to be proud on this account, and not to trust in their perishing possessions, but to trust in God, who gives abundance of this world's goods, not that we may be proud over them, but that we may rightly enjoy and use them.

Prayer

Father, I thank You for Jesus who entered the Courtroom of Justice with me as I sought favor with You. I went to relinquish my sins but I had no defense or gift to offer in exchange for them. I entered the Courtroom dressed in my very best as I presented to You my righteous acts one by one, but I quickly realized they were seen as filthy, crimson rags. They were like leaves that shrivel up when detached from the vine.

But then Your Son, Jesus, my Advocate, took His robe of righteousness and lovingly placed it over my heavy shoulders. It was at that glorious moment that You looked away from my filthy, crimson rags that Jesus removed and You looked upon my new robe of righteousness. I was able to give You nothing but a heart full of crimson stains but You exchanged it for a surrendered heart that is now white as snow. I am wholly grateful that when You look at me You see Jesus’ righteousness. He paid the full price, He paid it all. I owe Him everything and it will take all my days here and throughout eternity to express my love and gratitude for His incomparable love and sacrifice toward me. Amen.

Wednesday prayer & verses (14 04 2010)

Thought for the day

The following piece was written by Mary Rita Schilke Korzan and comes from the book "Stories For The Heart":

When you thought I wasn't looking you hung my first painting on the refrigerator, and I wanted to paint another.

When you thought I wasn't looking you fed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking you baked a birthday cake just for me, and I knew that little things were special things.

When you thought I wasn't looking you said a prayer, and I believed there was a God that I could always talk to.

When you thought I wasn't looking you kissed me good-night, and I felt loved.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt -- but that it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking you smiled, and it made me want to look that pretty, too.

When you thought I wasn't looking you cared, and I wanted to be everything I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking -- I looked . . . and wanted to say thanks for all those things you did when you thought I wasn't looking.


Those of us who are parents are ever conscious of little eyes and ears watching and hearing all that we do and say. But all of us have an effect not only on younger ones watching us, but others as well -- people around us at work and at school. People are watching us, even at times we may not be aware of it.

Recognizing that fact, may God help us to live in such a way that others are led closer to God by our example.

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

When you thought others weren't looking...........they were. Thanks for doing and saying those things that have brought people a step closer to the Savior.

Verses

Matthew 9:29

He then touched their eyes and said, "According to the measure of your faith it shall be to you."

1 Peter 2:24

He personally carried away our sins in his own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by his wounds!

Hebrews 13:5

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Acts 4:31

And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

1 Timothy 6:17

Enjoin upon those who possess worldly wealth not to be proud on this account, and not to trust in their perishing possessions, but to trust in God, who gives abundance of this world's goods, not that we may be proud over them, but that we may rightly enjoy and use them.

Prayer

Father, I thank You for Jesus who entered the Courtroom of Justice with me as I sought favor with You. I went to relinquish my sins but I had no defense or gift to offer in exchange for them. I entered the Courtroom dressed in my very best as I presented to You my righteous acts one by one, but I quickly realized they were seen as filthy, crimson rags. They were like leaves that shrivel up when detached from the vine.

But then Your Son, Jesus, my Advocate, took His robe of righteousness and lovingly placed it over my heavy shoulders. It was at that glorious moment that You looked away from my filthy, crimson rags that Jesus removed and You looked upon my new robe of righteousness. I was able to give You nothing but a heart full of crimson stains but You exchanged it for a surrendered heart that is now white as snow. I am wholly grateful that when You look at me You see Jesus’ righteousness. He paid the full price, He paid it all. I owe Him everything and it will take all my days here and throughout eternity to express my love and gratitude for His incomparable love and sacrifice toward me. Amen.

Tuesday prayer & verses (13 04 2010)

Thought for the day

Two monks on a pilgrimage came to the ford of a river. There they saw a girl dressed in all her finery, obviously now knowing what to do since the river was high and she did not want to spoil her clothes. Without more ado, one of the monks took her on his back, carried her across and put her down on dry ground on the other side.

Then the monks continued on their way. But the other monk after an hour started complaining, "Surely it is not right to touch a woman; it is against the commandments to have close contact with women. How could you go against the rules for monks?"

The monk who had carried the girl walked along silently, but finally he remarked, "I set her down by the river an hour ago, why are you still carrying her?"
-- Irmgard Schloegl, The Wisdom of Zen Masters

One of the hardest things we must do is to let go of something from the past. Someone does us wrong and seeks forgiveness, but we want to keep carrying the memory. Or maybe we made a mistake and we can't seem to stop beating ourselves up, despite the fact that we have done what God says to do to be forgiven. We don't want to keep carrying the memory (and the guilt), but we do. In fact, it often seems more difficult to forgive ourselves than to forgive others.

Paul said, "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:14-15)

Paul had to forget his past achievements (as an esteemed Jewish leader). He also had to forget his past failures (which including persecuting and killing God's people).

What are you carrying today that you should have set down a long time ago?

Verses

2 Corinthians 1:20

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

Matthew 8:17

This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, "He took our infirmities and bore our diseases."

Nahum 1:7

The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,

Colossians 4:2

Persevere in prayer, with minds alert and with thankful hearts;

Psalm 23:1

The LORD is my Shepherd -- I have everything I need.

Prayer

Father, it would be easy to be driven to despair in the midst of the evil that surrounds us if we didn’t walk in the light of Your truth. We walk in the true wisdom that comes from heaven, not in the flawed wisdom that comes from the world. Help us to make the most of every opportunity to stand up for divine truth in our speech and in our actions. We want to be the light that shines forth in the creeping darkness of our land so that we can show others the way to eternal life. In the name of Your dear Son, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Monday prayer & verses (12 04 2010)

Thought for the day

A story is told about the noted director of biblical epics, Cecil B. DeMille. When they began working on the movie Ben Hur, DeMille talked to Charlton Heston -- the star of the movie -- about the all-important chariot race at the end. He decided Heston should actually learn to drive the chariot himself, rather than just using a stunt double. Heston agreed to take chariot-driving lessons to make the movie as authentic as possible.

Learning to drive a chariot with horses four abreast, however, was no small matter. After extensive work and days of practice, Heston returned to the movie set and reported to DeMille.

"I think I can drive the chariot all right, Cecil," said Heston, "but I'm not at all sure I can actually win the race."

Smiling slightly, DeMille said, "Heston, you just stay in the race, and I'll make sure you win."

That is such a great illustration of the spiritual race which we are all running as Christians. We are to run that race in such a way that we "win" because only the one who wins the race race receives the prize at the end (I Cor. 9:24).

The thought of having to win the race seems a little unsettling to us until we realize that God says the same thing to us that DeMille said to Heston: "You just stay in the race and I'll make sure you win." Our responsibility as Christians is to run the race with endurance (Heb. 12:3), to never quit, never give up. If we do that, God will make sure that we "win."

"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen." (Jude 24-25)

Verses

1 John 5:4

For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith.

Proverbs 15:30

The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good report makes the bones healthy.

Romans 8:17

and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Matthew 6:6

"But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Psalm 1:1-3

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.

Prayer

Jesus, to embrace Your teaching is life-transforming but to deafen our ear to Your words keeps us ever searching and never finding life-long answers to that which matters most. May we hunger and thirst for Your righteousness. Help us to apply Your wisdom to our lives and instruct those You’ve entrusted to our care to walk in Your ways. Our foundation will be unshakable and storm-proof as You build our lives based upon Your eternal truths. Amen.

Friday prayer & verses (09 04 2010)

Thought for the day

I recently heard the following story:

“My daughter Michelle is the commander of a Coast Guard Cutter. When she gave my husband Bob a tour of her ship, he was impressed by the neatness of all decks.

“However, when Bob went to Michelle's house with her, he couldn't believe the disorganization. ‘Why is everything in its place on your ship,’ he asked, ‘but your house is such a mess?’

“‘My house,’ Michelle said, ‘does not take 30-degree rolls.’”

I found the story quite humorous, but it made me wonder. How often do others notice that things are just fine in our workplace, but not at home? Things may be “in its place” at work (and elsewhere), but at home things are “a mess.” One of the saddest passages in the Bible is found in I Samuel 8:1-3:

“Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel…But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.”

Here was Samuel – a great prophet, one of the greatest men in the Bible, arguably one of the godliest men in all of history, but his sons didn’t follow after his example. Some commentators have speculated that it was at least partly due to the fact that Samuel traveled around Israel fulfilling his responsibilities as a prophet (I Sam. 7:15-16), neglecting his family in the process.

It’s a problem that everyone who works struggles with, but especially preachers because we often view our work as being done “for God” so we feel justified in pouring more of our time and effort into our work. But there is always the danger -- the temptation – that we may be neglecting things at home.

Early in my new Christian life, my wife used to complain, “You always have time for anybody else who comes to you with a problem, but you can’t find time for me.” There were times she was right. I felt compelled to make sure that everything was in order at “work”, but I sometimes allowed things at home to be a “mess.” I’m sure there were many times my children felt the same way. I would like to think that I’ve learned from my mistakes and have a better balance now.

My message today comes with an encouragement for all of you who work to make an assessment of your own. Are you more interested in keeping things in order at work than you are at home? May God help each of us as we strive to fulfill our God-given responsibilities to our spouses and children.

Verses

Matthew 17:20

He said to them, 'Because your faith was too small; for in truth I tell you, if you have faith like a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there", and it will move; nothing will be impossible to you.

Isaiah 53:5

And he is pierced for our transgressions, Bruised for our iniquities, The chastisement of our peace [is] on him, And by his bruise there is healing to us.

Matthew 16:19

I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.

And the door you lock here on earth will immediately be locked in heaven, and the door you unlock here on earth will immediately be unlocked in heaven."

1 Samuel 12:23

"Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.

James 1:4

Then let endurance finish its work so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Prayer

Jesus, help me to determine in my heart that Your words, “Follow Me” will far surpass the importance of any other mission I am called to in my life time. I pray that my goals, achievements, and ambitions never conflict with the major calling You have placed on my life. Lord, may all that I pursue establish for me a firm foundation where my faith will grow and where I bring glory to Your name, both in life and in death.

Thursday prayer & verses (08 04 2010)

Thought for the day

In a Peanuts comic strip, Charlie Brown stops at the psychiatric help stand to talk with Lucy and confesses, "My trouble is I never know if I'm doing the right thing. I need to have someone around who can tell me when I'm doing the right thing." Lucy says, "Okay. You're doing the right thing. That'll be five cents, please!" Charlie Brown walks away with a smile on his face.

In a few minutes, he returns with a frown. "Back already?" asks Lucy. "What happened?" Charlie Brown says, "I was wrong. It didn't help. You need more in life than just having someone around to tell you when you're doing the right thing." Lucy says, "Now you've really learned something! That'll be another five cents please."

We all like having someone tell us when we do the right thing. And when we're doing the right thing, it's important to have friends who encourage us. But what we don't like so much is having someone tell us when we're do the wrong thing. It's not easy to hear someone say, "I'm worried about you. You've made a mistake. You don't want to end up in the direction you're headed." But that's just as important.

One of the qualities of a faithful friend is honesty even when the truth is painful. We all need someone who will love us enough not to let us head in a harmful direction, someone who with gentleness and love will help steer us back on the path of righteousness. Solomon put it this way:

"Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." (Proverbs 27:5-6)

Charlie Brown was right. You need more in life than just having someone around to tell you when you're doing the right thing. That'll be five cents, please!

Verses

Mark 9:23

"If you can?" retorted Jesus. "Everything is possible for anyone who has faith."

1 Corinthians 6:20

For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

Romans 12:16

Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

1 Samuel 12:23

"Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause.

Prayer

Father, our hearts are deeply stirred as we consider the extent of Your love in sending Jesus to die for our sins. As He wept over Jerusalem we see His tender humanity in relation to our sin problem. How grateful we are that Jesus yielded Himself fully to be used as a sin sacrifice, once for all, not just for Jerusalem but for peoples of every tribe and language; for all generations prior to His sacrificial death and for all who follow. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Amen.

Wednesday prayer & verses (07 04 2010)

Thought for the day

I don't know how many of you have watched the TV show "Undercover Boss", but it is one that intrigues me. The show features a CEO of any given company who decides to go undercover and work as one of his men on the front lines. The purpose is to find out what problems there are and what the CEO can do to make it better. Now to some extent, this show seems a bit staged to me as the workers are almost always more than thrilled to be working for the company and they have unique, difficult situations that they open up about to this "stranger" filming a documentary, whether it be about dialysis or losing their home to a flood. But that aside, it is interesting to watch the reactions of people at the end of the show when they learn that the man that they serve, that they've never met, has spent the day working beside them. And everything they did and said was being observed by the man who pays their salary.

More often than not, the CEO is touched by how hard his employees work and they are rewarded. Some are rewarded with bigger job opportunities within the company. Some are given raises, some sent to school, some have foundations set up in their name. It reminds me so much of the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. The show for me, makes that passage come alive. I think a lot about God revealing himself to us at the end of our time and saying, "I was with you. I was watching you work and heard what you said. I was impressed with your work ethic. You work very hard. I know it hasn't been easy, but I'm going to make things better for you now. You do an excellent job where you are at, but I would like you to take on more responsibility."

This show is helpful in getting me to understand that passage. I'm afraid too often that I relate far too easily with the steward with one talent. I hope that God finds me neither afraid or lazy, but can warmly greet me in his "office" and say "Well done good and faithful servant!"

Verses

1 John 5:4

Anything which comes from God is able to overcome the world: and the power by which we have overcome the world is our faith.

Mark 16:17-18

"And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

2 Peter 1:4

Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

1 Peter 3:12

For the Lord's eyes are turned towards the righteous, his ears are open to their prayers; but the Lord's face is set against wrong-doers.'

Romans 10:12

There is no ethnic distinction here, all are treated alike. The Divine Judge rules without favoritism and is willing to be generous to anyone.

Prayer

Father, because Jesus was resurrected to life again we have the courage to work through the seemingly insurmountable difficulties that would otherwise plummet our faith. We walk in the power of our resurrected Savior that makes life worth the living in our present life and increases our hope and expectancy of imperishable life yet to come. Amen.