March 3, 2012

Opening Hymns:
Spirit of the Living God (Red Praise Book 277)

Scripture Reading:
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

Message: Faith Through our Lives
Many of us are very familiar with this story of Abram and Sarai. They believe God, and yet laugh at the impossibility that God says will come about. He makes and keeps His covenant with Abraham and Sarah… She is able to bear a son and nations do come from them. It can be hard to put ourselves in their shoes when we know the stories end.

We also may recall the stories of Jesus’ resurrection. After hearing the stories so many times it may seem obvious that it would end as it does… we might start to wonder why Abraham didn't fully believe God? Why didn’t Jesus’ disciples understand what He was saying when He said He would rise again? However, when it comes to challenges in our lives, small or large, sometimes we can doubt whether or not we will make it through. How funny that we can fully believe that Sarah would bear a child at her old age, and that Jesus would raise from the dead… yet doubt during the comparably small challenges in our own lives.

The next time you are faced with a challenge that seems greater than you are; call upon God… and believe. Remember all things God has done in the past both for you and others, and trust that He will lead you through. He has done miracles, and He will surely be with you through every struggle.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thanks for being with us during each of our struggles. Please guide us and help us through each of our challenges. Even when life does not go the way we’ve planned, help us remember that You are always with us. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (Red Praise Book 227)

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God