Moses’ face shone with God’s glory after speaking with the LORD on Mt. Sinai (and in the tabernacle of the congregation); and, after telling the words of the LORD to the people, Moses covered his face with a veil so the people could not see the fading away of that glory (cf. Ex. 34:28-35).

You and I, by the grace and mercy of God, have seen through the eyes of faith the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus. Though we were not present with Jesus when Moses and Elijah appeared with Him in glory on the Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9:2ff.), we have the testimony of the apostles who “beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and of truth” (John 1:14; 2 Peter 1:16-21).

“It is God who said, ‘Out of darkness Light shall shine;’ who shone in our hearts to give the brightness of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” ( 2 Cor. 4:6; Isa. 42:6-7,16)).

God has graciously removed the veil from our eyes that we might see the fading of the Old Covenant and the glory of the New. He has opened our eyes that we might see that Jesus is not just the son of Mary, descended from David and Abraham, but the Son of God – that Jesus is Jehovah God Himself come into this world to redeem us by fulfilling all the righteous demands of the law for us and bearing in His own body on the tree of the cross the full punishment for all our sins and the sins of the whole world (cf. Gal. 3:13; 1 John 2:1-2).

And not only has God graciously brought us to see Jesus, the Light of the world; He is changing us into the image of Christ’s glory. As the Bible says, “We all, with our face having been unveiled, having beheld the glory of the Lord as in a mirror, are being changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Lord Spirit.” The Holy Spirit has shown us the glory of our Lord Jesus and is right now in the process of sanctifying and changing us into that glory. Through the Scriptures, He reveals to us our sinfulness; but, also through the Scriptures, He reveals to us Jesus and His redeeming work and assures us of forgiveness and life everlasting.

And as He reveals to us Jesus, He also draws us ever closer to our Savior and has begun this transforming work in our lives so that we reflect the glory of Jesus and His redeeming love in this dark and dying world. As Jesus said, we are lights in this world, reflecting Him, the Light of the world (Matt. 5:14-16; John 8:12).

Of course, the Spirit’s transfiguring work in us will not be complete in this life. Because of our sinful human nature, Jesus’ glory is never reflected in our lives with all it’s magnitude. But on the Last Day, when the dead are raised up, we will be made like Jesus (1 Cor. 15; Phil. 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2; Rom. 8:29f.).

We can say with David: “As for me, I will behold Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with Your image” (Psalm 17:15).

Shine upon us glorious Lord and let us reflect Your glory. Amen.

[Scripture taken from Green's Modern King James Version (MKJV), Copyright 1993 by Jay P. Green Sr., All rights reserved.]

Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if one does not receive birth from above, he is not able to see the kingdom of God … If one does not receive birth out of water and Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:3,5). Saul of Tarsus, whom we know as the Apostle Paul, after he had met Jesus on the road to Damascus, was told by Ananias, “Rising up, be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Peter, at the Feast of Pentecost, preached, saying to those whose hearts were troubled over their sins, “Repent and be baptized, each of you on the name of Jesus Christ to remission of sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all those afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts. 2:38-39). The Word of God also tells us: “The one believing and being baptized will be saved. And the one not believing will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).

But how can we be cleansed of our sins and born anew from above through the simple waters of baptism? Wouldn’t it be better if Jesus Himself would appear to us in shining glory and wave His hand over us and say, “Be clean”? Think of leprous Naaman, commander of the army of Syria – a five-star general or greater. Elisha didn’t even come out to him but sent a messenger out to him, telling him to go and wash seven times in the Jordan River and he would be cleansed. Naaman was furious until his servants convinced him to do as Elisha had commanded. He went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times and his flesh became like the flesh of a child.

Now God tells you and me – through a minister, a messenger – to repent of our sinful ways and be baptized. He doesn’t even tell us to travel to Israel and be baptized in the Jordan – any water will do, even water from Beaver Lake! Many still say today that Christian baptism is nothing, just a symbol of what God has already done in the heart; but that’s not what Jesus says. It’s not what the Bible teaches. To disciple the nations, we are not only to be going and teaching Jesus’ Word, we are to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The minister, the servant, applies the water in the name of the Triune God, and God washes away our sins and makes us His children (cf. Mt. 28:18-20; Gal. 3:26ff.; Acts 2:38-39; 22:16; Col. 2:8-15). It is a “washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5; cf. John 3:3,5; Eph. 5:25-27).

Christian baptism is not man’s work; it is God’s work – a “circumcision not made by hands” (Col. 2:11). It is a rebirth from above – a baptism of water and Spirit (John 3:5). It is a means appointed and chosen of God Himself to give to us the blessings which Christ Jesus won for us by His sufferings and death on the cross and confirmed to us by His glorious resurrection (cf. Rom 4:25).

Should we reject it, belittle it or look for another way to be cleansed from our sins and receive the blessings Jesus won for us upon the cross? The Bible says: “The one believing and being baptized will be saved. And the one not believing will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).

Grant us faith to believe Your Word, O Lord, and be made clean. Amen.

[Scripture taken from Green's Literal Translation (LITV), Copyright 1993 by Jay P. Green Sr., All rights reserved.]

Momentary anger, everlasting favor

“Sing praises to Jehovah, His godly ones; and give thanks to the memory of His holiness. For His anger is only a moment; in His favor is life. Weeping may endure in the evening, but a ringing cry of joy comes in the morning.”  Psalm 30:4-5 (Read Psalm 30)

Among the reasons to thank and praise Jehovah God is the fact that His anger against our sins is only for a moment and in His favor is life. But what does this mean?

As a holy and just God, He hates sin and is justly angry when we turn from Him in unbelief, selfishness and sin. As a just and holy God, He not only is angry, but He must punish sin.

But His anger lasts only for a moment because the Son of God, Christ Jesus our Savior, fulfilled the righteous demands of the law in our stead and suffered the full punishment for our sins and the sins of the whole world when He was condemned and died on the cross and then rose again. Because of Jesus’ shed blood, God’s wrath against us on account of our sins is changed into grace and favor toward us; and in His favor is life!

Instead of being condemned to eternal suffering in hell on account of our sinfulness, God looks upon us with grace and favor for the sake of Jesus and His condemnation and death in our stead. God still hates sin – it still angers Him – and He disciplines and corrects us that we might repent and look to Him for pardon and forgiveness. But when we, by the gracious working of the Holy Spirit, look to Him for mercy, He looks upon us with favor, forgives our sins and welcomes us into His everlasting kingdom.

Thus, it also true that “weeping may endure in the evening, but a ringing cry of joy comes in the morning.” We may weep and cry when God reveals to us our sins and disciplines and corrects us, but when we return to Him and receive His mercy and forgiveness for the sake of Jesus and His sacrifice for us, we are so filled with joy that we cry out in exultation to our God.

This is true for us in another way as well. In this world, we weep and have sorrow over our sinfulness and the judgments of God upon sinners; but when we are raised up to life on the Last Day, a ringing cry of joy will sound forth on that new morning of an eternal day!

O holy and merciful God, move us continually to acknowledge and repent of our sinful ways and look to You for mercy and favor, for in Your favor is life. Amen.

From the Lutheran Confessions

The Smalcald Articles

Part II, Article II: Of the Mass.

1] That the Mass in the Papacy must be the greatest and most horrible abomination, as it directly and powerfully conflicts with this chief article, and yet above and before all other popish idolatries it has been the chief and most specious. For it has been held that this sacrifice or work of the Mass, even though it be rendered by a wicked [and abandoned] scoundrel, frees men from sins, both in this life and also in purgatory, while only the Lamb of God shall and must do this, as has been said above. Of this article nothing is to be surrendered or conceded, because the first article does not allow it.

2] If, perchance, there were reasonable Papists we might speak moderately and in a friendly way, thus: first, why they so rigidly uphold the Mass. For it is but a pure invention of men, and has not been commanded by God; and every invention of man we may [safely] discard, as Christ declares, Matt. 15:9: In vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

3] Secondly. It is an unnecessary thing, which can be omitted without sin and danger.

4] Thirdly. The Sacrament can be received in a better and more blessed way [more acceptable to God], (yea, the only blessed way), according to the institution of Christ. Why, then, do they drive the world to woe and [extreme] misery on account of a fictitious, unnecessary matter, which can be well obtained in another and more blessed way?

5] Let [care be taken that] it be publicly preached to the people that the Mass as men’s twaddle [commentitious affair or human figment] can be omitted without sin, and that no one will be condemned who does not observe it, but that he can be saved in a better way without the Mass. I wager [Thus it will come to pass] that the Mass will then collapse of itself, not only among the insane [rude] common people, but also among all pious, Christian, reasonable, God-fearing hearts; and that the more, when they would hear that the Mass is a [very] dangerous thing, fabricated and invented without the will and Word of God.

6] Fourthly. Since such innumerable and unspeakable abuses have arisen in the whole world from the buying and selling of masses, the Mass should by right be relinquished, if for no other purpose than to prevent abuses, even though in itself it had something advantageous and good. How much more ought we to relinquish it, so as to prevent [escape] forever these horrible abuses, since it is altogether unnecessary, useless, and dangerous, and we can obtain everything by a more necessary, profitable, and certain way without the Mass.

7] Fifthly. But since the Mass is nothing else and can be nothing else (as the Canon and all books declare), than a work of men (even of wicked scoundrels), by which one attempts to reconcile himself and others to God, and to obtain and merit the remission of sins and grace (for thus the Mass is observed when it is observed at the very best; otherwise what purpose would it serve?), for this very reason it must and should [certainly] be condemned and rejected. For this directly conflicts with the chief article, which says that it is not a wicked or a godly hireling of the Mass with his own work, but the Lamb of God and the Son of God, that taketh away our sins.

8] But if any one should advance the pretext that as an act of devotion he wishes to administer the Sacrament, or Communion, to himself, he is not in earnest [he would commit a great mistake, and would not be speaking seriously and sincerely]. For if he wishes to commune in sincerity, the surest and best way for him is in the Sacrament administered according to Christ’s institution. But that one administer communion to himself is a human notion, uncertain, unnecessary, yea, even prohibited. And he does not know what he is doing, because without the Word of God he obeys a false human opinion and invention. 9] So, too, it is not right (even though the matter were otherwise correct) for one to use the common Sacrament of [belonging to] the Church according to his own private devotion, and without God’s Word and apart from the communion of the Church to trifle therewith.

10] This article concerning the Mass will be the whole business of the Council. [The Council will perspire most over, and be occupied with this article concerning the Mass.] For if it were [although it would be] possible for them to concede to us all the other articles, yet they could not concede this. As Campegius said at Augsburg that he would be torn to pieces before he would relinquish the Mass, so, by the help of God, I, too, would suffer myself to be reduced to ashes before I would allow a hireling of the Mass, be he good or bad, to be made equal to Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior, or to be exalted above Him. Thus we are and remain eternally separated and opposed to one another. They feel well enough that when the Mass falls, the Papacy lies in ruins. Before they will permit this to occur, they will put us all to death if they can.

11] In addition to all this, this dragon’s tail, [I mean] the Mass, has begotten a numerous vermin-brood of manifold idolatries.

12] First, purgatory. Here they carried their trade into purgatory by masses for souls, and vigils, and weekly, monthly, and yearly celebrations of obsequies, and finally by the Common Week and All Souls’ Day, by soul-baths so that the Mass is used almost alone for the dead, although Christ has instituted the Sacrament alone for the living. Therefore purgatory, and every solemnity, rite, and commerce connected with it, is to be regarded as nothing but a specter of the devil. For it conflicts with the chief article [which teaches] that only Christ, and not the works of men, are to help [set free] souls. Not to mention the fact that nothing has been [divinely] commanded or enjoined upon us concerning the dead. Therefore all this may be safely omitted, even if it were no error and idolatry.

13] The Papists quote here Augustine and some of the Fathers who are said to have written concerning purgatory, and they think that we do not understand for what purpose and to what end they spoke as they did. St. Augustine does not write that there is a purgatory, nor has he a testimony of Scripture to constrain him thereto, but he leaves it in doubt whether there is one, and says that his mother asked to be remembered at the altar or Sacrament. Now, all this is indeed nothing but the devotion of men, and that, too, of individuals, and does not establish an article of faith, which is the prerogative of God alone.

14] Our Papists, however, cite such statements [opinions] of men in order that men should believe in their horrible, blasphemous, and cursed traffic in masses for souls in purgatory [or in sacrifices for the dead and oblations], etc. But they will never prove these things from Augustine. Now, when they have abolished the traffic in masses for purgatory, of which Augustine never dreamed, we will then discuss with them whether the expressions of Augustine without Scripture [being without the warrant of the Word] are to be admitted, and whether the dead should be remembered at the Eucharist. 15] For it will not do to frame articles of faith from the works or words of the holy Fathers; otherwise their kind of fare, of garments, of house, etc., would have to become an article of faith, as was done with relics. [We have, however, another rule, namely] The rule is: The Word of God shall establish articles of faith, and no one else, not even an angel.

16] Secondly. From this it has followed that evil spirits have perpetrated much knavery [exercised their malice] by appearing as the souls of the departed, and with unspeakable [horrible] lies and tricks demanded masses, vigils, pilgrimages, and other alms. 17] All of which we had to receive as articles of faith, and to live accordingly; and the Pope confirmed these things, as also the Mass and all other abominations. Here, too, there is no [cannot and must not be any] yielding or surrendering.

18] Thirdly. [Hence arose] the pilgrimages. Here, too, masses, the remission of sins and the grace of God were sought, for the Mass controlled everything. Now it is indeed certain that such pilgrimages, without the Word of God, have not been commanded us, neither are they necessary, since we can have these things [the soul can be cared for] in a better way, and can omit these pilgrimages without any sin and danger. Why therefore do they leave at home [desert] their own parish [their called ministers, their parishes], the Word of God, wives, children, etc., who are ordained and [attention to whom is necessary and has been] commanded, and run after these unnecessary, uncertain, pernicious will-o’-the-wisps of the devil [and errors]? 19] Unless the devil was riding [made insane] the Pope, causing him to praise and establish these practices, whereby the people again and again revolted from Christ to their own works, and became idolaters, which is worst of all; moreover, it is neither necessary nor commanded, but is senseless and doubtful, and besides harmful. Hence here, too, there can be no yielding or surrendering [to yield or concede anything here is not lawful], etc. 20] And let this be preached, that such pilgrimages are not necessary, but dangerous; and then see what will become of them. [For thus they will perish of their own accord.]

21] Fourthly. Fraternities [or societies], in which cloisters, chapters, vicars have assigned and communicated (by a legal contract and sale) all masses and good works, etc., both for the living and the dead. This is not only altogether a human bauble, without the Word of God, entirely unnecessary and not commanded, but also contrary to the chief article, Of Redemption. Therefore it is in no way to be tolerated.

22] Fifthly. The relics, in which there are found so many falsehoods and tomfooleries concerning the bones of dogs and horses, that even the devil has laughed at such rascalities, ought long ago to have been condemned, even though there were some good in them; and so much the more because they are without the Word of God; being neither commanded nor counseled, they are an entirely unnecessary and useless thing. 23] But the worst is that [they have imagined that] these relics had to work indulgence and the forgiveness of sins [and have revered them] as a good work and service of God, like the Mass, etc.

24] Sixthly. Here belong the precious indulgences granted (but only for money) both to the living and the dead, by which the miserable [sacrilegious and accursed] Judas, or Pope, has sold the merit of Christ, together with the superfluous merits of all saints and of the entire Church, etc. All these things [and every single one of them] are not to be borne, and are not only without the Word of God, without necessity, not commanded, but are against the chief article. For the merit of Christ is [apprehended and] obtained not by our works or pence, but from grace through faith, without money and merit; and is offered [and presented] not through the power of the Pope, but through the preaching of God’s Word.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings for Sunday are: Psalm 30; 2 Kings 5:1-14; 1 Corinthians 10:19 – 11:1; and Mark 1:40-45. Please read them in their context as you prepare for worship on Sunday.

The Sunday Adult Bible Class will continue its study of the book of Hebrews, in chapter three, verse. 7ff.

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members, that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We pray for God’s healing and strengthening of our congregation, as well as for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – for Dixie Grant who is recovering from injuries received in a traffic accident; for Dawn Hiebert who is undergoing tests; for Sam Rusch; for Bonnie Hawes, who is recovering from heart surgery; for Mel Boren who is in a nursing home; for those who have been absent from us, for our extended families and for believers who are alone and have no congregation. Continue to pray for Lutheran congregations and believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering for their faith in Christ Jesus.

Events and Announcements

Lent begins on Wednesday, Feb. 22, and our Wednesday evening Lenten worship services begin as well. Services will be at 7 p.m. and a soup and sandwich supper will begin at 6:20 p.m.

On-line video of worship services can be found at: http://goodshepherdrogers.org/blog/worship-service-video.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at goodshepherdrogers@yahoo.com.

Audio Devotions – In addition to the newsletters and written devotions and articles, the church website, http://goodshepherdrogers.org, has a number of audio devotions which can be listened to on a computer or smart phone.

New Website

In addition to our church website at www.goodshepherdrogers.org, a new website has been started as an outreach site for people to send in questions about life issues for Bible-based answers at www.life-issues.org. The site is especially designed to answer questions for today’s young people, but questions of all kinds are welcome.

A new audio of Genesis One is also available at http://mollfoto.com/audio-devotions/GenesisOne.mp3.

[Scripture taken from Green's Literal Translation (LITV), Copyright 1993 by Jay P. Green Sr., All rights reserved.]

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: “Blessed are the meek! For they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5).

Though it would seem today as if those who are proud, self-sufficient and outgoing will inherit the earth, Jesus says the opposite. It is the meek and humble who will inherit the earth and all its blessings.

The psalm says the same thing: “The LORD lifts up the meek; He throws the wicked down to the ground.”

Those who fail to take note of God’s power and glory and exult themselves, living for self and seeking to fulfill their own will and desires, will be thrown down to the ground. All their work and efforts will pass away and return to dust. They and their works will not be established and take root in the earth (cf. Isa. 40:21ff.).

But, on the other hand, those who are meek – who humble themselves before the LORD and His Word and acknowledge their sinfulness and justly deserved condemnation – will be lifted up of the LORD. He will have mercy upon them, forgive their sins for Jesus’ sake and receive them into His everlasting kingdom. Though in this life, they may be penniless, they have an eternal inheritance in the new heavens and earth for the sake of Jesus’ blood shed for them upon the cross when He suffered and died for the sins of the world and rose again.

God takes no pleasure in the strength and accomplishments of man. Rather, “The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, who hope in His mercy” (v. 11).

God says (Isa. 66:2): “But to this one I will look, to the afflicted and contrite spirit, and the one who trembles at My word.”

God desires that we humble ourselves before Him and give Him the honor and respect due unto His name as the almighty and all-wise Creator of all (cf. Psalm 96). He desires that we hear His Word and humbly repent of our sinful and rebellious ways and place our trust in Him who created all things and gave His Son to suffer and die to redeem us.

And, we have the promises of God’s Word: “The LORD lifts up the meek” and He “takes pleasure in those who fear Him, who hope in His mercy.”

Consider what God says to you and to me. Don’t harden your heart against Him and reject His Word. Rather, repent in dust and ashes and look to Him for mercy for the sake of Christ Jesus, our Savior.

O gracious and merciful God, grant that we humble ourselves before You, acknowledge our sinfulness and the just punishment we so deserve and look to You for mercy, forgiveness and a place in the new heavens and earth which have no end. Amen.

[Scripture quoted by permission from Green's Modern King James Version (MKJV) Copyright 1993 by Jay P. Green Sr., All rights reserved.]

“Jehovah builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their sorrows.”  Psalm 147:2,3 (Read Psalm 147)

Among the reasons to sing praises to Jehovah, our God, is the fact that He builds up Jerusalem, gathers the outcasts of Israel, and heals the broken-hearted, binding up their sorrows.

Jesus came not to call the righteous to repentance, but sinners (Matt. 9:13; Mark 2:17; Lk. 5:32). Thus, Jesus was willing to spend time and associate with sinners to gather the outcasts of Israel, to heal the broken-hearted and bind up their wounds and sorrows.

Of course, Jesus still does the same today. He has graciously gathered us up and saved us from eternal ruin by bringing us to repent of our sinful ways and place our hope and trust in Him and His blood shed for us upon the cross. By taking our place under the law, dying in our stead and then calling us to faith, He redeemed us from the everlasting fires of hell and brought us into the eternal kingdom of the heavenly Father. He builds Jerusalem, His church, and has gathered us up, healing our broken hearts and binding up our sorrows.

We too have the same task today as we carry out Christ’s great commission of making disciples of all the nations (cf. Matt. 28:18-20). We reach out to sinners, lost and condemned because of their disobedience and rebellion against God their Maker. We proclaim God’s law and the judgment of God upon sinners but offer God’s grace and mercy for the sake of Christ Jesus, who suffered and died for the sins of the world and rose again. We call upon all to repent and receive God’s pardon and forgiveness for Jesus’ sake that they too may be gathered into God’s eternal kingdom, the new Jerusalem which He is building.

Our mission in this world could, in fact, be compared to workers in a salvage yard. We reach out to the broken and wounded in heart and soul – to those who have turned from God and His ways and have empty and ruined lives full of guilt and heartache. As salvage workers, we proclaim to them God’s grace and mercy in our Messiah and Savior Jesus. And through the Gospel message, Jesus heals their broken hearts with the good news that God forgives and accepts them as His own dear children for the sake of Jesus’ shed blood. He binds up their wounds and sorrows with the certain hope of life eternal in the new Jerusalem which God is creating. As He has done with each of us, our Lord and Savior salvages them from death and eternal torment and recreates them for the everlasting joys of heaven!

We praise You, O Jesus, Jehovah God in human flesh, for salvaging us from death and destruction and giving us new life in Your everlasting kingdom, all for the sake of Your holy and precious blood shed for us upon the cross. Amen.

Devotion in Audio Format: http://mollfoto.com/audio-devotions/psalm147.2-3.mp3

From the Lutheran Confessions

The Smalcald Articles

THE SECOND PART

Treats of the Articles which Refer to the Office and Work of Jesus Christ, or Our Redemption.

Part II, Article I: The first and chief article.

1] That Jesus Christ, our God and Lord, died for our sins, and was raised again for our justification, Rom. 4:25.

2] And He alone is the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world, John 1:29; and God has laid upon Him the iniquities of us all, Is. 53:6.

3] Likewise: All have sinned and are justified without merit [freely, and without their own works or merits] by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, in His blood, Rom. 3:23f.

4] Now, since it is necessary to believe this, and it cannot be otherwise acquired or apprehended by any work, law, or merit, it is clear and certain that this faith alone justifies us as St. Paul says, Rom. 3:28: For we conclude that a man is justified by faith, without the deeds of the Law. Likewise 3:26: That He might be just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Christ.

5] Of this article nothing can be yielded or surrendered [nor can anything be granted or permitted contrary to the same], even though heaven and earth, and whatever will not abide, should sink to ruin. For there is none other name under heaven, given among men whereby we must be saved, says Peter, Acts 4:12. And with His stripes we are healed, Is. 53:5. And upon this article all things depend which we teach and practice in opposition to the Pope, the devil, and the [whole] world. Therefore, we must be sure concerning this doctrine, and not doubt; for otherwise all is lost, and the Pope and devil and all things gain the victory and suit over us.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings for Sunday are: Psalm 147; Isaiah 40:21-31; 1 Corinthians 9:16-27; and Mark 1:29-39. Please read them in their context as you prepare for worship on Sunday.

The Sunday Adult Bible Class will continue its study of the book of Hebrews, in chapter three, verse. 1ff.

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members, that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We pray for God’s healing and strengthening of our congregation, as well as for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – for Dixie Grant who is recovering from injuries received in a traffic accident; for Sam Rusch; for Bonnie Hawes, who is recovering from heart surgery; for Mel Boren who is in a nursing home; for those who have been absent from us, for our extended families and for believers who are alone and have no congregation. Continue to pray for Lutheran congregations and believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering for their faith in Christ Jesus.

Events and Announcements

A pot-luck dinner is planned, following our worship service, on Sunday, Feb. 5. All are welcome to join us.

On-line video of worship services can be found at: http://goodshepherdrogers.org/blog/worship-service-video.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at goodshepherdrogers@yahoo.com.

Audio Devotions - In addition to the newsletters and written devotions and articles, the church website, http://goodshepherdrogers.org, has a number of audio devotions which can be listened to on a computer or smart phone.

New Website

In addition to our church website at www.goodshepherdrogers.org, a new website has been started as an outreach site for people to send in questions about life issues for Bible-based answers at www.life-issues.org. The site is especially designed to answer questions for today’s young people, but questions of all kinds are welcome.

[Scripture taken from Green's Literal Translation (LITV), Copyright 1993 by Jay P. Green Sr., All rights reserved.]

When God appeared on Mt. Sinai in fire, smoke, thunders, lightnings and the sound of a ram’s horn, the people trembled and were afraid (cf. Ex. 19:18-19). God spoke to them the Ten Commandments, and they asked Moses to be their mediator with God and speak to them the words of God rather than letting God speak to them directly, lest they die (cf. Ex. 20:18ff.; Deut. 5:23ff.).

As the people had requested, God promised to send a Prophet to be the Mediator between God and man. Moses told the people: “The LORD your God will raise up to you a Prophet from the midst of you, of your brothers, One like me. To Him you shall listen, according to all that you desired of the LORD your God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying: Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, so that I do not die. And the LORD said to me, They have spoken well what they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brothers, one like you, and will put My words in His mouth. And He shall speak to them all that I shall command Him. And it shall happen, whatever man will not listen to My words which He shall speak in My name, I will require it of him.”

That Prophet like unto Moses is Jesus – Jehovah God Himself in human flesh and blood. “God, who at many times and in many ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds, who being the shining splendor of His glory, and the express image of His essence, and upholding all things by the word of His power, having made purification of our sins, He sat down on the right of the Majesty on high…” (Heb. 1:1-3; cf. John 1:17-18).

If God were to speak directly to us in all His glory and holiness, who could stand; but He sent His own Son to be our Mediator – to suffer and die for the sins of the world and to be our Advocate with the Father, the Mediator of a new covenant by which we are made God’s children through faith in Jesus’ word of pardon and forgiveness for the sake of His blood shed upon the cross for the sins of the world (cf. 1 John 2:1-2; Rom. 8:34; Mt. 9:2; John 8:1ff.).

Those who believe the words of the Son and trust in His grace and mercy have everlasting life. Those who do not heed the Son are condemned because they have not believed the word of God’s only-begotten Son (cf. John 3:16-18, 36; 1 John 5:11-12).

O gracious and merciful God, grant that we hear the Son and believe the good news of forgiveness and life which He offers and gives to us in His name. Amen.

[Scripture quoted by permission from Green's Modern King James Version (MKJV) Copyright 1993 by Jay P. Green Sr., All rights reserved.]

“Ah, Lord Jehovah! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and Your outstretched arm; not any thing is too difficult for You….”  Jeremiah 32:17

The Bible teaches us that we are to come to God in prayer, trusting that He can and will hear and answer us for Jesus’ sake (cf. James 1:6; Luke 5:12-13).

Jesus Himself said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For each one that asks receives, and the one that seeks finds; and to the one knocking, it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8).

John wrote in his first epistle, “And this is the confidence we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him” (1 John 5:14-15).

But so often we forget or doubt God’s willingness and ability to help. God commands us to pray, saying, “And call on Me in the day of distress; and I will save you; and you shall glorify Me” (Psalm 50:15). He assures us that even before we call, He will answer; and while we are still speaking, He will hear (Isaiah 65:24).

Because Jesus Christ, God’s Son, suffered and died for our sins and then rose again on the third day, we are assured that God accepts us as His own dear children through faith in Jesus and grants us the privilege of coming into His very presence with our prayers and petitions (cf. Hebrews 10:19ff.; Romans 8:15).

But can God answer all our prayers? Is He able to do all that we may need or ask of Him? If you have doubts, look around you at the wonders of His creation, or put your head back at night and look up at the stars in the sky. Cannot the God who has created and preserved all this grant your request? Is there any need, any request, too great for Him?

Consider the words of Jeremiah, the prophet: “Ah, Lord Jehovah! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and Your outstretched arm; not any thing is too difficult for You….”

Is God willing to hear and answer our proper prayers (those prayers which are in accord with His holy and perfect will)? Consider the inspired words of St. Paul to the Christians in Rome: “Truly He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not freely give us all things with Him?” (Romans 8:32).

Most certainly, God is able and willing to hear and answer our prayers, and He desires that we come to Him. If we do not have, it is not because of God’s inability or unwillingness to help. Rather, all too often the truth of James 4:2 applies to us: “You do not have, because you do not ask God.”

As children of God through faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26), we have every reason to come to our heavenly Father with our own troubles and needs as well as with those of others. He loves us, will hear us and can and will answer our prayers in accord with His good and perfect will.

O Gracious and Merciful Father in Heaven, we thank You for the great privilege of coming to You in prayer, and for the knowledge that You will both hear and answer our prayers for the sake of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us Your Holy Spirit and the faith to know and believe that there is nothing too difficult for You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Devotion in Audio Format: http://mollfoto.com/audio-devotions/Jer.32.17.mp3

From the Lutheran Confessions

The Smalcald Articles

THE FIRST PART

Treats of the Sublime Articles Concerning the Divine Majesty, as:

I. That Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, three distinct persons in one divine essence and nature, are one God, who has created heaven and earth.

II. That the Father is begotten of no one; the Son of the Father; the Holy Ghost proceeds from Father and Son.

III. That not the Father nor the Holy Ghost but the Son became man.

IV. That the Son became man in this manner, that He was conceived, without the cooperation of man, by the Holy Ghost, and was born of the pure, holy [and always] Virgin Mary. Afterwards He suffered, died, was buried, descended to hell, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, sits at the right hand of God, will come to judge the quick and the dead, etc., as the Creed of the Apostles, as well as that of St. Athanasius, and the Catechism in common use for children, teach.

Concerning these articles there is no contention or dispute, since we on both sides confess them. Therefore it is not necessary now to treat further of them.

Editors’ Note: When pastors and congregations subscribe to the Lutheran Confessions, they subscribe to the doctrinal content of those confessions and not to illustrations of the day or pious phraseology of the time. Thus, congregations and pastors are not subscribing to the Latin phraseology used above in reference to the virgin Mary which, strictly taken, would indicate she is always a virgin – ex Maria pura, sancta, semper virgine. The German does not include the “always” – von der reinen, heiligen Jungfrau Maria. The Bible only says that Mary was a virgin until the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:24-25). Though some still choose to believe they were cousins, the Bible does refer to Jesus’ brothers and sisters (Matthew 13:55-56), indicating Mary and Joseph had a number of children after Jesus was born.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings for Sunday are: Psalm 111; Deuteronomy 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; and Mark 1:21-28. Please read them in their context as you prepare for worship on Sunday.

The Sunday Adult Bible Class will continue its study of the book of Hebrews, in chapter two, verse. 17.

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members, that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We pray for God’s healing and strengthening of our congregation, as well as for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – for Dixie Grant who is recovering from injuries received in a traffic accident; for Sam Rusch; for Bonnie Hawes, who is recovering from heart surgery; for Mel Boren who is in a nursing home; for those who have been absent from us, for our extended families and for believers who are alone and have no congregation. Continue to pray for Lutheran congregations and believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering for their faith in Christ Jesus.

Events and Announcements

A pot-luck dinner is planned, following our worship service, on Sunday, Feb. 5. All are welcome to join us.

On-line video of worship services can be found at: http://goodshepherdrogers.org/blog/worship-service-video.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at goodshepherdrogers@yahoo.com.

Audio Devotions - In addition to the newsletters and written devotions and articles, the church website, http://goodshepherdrogers.org, has a number of audio devotions which can be listened to on a computer or smart phone.

New Website

In addition to our church website at www.goodshepherdrogers.org, a new website has been started as an outreach site for people to send in questions about life issues for Bible-based answers at www.life-issues.org. The site is especially designed to answer questions for today’s young people, but questions of all kinds are welcome.

[Scripture taken from Green's Literal Translation (LITV), Copyright 1993 by Jay P. Green Sr., All rights reserved.]

John preached a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins and, after John’s arrest, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God draws near. Repent, and believe the gospel.”

Our message today is no different. We still preach and proclaim “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God draws near. Repent, and believe the gospel.”

The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God draws near. In fulfillment of His ancient promises, God sent His Son into the world, a true man, to redeem us from the curse of the law and open to us the gates of heaven (cf. Gal. 4:4-5; Lk. 1:68ff.). And now that Christ has died for the sins of the world and is risen again and ascended to the right hand of the Father, the day of His return to judge the living and the dead and to establish His everlasting kingdom draws near.

God’s Word says that Jesus will soon come “from Heaven with the angels of His power, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God and who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He shall come to be glorified in His saints and to be admired in all those who believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that Day” (2 Thess. 1:7-10).

Now is the time to repent and believe the Gospel (2 Cor. 5:18 – 6:2). It’s time to recognize the sinfulness of our ways and to turn to the Lord with faith in the Gospel – that good news that our God is gracious and merciful toward us and forgives our sins and iniquities and gives us a place in His everlasting kingdom for the sake of the Son, Jesus Christ, and His innocent sufferings and death in our stead. God is “good and ready to forgive, and rich in mercy to all those who call on” Him (Psalm 86:5).

Those who repent and believe the Gospel of forgiveness and life in Christ Jesus will be saved. Those who do not repent and place their faith and confidence in the Son will be condemned to the eternal fires of hell when Jesus comes to establish His everlasting kingdom.

O gracious and merciful God, grant that we repent of our sinful ways and believe the good news of forgiveness and life in the Son. Amen.

 [Scripture quoted by permission from Green's Modern King James Version (MKJV) Copyright 1993 by Jay P. Green Sr., All rights reserved.]

For Audi Devotion, click the following ling: Mark1.14-15.mp3

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if any wicked way is in me; and lead me in the way everlasting.”   Psalm 139:23-24 (Read Psalm 139)

God created us and knows us inside and out. He is present everywhere and knows our every thought and desire. Nothing is hid from Him.

Therefore David prays that the LORD God would search out his heart and soul, his thoughts and desires, and reveal to him any wicked ways in him.

And this the Spirit of God does as we read and consider the Word of God. Using the Word, the Spirit shows us our sin and wickedness for what it is. He reveals to us our shortcomings and the just punishment we deserve on account of our sins.

But, as David prays, He also leads us in the way everlasting. He not only convicts us of our sins, He reveals to us God’s grace and mercy in Jesus Christ. He assures us of forgiveness for all our sins and life everlasting for the sake of Messiah Jesus and His blood shed upon the cross for the sins of the world.

Though the world hates to have its sinfulness exposed, we as Christians desire that God search us out, test our hearts and reveal to us any evil ways in us that we might repent and receive God’s mercy and forgiveness in our Savior. We desire that He lead us in the way everlasting, that we live in continual repentance and hold fast to Christ Jesus.

After all, Jesus is the way everlasting!

O omniscient and omnipresent God, show us our sinful and evil hearts and lead us in the way everlasting that we might live in continual repentance and trust always in the shed blood of our Savior. In His name we pray. Amen.

Devotion in Audio Format: http://mollfoto.com/audio-devotions/psalm139.23-24.mp3

From the Lutheran Confessions

The Smalcald Articles

Preface

1] Since Pope Paul III convoked a Council last year, to assemble at Mantua about Whitsuntide, and afterwards transferred it from Mantua, so that it is not yet known where he will or can fix it, and we on our part either had to expect that we would be summoned also to the Council or [to fear that we would] be condemned unsummoned, I was directed to compile and collect the articles of our doctrine [in order that it might be plain] in case of deliberation as to what and how far we would be both willing and able to yield to the Papists, and in what points we intended to persevere and abide to the end.

2] I have accordingly compiled these articles and presented them to our side. They have also been accepted and unanimously confessed by our side, and it has been resolved that, in case the Pope with his adherents should ever be so bold as seriously and in good faith, without lying and cheating, to hold a truly free [legitimate] Christian Council (as, indeed, he would be in duty bound to do), they be publicly delivered in order to set forth the Confession of our Faith.

3] But though the Romish court is so dreadfully afraid of a free Christian Council, and shuns the light so shamefully, that it has [entirely] removed, even from those who are on its side, the hope that it will ever permit a free Council, much less that it will itself hold one, whereat, as is just, they [many Papists] are greatly offended and have no little trouble on that account [are disgusted with this negligence of the Pope], since they notice thereby that the Pope would rather see all Christendom perish and all souls damned than suffer either himself or his adherents to be reformed even a little, and his [their] tyranny to be limited, nevertheless I have determined meanwhile to publish these articles in plain print, so that, should I die before there would be a Council (as I fully expect and hope, because the knaves who flee the light and shun the day take such wretched pains to delay and hinder the Council), those who live and remain after me may have my testimony and confession to produce, in addition to the Confession which I have issued previously, whereby up to this time I have abided, and, by God’s grace, will abide.

4] For what shall I say? How shall I complain? I am still living, writing, preaching, and lecturing daily; [and] yet there are found such spiteful men, not only among the adversaries, but also false brethren that profess to be on our side, as dare to cite my writings and doctrine directly against myself, and let me look on and listen, although they know well that I teach otherwise, and as wish to adorn their venom with my labor, and under my name to [deceive and] mislead the poor people. [Good God!] Alas! what first will happen when I am dead?

5] Indeed, I ought to reply to everything while I am still living. But, again, how can I alone stop all the mouths of the devil? especially of those (as they all are poisoned) who will not hear or notice what we write, but solely exercise themselves with all diligence how they may most shamefully pervert and corrupt our word in every letter. These I let the devil answer, or at last God’s wrath, as they deserve. 6] I often think of the good Gerson, who doubts whether anything good should be [written and] published. If it is not done, many souls are neglected who could be delivered; but if it is done, the devil is there with malignant, villainous tongues without number which envenom and pervert everything, so that nevertheless the fruit [the usefulness of the writings] is prevented. 7] Yet what they gain thereby is manifest. For while they have lied so shamefully against us and by means of lies wished to retain the people, God has constantly advanced His work, and been making their following ever smaller and ours greater, and by their lies has caused and still causes them to be brought to shame.

8] I must tell a story. There was a doctor sent here to Wittenberg from France, who said publicly before us that his king was sure and more than sure, that among us there is no church, no magistrate, no married life, but all live promiscuously as cattle, and each one does as he pleases. 9] Imagine now, how will those who by their writings have instilled such gross lies into the king and other countries as the pure truth, look at us on that day before the judgment-seat of Christ? Christ, the Lord and Judge of us all, knows well that they lie and have [always] lied, His sentence they in turn, must hear; that I know certainly. God convert to repentance those who can be converted! Regarding the rest it will be said, Woe, and, alas! eternally.

10] But to return to the subject. I verily desire to see a truly Christian Council [assembled some time], in order that many matters and persons might be helped. Not that we need it, for our churches are now, through God’s grace, so enlightened and equipped with the pure Word and right use of the Sacraments, with knowledge of the various callings and of right works, that we on our part ask for no Council, and on such points have nothing better to hope or expect from a Council. But we see in the bishoprics everywhere so many parishes vacant and desolate that one’s heart would break, and yet neither the bishops nor canons care how the poor people live or die, for whom nevertheless Christ has died, and who are not permitted to hear Him speak with them as the true Shepherd with His sheep. 11] This causes me to shudder and fear that at some time He may send a council of angels upon Germany utterly destroying us, like Sodom and Gomorrah, because we so wantonly mock Him with the Council.

12] Besides such necessary ecclesiastical affairs, there would be also in the political estate innumerable matters of great importance to improve. There is the disagreement between the princes and the states; usury and avarice have burst in like a flood, and have become lawful [are defended with a show of right]; wantonness, lewdness, extravagance in dress, gluttony, gambling, idle display, with all kinds of bad habits and wickedness, insubordination of subjects, of domestics and laborers, of every trade, also the exactions [and most exorbitant selling prices] of the peasants (and who can enumerate all?) have so increased that they cannot be rectified by ten Councils and twenty Diets. 13] If such chief matters of the spiritual and worldly estates as are contrary to God would be considered in the Council, they would have all hands so full that the child’s play and absurdity of long gowns [official insignia], large tonsures, broad cinctures [or sashes], bishops’ or cardinals’ hats or maces, and like jugglery would in the mean time be forgotten. If we first had performed God’s command and order in the spiritual and secular estate, we would find time enough to reform food, clothing, tonsures, and surplices. But if we want to swallow such camels, and, instead, strain at gnats, let the beams stand and judge the motes, we also might indeed be satisfied with the Council.

14] Therefore I have presented few articles; for we have without this so many commands of God to observe in the Church, the state, and the family that we can never fulfill them. What, then, is the use, or what does it profit that many decrees and statutes thereon are made in the Council, especially when these chief matters commanded of God are neither regarded nor observed? Just as though He were bound to honor our jugglery as a reward of our treading His solemn commandments under foot. But our sins weigh upon us and cause God not to be gracious to us; for we do not repent, and, besides, wish to defend every abomination.

15] O Lord Jesus Christ, do Thou Thyself convoke a Council, and deliver Thy servants by Thy glorious advent! The Pope and his adherents are done for; they will have none of Thee. Do Thou, then, help us, who are poor and needy, who sigh to Thee, and beseech Thee earnestly, according to the grace which Thou hast given us, through Thy Holy Ghost, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Father, blessed forever. Amen.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings for Sunday are: Psalm 62; Jonah 3:1-10; 1 Corinthians 7:29-35; and Mark 1:14-20. Please read them in their context as you prepare for worship on Sunday.

The Sunday Adult Bible Class will continue its study of the book of Hebrews, in chapter two, verse. 14.

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members, that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We pray for God’s healing and strengthening of our congregation, as well as for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – for Dixie Grant who is recovering from injuries received in a traffic accident; for Sam Rusch; for Bonnie Hawes, who is recovering from heart surgery; for Mel Boren who was hospitalized; for those who have been absent from us, for our extended families and for believers who are alone and have no congregation. Continue to pray for Lutheran congregations and believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering for their faith in Christ Jesus.

Events and Announcements

A pot-luck dinner is planned, following our worship service, on Sunday, Feb. 5. All are welcome to join us.

On-line video of worship services can be found at: http://goodshepherdrogers.org/blog/worship-service-video.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at goodshepherdrogers@yahoo.com.

Audio Devotions - In addition to the newsletters and written devotions and articles, the church website, http://goodshepherdrogers.org, has a number of audio devotions which can be listened to on a computer or smart phone.

New Website

In addition to our church website at www.goodshepherdrogers.org, a new website has been started as an outreach site for people to send in questions about life issues for Bible-based answers at www.life-issues.org. The site is especially designed to answer questions for today’s young people, but questions of all kinds are welcome.

[Scripture taken from Green's Literal Translation (LITV), Copyright 1993 by Jay P. Green Sr., All rights reserved.]

Having never heard the LORD God speak to him before, young Samuel did not recognize the voice of the LORD when He called to Him. After calling to Him three times and Samuel going to Eli the priest and thinking that Eli had called him, finally Eli told Samuel: “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if One calls you, you shall say, Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears.”

And God did call again saying, “Samuel, Samuel!” And this time, Samuel responded, “Speak, for Your servant hears.” Then God told Samuel what He was about to do to Eli and his house because of the wickedness of his sons serving with him in the priesthood, whom he did not restrain.

Have you considered the fact that God calls to you and speaks to you? Do you, like young Samuel before He recognized that it was the LORD Himself speaking to him, think it is only the voice of man, whether that of a preacher or fellow Christian? Or, do you say, as Eli directed Samuel to say, “Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears.”

“When has God spoken to me?” you might ask. “When has He called to me?” God speaks to you and calls you through His Word. Every time His Word is read or proclaimed, He is calling to You and revealing Himself and His will to you. When you read the Scriptures, God Himself speaks to you and His Spirit teaches and instructs you (cf. 1 John 2:27; Hebrews 1:1ff.; 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Thess. 2:14).

When God’s Word is read or proclaimed, do you respond, “Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears”? Do you listen to that Word as it is in truth, the very Word of God speaking to you? (Cf. John 5:24-25.)

And what does God say to you and to me? Through His holy law, He points out our sin and wickedness and rebukes us, warning of the consequences of continuing on in our evil ways. And through His Gospel, He calls to us with mercy and forgiveness for the sake of Jesus Christ and His innocent sufferings and death upon the cross in our stead. He says, “We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He is the propitiation concerning our sins, and not concerning ours only, but also concerning the sins of all the world” (1 John 2:1-2). He tells us that He is “good and ready to forgive, and rich in mercy to all those who call on” Him (Psalm 86:5).

O LORD God, grant that we hear Your voice calling to us in Your Word and repent of our evil ways, trusting in Your grace and mercy toward us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Audio Devotion from 1 Samuel 3:10

 [Scripture quoted by permission from Green's Modern King James Version (MKJV) Copyright 1993 by Jay P. Green Sr., All rights reserved.]