Dear Friends in Christ-
This third Sunday of Lent we return to the call of Abram in Genesis 12:1-4a, as we prepare for a Communion Sunday. God spoke to our ancestor and told him to go away from his family and homeland to a new place that God would show him (and Sarai). God would bless Abram and Sarai and from them would come a great nation. God would make them and their descendants a blessing to others, making their name great and known, for through them all people of the earth would be blessed. Abram listened to God, and Abram and Sarai, along with Abram’s nephew Lot, followed God’s instructions and left their home. The Call of Abram 12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." 4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Call narratives are autobiographical or third-person stories in which YHWH calls, ordains, or commissions a prophet or other figure to undertake some task or official function. Here, Abram is called to Service, and God establishes a covenant with the people through Abram (and Sarai). By this established relationship, they will be known as Abraham and Sarah. God's election of the family of Abraham and Sarah as a chosen and special vehicle of God's blessing affirms God's continuing commitment to humans and the world in spite of their rebellion, violence and evil. 'God will not let go of God's creation.' The promise to Abraham and Sarah marks one of the most dramatic transitions in the entire story of the Old Testament. The text draws them into a journey that leaves behind an old life and looks forward to a future not yet seen. The season of Lent is a season that helps us to let go of old commitments and burdens and sets us free to journey into new territories, new promises, new hopes, and new lives. How is your Lent gong? Have you realized a new possibility? What is working? What yet needs to change? Remember, 'God will not let go of God's creation.' In His Service, P Jim ♥️⚓️ ♡Special thanks to Rev. Mindi, workingpreacher, Hope for the Broken Hearted and/or Star Bright Angels for their contribution to this effort of Daily Prayer and Study. All scripture is taken from the Revised Common Lectionary and, unless otherwise indicated, from the New International Version of the Bible. The intent of this effort is to inform our faith and grow closer to God, while preparing for next Sunday's Worship. ~James 4:8 <x>< Comments are closed.
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ZOOM WORSHIP SERVICE
SUNDAY @ 11 AM To join by phone, dial (929) 205-6099 and enter the meeting ID and password below: Meeting ID: 876 1875 9099 Password 333 PrayerGracious Loving Lord, please keep all of your children safe in these trying times. Guide us. Open our ears to hear, our eyes to see, our minds to understand and our hearts to know and be your love to others. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Want to support RLUMC and our missions? Donate Today
Prayer Chain
For those wishing to activate our Church Prayer Chain, contact Barbara Hurley 518-307-8238 If you want the concern to remain confidential among prayer chain members only please feel free to make that request when calling. Archives
September 2023
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