The following passages will be read during service on August 7th.

Genesis 15:1-6. The First Readings is recorded in Genesis 15:1-6, and continues the story of Abraham, here still called by his older name of Abram. Notice the emphasis of what the Lord tells Abram: not to be afraid, your reward shall be great.” What! Not be afraid? Why not? Abram and Sarai are well past child-bearing age and still have no child, and Abram’s only heir was a distant relative. But notice how the LORD dealt with Abram, He didn’t scold Abram, He didn’t reject Abram, He reassured Abram that He would fulfill His promise that Abram would have a son. Abram believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.

What are the promises that God makes to us that seem too good to be true? When He promises us forgiveness and eternal life in Jesus, do those promises seem too good to be true? Too impossible to happen? Yet, in Christ we do have forgiveness and life. We can have faith in the faithfulness of God.

Lord God, You make wonderful promises to us and fulfill them in Jesus. Keep us firm in faith, trusting that You always fulfill Your promises, just as You did with Abraham and Sarah when they became the parents of Isaac, through Your grace. Amen.

Psalm 33:12-22. The psalm for today is recorded in Psalm 33:12-22. Notice the blessings the LORD showers upon His people, and they are blessed as a result. Notice the direction of the psalm, because the LORD is faithful to fulfill His promises the people can be at rest and wait for the actions of the LORD. Let us also trust in the Lord, and wait for His good time to act.

Faithful Lord, we thank and praise You for Your faithfulness to fulfill Your promises. Enable us to rely on You each day, being at peace, knowing You will keep us in Your steadfast love. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Hebrews 11:1-16. The Second Reading, recorded in Hebrews 11:1-16, is a wonderful passage lifting up some of the faith-filled heroes of the Old Testament. Notice the importance of faith in the Lord Who alone fulfills His promises to His people. Read the whole chapter, and into chapter 12, and be encouraged by their example of faith. And then, be an example of faith to those around you so that they too will grow to trust the Lord Who alone fulfilled all of His promises to His people.

Heavenly Lord, we rejoice in You, and praise You for being faithful to Your people. Let us be encouraged by the example of faith they have given us, and let us be faithful followers of you, in whom You are seen, so that others will be led to trust in You. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Luke 12:22-40. The Gospel is recorded in Luke 12:22-40. Worry, anxiety, fear, panic. Emotions we all have. Yet Jesus tells us in the passage for today not to be anxious, just as He cares for the birds, so He will care for us; He will meet our needs by His grace and mercy. We can trust Him.

Jesus also calls us up short by asking us where our treasure is, where are the things that are most important to us. Are they in heaven, or here on earth? We say our treasure is in heaven, but is it really? Is the Lord the center of our lives? If not, ask for His forgiveness and to be renewed in Him.

Lord Jesus, as we see You, we see how important we are to You – You would even give Yourself on the cross to redeem us. Forgive us for putting things before You, and enable us to have our treasure in heaven. In Your Name we pray. Amen.