Ordinary Time: Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Say a special pray for all the kids that start back to school today, their teachers and other school staff as well. Also remember a little girl named Sarah Stoddard that starts kindergarden

Old Testament Lesson

2 Samuel 9:1-13

In spite of all that Saul had done to David, in spite of all the ways that that Saul had sought to hurt David, oppose David, stand against David, David was determined to do right by Saul. Even after Saul's dead, David still wanted to do what was right by Saul's descendants and servants.

David would not let Saul's actions control how David responded to Saul. David was going to do what was right, regardless. Today, may we be like David. The only thing we can control is ourselves; no one else. No matter how folks act towards us in this day, may we respond with grace.

New Testament Lesson

Acts 19:1-10

We see here Gentiles saved. Paul went and told the Gentiles of the Good News, all that turned to God would be saved. That was the action that lead to salvation, not any correct action — the action was an action of faith. Turning to Jesus Christ in faith. That's it, that's the list. Today, may we remember that we are saved by anything we can do. We are saved by belief in Christ. That's it. May we remember we don't have to earn God's love. It's freely given. Today, and always.

Gospel Lesson

Mark 8:34-9:1

Now, turning to Jesus in faith will change who we are. We are not saved by taking up our cross. We take up our cross because we are saved. As John Wesley said, "We are not saved because we do good works; we do good works because we are saved." As people of faith, that live in the glory and grace of God, may the faith that we have change who we are.