The following readings will be read during service on July 31st.

Ecclesiastes, 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-26. The First Reading is recorded in Ecclesiastes, 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-26. Notice in this reading that the writer is urging the reader not to trust in this world and striving after things in this world; this is vanity, it is a mist that will go away. But notice also the emphasis on trusting in the Lord and to live one’s life realizing that only from the Lord come what we need in life, and only in the Lord can we truly enjoy life. Let your life be centered in the Lord.

Lord God, enable us to keep our eyes fixed on You, because only from You come true joy and contentment in life. Let us live our lives trusting in Your blessings, especially in Your Son Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Psalm 100. The psalm for today is Psalm 100. This is a psalm likely used as the worshippers came into the temple. It is a great psalm of praise. Notice the emphasis on giving the Lord thanks and praise because His steadfast love and faithfulness endure. Let us join in the hymn of praise for God’s faithfulness and steadfast love.

Lord God, we give You thanks and praise because You are good, and Your steadfast love and faithfulness endure forever. We especially thank You for Jesus, and for the steadfast love in Him which leads us to eternal life. In His Name we pray. Amen.

Colossians 3:1-11. The Second Reading is recorded in Colossians 3:1-11. Notice the emphasis in this reading, as in the First Reading and the Gospel, not to be centered on this world, nor the things of this world; the things of this world ultimately cannot give life, God alone gives life. Let us keep our eyes on the Lord, trusting in His grace and mercy.

Oh Lord, as You always have Your eyes on us to bring us Your love and blessings, so always enable us to keep our eyes fixed on You, trusting in You to give us life. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Luke 12:13-21. The Gospel is recorded in Luke 12:13-21. In summary, Jesus warns against coveting what someone else has and being greedy. He doesn’t sugar coat His message, all in this life will be lost, and only what is entrusted to the Lord will remain. Where is your treasure? Where is your heart fixed, in the Lord or in the passing things of this life?

Lord Jesus, we give You thanks and praise that Your heart was fixed on the heavenly Father and on redeeming us, even though it would cost You Your life. Enable us to put the things of this life behind us, looking to You alone for life and salvation. Amen.