Let Us Pray: Almighty and Merciful God, help us to find our lives by offering them to you. Grant us wisdom to understand your will and the energy to bring your will into our daily lives. Amen.

It has been said that the gospel of Jesus Christ has two sides: "a believing and a behaving side!" Followers of Christ are not only invited to be redeemed, but also to be responsible. The Christian faith is not only a way of believing, but a way of living. Years ago, I heard Dr. Alvin Rogness, long-time mentor and teacher in the church, say these words, "There are no conditions to God’s grace. God’s grace is free. It is absolutely unconditional, but there are consequences!"

When two Lutheran denominations merged into a new church (ELCA) I supported the new merging church and am happy to be part of …