​Bible Readings:
The Ninth Sunday of Pentecost
August 6 & 7, 2022
 
“Worry is a Waste…Here’s Why” Luke 12:22-34
 
FIRST READING  Genesis 15:1-6 (NIV ’84)
1 After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."  2 But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?"  3 And Abram said, "You have given me no children; so, a servant in my household will be my heir."  4 Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir."  5 He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars-- if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be."  6 Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
 
SECOND READING  Hebrews 11:1-10 (NIV ’84)
1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  2 This is what the ancients were commended for.  3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.  4 By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.  5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.  7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.  8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed, and went, even though he did not know where he was going.  9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.  10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
 
GOSPEL READING  Luke 12:22-34 (NIV “84) (Sermon Text)
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.  23 Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.  24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap; they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!  25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?  27 "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!  29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.  32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.  33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near, and no moth destroys.  34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.