Pr. DFD : Pentecost 10

Showing posts with label Pentecost 10 - Proper 15. Show all posts

Friday, August 15, 2025

Saturday prior to Proper 15

How do we overcome the sin, the devil, the world and its hatred of us. Sunday’s Hymn of the Day has the answer: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Thy Word (LSB #655). This great hymn by Martin Luther is a prayer that God would guard and keep us from all those who wish to do us spiritual or physical harm. The Lord does this through the proclamation and preaching of His Word, and by the Sacraments—the Word of God combined with earthly elements, which preserve us in the one true faith until He takes us from this vale of tears to Himself in heaven.

Luther’s Reformation hymn, “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word” (LSB 655) is one of his best known compositions. When it was published in 1542, it appeared with the subtitle, “A Children’s Hymn, to be Sung Against the Two Archenemies of Christ and His Holy Church, the Pope and Turk.”[1] What was going on for Luther to write such a hymn?

Luther and the Reformers’ theological conflict with the various popes is well-known. The political conflict between the Holy Roman Empire, to which the Reformers and their princes belonged, and the Turkish Ottoman Empire was also a significant factor during the time of the Reformation.

In Luther’s day the Turks controlled not only much of the Middle East and North Africa, they also held land in southeastern Europe (modern day Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and the Balkans). In the early 1500’s there were a series of battles in Austria and Hungary between the Turks and the Holy Roman Empire. The siege of Vienna in the autumn of 1529 led to the decision of Emperor Charles V to call the Diet of Augsburg to unite the Holy Roman Empire against threat of Turkish invasion.

In 1541 there were two additional battles between the Holy Roman Empire and the Ottoman Turks, which led Luther to pen this hymn. The army of the Holy Roman Empire was defeated at Budapest in August, and the imperial fleet was largely destroyed near Algiers in October.

Luther felt like he was surrounded by enemies—both the forces of the pope and the Turk. He wrote an appeal for the people to pray against the Turks (Vermahnung zum Gebet wider den Türken, LW 43:213-42), and he wrote “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word” to encourage them in the face of their enemies. The second line of the hymn originally read, “Restrain the murderous Pope and Turk” (Und steur des Papst und Türken Mord). The translation was later revised to “Curb those who by deceit or sword,” to include all the enemies of the church.

Here is the translation of the text, as it appears in the Lutheran Service Book:

Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word,

Curb those who by deceit or sword

Would wrest the kingdom from your Son

And bring to naught all he has done.

This hymn is written in a threefold, Trinitarian format. This first verse is an appeal to God the Father to preserve us by His Word, rather than by the force of arms. God never promises us victory in battle over our enemies. Pearl Harbor and the 9/11 attacks are reminders that there will be times when our enemies may triumph over us as a nation. Luther does not lead his people to pray for the imperial armies or for victory in battle, but for God to sustain His people by His Word, come what may.

Lord Jesus Christ, your pow’r make known,

For you are Lord of lords alone;

Defend your holy Church that we

May sing your praise triumphantly.

The second verse Luther emphasizes the ultimate authority of Jesus Christ with the title “Lord of lords” (Rev 17:14; 19:16). He is Lord over all emperors, kings, presidents, or rulers of any kind. The original German of the third line actually refers to the church not as “holy” but as “poor” (arme). We are in constant need of the help that only Jesus can give, and His rescue of His people always leads to praise and thanksgiving.

O Comforter of priceless worth,

Send peace and unity on earth;

Support us in our final strife

And lead us out of death to life.

The final verse calls on the Holy Spirit to send unity to the people of God, so that we work together and are not divided in the face of opposition. Our greatest struggle is not against any earthly power, but against death itself (1 Cor 15:36). No matter what happens in this world, we trust in the Holy Spirit to raise us from the dead and give to us eternal life. As Luther wrote in his explanation ofthe third article of the Apostles’ Creed, “On the Last Day [the Holy Spirit] will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.” (SC III:3) [2]

Collect for Saturday of the week of Pentecost 9: O God, you are our advocate and friend, give us sensitive souls today in the presence of your Word and may its precepts and saving power find a lasting place in our lives. [3]

[2] https://lutheranreformation.org/theology/lord-keep-us-steadfast-word/

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Friday prior to Proper 15

[1]

Luke 12:49–53— Jesus speaks of bringing fire and not peace on this earth.

In this world, we will always have trouble, for we are not of the world (John 15:19). We can expect that those of the world will persecute us, as it did the psalmist in the Psalm for the Day; the devil will try to burden us with guilt, like the psalmist in the Introit; the world will demand that the truth of God is suppressed, and that preachers preach what they want to hear, as in the Old Testament reading, and that, even in our families, there will be division because of the Gospel of Christ. This is because the world is in bondage to sin and the devil, and these things are opposed to God and His loving kindness, grace, and mercy. But, if we continue in faith, we shall endure to the end, and shall receive the crown of everlasting righteousness and eternal life with God in heaven.

A real help is the fact that even the sinless Christ suffered at the hands of his own people, who finally brought Him to death. But His death was not martyrdom. The baptism with which he would be baptized was the suffering of hell for the salvation of all who believe in Him. This saving Christ is concerned about divisions. He tells us that they will be suffered by means of His children more often than not because they are His children. The warning that we can give those who cause such suffering is that the day will come when Christ will burn up the chaff and take His wheat into the garner. The help we can offer to those who suffer is that God promise to help all who look to Him in faith to be able to pray together and stay together.

Prayer for blessing on the Word: Lord Jesus Christ, giver and perfecter of our faith, we thank and praise You for continuing among us the preaching of Your Gospel for our instruction and edification. Send Your blessing upon the Word, which has been spoken to us, and by Your Holy Spirit increase our saving knowledge of You, that day by day we may be strengthened in the divine truth and remain steadfast in Your grace. Give us strength to fight the good fight and by faith to overcome all the temptations of Satan, the flesh, and the world so that we may finally receive the salvation of our souls; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Collect for Friday of the Week of Pentecost 9: To whatever Thou has called us, O God, and at whatever cost, let it be. Only do Thou lead us, lest we stop anywhere when Thou art saying, “Come,” and by the gift of Thyself make us strong. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. [2]

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Thursday prior to Proper 15

[1]

Hebrews 11:17–31; 12:1–3—The epistle for Sunday continues in the great chapter of faith, recounting Abraham’s testing, Moses, and also the Children of Israel. Therefore, says the writer—that is, since we since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses—we ought to follow their example, and also cling in faith to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, the One through whom we have salvation by His death, and the One through whom we have salvation by His gift to us of faith in that salvific death.

For the Christian life is a matter of keeping and living by faith. In Hebrews 11 we were given a long list of people of the faith. “Therefore” of our text refers to the faithful of Hebrews 11. On the basis of others’ faith and in the light of their faith we are exhorted to run the race of faith. The analogy of an athletic contest is used. In our generation of sports craze, it is an appropriate analogy to running the race of faith. This subject of faith may be harmonized with the theme of the day – the fire of faith needs to burn endlessly in us.

“A great crowd of witnesses” best illustrates that we are in a relay race where those who have finished their course and handed in their baton are watching and encouraging their successors.

“Throw off everything that hinders,” is not necessarily “sin” but a hindrance that could lead to sin, as sin is such as crippling hindrance to good running. Thus, we are to throw off any situation that would be open to sin. We are called to win the race which is long and up-hill. A lot of determination will be needed over the long course of life.

Prayer for grace to receive the Word: Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.[2]

Collect for Thursday of the Week of Pentecost 9: Almighty God, I bless Thee that Thy banner over us is love. Help us keep our eyes upon it. May we fight under on other banner, and may all our contentions and strivings be in the spirit of Christian love! Let love be kindled in my heart today, and let it blaze and burn for Thee. Amen – JH Jowett [3]

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Wednesday prior to Proper 15

[1]

“The Fire of God’s Word” is the theme for this coming week.

The readings for this coming Sunday focus upon the Word of God as a fire. In the Gospel (Luke 12:49-53) the fire of God’s Word divides. Jesus, the incarnate Word says He came to send fire upon the earth resulting in not harmony but in division in the most intimate and integrated areas of life, the family. In the Old Testament lesson (Jeremiah 23”23-29) the fire of God’s Word destroys. Here the LORD describes His Word as a fire which destroys. In the Epistle lesson (Hebrews 12:1-13) the fire of God’s Word disciplines. The writer explains suffering as a discipline of God. Since discipline is allied with cleansing, the theme of the Word as fire can be seen as well.

Jeremiah 23:16–29—In the time when Jeremiah prophesied (late 7th and early 6th century B.C.), there was no shortage of false prophets, purporting to speak for the LORD, but really speaking only their own words and what the people wanted to hear. Not much has changed in the intervening 2,700 years. Many people are still drawn to false prophets who prophesy lies and speak that which people want to hear, in order to grow wealthy from the donations of those whom they dupe. Even though it may not lead to churches which are bursting at the seams, orthodox Lutheran pastors must speak [the LORD’s] word faithfully (v. 28).

Nations are ever seeking the latest weapons in sophistication and power. God has the best weapons which cannot be improved; His Word which Jeremiah describes as a fire and hammer. The Lord needs this weapon in the conflict with evil. In Jeremiah’s day the conflict was between the words and dreams of the prophets and the true Word proclaimed by Jeremiah. The Word of God is still the only weapon of the Christian. In His Hymn ‘A Mighty Fortress” Luther referred to this weapon against Satan, “One little word shall fell him.”

An emphasis today has been on the immanence of God. God has become localized, and humanized to the point that God has become to some more of a man then God. While his immanence is an essential attribute, we must not overlook His transcendence. This is the point Jeremiah is making in our lesson. God is also one who is far off. The prophets of history were making God too little and intimate. God was to be understood as One above and beyond the petty wishes and promises of the false prophets. His Word has a majesty and a power that transcended all human thinking and efforts.

Collect for the Pentecost Season: Merciful Lord, cleanse and defend Your Church by the sacrifice of Christ. United with Him in Holy Baptism, give us grace to receive with thanksgiving the fruits of His redeeming work and daily follow in His way; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.[2]

Collect for Wednesday of the week of Pentecost 10: Grant us Lord, the Spirit to think and do always such things as are pleasing in your sight that we, who without you cannot do anything that is good, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Hoy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen [3]

Monday, August 11, 2025

Tuesday prior to Proper 15

[1]

Psalm 119:81–88—The psalm appointed for next Sunday is very similar to the Introit, as it is written by one who is burdened—in this case, by his persecutors. Whence can he—and we—find salvation? The psalmist is confident as he prays, I hope in your word; My eyes long for your promise. The promise of salvation from the persecution of sin and death has been fulfilled in the death and resurrection of the Son of God, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Vv. 81-82 Seeking comfort in the word of God.

My soul faints for Your salvation,
But I hope in Your word.
My eyes fail from searching Your word,
Saying, “When will You comfort me?”

a. My soul faints for Your salvation: The psalmist gives a sense of desperation. His soul aches for God, so much that it faints in waiting for the salvation he needs. Yet he has hope in God’s word.

i. Faints has the idea of “coming to the end.” It is same verb in a slightly different form is used in verse 87: They almost made an end of me. Fainting is a loss of strength; a collapse. Here the psalmist felt that his soul was so weak, so empty of strength, that it was unable to stand.

ii. This place of desperate yet not despairing is known to the followers of God. The Apostle Paul related something of this in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9: We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…. In it all, Paul could say, …we have the same spirit of faith (2 Corinthians 4:13).

iii. Your salvation: What he wanted was God’s salvation. “He wished for no deliverance but that which came from God, his one desire was for ‘thy salvation.’ But for that divine deliverance he was eager to the last degree.”

b. But I hope in Your word: In contrast to the sense of weakness and failing, the psalmist found hope and strength in God’s word. 1 Thessalonians speaks of the endurance (patience) of hope (1:3), and refers to the hope of salvation as a protecting helmet (5:8).

c. My eyes fail from searching Your word: This indicates how diligently the psalmist read and studied God’s word. He studied so hard that his eyes hurt. One reason he loved God’s word so much was because he studied it so intently. God’s word yields its treasures to us in proportion to our searching it.

d. Saying, “When will You comfort me?” This was why the psalmist searched so diligently. It was to find comfort in his present distress. Personal need continues to be a greater motivation for diligent study than theological curiosity.

· Comfort will come when we put away unbelief.

· Comfort will come when we are finished complaining.

· Comfort will come when we put away the sin that we tolerate.

· Comfort will come when we fulfill the duties we have neglected.

iii. When we reach out to God in obedient faith, His comfort is always available. The pain may continue, but God’s comfort is there.[2]

Collect for Psalm 119: Lord, your commandments are eternal. Teach us to love you with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves, for the sake of Jesus our Lord. [3]

Collect for Tuesday of the week of Pentecost 9: O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen [4]

[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-119/

[4] ibid

Sunday, August 10, 2025

Monday prior to Proper 15

[1]

Psalm 55:1, 12–14, 16; antiphon, Psalm 55:22—When we are burdened, either by the troubles of this world or by the guilt and consequence of sin, we are exhorted to cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved. Who are they who are righteous? Those who are righteous by faith in the atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus, as we learned in the readings for yesterday (Sunday). Whenever we call on God, the LORD saves us (v. 16).

PSALM 55 – TRUSTING GOD AGAINST A TREACHEROUS ENEMY

The title of this psalm is To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Contemplation of David. The psalm describes a time of some kind of rebellion or power struggle against David, and a key leader in the struggle was a trusted associate who betrayed David. The city is dangerous because of the rebellion, and David cries out to God. Most commentators fit this psalm to Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15-18) and the trusted associate as Ahithophel. Parts of this psalm seem to fit Absalom’s rebellion, but some parts don’t. It’s hard to imagine David wishing Absalom to hell (Psalm 55:15) when he didn’t even want him to die. It may be that the events connected with this psalm are unrecorded in the sacred history of the life of David.[2]

The Lord Jesus causes fear and trembling and division because His Word is “like fire . . . and like a hammer which shatters a rock” (Jeremiah 23:29). His Law puts us all to death, whereas only His Gospel can bring us to life. He has fulfilled that Word for us by His cross and in His resurrection from the dead. He undergoes such a distressing Baptism, accomplished by His death, in order to open the way for us through our Holy Baptism into His cross and resurrection. So, then, if we are able “to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky” (Luke 12:56), let us mark this sign of His cross—recognizing that this world is subject to death, but knowing that Christ Jesus has also conquered death and obtained life everlasting for us. Let us fix our eyes “on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith” and “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1–2).

Collect for Psalm 55: Lord Jesus, you were rejected by your people, betrayed by the kiss of a friend, and deserted by your disciples. In our trouble, give us the confidence that you had in the Father and the assurance of our salvation now and forever.[3]

Collect for Monday of the week of Pentecost 9: God our Father, open our eyes to see your hand at work in the splendor of creation, in the beauty of human life. Touched by your hand our world is holy. Help us to cherish the gifts that surround us, to share your blessings with our brothers and sisters and to experience the joy of life in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord.[4]

[2]https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-55/

[4] ibid

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Proper 15 Series C study notes

Jeremiah 23:16–29

Hebrews 11:17–31 (32–40); 12:1–3

Luke 12:49–53 (54–56)

Christ’s Suffering and Death Bring Division

The Lord Jesus causes fear and trembling and division because His Word is “like fire … and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces” (Jeremiah 23:29). His Law puts us all to death, whereas only His Gospel can bring us to life. He has fulfilled that Word for us by His cross and in His resurrection from the dead. He undergoes such a distressing Baptism, accomplished by His death, in order to open the way for us through our Holy Baptism into His cross and resurrection. So, then, if we are able “to interpret the appearance of earth and sky” (Luke 12:56), let us mark this sign of His cross — recognizing that this world is subject to death, but knowing that Christ Jesus also has conquered death and obtained life everlasting for us. Let us fix our eyes on “Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” and “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1–2).

Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life;

Rev. Dr. Daniel J Brege

Jesus longingly states in Sunday’s Gospel, “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49). Note how Christ longs for this fire-kindling event to be finished.

This fire-kindling statement is describing the same event that Christ illustrates in His next statement: “I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!” (v. 50). Even as Christ desires that the fire already be kindled, so He states how He is distressed until He is baptized.

Of such baptism the Old Testament repeatedly speaks of God’s wrath being poured upon His enemies. Some examples: “Ps. 79:6: “Pour out your anger on the nations that do not know you.” Jer. 10:25: “Pour out your wrath on the nations that know you not, and on the peoples that call not on your name.” Ez. 20:8: “Then I said I would pour out my wrath upon them and spend my anger against them [rebellious Israel].” Hosea 5:10: “…upon them [rebellious Judah] I will pour out my wrath like water.” Zeph. 3:8: “For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all my burning anger; for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth shall be consumed.” [Other examples: Psalm 69:24; 2 Chronicles 12:7; 34:21]. Likely this pouring out of God’s anger is the Baptism of which Christ speaks in Luke 12. It is the Baptism deserved by the unbelieving nations, it is the Baptism deserved by rebellious Israel and her sister Judah…It is the Baptism of God’s wrath that we each deserve to have poured upon us. What event marks this Baptism of Jesus and His kindling of fire on the earth? The cross!

At the cross Jesus would have God’s burning wrath poured upon Him. Christ is made to be sin (2 Cor. 5:21) and thus He will receive the hell fire deserved by every human—past, present and future. No wonder Jesus describes the great distress He feels as He anticipates receiving this Baptism of God’s angry river of lava to be poured upon Him in our place.

What then is the result of Christ’s cruciform “Baptism”? It will spark a fire on the earth, a fire consisting of the wrath of those whose sin is exposed. God’s people are baptized with soothing water, and thus they are brought into and established in Christ’s kingdom. But unbelievers around the world will spend their fiery anger on believers. This anger will even strike home as there will be unbelieving parents fired up against believing children, unbelieving children angry as hell against believing parents, unbelievers in families extended through marriage—unbelieving in-laws as parents or children—wanting to cremate alive their corresponding Christian in-laws.. The wrath of the unbelievers will lash out with the flames of words and deeds against the people of God.

But fear not, dear baptized people of God, in Christ you are fireproof. The fire-absorbing Savior arose from the dead and His gracious victory is for time and for eternity. Presently you remain soaked with the water of Baptism, and the flaming words and deeds cannot consume you wet-ones. The worst that can happen is death—but you realize you are baptized into Christ’s victory, and in Him and His love you are overwhelmingly conquerers. Neither the fire of God’s wrath nor the fiery words and deeds of unbelievers can harm you—for you are in Christ.

Not Peace, but Division

Luke 12.49

Πῦρ ἦλθον βαλεῖν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, καὶ τί θέλω εἰ ἤδη ἀνήφθη;

“I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!

-I desire it. Jesus saw this fire and embraced it.

Luke 12. 50

βάπτισμα δὲ ἔχω βαπτισθῆναι, καὶ πῶς συνέχομαι ἕως ὅτου τελεσθῇ.

I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!

-This baptism is the distress of the cross. See Luke 3:16. The wrath of an offended God will be poured out upon Him. See His prayer in the Garden.

Luke 12.51

δοκεῖτε ὅτι εἰρήνην παρεγενόμην δοῦναι ἐν τῇ γῇ; οὐχί, λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀλλ’ ἢ διαμερισμόν.

Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.

-Division, dissension, separation and strife will come.

-God is not nice but He’s good. “Of course He’s not safe, He’s the King, but He’s good.” – CS Lewis

Luke 12.52

ἔσονται γὰρ ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν πέντε ἐν ἑνὶ οἴκῳ διαμεμερισμένοι, τρεῖς ἐπὶ δυσὶν καὶ δύο ἐπὶ τρισίν,

For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three.

-There will be division from now on, from this point. It is the cross which divides.

Luke 12.53

διαμερισθήσονται πατὴρ ἐπὶ υἱῷ καὶ υἱὸς ἐπὶ πατρί, μήτηρ ἐπὶ θυγατέρα καὶ θυγάτηρ ἐπὶ τὴν μητέρα, πενθερὰ ἐπὶ τὴν νύμφην αὐτῆς καὶ νύμφη ἐπὶ τὴν πενθεράν.

They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

- There will be a continuous division from now on.

- -In the Church Christ trumps all earthly ties even to family.

Lutheran Senor Care Reflection

Proper 15
Hebrews 11
Heros of Faith

Law/Gospel Theme: Today’s word is FAITH. Maybe you've said that word often. But what does that mean? The word ‘Faith’ is another word for trust. When we have faith, we are Trusting God’s Promises.

Today we will be reminded that we can trust God no matter what. And we know that He will provide for us in this life and the next.

Life is not always easy. But we can remember God’s promises past and present. And trust He will fulfill future hopes as well.

Sometimes we grow concerned that we need to “do more” for God. Or think that He requires certain actions out of us. The good news of faith is that Faith is not about us. But about God. And what He has already done for us through the work of Christ. The good news of the Gospel is joy in knowing our Savior is powerful trustworthy and sure.

Prayer: Blessed LORD You have caused all Holy scripture to be written for our learning. Grant that we may hear them. Read. Mark. Learn. And take them to heart. That by Your patience and comfort we may embrace and ever hold fast the that blessed hope of everlasting life. Amen

The Bible talks about faith. And says some great things about people who demonstrated faith. The Bible says that faith is being confident and assured of things we hope for. Even if we cannot see it.

Having faith means that we believe even if we cannot be physically a hundred percent sure. Can we see God? Not necessarily…We see evidence of what He has done and continues to do. But we cannot always see His face or touch him with our bodily hands.

Faith means we still know He is there. And that He does wonderful things for us. The Bible talks about people who demonstrated faith. There were people like Noah, who built an ark in anticipation of a flood that hadn’t started yet.

Or there was Abraham. Who left his home to follow God. Or Rahab. Who trusted God when her whole city was collapsing around her. And you can be like those faith “heroes”, too!

But do you know the truly wonderful thing? We don’t have to do anything special to have faith.

It does not depend on us or any sort of actions we might do. Faith is not about us. It’s all about God. It is about what He has already done and what He promises to do.

You see, trust has to do with what we are believing. To trust someone, it helps to know they are worthy of trust.

We know that God is worthy of our trust. He has already proven it, because every promise of the Bible came true!

Because of Jesus. We have all we need and our lives are covered in God’s grace. That’s an amazing thing to put our faith in.

It’s also important to know that faith gives us hope.

Sometimes our lives are not easy. Some of the people in the Bible who demonstrated faith had extreme challenges.

Trusting God does not mean our lives on earth will always go smoothly. But it does mean that we have a future hope for something greater.

We know that there’s a Heavenly home awaiting us. And that God has promised us something much better than anything we could ever imagine.

We trust in Him and put our hope in what He has already done for us. Our Heavenly treasure awaits us one day, And in that we can place our faith!

Prayer: Thank you, LORD for your love and care. Thank you for the words and promises. Help us to have faith. And to believe in your Word. Thank you for all you have done. And for all you promise to do. [1]

[1] Children's Sermon (Hebrews 11:29-12:3) "What is Faith"