A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. 

Proverbs 25:11

Think for a moment of a treasured piece of jewelry — the gold cross given to you on your confirmation day, your wedding band, grandma’s antique brooch. Perhaps fond thoughts and happy memories flood your mind. The writer of Proverbs compares an appropriate word to a treasured piece of jewelry.

A loving word, an encouraging word, even a correcting word may have more value than any jewel. It may bring about forgiveness after anger, joy after sorrow, peace after pain. Jesus gives us beautiful examples of words fitly spoken.… “your sins are forgiven” (Matthew 9:2b). “Fear not, … you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31). “Let the little children come to me … ” (Matthew 19:14b).

At the tomb on Easter Day, Jesus’ simple “Mary” brought her joy and gave her direction (John 20:16). Thank You, Lord, for fitly spoken words that have brought Your love to me. Help me speak words of encouragement, direction, and peace so that others may know Your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

East Asia – Heavenly Father, there are millions of people living in East Asia who are in spiritual darkness. Governments in these areas make it challenging to carry out your Son’s Great Commission. Yet we praise your name for the 150 new souls who have received the blessing of forgiveness in baptism in the past two years. Be with the five national pastors and other spiritual leaders as they serve 7 congregations and 11 church plants. Protect them and give them boldness to proclaim your name, so that the light of the gospel will create faith in many more people. Amen.

• As Rosie Wichman and her family say goodbye to her brother Steve Skipchak, we seek your comfort and encouragement, dear Lord.  It’s hard to watch a sibling go, yet we have solid assurance that those who leave in the Lord arrive safely in a new life, a new house, with Jesus forever.  Bless those who will miss him with that promise.
• As we have extended a divine call to Mrs. Jillian Igl for 1-2^nd grade in our LES, we now seek your guidance on her deliberation.  Clarify for her our need and her gifts in such a way that, if they mesh, she might be willing and able to serve the children of our school. 
• Lord, we ask for your care and healing for Ray Fuerstenberg after he sustained a serious head injury due to falling on the ice.  As he now follows a plan for rehab at the hospital, sustain him with faith, hope and love from all who support him.  If it is your will, grant him a full recovery. 
• Lord Jesus, the time for a homecoming arrived for Norbert Netz who awakened in your presence last week.  We rejoice first in your grace for him and by your gift of the Holy Spirit also in his assurance of faith.  Comfort all who will miss him in the days and months ahead, and remind each of them that our ultimate goal is to die clinging to your sacrifice and your resurrection. 
• Lord, surround Sandy Hadfield’s brother, Richard Kunz, with your love and care as he is hospitalized with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Grant the doctors and medical personnel wisdom and understanding as they seek to find a treatment for Richard. Remind Richard and his loved ones of your grace, and grant them strength during this difficult time.
• And we add an earnest and serious prayer of concern for Anita Gurgel, as they have discovered that she has pancreatic cancer.  Over the months to come they will start with chemo treatments, move to radiation and then likely surgery.  Be with Paul & Anita and support them through family and friends as they have often done for others. 
• Our continuing prayers go up for Casey Gahan, now immobilized for months.  Lord, give her answers to the multiple symptoms and, according to your will, grant healing.