What a very sad day we have today with the passing of Art Davis.  This was a wonderful man who devoted his life to his family, the organizations he belonged to especially baseball.  He was always there doing things.  An inspiration for all of us to follow.  Art will shine down upon us and help us all to realize that life is to short to bicker about silly things.  We realize that we are here on earth for the time God wants us to be and we must do things that will make those around us better people.  Art was so much like this.  We are here on borrowed time.  Shine down upon us Art, let us realize that we are here on earth to follow the guidelines of our Lord.  You have been a wonderful example to all of us. 

Dear Lord, Please guide me each day to do Your will.  Give me patience, do not make me bitter or nasty, let me think before I do something that will upset You and the ones that I love so dearly.  Amen

Today's reading:  Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes in the morning.  Such troubles are going to happen to us Christians.  Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come--and they did, as you well know.  I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world.  When I awake, I will be fully satisified, for I will see you face to face.  The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here.  He is like the light of the morning, like the sunrise bursting forth in a cloudless sky, like the refreshing rains that bring tender grass from the earth.  He will swallow up death forever!  The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears.  He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.  For the old world and its evils are gone forever.  We who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with Him forever.  So comfort and encourage each other with these words.  Some think that troubles are always caused by sin or a lack of faith.  Trials may be a part of God's plans for believers, building character, perserverance, and sensitivity toward others who also face trouble.  Your troubles may be a sign of effective Christian living.                                                 LAB note for 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3