Dear Loving God, who calls us into service,  Lead us on faith alone, as you led Ananias. Transform us as you transformed Paul. Mold us into your servants, who joyfully bring your love to the world this and every day. Amen.

“All love is sweet, Given or returned. Common as light is love, And its familiar voice wearies not ever.”

“Real strength has to do with helping others.”

1   The LORD is king, he is robed in majesty;            the LORD is robed, he is girded with strength.       He has established the world; it shall never be moved;  2        your throne is established from of old;            you are from everlasting. 3   The floods have lifted up, O LORD,            the floods have lifted up their voice;            the floods…

7John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to…

10Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” 11The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he…

8One day Elisha was passing through Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to have a meal. So whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for a meal. 9She said to her husband, “Look, I am sure that this man who regularly passes our way is a holy man of God. 10Let us…

“I believe that appreciation is a holy thing–that when we look for what’s best in a person we happen to be with at the moment, we’re doing what God does all the time. So in loving and appreciating our neighbor, we’re participating in something sacred.”

Praise the LORD!       I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,            in the company of the upright, in the congregation.  2   Great are the works of the LORD,            studied by all who delight in them.  3   Full of honor and majesty is his work,            and his righteousness endures forever.  4   He has gained renown by…

17“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19Therefore, whoever breaks one of…