Scripture: As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of man. They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Luke 17:26-27

Prayer: On the 93rd birth anniversary of my mother, let me remain conscious of the Lord's call despite the activity of life that would serve to distract me, if I will.

Response: If you are not preparing the ark, at least be smart enough to remain in sight of it and ready to detach from all entanglements and hurry to find a place with Noah. And don't worry about what you are to bring, but rather whom you are to call to join you. Of course, those you invite to join you are loved ones—those close like family members, but don't forget those whom you hardly know, whose language and even culture might be foreign to you.

And you might ask—how do you call? Well, you must realize that your voice will not carry over the tumult and chaos of the time, so prepare your inner heart-voice in prayer—vocal, sung, or silent whispers that carry far.

As you might have concluded, the story of Noah is not simply a story to read children, but an encouraging tale for even those whose limbs ache as they prepare for the sprint—that represents the culmination, the reward for all those moments in life when you endured hardship with grace, when you prayed for your brother and sister when your heart seemed in tatters, when you sought and seek to see the face of God. Indeed, the gathering in the ark is one of jubilant celebration. Give thanks.

All for this morning.