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Biblical exegesis (extra-Jesus, one blog friend says -- love it!) is due tomorrow at 9 a.m. I am done, but not optimistic. I worked very hard and I feel I crafted a great sermon (which we don't hand in but which I wrote my sermon outline from -- how's that for back-assward? But two members of my COPM, whom I respect, advised me to do it that way). I don't feel I demonstrated mastery of the language. I don't feel I have mastery of the language, but having received a B in the course, and loving the language, I think I can preach a good sermon based on the original text. Heavy sigh.... Not sure what's next on this road.

"God is with us; God has been with us since before we had conscious awareness of the existence of God, or that we need God. God will be with us and will favor us before we know we need help. God does not require blind obedience; God likewise eschews rash, unthinking or insincere vows. God values life – our God-created life – we are God’s children, God’s chosen. God is faithful, standing by our covenant though we often stray and disobey. Ultimately, we will “get it right,” be made perfect, and receive all that God promises through Christ’s grace and saving action." Amen.