Please click on the link below to view the service bulletin for Sunday, July 26, 2026.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Tw-6y9Te3BXhBFaEnzl_X0qd6OC12XvQ9uJrG9pEeq8/edit?usp=sharing

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Deuteronomy 7:6-9 “You are a people holy to the LORD your God.”

Psalm 125 “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion.”

Romans 8:28-39 God works for the good of those who love Him.

Matthew 13:44-52 The kingdom of heaven.

Collect of the Day

Almighty and everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope, and love, that, receiving what You have promised, we may love what You have commanded; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Theme

“God never gives you more than you can handle.” These words are often used to try to comfort someone who is suffering. These words are often spoken as if this is what the Scriptures teach about suffering. However, these words are not found in the Scriptures. Nor is the idea that you never face more than you can handle. This not-so-helpful idea is loosely based on today’s Epistle, “all things work together for good,” and 1 Corinthians 10:13, that God “will not let you be tempted beyond your ability.” While it’s a well-intended comment, “God never gives you more than you can handle” is simply not true. Life does sometimes give us more than we can handle. If we could handle these things and more, then why would we even need God? Instead of protecting us from more than we can handle, God handles what we can’t handle. Joseph couldn’t handle it when his brothers sold him into slavery. But God handled it as He guided Joseph toward leadership in Egypt. What amazing news it is that no matter what might happen to you in this life, even when you can’t handle it at all and you feel like your life is crumbling to pieces, God can handle it!

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Martin Luther’s Morning Prayer

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Martin Luther’s Evening Prayer

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.