TODAY'S VERSE

Isaiah 1:18  "Come, let's talk this over!" says the Lord. "I can take it out & make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool!" The Living Bible

CALMNESS

"Calmness comes from within us when we are confident in God's Word. Painful trials produce maturity, which leads to love!" Gary Smalley & John Trent, Men's Devotional Bible

LIFE THOUGHTS

"Decisions about manner & timing of death--either our own or anyone else's--are difficult & dangerous. We cannot anticipate all its effects & consequences. Our Lord relieves us from playing God by reserving for Himself the right to determine how human beings live & when we die (Ps. 104:29-30). And He assures us that we may flee the likes of abortion & assisted suicide by taking refuge in His kingdom of forgiveness & faith (Mark 9:43-47)." Source:  Grace Lutheran Church bulletin, 9/26

MONEY

"The most important thing about money isn't having as much as you want in order to get all the things you want but having enough to give to others in need. God doesn't give His children money in order to make them happy but in order for them to distribute it to people around them who are in need . . . What you have isn't your own. It all came from God so that it could go out to those who are in more need than you are. When you are blessed with something, ask God who you can now bless. Find out how to spread the wealth, how to share the gifts, & how to change the world through giving to others as God gives to you."  Michael DiMarco, Devotions for the God Guy

A HYMN FOR THE NATION

God of Our Fathers, LW #501, Sts. 2-4

Your love divine has led us in the past; In this free land by You our lot is cast; Oh, be our ruler, guardian, guide, & stay; Your Word our law, Your paths our chosen way.

From war's alarms, from deadline pestilence Make Your strong arm our ever sure defense. Your true religion in our hearts increase; Your bounteous goodness nourish us in peace.

Refresh Your people on their toilsome way; Lead us from night to never-ending day; Fill all our lives with heav'n-born love & grace Until at last we meet before You face.

A HYMN FOR SOCIETY

Christ, Our Human Likeness Sharing, LSB #847, Sts. 1 & 4

Christ, our human likeness sharing, Heaven's love on earth portrayed; Christ the Shepherd, tending, caring, In His death our ransom paid:  Christ the Savior, Christ the Servant, Be Your life in us displayed.

Come, O living Christ, renew us, As of old in wind & flame; With the Spirit's pow'r endue us, Servants of Your saving name:  Christ the Savior, Christ the Servant, Christ whose kingdom we proclaim.

A HYMN FOR THE CHURCH

Church of God, Elect & Glorious, LSB #646, Sts. 1 & 4

Church of God, elect & glorious, Holy nation, chosen race; Called as God's own special people, Royal priests & heirs of grace:  Know the purpose of your calling, Show to all His mighty deeds; Tell of love that knows no limits, Grace that meets all human needs.

Church of God, elect & holy, Be the people He intends; Strong in faith & swift to answer Each command your Master sends:  Royal priests, fulfill your calling Through your sacrifice & prayer; Give your lives in joyful service--Sing His praise, His love declare.