Our passages for this morning's teaching will be coming from the book of lamentations.

Chapter 3, verses 31 through 41, the book of lamentations.

And I would ask that all who are able to stand, please do so for the reading of the scriptures this morning.

Lamentations, chapter 3, verses 31 through 41.

And the word of God reads,

for the Lord would not cast off forever.

Though he causes grief, yet he will show compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.

For he does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men, verse 34.

To crush under one's feet all the prisoners of the earth?

To turn aside justice do a man before the face of the most high?

Verse 36.

Or subvert a man in his cause.

The Lord does not approve.

Who is he who speaks and it come to pass when the Lord has not commended it? Is it not from the mouth of the most high that woe or curse and well-being

proceed? Verse 39. Why should a living man complain a man for the punishment of his sins?

Let us search out and examine our ways and turn back to the Lord. In verse 41, let us lift our hearts and hands to God in heaven.

Why don't we pray?

Holy Father of heaven, we come to you now, giving you thanks.

And for this time that you have allowed us to have, we freely give back to you.

Lord, if I could be so selfish and ask that as an instrument, unworthy of teaching your word,

I pray that you would just anoint this entire congregation this morning

so that we all can hear and heed your message. You do wonderful things with nothing.

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