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June 15, 2008 - 5th Sunday after Pentecost
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, "I am
God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and
you, and will make you exceedingly numerous." Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to
him, "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of
nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have
made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and
I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant
between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an
everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.
-- Genesis 17:1-7
God initiated a relationship with Abraham and Sarah, choosing them to become parents
of a multitude of nations. God had already created Abraham and Sarah, but God wanted more
for them. God wanted to be in relationship with Abraham and Sarah and the multitude that
followed, blessing them with the knowledge of God and all that God desired for their lives.
Through God's faithfulness, all promises made to Abraham and Sarah were fulfilled.
God blesses us every moment whether we are aware of these blessings or not. The
blessings are returned to the giver however when they are noticed and appreciated. God not
only blesses us but desires that we notice the blessings, give thanks, and then share with
others.
What blessings are you thankful for today?
We pray: God of compassion, you have opened the way for us and brought us to
yourself. Pour your love into our hearts, that, overflowing with joy, we may freely share
the blessings of your realm and faithfully proclaim the good news of your Son,
Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
Lessons for the 5th Sunday after Pentecost:
Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible,
copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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