August 11, 2019

Scriptures for August 11th: Isaiah 1:1.10-20, Psalm 50:1-8,22-23, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40: Theme: What does it mean to have faith Hebrews: What does it mean when people say keep the faith? Why is faith important. This letter defines faith as believing in things that we cannot see. If we can see it clearly, then we know where we are headed and what we are supposed to do. But most of life is lived in a place where we don’t have all of the answers. And yet, decisions need to be made, we need to move forward. Faith in God is a way to keep us centered and headed in the right direction. We don’t know what the future – but we know who holds the future – God. God is always on our side. Isaiah: This is the very first chapter of the book of Isaiah. We will be reading from this book for the rest of the lectionary year. This book will follow the history of the Isrealites through a very dark time in history, to the time when they finally go home and their life is restored. As the people are reflecting on the bad things that have happened, they are comparing their times to a time long ago, when God said that God would destroy Sodom and Gomorrah for their sins, but they survived. Isaiah is explaining to them that their sin was much worse, so their punishment was much worse. But God also cares for them much more, and will forgive them if they repent. That is the good news of Isaiah’s prophecy. Questions: How do you keep your faith in an uncertain world? What does faith mean to you? What are the trials that God has brought you through? How do you know that God loves you?