Devotion for Friday, July 29 (The Great Hymns Week)

Lift High the Cross

Refrain:
Lift high the cross,
the love of Christ proclaim
till all the world adore
his sacred Name.

Come, Christians, follow where our Captain trod,
our King victorious, Christ the Son of God. Refrain

All newborn soldiers of the Crucified
bears on the brow the seal of him who died. Refrain

O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,
as thou hast promised, draw the world to thee. Refrain

So shall our song of triumph ever be: 

praise to the Crucified for victory! Refrain

Devotion for Thursday, July 28 (The Great Hymns Week)

All Glory, Laud and Honor (Kings College, Cambridge)

Refrain:
All glory, laud, and honor
to thee, Redeemer, King!
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.

Thou art the King of Israel,
thou David's royal Son,
who in the Lord's Name comest,
the King and Blessed One. Refrain

The company of angels
are praising thee on high;
and mortal men and all things
created make reply. Refrain

The people of the Hebrews
with palms before thee went;
our praise and prayer and anthems
before thee we present. Refrain

To thee before thy passion
they sang their hymns of praise;
to thee, now high exalted,
our melody we raise. Refrain

Thou didst accept their praises;
accept the prayers we bring,
who in all good delightest,
thou good and gracious King. Refrain

Devotion for Wednesday, July 27 (The Great Hymns Week)

Beautiful Savior (Quartet)

1 Beautiful Savior, King of creation, 

Son of God and Son of Man! 

Truly I'd love Thee, truly I'd serve thee, 

Light of my soul, my Joy, my Crown. 

2 Fair are the meadows, Fair are the woodlands, 

Robed in flow'rs of blooming spring; 

Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer; 

He makes our sorr'wing spirit sing. 

3 Fair is the sunshine, Fair is the moonlight, 

Bright the sparkling stars on high; 

Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer 

Than all the angels in the sky. 

4 Beautiful Savior, Lord of the nations,

Son of God and Son of Man! 

Glory and honor, Praise, adoration, 

Now and forevermore be Thine! 

Devotion for Tuesday, July 26 (The Great Hymns Week)

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God, 
a sword and shield victorious;
he breaks the cruel oppressor's rod
and wins salvation glorious.
The old satanic foe
has sworn to work us woe!
With craft and dreadful might
he arms himself to fight.
On earth he has no equal.

No strength of ours can match his might!
We would be lost, rejected.
But now a champion comes to fight,
whom God himself elected.
You ask who this may be?
The Lord of hosts is he!
Christ Jesus, mighty Lord,
God's only Son, adored.
He holds the field victorious.

Though hordes of devils fill the land
all threat'ning to devour us,
we tremble not, unmoved we stand;
they cannot over-pow'r us.
Let this world's tyrant rage;
in battle we'll engage!
His might is doomed to fail;
God's judgment must prevail!
One little word subdues him.

God's Word forever shall abide,
no thanks to foes, who fear it;
for God himself fight by our side
with weapons of the Spirit.  
Were they to take our house,
goods, honor, child, or spouse,
though life be wrenched away,
they cannot win the day.
The kingdom's ours forever!

Devotion for Monday, July 25 (The Great Hymns Week)

Since I did secular songs with a religious message last week, I thought I would do the "great hymns" this week.  Undoubtedly, I will miss some that you consider great.  I am picking my favorites.  I hope that the words of these hymns bring you close to God this week.

Amazing Grace (Bagpipes)

1. Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
   That saved a wretch like me!
   I once was lost, but now am found;
   Was blind, but now I see.
2. ’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
   And grace my fears relieved;
   How precious did that grace appear
   The hour I first believed.
3. Through many dangers, toils and snares,
   I have already come;
   ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
   And grace will lead me home.
4. The Lord has promised good to me,
   His Word my hope secures;
   He will my Shield and Portion be,
   As long as life endures.
5. When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
   Bright shining as the sun,
   We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
   Than when we’d first begun.
6. John Newton (published 1779)

Devotion for Friday, July 22 (Secular Music Week)

I conclude the week with what I have called the greatest hymn of the 20th century: "I Still Haven't Found What I am Looking For" by U2.

Again, I hear God singing the beginning of this song to the world.  It speaks to God's commitment to us and what God has done, and continues to do.  It also speaks to the heartbreak that God feels with the continuation of suffering, pain, war, struggle and sin in our world.  Certainly, God hasn't found what God is looking for yet ...

The final verse is our response ... our belief in what God has done and then our agreement that there is more to do in our world to get it close to the kingdom of God.

We are now in this together -- God and the faithful!

I Still Haven't Found What I Am Looking For

U2

Song and Video

I have climbed highest mountains

I have run through fields

Only to be with you

Only to be with you

I have run, I have crawled

I have scaled the city walls

Said it was

Only to be with you

But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for

But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for

I have kissed honey lips

Felt the healing in her fingertips

It burned like fire

This burning desire

I have spoken with the tongue of angels

I have held end of the velvet

It was warm in the night

I was cold as a star

But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for

But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for

I believe in kingdom come

When all the colors were bleeding as one

Bleeding the one

Yes, I’m still running

He broke the bounds, he loose the chains

Carried the cross of my shame

Broke my shame

You know I believed it

But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for

But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for

But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for

But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for

Devotion for Thursday, July 21 (Secular Music Week)

Of course I have to have some country music.  Here's an oldie but goodie from Billy Dean, "You Don't Count the Cost".  I hear this as speaking to the in-breaking of the kingdom of God in many and varied ways.  For me it is speaks to the reality of discipleship.

You Don't Count the Cost

Billy Dean

Song and Video

It happens to a mother when she is giving birth

Her heart is filled with joy while her body's filled with hurt

She holds her baby close to her, despite the pain he caused

When it comes to love, you don't count the cost

It happens to a soldier, fighting for his home

Fear wells up inside him and yet he still goes on

Even though he knows he may be the next to fall

When it comes to love, you don't count the cost

You don't count the heartache, you don't count the sacrifice

And all that counts is what you feel inside

It doesn't really matter what is gained or what is lost

When it comes to love, no you don't count the cost

It happens all around us, each and every day

Someone's giving all they got for someone else's sake

If you ever doubt it just think about the cross

When it comes to love, you don't count the cost

Devotion for Wednesday, July 20 (Secular Music Week)

Today, I'm offering a song from Celine Dion, "Because You Loved Me."  As you listen to this song, think about it being sung by Mary Magdelene (or the Woman at the Well).  It made me think of the song "I Don't Know How to Love Him" from Jesus Christ Superstar.  Still, it could work for any of us as we think of our relationship with Christ.

Because You Loved Me

Celine Dion

Song and Video

For all those times you stood by me

For all the truth that you made me see

For all the joy you brought to my life

For all the wrong that you made right

For every dream you made come true

For all the love I found in you

I'll be forever thankful baby

You're the one who held me up

Never let me fall

You're the one who saw me through through it all

You were my strength when I was weak

You were my voice when I couldn't speak

You were my eyes when I couldn't see

You saw the best there was in me

Lifted me up when I couldn't reach

You gave me faith 'coz you believed

I'm everything I am

Because you loved me

You gave me wings and made me fly

You touched my hand I could touch the sky

I lost my faith, you gave it back to me

You said no star was out of reach

You stood by me and I stood tall

I had your love I had it all

I'm grateful for each day you gave me

Maybe I don't know that much

But I know this much is true

I was blessed because I was loved by you

You were my strength when I was weak

You were my voice when I couldn't speak

You were my eyes when I couldn't see

You saw the best there was in me

Lifted me up when I couldn't reach

You gave me faith 'coz you believed

I'm everything I am

Because you loved me

You were always there for me

The tender wind that carried me

A light in the dark shining your love into my life

You've been my inspiration

Through the lies you were the truth

My world is a better place because of you

You were my strength when I was weak

You were my voice when I couldn't speak

You were my eyes when I couldn't see

You saw the best there was in me

Lifted me up when I couldn't reach

You gave me faith 'coz you believed

I'm everything I am

Because you loved me

I'm everything I am

Because you loved me

Devotion for Tuesday, July 19 (Secular Music Week)

We continue with secular music week with a song that makes me think of Matthew 28: 16-20 (the Great Commision and Ascension of Jesus).  I imagine this song as Jesus' final "pep talk" as he ascends into Heaven.  

You'll Be in My Heart

Phil Collins

Song and Video

Come stop your crying

It will be alright

Just take my hand

Hold it tight

I will protect you

From all around you

I will be here

Don't you cry

For one so small,

You seem so strong

My arms will hold you,

Keep you safe and warm

This bond between us

Can't be broken

I will be here

Don't you cry

'Cause you'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on

Now and forever more

You'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

You'll be here in my heart, always

Why can't they understand the way we feel?

They just don't trust what they can't explain

I know we're different but deep inside us

We're not that different at all

And you'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on

Now and forever more

Don't listen to them

'Cause what do they know (what do they know)?

We need each other

To have, to hold.

They'll see in time

I know

When destiny calls you

You must be strong (you gotta be strong)

I may not be with you

But you've got to hold on

They'll see in time

I know

We'll show them together

'Cause you'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

I'll be there from this day on,

Now and forever more

Oh, you'll be in my heart (you'll be here in my heart)

No matter what they say (I'll be with you)

You'll be here in my heart (I'll be there), always

Always

I'll be with you

I'll be there for you always

Always and always

Just look over your shoulder

Just look over your shoulder

Just look over your shoulder

I'll be there always.

Devotion for Monday, July 18 (Secular Music Week)

Friends, this week I will be offering the lyrics to some secular songs (as well as a link to the songs) as our devotions.  I would love to hear from you as to secular songs that have sacred meaning to you. 

To begin, I offer the song "Free Ride" by Edgar Winter.  I love this song, especially as I imagine it being sung by the God who comes near to "give you a hand and lead you into the promised land."

Free Ride

Edgar Winter

Song and Video

The mountain is high the valley is low

And you're confused on which way to go

So I've come here to give you a hand

And lead you into the promised land

Refrain: So, come on and take a free ride

Come on and sit by my side

Come on and take a free ride

All over the country I've seen it the same

Nobody's winning at this kind of game

We've gotta do better, it's time to begin

You know all the answers must come from within

Refrain: So, come on and take a free ride

Come on and sit by my side

Come on and take a free ride

Devotion for Friday, July 15

I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9)

These words are my new mantra for each day.  

Joshua is the story of the Israelites' entry into Canaan (the promised land) after forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Led by Joshua, the successor to Moses, the Israelites conquer the Canaanites and then redistribute the land to the twelve tribes of Israel. The book ends with a covenant renewal ceremony, in which both Joshua and the Israelites declare, "We will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:21).

The book of Joshua tells of God's fulfillment of God's promises, the promises to Abraham in Genesis 12 that he will be blessed with many descendants and with the land of Canaan. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob never see the fulfillment of those promises, and their descendants become slaves in Egypt. God frees them from that slavery, but the Israelites still find themselves in the wilderness, outside the land of promise. The book of Joshua is the fulfillment of centuries of longing and waiting on the part of Israel. As such, it is a witness to God's faithfulness to God's people, both then and now.

God keeps God's promises.  God will remain with us in all that life brings our way.  We can trust God.

Therefore we can find strength and courage to live fully into God's blessings each day, even amidst our fear, uncertainty, and sin.  For God will never abandon us.  

You keep promises, O God.  May we keep our promise of faith in our love toward you and our love of our neighbor. Amen.

Devotion for Thursday, July 14

Peter said to [Jesus], "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me," (John 13:8)

No share with Jesus until He becomes our servant? This is a different paradigm of power to be sure.

What can this mean for you and I as we seek to live our lives embodying the words and actions of Jesus? It means that we must be servants of those who we desire to have relationship with.  

I experience this in my life as a husband and father, as a friend, and certainly as a pastor.  Serving others, listening to them, sacrificing for them has brought me closer to others.  

Yet there is something else here.  A willingness to allow another to serve us.  Peter doesn't want Jesus, who he holds in such high esteem, to submit himself to serve.  Still, Peter is missing the point. Unless we are willing to allow others to "do good" for us then we miss the grace and beauty of life-giving relationship.  When we don't allow others to help us or serve us, in effect, we remain in "control."  However, when we allow our feet to be washed, when we allow our hurts to be soothed, then we are actually showing the strength of humility.  

Jesus models service.  Peter finally accepts it.  And the Peter is given the mandate to go and serve too.

This is the paradigm of faith.

Serving Lord, help me let others to be a servant to me and may this guide me toward even more service of others. Amen.

Devotion for Wednesday, July 13

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth (Psalm 100:1)

When we come together to worship God, whether in a sanctuary, or a camp, or on the beach, we are called by these words from Psalm 100 to make joyful noises!  Thank goodness it doesn't read -- noises that are not off key!

I love to sing and play music.  It is a real gift to participate in a choir, play guitar, play the drums, and sing my off-key best.  I must admit that joyful and noise is what I am best at; not being talented or gifted to be sure.

In a way, it is reminiscent of much of my life with Jesus.  I am neither a superstar pastor nor earth-changing preacher.  I am neither an amazing leader nor a fabulous counselor.  I am just Dave.  

Still, despite my failures and frailties, I will seek to bring joy and worship to the life of others.  I may not always do it well but at least I will be authentic.  And this is something each of us can do.  

Authentically be who we are and offer ourselves humbly and with passion to the work of Jesus.  In doing so, we will live most fully into the kingdom life that Jesus desires for us all.

Help me make a joyful noise of worship to you, dear Lord. Amen.  

Devotion for Tuesday, July 12

O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you "Violence!" and you will not save? Why do you make me see wrongdoing and look at trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise" (Habakkuk 1:2-3)

Throughout scripture we see similar words spoken as we do here at the beginning of the prophet Habakkuk.  These words today are born from a time in when the people of Judah (southern kingdom) were caught between two major world powers -- the Assyrians (roughly modern Syria and northern Iraq) and the Babylonians (roughly modern Iraq).  They lived in anxiety and fear of events beyond their control.  In fact, the Babylonians would eventually take them off into exile.  

While ours is not analogous to the situation of the small vassal state, Judah, we are still experiencing our own anxiety and fear of events beyond our control (terrorism, shootings, racial unrest, etc).  We too can utter the words "Why do you make me see wrongdoing and look at trouble?"  We too may reflect that "destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise." 

The interesting reality of the book of Habakkuk is that the prophet never receives an answer to the "Why?" questions.  Habakkuk ultimately comes to a place of trust saying "Though the fig tree does not blossom ... and though the flock is cut off from the fold, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will exult in the God of my salvation."

Despite evidence to contrary, the gift of Habakkuk is that the prophet remains faithful, even while honestly expressing anger, frustration, and fear.  It is this dichotomy of faithfulness that allows a glimpse into how we can respond in the midst of our uncertainties.  Honest doubt and unwavering faith are actually two sides of the same coin.  The Bible is full of this paradoxical reality.

God, you are strong enough to both receive our doubts and questions and give us strength of faith. Thank you! Amen.    

Devotion for Monday, July 11

But the men said to the [women who had come to the tomb], "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen" (Luke 24:5)

Yesterday, I addressed the events that have recently befallen our nation - the deaths of African-Americans Alton Sterling and Philando Castile at the hands of white police officers, and the deaths of white police officers Lorne Aherns, Michael Krol, Mike Smith, Brent Thompson, and Patrick Zamarripa at the hands of a black gunman.  You can listen to the sermon HERE.    

I am a firm believer that the most important and vital message that we offer as Christians is the message that God brings "new life out of death."  This message of resurrection is the hope and promise of our faith.  It is the promise that God in Christ will work through the sin, brokenness, and suffering of human events to bring about God's purpose of new life and reconciliation.  Despite seeming evidence to the contrary, I believe this to the core of my being.

The resurrection of Jesus was a one-time event, but it inaugurates the Kingdom of God, where resurrection, reconciliation, restoration, and redemption are all-the-time experiences.  God is forever bringing "new life" from the assorted "deaths" that we experience in this world.  Amidst our recognition of death and brokenness, we must faithfully seek the Living Word that will graciously offer healing and hope. Always. Forever. Faithfully. Lovingly.

And I believe God will do so again now.

Guide us toward healing and reconciliation Lord Jesus. Amen. 

Devotion for Friday, July 8 (Isaiah 52 Week)

For the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard (Isaiah 52: 12)

How wonderful are these words?

The Lord is ahead of us in our path of life, preparing the way for us, as we seek Him, to guide us through paths unknown.  Likewise, the Lord "has our back".  The Lord will protect us.  

As we follow the uncertain paths of our lives, may these words give us hope and strength.  May these words remind us that our God is 100% committed to us -- all of us -- and will surround us in our walk of faith.  

These words give us confidence, born from our baptism, to live life.  We can't always control our lives, if we can ever truly control our lives.  We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future.  And we know who has promised to hold us into and through the future.  

The Lord is our "point-man".  The Lord has our back.  Together, we got this!

Lord, may we live with faith and trust that you are always with us. Amen.

Devotion for Thursday, July 7 (Isaiah 52 Week)

The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all nations; 

and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God (Isaiah 52:10)

Isaiah 52: 7-10 begins with the "feet of the messenger" who brings good news and concludes with "the arm of the Lord" -- both of which proclaim salvation for the world.

From foot to arm, from head to toe, God knows us and proclaims into our lives a message of goodness, hope, and promise.  In Isaiah 40, comfort is promised.  In Isaiah 52, we see the announcement that the promised comfort is upon them.  Fully and completely. 

Ours is the God who keeps promises and who seeks to bring saving grace to us.  In the midst of struggle and pain, God still speaks hope and promise.  In the midst of uncertainty and shame, God still speaks love and grace.  In the midst of anger and death, God still speaks forgiveness and peace.

It is an afflicting word at times and a comforting word at other times.  Indeed, the Gospel "comforts the afflicted" and "afflicts the comfortable."  We can be both and hear both.  

Still, how wonderful that the Lord bares his purpose of salvation before all? That includes those you don't like, yes.  But it also, most assuredly includes you! 

Saving God, call us beyond ourselves and into your glorious hope. Amen.  

Devotion for Wednesday, July 6 (Isaiah 52 Week)

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, 

who brings good news, who announces salvation (Isaiah 52:7)

What do you think about your feet? 

Most people don't think too highly of their feet.  Most people I know tend to see their feet as one of the least attractive parts of their body.

Still, our feet, regardless of their aesthetic beauty, are indeed beautiful as they propel us toward actions and words that proclaim and witness to the Gospel; whenever and wherever we invite and exhibit peace with another, bring reconciling words that offer hope and grace to another's pain, and share the message of Jesus' love with a hurting and broken world. 

While we may have ugly, stinky, and smelly feet, they are -- like our ugly, stinky, smelly sinfulness -- transformed into beautiful instruments of the divine grace! 

I've always believed that this text from Isaiah should be the default mission statement for pastors. However it works for all the baptized.  And it reminds us that God takes the less than beautiful parts of our bodies, hearts, and minds and can restore them and redeem them into places and spaces of peace, hope, and love!

Redeeming God, call us beyond our sin and ugliness into the hope-filled promise of your love. Amen.  

Devotion for Tuesday, July 5 (Isaiah 52 Week)

Shake yourself from the dust, rise up, O captive Jerusalem (Isaiah 52:2)

Sometimes we simply need to be kicked in the rear (proverbially speaking of course!

I loved coaches who were supportive and encouraging.  However, I REALLY loved coaches who would call you out and challenge you!

I remember winning a game one time with a last second shot.  Afterwards, I was fairly proud of myself and when we met the following week to get ready for our next game, I fully expected for my coach to heap the praises upon me.

Well, my coach spent the majority of our review session on how I had played pitiful defense, had not communicated, and committed too many risky passes and turnovers, etc.  After listening to him, I was now convinced that I hadn't played well at all!  And, in reality, I probably had not.

Even though I had played less than my ability, he valued that I was still willing to take and make the big shot.  But, he said, you still have a lot to work on.  Message received!

Why? Because I knew this coach loved me and I trusted him.  That allowed him to shake me up.

God and Israel have a similar relationship.  God has been faithful to Israel.  Therefore, God can call Israel to account and call them out of their sin into new relationship and possibility.  In fact, Isaiah 52 is a part of the section of Isaiah (Isa. 40-55) that is written while they are in exile (587/86 BC).

There is hope and promise here, especially for a community that is defeated.  God calls them to "shake off the dust" and rise up to new possibilities with God.  That God is so faithful is reason one why we can hear the call to rise up and shake off our sin, our doubt, our failings and our shame.

Because God will do a new thing!

God of fidelity and love, may we be so moved by your grace that we see hope always. Amen.

Devotion for Monday, July 4 (Isaiah 52 Week)

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion! (Isaiah 52:1)

Do you pray when you wake up in the morning?

I have recently begun a practice of praying when I wake up each morning.  I simply pray, "Thank you God for another day, may I bless you and others today."  You can begin today by giving thanks for our nation, our freedom, and those who protect it! We are certainly blessed!

I attempt to do this first and foremost as a ritual.  Now, I can tell you that on some days I certainly do fail in my attempt to be a blessing to God and others.  Still, opening my day by reciting this mantra has been life-giving for me.

Secondly, I do this to remind myself of who and whose I am.  All that I have, all that I am is a gift from God.  Each day is a blessing and each moment an opportunity to give thanks and serve God.  I hope that by making my first moments of each day centered in this promise, that I can better live into the promise and call of my baptism.

Heidi is way more disciplined and involved than I am.  She has been, for awhile now, participating in centering prayer each day and recently combined that with Stretch and Pray as a daily exercise.  You may find that running or walking and praying go well together.  The possibilities are really unique to you and your rhythm of life.  

Is there a ritual that you use to help you center yourself  in the Lord each day?  Please share with me and others so that we can see and hear what our brothers and sisters are doing.

God of Life, may we find our living powered by our trust and hope in you. Amen.

Devotion for Friday, July 1 (Affirmation of Baptism Week)

Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you at baptism: 

to live among God's faithful people (Monday)

to hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper (Tuesday)

to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed (Wednesday)

to serve all people, following the example of Jesus (Thursday)

and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth (Friday)

Our final Affirmation of Baptism vow is to seek peace and justice in our world.  I love the word, strive.  Striving puts the emphasis on the process more than the outcome.  For in a world that is broken and sin filled, striving for peace and justice will be ongoing work.  Until Jesus returns, there will be continuing need to seek that "thy kingdom come, they will be done on earth as in heaven."

We are called to make justice and peace central to our understanding of the world:  justice and peace for the marginalized, for the broken, for the outcast, for the poor, for the imprisoned, for the underemployed, for the occupied, for the terrorized, for the downsized, for the mentally ill, for the depressed, and for all those who are in any need, anywhere.

This is never going to happen all at once.  Sin and human brokenness will make sure of that. Still, we STRIVE for it whenever and wherever we can.  We strive to speak for those without a voice and we strive to make the world less divisive and more inclusive of each other and our varying opinions and beliefs.

As we strive for a better world we will come to find that the Kingdom does come and the Will of God does occur more often than we might be willing to notice or admit.  For as the prophet Micah reminds us, "What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God?"

Loving Lord, guide us to be lights of peace and beacons of hope and justice in our lives. Amen.