Good Morning, Church Family!

In our journey of faith, there are moments when we find ourselves struggling with doubt. We question God's promises, timing, and even His power to fulfill what He has promised. However, Genesis 18:1-15 reminds us that nothing is too hard for God. 

Genesis 18:1-15 (NIV) reads:

1 The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. 2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.

3 He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. 4 Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. 5 Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.”

“Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.”

6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.”

7 Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.

9 “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him.

“There, in the tent,” he said.

10 Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”

Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. 11 Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?”

13 Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

15 Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.”

But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.”

Reflective Questions

• Do you ever doubt God's promises due to your circumstances or age? Sarah's doubt arose from the apparent impossibility of her situation. Reflect on moments when you doubted God because the circumstances seemed too challenging.
• Have you experienced God's faithfulness in situations that seemed impossible? Think of times when God came through for you despite your doubts or the seemingly insurmountable challenges you faced.
• How can patience strengthen your faith? God's promise to Abraham and Sarah required patience. Waiting on God can be challenging, but it's often in the waiting that our faith is refined. Reflect on how patience has played a role in your own journey of faith.
• What can you learn from Abraham's immediate response to his visitors? How can you practice hospitality?

Genesis 18:1-15 serves as a powerful reminder that nothing is too hard for God. Even when we doubt, God remains faithful to His promises. It also underscores the importance of patience in our faith journey. As we reflect on our own doubts and struggles, let's remember that God's power transcends our limitations, and His timing is always perfect. 

Embrace your doubts as opportunities for growth and trust that nothing is too hard for the God who created the heavens and the earth. 

Remember Psalm 139 and that you are fearfully and wonderfully made with purpose and responsibility. We pray you boldly proclaim your divine identity as an image bearer, using your unique gifting to love and serve God, one another, and your neighbor. 

May you be blessed as you are a blessing to others. 

In addition to first aid kits, we also have three Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) on campus.  AEDs are designed to provide immediate aid to someone experiencing a cardiac event.  One AED is in the bell tower area at the rear of the sanctuary, one is in Souers Hall, just outside the kitchen, and the third is in the office.  The best part is that there is no special knowledge or training necessary to use an AED.   Turn on the AED and follow the directions it gives you.  The AED will tell you to open the victim's shirt, pull the adhesive pad with its attached wires out of the AED case, and place the pad on the victim's chest. The AED will then monitor the victim's cardiac function.  At this point, the AED may or may not tell you to administer a shock via the clearly marked button. Follow the instructions the AED gives you.  AEDs literally save thousands of lives every year in America.  An AED could save you or me.

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
8 and 9:15am in Sanctuary
10:45am in Souers Community Hall

OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Thursday ~ 9am to 4pm

300 North Old Litchfield Road
Litchfield Park, AZ  85340
(623) 935-3411
info@clp.church
https://clp.church