WAIT & BE STRONG

"The Lord is my light & my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid . . . Hear me, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me & answer me! . . . Hide not Your face from me. Turn not Your servant away in anger, O You who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! . . . Wait for the Lord; be strong, & let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" Psalm 27:1, 7, 9, 14

EQUILIBRIUM IN MARRIAGE

"Realism demands patience & a willingness to adjust. The art of marriage, it has been said, is in maintaining equilibrium through the various changes & adjustments of life together." G.R. Slater, Men's Devotional Bible

STANDING WITH OTHERS

"From the beginning of time, God made it clear that it is not good for His people to be alone (Gen. 2:18). God designed us to be cooperative . . . During difficult times it is critical that we are walking in fellowship with other Christians. When a crisis hits, it is overwhelming to face it alone. But if we have cultivated supportive friendships, we will find strength in the comfort & encouragement of those who care about us. Interdependence is also a safeguard for us when we are lured by temptation. The consistent testimony of those who have fallen to temptation is that they isolated themselves from other believers & were not held accountable by Christian friends . . . Seek to be a person who willingly joins others in carrying out God's assignments. Strive to be the source of support & encouragement that those around you need." 

GOD'S COMMITMENT

"God is not content to have only your soul. He wants your body too. He wants all of you. Psalm 16:10 declares, 'You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead.' The resurrection proves that God does not abandon us . . . In your moment of loss & grief, God does not forsake you. In your day of trouble, He makes you to stand. In your time of anguish, He guards your heart & mind with His peace. The resurrection reminds us that God does not abandon us. We hold on to God's comforting promises . . . In His Word, God says, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5).' The hope of the resurrection sends us the same message from God:  I will never leave you nor forsake you.'

In marriage, a man & woman pledge to model God's love by never leaving nor forsaking each other until death parts them. A loving marriage is a beautiful picture of Christ's love for the Church. The bond of marriage is the strongest bond between two people. The bond of grace between God & His people is even stronger." Christopher Kennedy, Jesus Said WHAT?

THE PROMISED COMFORT OF HEAVEN

Matthew 22:30  For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. "This is always a difficult one. Many hear this & are confused, thinking we become angels when we die. No. Jesus simply says there will be no more marrying. (What the state of the relationship in eternity will be for those married in this life, the text doesn't exactly say.) But what bothers most people is the idea that we may not recognize or be recognized by our spouse in heaven. Not so. We shall have glorious bodies like Jesus' body. His disciples recognized Him after the resurrection. We shall know & recognize each other in heaven." Rev. Matthew Harrison, The Lutheran Witness, Nov. 2022

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Lord Jesus Christ, You are among us in the least of our brothers & sisters. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, & open hands & hearts to respond to people with love & mercy; for You live & reign with the Father & the Holy Spirit, one God, now & forever. Amen. Grace Lutheran Church Bulletin

A HYMN FOR TODAY

God of Grace & God of Glory, LSB #850

God of grace & God of glory, On Your people pour Your pow'r; Crown Your ancient Church's story; Bring its bud to glorious flow'r. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage For the facing of this hour, For the facing of this hour.

Lo, the hosts of evil round us Scorn the Christ, assail His ways! From the fears that long have bound us Free our hearts to faith & praise. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage For the living of these days, For the living of these days.

Cure Your children's warring madness; Bend our pride to Your control; Shame our wanton, selfish gladness, Rich in things & poor in soul. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage Lest we miss Your kingdom's goal, Lest we miss Your kingdom's goal.

Save us from weak resignation To the evils we deplore; Let the gift of Your salvation Be our glory evermore. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, Serving You whom we adore, Serving You whom we adore.