Open Word

FIRST READING

Genesis 14:17-24

Verse 17. After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). Verse 18. Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine — since he was priest of God Most High — Verse 19. and he blessed Abram and said: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, Verse 20. and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything. Verse 21. The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, but take the goods for yourself.” Verse 22. But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, Verse 23. that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ Verse 24. I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share for the men who went with me— Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. They may take their portion.”

PSALM

Psalm 27

Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— whom shall I dread?

When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.

Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.

One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.

For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock.

Then my head will be held high above my enemies around me. At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.

Hear, O LORD, my voice when I call; be merciful and answer me.

My heart said, “Seek His face.” Your face, O LORD, I will seek.

Hide not Your face from me, nor turn away Your servant in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or forsake me, O God of my salvation.

Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors.

Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.

Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!

SECOND READING

Philippians 3:17-20

Verse 17. Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you. Verse 18. For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Verse 19. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things. Verse 20. But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,