[Be] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.  (Philippians 1:11)

“Actions speak louder than words.” How true! And actions praise louder—and often more convincingly—than words when God’s love motivates the actions.

God’s love took action in Jesus Christ. Jesus lived God’s love for us in His suffering and death on the cross for our sins. His love brought us redemption and a new, living, and eternal relationship with God, our Father. We rightly praise Jesus for His act of love on our behalf.

We doubly praise Him when we put our praise in action by keeping His command to serve others. That’s active praise. It costs something, however, to practice active praise. It can cost convenience. Time. Resources. Personal preferences. It can cost the opportunity to do something far more glamorous and lucrative. Yet service motivated by praise keeps on serving. Why? Because Jesus’ love neither stopped for His convenience, nor required the recognition and applause of others. Jesus’ example shows what active love looks like. In Him, let your actions show forth His praise!

• This week we add Tom & Linda Hering as Tom’s uncle Ken Behnken, an LCMS pastor, was taken home to heaven. Lord, you give us each other as gifts, especially among family and friends to support and strengthen one another.  Through the years this uncle and his family brought your grace and love to the Hering family.  Bless them now as they acknowledge your goodness to Ken and your fulfilled promise of everlasting life.
• We ask your grace and blessing as Dorothy Bladow’s sister, Judy, passed away last week. Thank you for allowing Dorothy to be by her side and care for her right up until her end.  We pray now for the assurance of Your presence and promises; and for the confidence that You will remain at her side through all the changes and challenges of life.
• Our hearts ache alongside Joe & Kim Sanfilippo at the news that Joe’s best friend was killed in a snowmobile accident. We ask the Lord’s gracious hand to guide the family of Jeff Schultz as they begin to deal with the implications of this loss.  Let them know the comfort and the power of the Easter promise.
• We pray that you grant us a faithful replacement for Mr. Raddatz through our Call Meeting today.
• We include Annette’s son Jacob, who has entered Army basic training. Keep him safe and strong that he may represent our country well.
• Ed Kraft’s mother, who has been diagnosed with cancer. Initial treatments did not go as expected.  We ask for your grace and mercy to her and to her family as she embraces the approach of eternity.  Let faith in Jesus and his resurrection give them courage.
• For rehabilitation and re-integration for Ron Telega, at the VA Spine Center.

 Luther Preparatory School – Father in heaven, through the prophet Isaiah you illustrate the high honor of the ministry of the Word by saying, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace and salvation.” Bless our efforts to show that beauty to young people, that they might see the honor you have given all of us and consider full-time work in the public ministry. Today we pray especially for your blessing on Luther Preparatory School. Use the faculty and staff as your instruments to show your love and forgiveness. Guard all students from the temptations of youth. Fill them with strength and courage to let their light shine into this dark world through their words and actions. Amen.