Sunday Devotional for 072124

July 21, 2024
SILENT MEDITATION: “If you really think about it, Jesus Christ can be found in every book in the Bible…. From Genesis to Revelation, the entire Bible is about Jesus. Though not all of them specifically mention Jesus’ name, the scriptures point to Him one way or another.” - Judy Ponio
The musical prelude invites us to become
quiet and reverent in God’s house.
PRELUDE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP:
Pastor: Praise God for his daily mercies.
People: Praise God for his daily love and grace.
Pastor: We call upon the Lord to empower us.
People: Empower us, Lord, to declare who you are to a world that needs you.
Pastor: We call upon the Lord to inspire us;
People: Inspire us, Lord, to inspire others with the truth of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
*HYMN OF PRAISE:
The Church’s One Foundation
PROFESSION OF FAITH
We believe that God gives the world many ways to know him:
The creation shows his power and majesty;
He speaks through prophets, poets, and apostles, and, most fully and clearly, through his Son, Jesus Christ;
And the Holy Spirit, active from the beginning, moved human beings to write the Word of God, and opens our hearts to hear God’s voice.
PRAYER OF INVOCATION
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Pastor: If we walk in the light, as He is in the light,
People: We have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.
Pastor: If we claim to be without sin,
People: We deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Pastor: If we confess our sins,
People: He is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
SILENCE FOR REFLECTION AND CONFESSION
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S GRACE
CHILDREN’S TIME
*PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
*OUR LORD’S PRAYER (debts)
READING OF THE SCRIPTURES
2 Samuel 7:1-14a
Psalm 89:20-37
Mark 6:30-35, 53-56
MESSAGE: Dropping Hints
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
OFFERTORY RESPONSE
We Give Thee But Thine Own
We give Thee but Thine own,
Whate’er the gift may be;
All that we have is Thine alone,
A trust, O Lord, from Thee. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*HYMN OF DEDICATION:
Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee
THE COMMISSION AND BENEDICTION
Pastor: May God call us away to bless us with rest.
People: In God, we find peace.
Pastor: May our Shepherd watch over us day and night.
People: In Christ, we dwell secure.
Pastor: May the Spirit anoint us with holy love.
People: In the Spirit, we find healing.
Pastor: Go as the beloved family of God. Amen.
THE RESPONSE
God Be with You, verse 1
God be with you till we meet again;
By his counsels guide, uphold you,
With his sheep securely fold you;
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, till we meet,
till we meet at Jesus’ feet.
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.
POSTLUDE
Thoughts for Reflection:
1. Have you ever read a mystery novel or watched a mystery on TV or in the movies? How good were you at following the hints, and figuring out whodunnit?
2. Can you think of places in the Bible where God gives “hints” about the mercy and grace found in Jesus Christ?
3. Do you have a favorite hymn that talks about God’s love for us?