Strong in the Lord: Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9) Dear students of Our Redeemer Lutheran School, I can tell you are excited for your summer vacation to begin. When you hear the word summer, your minds fill with vacation plans, sports practices, thoughts of sleeping in, and maybe even a summer job. Change can be good, but it also brings uncertainty and questions. This school year, you focused on a promise I gave Joshua. I reminded him in a time of doubt to be strong and courageous because I was with him wherever he went. I made that promise a long time ago, but it still stands for you too. I will be with you, wherever you go this summer. Your path will undoubtedly include challenges and trials. Know that you will face temptations. Some temptations may come in the form of friends, who look to lead you away from my word and the commandments you have memorized and to worldly things. They might lead you to think sin is “no bid deal” or something everyone else at their school does. Some temptations will come from your sinful nature. You may feel a pull to ignore my Word or feel that reading the Bible is only for when you are in school. Ignoring my Word puts distance between us. Temptations may come from the sinful world through your cell phones and computer screens. Satan loves to use the popular things of this world to twist you into thinking they are worth all your time and attention, and all too often, all your heart. In all these temptations, you will find strength in me to overcome. I will be with you, be careful not to cast me aside for temporary, worthless things. As I have been, with countless Christians before you, I will be there when you fall. Return to me in repentance for my arms will be open to welcome you back with the forgiveness my Son won for you. You are always welcome. I have promised: never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. The only way to grow stronger in me is through the power of My Word. The good news of My Son’s death and resurrection turns hardened hearts of stone to living, joyful hearts. Your pastors and teachers have taught you this year to remain Strong in Me. These men and women are my faithful servants. Honor them, pray for them, and encourage them for they shepherd your souls. Listen to their instruction, for the wisdom they share, they have learned from me. In your homes and among your family and friends, let the light of the gospel shine bright. For when others see your good deeds, they bring praise before me. Look for opportunities to love and serve those around you. For in loving and serving them, you also love and serve me. Encourage your parents to pray with you, have devotions, and read from my word, for there you will stay connected to all the promises I have made to you. The unbelieving world looks for strength in many places: the gym, the library, large amounts of money, or their health. Strengthen your souls in my promises that will never fail you. I have seen summers come and go for thousands of years. I see the seasons of life quickly change. I have seen the strong man grow weak and old. Your life is but an instant. Even though this world will pass away, my word never changes, and my promises will sustain you all your days. Be strong in me, for there you will find joy. This summer prepare your hearts to be with me forever. In love, Your Heavenly Father