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Friends, before the coffee cools and before the day gathers speed, let's spend a few moments together in the harbor of God's Word. Welcome to this Thursday verse of the day bonus episode of Tales of Faith by the Sea. For many of our listeners, this has been a wonderful week at polishing the pulpit. There have been lessons that have challenged us, conversations that encouraged us, friendships renewed, new friendships begun, countless opportunities to open God's Word together. Today's verse captures the very spirit of weeks like this Proverbs chapter twenty seven and verse seventeen Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. If you've ever watched sailors prepare a vessel before leaving harbor, you've seen them inspect nearly everything. A dull knife is sharpened, a warm rope is replaced, a loose fitting is tightened. Preparation matters because the sea has a way of revealing weaknesses. The Christian life is no different. God never intended us to grow alone. He has given us faithful brethren to encourage us, challenge us, correct us with love, and remind us to keep our eyes upon Christ. Sometimes a sermon sharpens us. Sometimes a Bible class opens our understanding. Sometimes a conversation in a hallway becomes the encouragement we've needed for months. Sometimes a quiet prayer with another Christian strengthens our faith more than we could have imagined. That is one of God's greatest blessings. He uses his people to help shape his people. Perhaps that is why gatherings like polishing the pulpit leave such a lasting impression. We arrive carrying questions. We leave carrying renewed conviction. We arrive feeling weary. We leave feeling encouraged. Not because of a place, not because of a program, but because of faithful Christians who have spent time together around the inspired word of God. And the wonderful truth is this. You don't have to wait for a lectureship to sharpen another Christian. You can do it today. A phone call, a handwritten note, a visit, a shared Bible study, a sincere word of encouragement after worship. These simple acts become tools in the master's hands. As this final day of polishing the pulpit comes to a close, many will soon begin their journey home. We pause now to offer a prayer for safe travel, that every road would be clear, every mile be guarded, and that each traveler would return safely to their families and local congregations. And as you go, remember this final charge. Take what you have received this week and carry it home with you. Do not leave it here in Severeville or set it aside until next year. Bring it back to your local congregation. Share it in your Bible class. Encourage your elders, your preachers, your teachers, and your fellow members. Let the fire that was kindled here continue to burn brightly where you worship and serve. And as you return home, be intentional about encouraging others. A word spoken, a text sent, a visit made, a Bible study offered. You never know how far a simple act of encouragement may reach in the kingdom of God. Finally, as we look ahead, let us look forward. If the Lord wills, may we gather again next year, whether it be here in Severeville or in Branson, to once again sit at the feet of God's Word and to sharpen one another, and to rejoice in the fellowship of his people, and may we encourage as many as possible to come and be a part of it, because blessings like these are meant to be shared. Ask yourself today, how will I carry this week home with me? And then ask, who can I encourage on the journey? Because the true measure of a week like this is not only what we receive, but what we take back and give away. Until next time, may God bless your travels, guard your steps, strengthen your local congregation, and use you to encourage many along the way. This has been Nathan Hampton, a minister in the Lord's Church. Thank you for being a part of this week here at Polishing the Pulpit. Travel safely, serve faithfully, and may we meet again, Lord willing next year. Safe sailing, my friends and goodbye.