March 27: Of Disobedience, Solomon and Me

Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20

Luke 7:36-8:3

Psalm 69:1-18

Proverbs 12:1

Moses's instructions today are pretty harsh.  Those enemies you are about to defeat?  "Make no treaty with them, and show them no mercy.   Do not intermarry with them…for they will turn your children away from following me to serve other gods, and the Lord's anger will burn against you…"

God made it clear to Moses how prone we are to sin - to deluding ourselves into thinking we don't need to obey Him, we don't need Him, He doesn't exist.  God had wonderful plans for the Israelites, and He made clear to Moses the risk the Israelites would forget Him when they basked in the prosperity He was going to provide.  So He told Moses to instruct the Israelites to stay clear of anything - of anyone - that might divert their thoughts away from Him.  

If you're anything like me, you are living proof what Moses said is STILL true. Nothing like a bit of success, a bit of prosperity, to go to your head and squeeze the Lord out of all the space that is rightfully His between your ears.  And if you're anything like me, you're going to beat yourself up every time you find yourself doing it again.  

The good news for us is two-fold: first, we're in good company.  Biggest name in the Bible who didn't listen to Moses and REALLY should have known better?  Solomon.  1 Kings 11 starts off with how "Solomon…loved many foreign wives…from nations about which the Lord had told the Israelites '…they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.'".  Yeah, that Solomon - the one to whom God gave wisdom.  If someone as wise as he could fall, how much more me?

The second source of encouragement?  Mercy.  In today's NT reading, we see a "woman…who lived a sinful life". She repented, and Jesus - whom the Pharisees thought should have kept this unclean woman at arm's length - allowed her to draw near to Him, forgave her her sins.  If she can be forgiven, so can I.  

Father I claim no equality with Solomon, nor am I any better than the Israelites You saw fit to have Moses warn.  Thank You that when I do fall - when the sinful influences I continue to abide in my life tempt me to reject You, and the prosperity You grant leads me to think I do not need You - You are willing to let me draw near, and are prepared to forgive me.

Marcn 26: Of Consistency in Word and Deed

Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25

Luke 7:11-35

Psalm 68:19-35

Proverbs 11:29-31

The Book of Deuteronomy is Moses's goodbye to the Israelites.  He's come a long way - from a murderer who fled Egypt, to a coward who refused God's commission (multiple times!), to the man to whom God spoke, and to whom the Israelites looked for leadership, a man transformed by his relationship with God.  God has told him his journey has come to an end, and he's giving the Israelites the best advice he can - today, the 10 Commandments among other things.  And he speaks with such conviction.  Why?  Because he isn't going by something someone else has told him, or something he's read in a scroll somewhere - he's going by his own experience with God.  The time he spent with God, the conversations they had, the manifestations of God's presence and power and intervention in the Israelites' lives.  

 

But even as he comes to the end of an amazing life, Moses is worried - about the children who would not have experienced God's salvation in Egypt and the victories God gave them as they made their way to the promised land.  He worried that they would be ignorant of all God had done and that they would not have the same conviction about God's existence, authority and love.  He worried they would not know His signs and wonders, great and terrible.  And they would fall away.  So he exhorted the Israelites to bear witness to God, in the words they used, the stories they told, the lives they led and the examples they bore.    They were to testify to their children in word and deed.  

True for the Israelites then, true for us today.  I am terrified to think how often my words and actions have been inconsistent, and so have not given witness regarding God's goodness to my kids.  Father may my words and my actions be consistent, and may they consistently testify to Your existence, Your love and Your goodness.

Blog post 25th March 2021

YOUR LOVE REMAINS

How is your relationship with God from when you first gave your life to Jesus to now?  Do you feel you have grown as a Christian or do you feel like you have backslidden? How has your journey been, take time today and talk to those around you. you may not think of anything at first but the moment you start telling someone about your journey you may find one or a couple of things.

In Deuteronomy 4:29 we read "But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul." How does this verse resonate with you today? Do you feel the verse above is true ? Have you sought God with all of your heart and with all of your soul?

This verse takes us to a well-known quote from the bible which is in Deuteronomy 6:5"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." 

So following the previous question if you have sought after God and found him, do you as a follower of Christ today love God with all your heart and with all of your soul and with all your strength?  Can you fellowship and speak to a friend or family as to what this may look like in your life?

As you reflect on your relationship with God after reading today's scripture we can see just how glorious and powerful our Lord God is. We can see when times and culture are changing constantly we can go back to the one thing that remains present in our lives, that is God our defender and provider, I always feel when you end up reflecting it leads you to look at the past, present and future, even if it's bad or good and we can see" Oh wow "Jesus was with me all the time" we may end up praying or singing praises and it can be anywhere. I feel it is good to sing praises to God, to glorify his name just as it says in Psalm 68:4.

So I only feel it is best to spend today Glorifying God. This song summarises today's scripture reading. That God is always there no matter the problem or struggle, we know ONE THING REMAINS!

https://youtu.be/BQbf5KMX_h8

--

Aimee Spencer

March 19: Of Turbulence

Numbers 28:16-29:40

Luke 3:23-38

Psalm 62:1-12

Proverbs 11:18-19

Sometimes what God does, what God demands, they don't make sense.  Look at what He instructed the Israelites in today's OT reading.  Does it really matter that the bread was made without yeast?  So they had to hurriedly depart during the exodus, and could not wait for the bread to rise - so what?  Why inflict unleavened bread?  Why all the sacrifice, the festivals, the offerings of first fruits and grains, the days we have to stop work - aren't we supposed to be providing for the people we love?  Why all this?

This is still true today.  This week alone, I've had a friend from church in the ER twice for excruciating neck pain, his wife terribly worried; an old friend in Bible study whose adult daughter passed away unexpectedly.  Good people - people who seek God - yet such pain.  Why all this?

Honestly, I don't know.  But the last two weeks of my life have been an example of both the difficult, painful stuff that I didn't like and didn't understand, with all the accompanying frustration and anger - and the subsequent realization there was purpose - He had a purpose for it all along.  

It's when I face turbulence in my life like this, turbulence He has decided is right for me, that I want to learn what the psalmist wrote in today's reading: I want my soul to find its rest in God - not in my circumstances.  I want to remember my salvation comes from Him.  

Father, life can be really tough sometimes.  When it gets that way, please remind us that You are in control, and nothing happens that You will not have permitted out of Your perfect love for us.  And then, through our circumstances and despite them, give us Your peace. 

Blog from Matthew Repost

This is the correct post. Please excuse the previous one sent in error.

Numbers 26:1-51
Luke 2:36-52
Psalm 60:1-12
Proverbs 11:15

1 (To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah,
when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand.)
O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.
2 Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.
3 Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment.
4 Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.

I highlight part of Psalm 60 from today's reading. The 

words stood out to me as I was reading them. I include 
them so we can look at them and reflect upon how they 

can apply to the present.

Luke Chapter 2
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them:
but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

I think about what it would have been like knowing Jesus 

as He was growing up. Did He have close friends He talked 

to? What would they talk about? Normal things? Deep things? 
Did kids of His age look at Him and see something special? 

Did He pray to God for comfort like we do? 

I think how nice it would be to be sitting somewhere, with Him 

physically sitting next to us, having a conversation under the stars.

Blog From Matthew

Numbers 21:1-22:20 

Luke 1:26-56 

Psalm 57:1-11 

Proverbs 11:9-11

Proverbs 11:9 With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors,

but through knowledge the righteous escape.

Most of us are aware that the words we choose to say to others can have lasting effects on one's personal development and growth. Good, positive words involving encouragement, compliments, and respectful criticism can help build up others. However, hurtful words like gossip, bad mouthing, and throwing insults are all ways that do the exact opposite and may have the power to lead the individual down a dark, lonely path or ruin someone's reputation. The words we say to others are one thing, but this proverb can also apply to the way we choose to listen to words coming at us. This is also important, if not more. The knowledge we gain from reading God's word helps us on both fronts. 

I generally feel that it's much easier and more obvious to discern what to say and what not to say from a Christian perspective. Teasing or bullying someone might never cross our minds, gossip may push us away, and insulting others would be seen as a disgraceful act. 

However, I personally feel that being on the receiving side is much more difficult as emotions can rise on the spot making us not respond how we're taught to respond through God's word. I, myself, am guilty of sometimes letting my emotions get the better of me. 

We are taught to do several things in the new testament when it comes to speaking/listening to others:

1. In regards to initially hearing something - James 1:19 "...Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." - This is pretty self explanatory.

2. In regards to our relationships with the church, co-workers, family, and friends - 2 Corinthians 13:11 "...Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." - As I understand it, we should not be gossiping or speaking poorly of others. Peace and unity should be our aim. 

3. In regards to our response - 1 Peter 3:9 "...Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing." - Your response has the ability to either be expected or completely move someone. How much more of an impact can you make if you act in a way that honors God? 

These three examples of this new testament knowledge play their part into how we should communicate with others, behave, and respond to words coming at us. If you struggle in this area I encourage you to spend some time reading God's word and open yourself up to God's way of interacting with others. 

- Anthony

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March 13: Of Perfection’s Impossibility

Numbers 19:1-20:29

Luke 1:1-25

Psalm 56:1-13

Proverbs 11:8

Dear Moses and Zecharaiah

Just a short note to say thank you for reminding me again today that it is impossible for me to be good enough to earn my salvation.   

Zecharaiah, you were someone I thought I could aspire to.  Your life was one of service to God - you were a priest in the temple, and God even saw fit to have you chosen by lot for the tremendous privilege of going INTO the temple and burning the incense.  You were such a good man God chose you to father the child who would proclaim the coming of His son.  Yet, as good as you were, you doubted God, and in so doing sinned against Him, so He took away your ability to speak.

Moses, there was NO way I was going to pretend I could be someone like you.  You were such a good man, God chose to speak with you face to face.  He chose to use you to save his people from the Egyptians and lead them to the promised land; He deemed you worthy to speak with Him regularly, and your face shone to bear witness when you had spoken with Him.  Yet, as good as you were (even more than Zechariah, IMHO), you doubted God's ability to provide - and it seemed so small a thing to strike the rock twice, wouldn't you say? - and He deemed you unworthy to enter the promised land yourself.  

Thank you both for reminding me that my salvation comes not by my actions - I will never be worthy that way - but by faith Jesus.  And lest I forget…

Dear Jesus,

Further to my letter to Moses and Zechariah, thank You for saving me, as unworthy as I am.

Your son,

Jon

March 12: Of Unreasonable Love

Numbers 16:41–18:32

Mark 16:1-20

Psalm 55:1-23

Proverbs 11:7

Some very good advice I got from my parents recently: even when it is difficult, when it does not seem to make sense, when the other party does not seem to deserve it, love.   Love unreasonably. 

I can only imagine the conversation Mary, Mary Magdalene and Salome had from the time Jesus was lain in the tomb and the stone was rolled shut.  Consoling each other in their grief, one of them must have suggested they go and anoint Jesus's body.   On hindsight this would seem like an unreasonable act of love, above and beyond duty's call - Jesus was dead.  His body wasn't going to appreciate the ministrations.  But their love was so great that not only did they want to anoint the body, they were prepared to set out at the earliest possible time they could - the crack of dawn, the first day of the week, after the sabbath. 

So dawn came, and they set off.  Somewhere on the way, they realized the stone had been rolled to close the tomb, and they weren't capable of moving it out of the way.  And none of them, it seems, could say whether or not someone might move it for them.  But they continued on anyway.  On this act of love, for the Man - the Son, the Teacher - who died.  

Two things after that: first, they found the stone rolled away.  And second, they found out Jesus had risen.  What started out as a difficult and unreasonable expression of love was rewarded not just with God supplying their need - rolling the stone away - but giving them so much more - the resurrected Lord.  It's amazing what God does with unreasonable acts of love.  

I think unreasonable acts of love are God's delight.  And when we love when it doesn't make sense, God makes sense of it.  He facilitates our expression of unreasonable love, and He blesses us with results we could not have even imagined. 

Father, there are times when it is difficult to love, and people who are difficult to love.  When love seems unreasonable, give us the ability to do so.  Then take that love as a fragrant offering.  We leave the results to You.

Blog From Matthew

Numbers 14:1-15:16
Mark 14:53-72

Psalm 53:1-6

Proverbs 11:4

Numbers 14:2-4

And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, "If only we had
died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness! Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword,
that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?"  So they said to one another,
"Let us select a leader and return to Egypt."

The Israelites had been journeying through the wilderness. They left Egypt, where they were once slaves. On their way to the 
land that God promised them, some of them expressed a desire to return.

As Christians, particularly Christians who weren't always living right, it can be tempting to think about our old way of life. When
life gets hard, we find ourselves looking for some sort of comfort. With all the things we are supposed to keep away from, we may
even find ourselves upset that we have departed from a life of sin.

We have to keep in mind the promised land; victory in Jesus's name!

Egypt couldn't offer the Israelites what God's promised land could offer them. Our former lives can't give us what Jesus can.

Numbers 14:24

But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went,
and his descendants shall inherit it.

God said Caleb had a different spirit in him than the people who were complaining. 

2 Timothy 1:7 tells us "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Spanked!

March 9th

Numbers 11:24-13:33

Mark 14:22-52

Psalm 52:1-9

Proverbs 11:1-3

Spanked

"The anger of the Lord burned against them, and He left them"

Numbers 12:9

Do you remember a time when you were younger (or not so young) when you did something wrong and you thought no one was there, but someone saw and you got caught? Have you ever been told off and realized that you were so wrong that you just wanted to curl up in a ball?

Moses, Aaron, and Miriam were power siblings! And, as God so often shows us, the youngest sibling was used counter culturally in a special way. Moses became the most important man in Israel, leading two million people out of Egypt, yet he was considered more humble than anyone on the face of the earth (God's words, not mine). Aaron was Moses' right hand man: his mouthpiece, a priest, and Miriam was a songwriter and a prophetess. She led the women in praise after the Red Sea was "un-parted" and the Israelites were saved. Between the three of them, big things happened!

Miriam and Aaron were talking negatively about their brother Moses. They were jealous of him and his success. The best thing they could come up with to tear him down was that he married a Cushite woman. They questioned, hasn't God spoken not just through Moses, doesn't God speak through us? It's funny neither of these things have anything to do with Moses' character. It's also funny (and unfortunate for them) that God heard them. He called all three of them, Moses, Miriam, and Aaron to the tent of meeting for a lesson, then had Miriam and Aaron step forward.

The Lord basically told them that prophets receive dreams and visions from God. But Moses is so special and faithful to God, that God speaks to him face to face. If they are going to disrespect Moses, they are disrespecting God. I love how God is a God of questions. When Adam and Eve were hiding from God, God asks "Where are you?". God knows where they are. His questions are to make us think, to make us tell the truth, and to point us to confession. 

In Numbers 12, God asks Miriam and Aaron: "Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?" God knows the answer, but he didn't wait around to hear it. He left. Miriam found herself white as snow with leprosy. Aaron begs of Moses - "Please, my Lord, do not hold against us the sin we so foolishly committed". This statement shows that Aaron recognizes his sin, and respects Moses' power and relationship with the Lord. God gives a 7 day punishment then Miriam returns.

Many question why Miriam was the one who was punished. Some say that Miriam was the one who initiated the conversation as she was named first. Others say that Aaron had the role of high priest, so he was able to intercede for Miriam's healing and forgiveness. While these may be true, my perspective is that sometimes, we learn more when we see those we love in pain or suffering. For Aaron to see his sister suffer may have a more impactful change on his outlook and behavior than if he were the one suffering.

This story was a great reminder to me to think before I speak, not only about those in leadership positions, but about anyone I interact with. Are you building others up, or tearing them down? As Christians, we all have the same goal of glorifying God and loving others, so let's work in unity to accomplish it!

March 6: Of My Sons’ Efforts and a Widow’s Mite

Numbers 6:1-7:89

Mark 12:38-13:13

Psalm 49:1-20

Proverbs 10:27-28

With two boys on swim team, we developed a rule in our house: "Leave it all in the pool."   This was in response to the desire to win, and the frustration when, inevitably, they suffered their share of losses.  The rule says that, if at the end of their race they are too tired to even pull themselves out of the water immediately, their place - first?  last? - didn't matter.  Because they did their best - they left it all in the pool.  Far better they came in last giving it their all, than first giving less than they could.

I read the story of the "widow's mite" and am reminded this is what Jesus asks of us when He called us in yesterday's reading to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.  How much are we to love God and our neighbor?  There is no set amount - just all we can.  I loving God and our neighbor, the widow's mite says we are to "leave it all in the pool".

There is a second part to the  rule.  They boys aren't just to do their best during the race.  The race is just the result of all their practice.  To do their best during, they have to "leave it all in the pool" every day during practice.  Every sprint set, every distance set, every drill set, every warm-up and cool-down set.    This prepares them to give their best when the starter's gun goes off.  Leaving it all in the pool isn't just for the race, it's for their entire swimming life.

Thinking back to the widow's mite, I find it hard to believe her generosity was a one-time, spur of the moment thing.  I think it was a way of life for her to give generously to God.  I think her generosity went beyond what she put in the temple treasury, and extended to the other ways she showed she loved God and her neighbor.  It didn't matter the amount she had to give - she gave it all.  Every interaction, every opportunity - she left it all in the pool.  It was for her entire life.  

Father, we believe the generosity You call us to isn't for isolated incidents; we believe it is meant to be a way of life.  When it comes to loving You and our neighbor, teach us to leave it all in the pool all the time - every interaction, every opportunity.  Please help us to make it our way of life.  

March 5: Of Living Instead of Dying

Numbers 4:1-5:31

Mark 12:18-37

Psalm 48:1-14

Proverbs 10:26

What is it to love the Lord you God with all your (1) heart, (2) soul, (3) mind, and (4) strength?  Listening to Peter, after Jesus had predicted Peter's thrice-fold denial, it is to be willing to die for God.  He said as much - "Even if I have to die with You, I will never disown You."  Dramatic, certainly - and final.  Once one had given one's life, presumably they would have nothing more to give.  The challenge to love would be over.  

Decades ago, though, a Jesuit professor of mine - in college, I think - challenged us to see if we could manifest such complete love differently. Instead of dying for God, could we LIVE for Him?  Year after year, month after month, day after day, moment after moment.  Plans, desires, thoughts, emotions actions - could we live all those times, actions, words and feelings declaring His existence, and submitting to His will?  Could we love Him like Abraham, willing to give up our Isaacs?  Could we obey Him enough to suffer daily ridicule, building a massive boat far from any body of water? Could we trust Him enough to sing each day we were unjustly put in chains and, when the chains were broken, refuse to flee, and instead bear witness to our jailer?

Father, it is tempting to think we are ready to show our love for you by dying for You.  Perhaps we are, perhaps we aren't.  Whichever way, we know not when that time will come, and whether we will have the chance to choose to die for You.  What we DO have, each day, each moment You give us, is the chance, the choice to LIVE for You.  To confess Your are, to confess Who You are, and to live for You.  Give us the heart, the soul, the mind and the strength to do so.  In Jesus's name.  

The Battle Within

The Battle within

Numbers 2:1-3;51

Mark 11:27-12:17

Psalm 47:1-9

Proverbs 10:24-25

Recently I have been struggling with sin. Today's scriptures helped me understand that I am not going through this alone.

  In Proverbs 10:24-25 What the wicked dread will overtake them; what the righteous desire will be granted. When the storm  has swept by the wicked are gone,but the righteous stand firm.My bible brought clarity to these verses. The wicked dread death and those who don't believe fear death for believers we desire eternal life and God's salvation. 

This verse brought across a big point, WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE WILL BRING ABOUT EITHER YOUR FEARS OR YOUR DESIRES. 

Will we choose to disobey and live our lives our own way or will we be obedient and follow God's ways?

"Give it to God" When you feel overwhelmed in sin we can pray. "Father, I need your help with this *sin* I cannot do this alone. I need your strength and guidance. Lord, I pray for every single one of us that are struggling with their own sin. May you be there to convict when there is temptation. Father, I pray that we have the courage to speak to you Lord and acknowledge if we are consumed in sin. May we seek help from our friends who can hold us accountable to whatever sin we are facing,

Amen"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWmjpF613y4

--

Jenna Spencer

475-299-0404

jennaspencer3@gmail.com

Blog Post from Matthew

Leviticus 27:14 - Numbers 1:54
Mark 11:1-26
Psalm 46:1-11
Proverbs 10:23

Psalms Chapter 46

10 He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

I want to focus on the first part of this verse and what I think about. "Be still, and know that I am God".
Now, every situation is different. There are times when God wants us to get up and do something.
There are other times when God wants us to be still. God will move. God can do anything.

I'd like to pair this verse from Psalms with some verses from Mark Chapter 11.

22 "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23 "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself 
into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.
24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

I see here at least two things to take away. One: The Lord uses moving a mountain as an example. I take
this as Jesus telling us there is nothing wrong with big prayers. Pray for big things. Believe God will move 
mountains for you.

Two: When you pray, believe it's going to happen. Again, every situation is different. Be still, believe God is
taking care of it.

Bible Blog Post ⭐️ March 1, 2021

Leviticus 24:1-25:46 

Mark 10:13-31 

Psalm 44:9-26 

Proverbs 10:20-21 

1 Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan.  Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them.

"and as was his custom, he taught them."

As crowds of people came near, Jesus continued to extend His love toward them and shared His knowledge and wisdom.  This verse got me thinking about how His natural inclination was to share love, exemplify love, and to show us how to love.  It was His custom, it is what He did, it was who He was, it was His character.  Then I look at the world, and how our sinful nature may cause our customs to veer far off course at certain points of our lives.  I think about the book of Genesis and how at one point, humans, Adam and Eve, were without sin.  I wonder what life and customs would have been for them had they not eaten fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?  Furthermore, what would our natural inclinations be pre-sin?  What are our natural inclinations now?  

As I go along my walk, I see how valuable and transformative the word is.  As we immerse ourselves into God's word, engage in discussions rooted in Christ, share meaningful moments with our brothers and sisters in small groups, absorb the word at Sunday services, commit acts of kindness and share God's love, as we do things that exemplify what it means to be a Christian, as we appreciate the Grace given to us by God and as we show that Grace onto others, I believe that we too are building customs that align with our Lord's vision of love.  

Some good questions to reflect on might be:  How would someone describe my character?  What character do I believe I display in front of others?  What character traits and customs of mine do I think serve God well?  Is there anything I think that I need to work on changing in the immediate future?  Grace Family, let's open our hearts with acceptance to God's revelation and will for us all.

God, Our Loving, Gracious, Merciful Father, we love You.  Thank You for revealing your wisdom to us in Your word, and thank You for bringing us closer to You.  Heavenly Father, we are so blessed to have multiple small groups at Grace church, and it is because of your goodness that we are all able to gather and partake in these meaningful times of worship and spiritual growth.  You feed and nurture our souls, you give us strength and hope, you give us purpose; You ARE our purpose.  We owe our lives and devotion to You.  We shall live our days on this earth exalting Your name and praising our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us along this journey.  Thank you for your Grace.  Again, we are so blessed. One day I hope that we can all join You in Your perfect kingdom and experience what our customs can truly be.  In the name of Your one and only son, Jesus Christ, I pray.  Amen.