The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. (2 Cor 13:14)

This week and throughout this month, many students will close a chapter of their life as they mark a level of accomplishment and graduate to venture into another life journey. The time recognizes the graduate’s achievements and accomplishments, but also acknowledges those who shared and supported the graduate throughout the journey. The time refocuses for the opportunities that lie ahead that begin the next journey. The time also reminds them of the continued help they need for the journey ahead. Our scripture passage today provides to us the closing comments by the Apostle Paul written to the beloved church at Corinth. Paul’s letters to the church at Corinth were filled with instruction to teach them, guidance to direct them, and counsel to correct them. On occasion his words seem harsh but never hounding, chastening but never crushing, caring but never criticizing as he is “compelled by the love of Christ” and led by the Holy Spirit to guide this local church in their faith and destiny as believers in Jesus Christ. He recognizes to them, the journey that lay ahead and the resources they have available to endeavor in a manner that pleases God and glorifies Jesus as their Savior. Paul declares to them, and to us, the necessities for life. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost.” What a marvelous declaration to give for anyone’s journey in life with the encouragement that God spoke to Joshua as he began a new chapter in the life of the children of Israel. “Be strong and of a good courage…only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law” (Josh 1:6-7) until the Lord gives you rest (Josh 1:14). My friend, our Lord desires to bless you in life. He has provided you salvation through his Son Jesus, the promise hope of eternal security in His word, the strength of the resurrection by the indwelling Holy Spirit that you have a new life with Him for eternity. This our hope and this is our success in life. Father, thank You for the blessed hope we have through Christ Jesus our Lord and all we ever need, or more than we can contain, is from You. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.