GOD THE FOODIE

The 14th Sunday after Pentecost

1 KINGS 19:7 (GNT)
The LORD's angel returned and woke him up a second time, saying, “Get up and eat, or the trip will be too much for you.”

ACTS 27:34 (TCEB)
Come on now and take some food. You’re going to need it to survive. And you are going to survive this. You’re not going to lose even one measly hair from your head.

THE ESSENCE
God is concerned about our basic physical needs, such as hunger. 

DAILY FODDER
Sometimes we talk as though God's only real concern is spiritual; or if he is interested in our physical needs, it's so he can advance a spiritualized agenda. Indeed, God is interested in matters of the spirit, but it's hard to miss his overwhelming interest in the phyical wellbeing of people. It pops up throughout the whole biblical storyline. 

PRAYER
Our Father in Heaven, I'm grateful for your ongoing interest in our physical needs, such as hunger. Forgive me for reducing our relationship to pie in the sky. Help me to enjoy the pie that you provide for me now. I bless you for giving us the physical and spiritual food we need each day. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

CONTENT

PSALM 40:17 (GNT)
I am weak and poor, O Lord,
but you have not forgotten me.

PHILIPPIANS 4:12-13 (GNT)
I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.

THE ESSENCE
When we’re living by faith we experience supernatural contentment.

DAILY FODDER
In some religious traditions contentment is the end game. But here contentment is an expression of a greater faith — faith that God is faithful — faith that he has the resources to provide — faith that he knows exactly what I really need at any given moment and will provide accordingly.  

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for remembering me. I confess that sometimes when things aren't going according to my plans I get frustrated and feel forgotten. Help me to release my plans so your will has a place to park in my life. Only then will I experience contentment, in both the ups and downs. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

ENCOUNTERS

PSALM 119:154 (MSG)
Take my side and get me out of this;
give me back my life, just as you promised.

MATTHEW 9:22 (TCEB)
Jesus turned around and looked at the woman. He told her, “Don’t be afraid, my daughter. You’re healed, and it’s because of your faith.” She walked away healed.

THE ESSENCE
Encounters with the Lord are transforming. 

DAILY FODDER
Encounters with the Lord are transforming, therefore, ____________________________.

PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, my advocate to the Father. You love me unconditionally and are always praying to God on my behalf. You want what is best for me. Forgive me when I think I know what is best for my life. Help me surrender my stubborn will to you. You will give me peace beyond all understanding. Thank you. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

WELL RESOURCED

JEREMIAH 31:14 (ABP)
My people will have so much that they can throw a big party!

PHILIPPIANS 4:19 (ABP)
God will open his glorious treasure room to you so that through Christ Jesus all your needs will be met.

THE ESSENCE
God is committed to meeting all our needs, and he has the resources to do so. 

DAILY FODDER
When we start to worry about having enough, it's helpful to use the imagery of Philippians 4:19 to calm down. Picture God's treasure room. Christ is your guide into the room. What's in there? Why does he want to share it with you? 

PRAYER
Generous God, once again I'm reminded that there is no end to your resources. Thank you for being our patron. I confess that I get uneasy when I can't see how you're going to make the transfer from your vault into my life. Help me to trust that Christ Jesus is already in the process of making it happen in his way and according to his wise timing. I've seen what he can do, and I'm going to continue to trust him for everything. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.