BALANCE

"Our goal is balance . . . always balance. Not either-or, but both-and. Not just tough. That alone makes a man cold, distant, intolerant, unbearable. But tough and tender . . . gentle, thoughtful, teachable, considerate." Charles Swindoll, Men's Devotional Bible

TODAY'S PSALM

"May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! . . . Some trust in chariots & some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." Psalm 20:1, 7

THE FOOLISH & THE LOWLY

"So why does God elevate the foolish & the lowly to be His workers? A reason may be found in 1 Cor. 1:29:  so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. It is only by God's grace that we are saved, called, & equipped to be in His service. If we come into God's work with impressive credentials, we risk taking the glory & credit for ourselves. God desires the weak & the lowly whose attitudes are like St. Paul. Paul who said, Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me . . . For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor. 12:9-10) God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Are you ready for duty?" Steward Builders

LIFE THOUGHTS FOR THE CHURCH YEAR

"Contrary to the logic of abortion & assisted suicide, human worth doesn't come from age, appearance, or ability. God's grace in creating, redeeming, & calling makes every life precious. No one else's labor or lack thereof can improve or impair it. We declare & demonstrate a righteousness based on this faith & not based instead on works of the law. (Rom. 10:5-6)" Grace Lutheran Church Bulletin

SHOWING GRACE

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Eph. 4:32) "Our actions ought to be permeated with kindness. Kindness is love expressed in practical ways; it is putting the needs of others before our own. It is intentionally seeking ways to meet other people's needs. Being tenderhearted means that we are keenly sensitive to the feelings of others . . . We show forgiveness because we, too, fall short of God's ideal. Know that God has graciously saved us from destruction motivates us to forgive others when they offend us . . . We must set aside the self-centered attitude that leads to impatience & criticism of others. Jesus did not say that the world would know Him by our miracles, by our grand testimonies, or by our vast Bible knowledge. The world will know Him by the love that Christians show to one another. (John 13:35) Are you constantly in conflict with others? Ask God to give you kindness, a tender heart, & a forgiving spirit. As you allow the Spirit to build these qualities into you, your life will be a blessing to others around you." [Emphases added] Henry & Richard Blakaby, Experiencing God Day-by-Day

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Almighty & most merciful God, preserve us from all harm & danger that we, being ready in both body & soul, may cheerfully accomplish what You want done; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit, one God, now & forever. Amen. Grace Lutheran Church Bulletin 

HYMNS FOR TODAY

Greet the Rising Sun (LW #871, Sts. 1, 3)

Greet the rising sun, Shining with bright force, Like an athlete strong, Set to run the course; Birds soar high above, Wildflow'rs bloom below; With the day's new light, Glad to work I go.

Lord, I will today On Your love rely; Let no evil thought Cloud the clear blue sky. Joyful & content With life's simpler things, Knowing all I need From Your kindness springs.

I AM Forever Who I AM (St. 1, 4, 6)

Though mountains slide into the sea, And waters rush where fields should be, Though monuments & nations fall, Your holy city stands through all When nothing seems to stay the same, You teach us Your eternal name. I AM forever Who I AM. Above you, beneath you, Around you & within you. Be still & know that I AM God.

Like shepherds watching for the light, Aware of dangers in the night, We hear the angel, "Do not fear, The Savior of the world is near." We run, we see, we touch, we laugh; You came to earth on our behalf. I AM forever Who I AM. Above you, beneath you, Around you & within you. Be still & know that I AM God.

Some days seem long, though life is brief, And death is waiting like a thief. When vision fades & dreams go dry, We will on unseen things rely. Our stories take up but a page, But Yours go on from age to age. I AM forever Who I AM. Above you, beneath you, Around you & within you. Be still & know that I AM God.