O God, You are the strength of all who trust in You, and without Your aid we can do no good thing. Grant us the help of Your grace that we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
The University of Oregon has purchased the property where I used to teach, the campus of Concordia University, Portland. They are planning to do something there in partnership with Steve Balmer, who has a great deal of money from the founding of Microsoft. He has put nearly half a billion dollars into a new research and teaching center to be operated by the U of O, the Balmer Institute. This institute will research mental health for children and train mental health professionals in the fields of education and psychology. We pray that this will be a blessing to the children of this nation and world. I personally think it is a good use for CUP’s campus.
We note in this prayer that without God we can do no good thing. In order for good to happen, God must be found within that thing somehow. Mr. Balmer and the University of Oregon make no claim to be doing any of this work in the name of Jesus. In fact, it is a wholly secular enterprise. I am not sure what they will do with the cross which is built into the top of Luther hall. It is currently covered in ivy. Perhaps they will not notice.
That might be the best way to see this prayer and that property. Without knowing it, they may be doing something good with the help of God just like they all may be working under a cross without knowing it. This institute, if it is well run and does not fall victim to some of the current silliness which seems to be causing the mental health issues in children, might really do some good for children. I believe Jesus would like to see that and may bless this enterprise in its worthy goals. I will pray toward that end.
Look around you today and ask what good things God is doing in your neighborhood. Thank him for them and consider joining in. It all belongs to Jesus. He gave his life for the whole world. The devil may make his claim on some things, but that is temporary. Eventually, it all comes back to Jesus.