The following scripture will be read at the upcoming service on September 25th.

Amos 6:1-7. The First Reading is recorded in Amos 6:1-7. The message in this reading is indicative of the prophets: a warning to those who are self-centered, who don’t care for those who are in need. The LORD warns that those who don’t care for the ones in need will be punished; in this case they will go into exile. This happened when the Babylonians destroyed the city of Jerusalem and took thousands into captivity. After a long time, the LORD restored a remnant to Jerusalem. In the Gospels we see that Jesus cared for the helpless, proclaiming God’s kingdom to them, healing their diseases, and giving them food. May we be moved by God’s love for us and others, and share God’s blessings with them.
Compassionate God, we are reminded that You care for the hopeless and helpless. Move us by Your love to also share Your blessings with those in need, especially the blessing of life in Jesus. Amen.

Psalm 146. Today’s psalm is 146. This psalm continues the theme of the reading from Amos: God cares for and helps the helpless and hopeless. Notice how this psalm also describes the ministry of Jesus. The response? Praise to the LORD!
All glory, honor, and praise to You, O Lord, for Your steadfast love, mercy, and grace, especially to those who are in desperate need of Your blessings. Let us follow the example of Jesus and minister to those around us who are in need of Your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

1 Timothy 3:1-13. The Second Reading is recorded in 1 Timothy 3:1-13. This reading gives advice and guidance for leaders of a congregation: let leaders be good examples of disciples of Jesus. Let us all be good examples of disciples of Jesus so that people see God’s love and mercy in and through us, and that they may be drawn to Him.
Holy Spirit, continue to conform us into the image of Jesus, continue to mold us into examples of Jesus’ love so that others will see Jesus and be drawn to Him and Lord and Savior. In His Name we pray. Amen.

Luke 16:19-31. The Gospel is recorded in Luke 16:19-31. Jesus said that the first will be last, and the last will be first; this Gospel is a parable of this. Here we have a rich man who had everything in this life, except the love of God; and a poor man who has nothing except the love and mercy of God. Upon death the rolls were reversed, the poor man is taken into Abraham’s arms, and the rich man suffers anguish. Let us remember that we are in need of God’s grace and mercy, and let us share His grace and mercy with others.
Holy Jesus, we thank and praise You that You lift up the helpless and bring them to Yourself, including us who need Your grace and mercy in the face of our sinfulness. Let us be filled with Your love for us and for others so that Your mercy extends to all in this life and in the life to come. In Your Name we pray. Amen.