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Psalm 116:1-9 

I love the Lord, because he has heard

    my voice and my pleas for mercy.

2 

Because he inclined his ear to me,

    therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

3 

The snares of death encompassed me;

    the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;

    I suffered distress and anguish.

4 

Then I called on the name of the Lord:

    “O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!”

5 

Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;

    our God is merciful.

6 

The Lord preserves the simple;

    when I was brought low, he saved me.

7 

Return, O my soul, to your rest;

    for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

8 

For you have delivered my soul from death,

    my eyes from tears,

    my feet from stumbling;

9 

I will walk before the Lord

    in the land of the living.

If you have faith in God, you know that He exists and that He is the source of every blessing.  For this reason, the question, “Why do you love God” can be hard to answer.  There are too many valid answers.  But, Psalm 116 gives us some direction.  The Psalmist writes,

“I love the Lord, because he has heard

    my voice and my pleas for mercy.”

From our perspective as sinners in a sinful world, this is a profound demonstration of the grace of God.  One of the first things to break down when there is conflict between people is communication.  But, God shows His true nature in that He invites sinners to talk to Him in prayer.  He hears our repentant prayers and grants us absolution. 

As our Savior Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world, He endured the faithless mocking of some.  Yet, Jesus still listened to the thief crucified next to Him, and granted that thief the promise of eternal life.  This is the same Savior who listens to your confession as you pray, forgives your sins, and grants you the eternal life.

Let us pray,

I love you Lord Jesus for graciously hearing my prayers.  Grant me the forgiveness of all my sins, strengthen me in holy living, and enable me to love others as you have loved me.  In your name I pray, Amen.

The Collect for Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in every need, continue and preserve Your Church is safety, govern her by Your goodness, and bless her with Your peace; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Mark 7:37

37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

As much as people were impressed by Jesus’ miracles, not all of them believed.  This is evident from the difficulty many had when Jesus challenged them to believe in Him as their Savior.  They were astonished by what Jesus did, but many would not put their faith Him.

Jesus’ own disciples believed in Him.  They rejoiced in the miracles that God did through Jesus and their own ministry as His disciples.  They confessed that Jesus was the Messiah.  Yet, when the events of Holy Week took place, and Jesus was crucified on the cross for the sins of the world, they struggled to believe.

I think that people today like to be impressed, even astonished when it comes to spiritual matters. But, being impressed isn’t the same thing as faith.  Faith clings to Christ even when all seems against that confession of faith.  So, while faith trusts in Jesus who brings healing, even more, faith clings to Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of the world. 

This becomes personal during times of trial.  When we are anxious or negative in our thinking, it is easy to feel that there is no hope.  But, our feelings about our situation don’t change the reality of who Jesus is.  He is our Lord and Savior.  He is the one who performed great miracles, even the greatest miracle of all, when He rose in glory from the dead.

Some in Jesus day, who were rejecting Him as Savior, kept asking for signs to prove that He was the Messiah.  Even though Jesus had been doing signs and wonders, those miracles didn’t matter because they didn’t believe.  Yet, others, who didn’t see a miracle, believed in Jesus as their Savior.  They received the greatest of God’s miracles, namely, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.

Let us pray

I praise you Lord for the great miracles that you do every day in blessings all people of the earth.  I praise you especially for the greatest miracle of all when you created my salvation through your death and resurrection.  Help me during all times of trial to trust in you.  Be with all who are troubled, anxious, or sick today.  Help us all to find our peace and joy in you and your power to save.  In your name I pray,  AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

James 2:1-4

My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Many years ago, while working with a group home for the developmentally disabled, I was given a memorable lesson by the director.  Certainly, I wanted to treat the members of the group home like any other person attending church.  This is good and is in keeping with today’s Bible reading.  But, she surprised me when she said that to treat the members of the group home as fully human, I should remember that they are as prone to imperfection as anyone else!  They can be petty, grouchy, and selfish – just like anyone else.  To view them as angels, incapable of the full range of human behavior, is to view them as less than fully human.  Obviously, that little lesson has stuck with me!

God views all humanity equally.  We have differing abilities possessions, and income, but we are equal in this important sense: We are sinners in need of a Savior.  

God has a gracious purpose in showing us this truth about ourselves.   Romans 11:32 “For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.”  When we see ourselves from the perspective of God’s Law, we see our sin and our need.  We recognize our equality before God under His judgement and our common need.  God’s purpose is just this: He plans to treat us equally. He plans to have mercy on us all.

Jesus came to save sinners.  He offers the fruits of His redeeming death on the cross to all who confess their sins and trust in Him.  Those who reject the truth of God’s Law that shows them their sin, are actually calling themselves better than all other people in the world.  They will receive nothing from the Lord.

Today, clothing styles are very informal.  It could actually be hard to tell if a person is rich or poor based solely on his or her clothing.  Often those who are best dressed in a company, rank lower than the more shabbily dressed owner of the company.  Informal clothing is a status symbol.  We may have a hard time telling the difference between people, but God sees the heart.

The very poorest person, who in repentance turns to the Lord Jesus in faith, at that moment becomes the rich and an heir of eternal life.  Since the Grace of God is given freely to all sinners through faith in Jesus, God calls upon us to remember His Grace when as we relate to one another.   God loves to see His people treat one another with the same love, respect, and forgiveness that He has given to us in Jesus.

Let us pray,

Oh Lord you have shown me my need for your salvation.  I stand equal to all sinners and confess that only through the gift of Jesus, given for the life of the world, do I have hope.  Help me to love all others as you have loved me.  In your name I pray, AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Isaiah 35:4-7

4 

Say to those who have an anxious heart,

    “Be strong; fear not!

Behold, your God

    will come with vengeance,

with the recompense of God.

    He will come and save you.”

5 

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,

    and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

6 

then shall the lame man leap like a deer,

    and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.

For waters break forth in the wilderness,

    and streams in the desert;

7 

the burning sand shall become a pool,

    and the thirsty ground springs of water;

in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down,

    the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

It seems that the more we are concerned about our situation, the more we are tempted to focus on ourselves and what we should do.  We make preparations when emergencies threaten and we stress over our insecurities.  And while it is good to pay attention to potential threats, even if we do all that we can do, our minds find no rest.  This is especially true when the threats that we face are overwhelming.  At those times our hearts are truly anxious and our mind has no peace.

God, through His prophet Isaiah, reminds us that we are to first put our faith in Him.  The prophet reminds us that “He will come to save you.” 

When we remember all that God did to save us in Jesus through His suffering and death on the cross, our hearts at last find peace.  When the struggle was over the threat of hell itself, God came to save us.  If our heavenly Father was willing to give everything in Jesus, He will certainly not fail to grant salvation to all who trust in Him.  As Jesus rose in glory from the dead, so shall the Lord grant salvation to all who trust in Him.

Let us pray,

Lord, when my heart is anxious, help me to remember Jesus, trust in His salvation, and find peace in your eternal faithfulness. I trust in your power to save.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Psalm 146:5-6

5 

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,

    whose hope is in the Lord his God,

6 

who made heaven and earth,

    the sea, and all that is in them,

who keeps faith forever;

A trustworthy person keeps faith, keeps promises, and won’t let you down.  We value relationships that are trustworthy and trust that these qualities are present in close relationships.  But, it isn’t until a time of testing that we find out if our faith is well placed. 

Such a time of testing came for God when humanity fell into sin.  What should God do?  When Adam and Even disobeyed God and obeyed Satan, God had every right to disown them, and with them, eventually, us.  But, God keeps faith forever.

What does that mean?  God was faithful to Himself.  Even though Adam and Eve fell into Sin, God was true to Himself. He who made all creation, in Love and Mercy chose to take the faithful path and save all creation.

If we were to think that our relationship with God is due to our own behavior, we delude ourselves.  God shows us our sins every time we meditate on His Law of Love revealed in the Holy Bible.  Instead, we trust in God’s own faithfulness to Himself.  We trust in the Lord whose nature is Grace and Mercy.  This is the faith that leads us to confess our sins and trust in the Lord to save us.

Because God keeps faith forever, He sent Jesus to remove the damage of our sin.  Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead so that the impossible would become real.  Because Jesus kept faith forever, we will live forever.

During times of trial, we shall remember our Heavenly Father’s perfect faithfulness and trust in Jesus our Savior.  When our personal imperfections dismay us, and Satan tempts us to despair, we need to remember that our faith is in God, not ourselves.  When our Lord calls us to confess our sins, He is calling us to faith in Him and His forever faithfulness towards us.  The Lord is our help and our hope forever.

Let us pray,

Lord, I confess to you my sins, imperfections, and weakness.  I thank you for being faithful and keeping perfect the law of love.  I thank you for giving yourself for me on the cross and undoing the damage of the sin of the whole world.  I trust in your for life now and life eternal.  Please be with all who are struggling in unbelief and especially those whose faith is misplaced.  Call us all to renewed faith in your and the joy of your salvation.  In Jesus name, Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Psalm 146:3-5

3 

Put not your trust in princes,

in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.

4 

When his breath departs, he returns to the earth;

on that very day his plans perish.

5 

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,

whose hope is in the Lord his God,

It is tempting to put a very high level of faith in a leader.  Sometimes a person may even feel that a leader can do no wrong.  But, just saying that out loud should highlight the problem with that idea.  There is no such thing as a leader who is perfect.  All human beings are sinners, including all leaders.  Due to their position, leaders are prone to pride, serious errors, and terrible consequences for their nation.  History is full of leaders who, confident of themselves, caused misery and death to millions of their followers, their friends, and people in surrounding countries.  Having their deeply held principles based on falsehood, their decisions run from bad to worse.

Despite this sad reality, idolizing leaders is something that still goes on in the world — it seems now more than ever.  How could this happen?  Some leaders just make mistakes, like anyone else.  But, in some cases, the leader has knowingly, or unknowingly given himself or herself over to evil.  Such a leader will refuse to recognize God’s authority revealed in God’s Word. In place of God’s authority that leader claims God’s place. He or she will dictates falsehood and suppressed God’s Word and anyone who speaks out.  Mounting evil consequences are either suppressed or ignored.

This has been the situation in the world in the past, and it will continue to be our plight until the Lord’s return to judge the living and the dead.  On judgement day leaders will be held accountable for their sins and especially the harm they have caused to God’s people.  To strengthen our hearts, God has given us this Word so that we will avoid idolizing human leaders. God here encourages us when earthly matters are dark and troublesome, reminding us that He puts limits on the evil that evil leaders can do.

Instead of failed humanity, the Word of God points us to Jesus, true God and true Man. Only Jesus gives salvation.  Like no other leader, Jesus bore all the evil consequences of sin.  He offered the perfect sacrifice for sin through His death on the cross for our forgiveness.  He took our sins, and our death to the cross and removed them from us forever.  He is the one who can give salvation.  No other leader can take Jesus’ place.

And should we be called to bear witness to God during the rule of an evil leader, though we will most certainly suffer, we will not lose heart.  God puts a limit on human evil.  As the scriptures record, “When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.” God puts a limit on evil, and evil leaders.  Though they seem invincible, they are only human and will soon pass away, to await God’s judgement.

Fellow redeemed, in Jesus is eternal salvation.  Put your trust in Him, and you will have eternal life.  

Let us pray,

O Holy Spirit, enlighten my thinking and help me to have a pure and undivided faith in the Triune God. Strengthen my faith each day, and encourage me in troubled times with the knowledge of your control over all things, the limits you have set on wickedness and most of all your victory over all evil and the joy of the resurrection to eternal life.  I pray in Jesus name. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Mark 7:14-15

14 Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. 15 Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.”

Where do you look for advice or guidance?  One of the most common pieces of advice that you will hear in popular culture is to look within yourself.  The idea is that deep within a person is the greatest source of wisdom.  

The problem with this advice is that it couldn’t be more wrong. Jesus teaches us that “what comes out of a person” defiles him.  Our sinful nature is within us!  If we turn in upon ourselves, we will be overcome with evil.  Where then shall we turn?

If we want to find true wisdom, we need to look outside of ourselves.  But, we can’t just look anywhere.  Instead, we must go to the source of truth.  Jesus, in praying for us, asked this of our Heavenly Father, “17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth – John 17:17.” Jesus teaches us that we need God’s Word to know the truth.

God the Holy Spirit teaches us the truth by using God’s Word, the Holy Bible.  The study of the Holy Bible isn’t just a cursory reading.  Rather, it is a life-long meditation on the Word which the Holy Spirit uses to teach us about ourselves and our Savior Jesus.

When we are considering what to do in life, we are called to meditate on the Ten Commandments and all of God’s Word that tells us what to do and not to do.  God’s Word clears our minds, helps us understand what truly is best, and leads us to see ourselves as we are, sinners in need of a Savior. 

God’s Word doesn’t leave us without hope at this point.  Rather, God shows us that He does care for us, and in Jesus has come to save us by paying the penalty of our sins through His death on the cross.  Through faith in Jesus we are forgiven.  Through baptism we are given faith, and the presence of the Holy Spirit to encourage us in holy living.  God shows His great love and grants us the joy of knowing that as Jesus is risen in glory from the dead, so shall we rise to live with Him forever.

Where do you look for advice or guidance?  By God’s Grace you have been given faith to turn God’s Word.  As you hear God’s Word in church, reflect upon it in your daily life, and rejoice in the gifts of your Savior, you will receive the wisdom of God to guide you.

Let us pray

I thank you Lord Jesus for showing me the dangers that are within my sinful self.  I praise you for directing me to your Word and for providing me faith to hear your voice.  Forgive my sins and strengthen my daily life that I may walk with you.  In your name I pray, AMEN.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Ephesians 6:14-20

14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

You may have seen pictures of Roman soldiers.  They seem quite ancient from a modern perspective.  But, if you were to see such a soldier, even today, you would be impressed.  

These soldiers were able to project the power of the Roman government across the known world.  Their equipment was state of the art.  From their armor to their weaponry, they were a terrifying sight to those who opposed them. 

St. Paul used this imagery, of what was, to most people in that day a terrifying foe, to describe God power to defend them against all evil.  He teaches us to dress in God’s armor and to enter battle fearlessly so that we will remain faithful in our calling.

In our day and age we have many terrifying enemies.  But, our God-given armor is still up to the challenge.  God protects our faith and gives us strength to stand firm in Him.  He will not let us fall, but give us everything that we need to sustain us to eternal life.

Our Savior Jesus, who suffered the worst of this world and our sins on the cross, will not run from any challenge that we may face today.  Trust in Him.  Receive the forgiveness of your sins and the strength to follow in His path to life everlasting.

Let us pray,

I thank you Lord Jesus for continuing to guard and protect your people.  Help me to find security and comfort in your care.  Remind me of your promises in my baptism.  Help your church to be faithful in sharing your gifts and gospel both here and around the world.  In your name I pray, AMEN.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Ephesians 6:10-20

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Do you remember a time in your life that was difficult?  You probably remember the feeling that it seemed things would never get better.  Time stands still when we are having a hard time, suffering serious illness, or feeling angry, depressed, or anxious emotionally. 

St. Paul helps us understand such times for what they are.  He calls them “the schemes of the devil.”  No wonder such trials seem so eternal.  We are being tempted to doubt in the Lord and think that there is no way out for us. But, is this true? Absolutely not!  But, our perception is limited to our short lifespan and understanding time and history.

For example: If you ask a 6 year old about something 10 years ago, you are talking of pre-historic times for that little boy or girl.  It is the same way for a 20 year old who is asked to think of something before his or her birthday.  Even the very oldest among us, who often have better perspective,  haven’t lived all that long.  

God is eternal.  His plans for us are eternal.  So He gives us a faith that can stand the schemes of the devil and His eternal armor for our faith.  He does this so that we will be able to face the challenges of life, and in the end, Stand firm!

The events of holy week must have felt like an eternity to the first disciples. From Jesus’ arrest to His burial was actually not that long, even for us.  But, it was an eternity to those who watched Jesus suffer.  It seemed unending to the disciples who were in hiding, fearing for their lives as they grieved Jesus’ death.

But now, through God’s Word, we see God’s plan more completely.  The disciple’s great sorrow was followed by great joy!  Jesus rose from the dead and taught His disciples that His death and resurrection were for the life of the world!  Trusting in Jesus our sins are forgiven and our greatest trials are set against the timeline of eternal life.  As St. Paul would also write in 2 Corinthians 4:17, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Fellow redeemed, when times of trial and testing are in your life, I pray that you would find comfort in your faith.  God gives you this faith and the armor you will need spiritually to points you to Jesus. God will sustain you and show you His eternal plans for your salvation.  Though the evil one will try to discourage us, God is greater.  Therefore, in all things, even our most difficult trials, we can know that we have a destination, namely, life eternal with our Savior.

Let us pray,

I thank you Lord Jesus for your great love.  Please sustain my faith in the midst of all trial, temptation, sickness, anxiety, and trouble.  Especially help me, and all your saints, to find solace in your gifts: the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.  AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Psalm 119:129-136

129 

Your testimonies are wonderful;

therefore my soul keeps them.

130 

The unfolding of your words gives light;

it imparts understanding to the simple.

131 

I open my mouth and pant,

because I long for your commandments.

132 

Turn to me and be gracious to me,

as is your way with those who love your name.

133 

Keep steady my steps according to your promise,

and let no iniquity get dominion over me.

134 

Redeem me from man’s oppression,

that I may keep your precepts.

135 

Make your face shine upon your servant,

and teach me your statutes.

136 

My eyes shed streams of tears,

because people do not keep your law.

In this beautiful Psalm, God’s Word is adored.  God’s Word contains truth, beauty, wisdom, and blessings.  If you were to give a gift to a dearly loved friend or family member, there could be no greater gift that the Word of God.  If you could impart the greatest truth, it would come from God’s commandments.

This Psalm is beautiful and uplifting.  It is beautiful and uplifting right until the end, that is.  The last verse states, 

136 

My eyes shed streams of tears,

    because people do not keep your law.

It is heartbreaking to watch those you love walk away from the great gift of God’s Word, discard saving faith, and fall away.  This is what the Psalmist laments of those he sees around him.  How do you think God views this reality?

God sees our sins, our tragedy, and our lack of faith.  God sees, laments humanity’s self-destruction, and has chosen to have mercy.  God came in the flesh in Jesus to save the world.  When sinners repent of their turning away from God, and put faith in Jesus and his death on the cross and HIs resurrection, even sinners are given forgiveness. All the gifts of heaven are restored by the God of all grace and mercy.

Fellow redeemed, daily Jesus calls you to repent and receive everything in Him.  May God strengthen your faith daily so that you can rejoice in God’s Gospel in Jesus and the gift of His Word.

Let us pray,

Oh Lord, your word gives light and understanding.  Enlighten me daily so that I will grow in faith and walk in your ways.  I remember all who are struggling spiritually apart from you.  Have mercy upon them and grant them open hearts and minds to your Word.  I ask this in your name. AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen.