HELP!

ISAIAH 50:7 (ABP)
Because GOD helps me, I will avoid disgrace.

MATTHEW 14:30 (CEV)
When Peter saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink. He shouted, “Lord, save me!”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Because God is available to help we are saved on many levels.

DAILY FODDER
How would you say that Jesus saves people from shame and disgrace? 

PRAYER
Faithful God, you are present for us in both the good and bad times. I admit that I can be embarrased to ask for help, unless I feel really desperate. Teach me to look to you early so that I can avoid unnecessary trauma. I'm so glad to have Jesus as my Savior. 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.

BREAD

The 17th Sunday after Pentecost

DEUTERONOMY 6:11-12 (ABP)
But once you've eaten as much as you want, be careful so that you don't forget the Lord.

JOHN 6:32 (MSG)
Jesus responded, “The real significance of that Scripture is not that Moses gave you bread from heaven but that my Father is right now offering you bread from heaven, the real bread...”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Remember the God behind the bread. 

DAILY FODDER
Why is it that once we have everything we need, our conversations with God become fewer and further between? How do we fix that? 

PRAYER
Master Baker, thank you for filling my stomach, indeed my life, with all that I need. How is it, though, that once I'm full I forget about your role in my life. Save me from slipping into a mindless autopilot mode. Keep me mindful and aware, even on autopilot. I'm going to continually celebrate the Bread from Heaven. 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.

CRISIS CALLING

PSALM 94:19 (CEB)

When my anxieties multiply,

your comforting calms me down.

LUKE 22:42-43 (CEV)
  “Father, if you will, please don't make me suffer by drinking from this cup.But do what you want, and not what I want.”
  Then an angel from heaven came to help him.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God meets us in the moments of crisis; so don't worry over the troubles. 

DAILY FODDER
What is the difference between worrying over a crisis and being properly responsive to it? 

PRAYER
Faithful God, just as you were there with your Son when was about to be arrested, so are you present with us even during the crises. Forgive me for thinking that I should be immune from all the difficulties. Save me from my anxieties. I'm going to rest in the awareness of your presence. 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.

ADVOCATE

PSALM 17:7 (MSG)
Paint grace-graffiti on the fences;
take in your frightened children who
Are running from the neighborhood bullies
straight to you.

1 PETER 4:14 (CEB)
If you are mocked because of Christ’s name, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory—indeed, the Spirit of God—rests on you.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Even when you're mocked because of your relationship with Christ, count on God's Spirit to be there for you — indeed, to bless you. 

DAILY FODDER
How does it feel knowing that you'll always have an advocate?

PRAYER
God, it is empowering to know that your Spirit is there for us even when the world turns against us. Forgive me for getting rattled everytime someone says a snarky thing about me and my faith. Save me from thinking of myself as a victim and embolden me to serve you, knowing that the jerks out there can't ubdermine your blessing. I'm going to live like someone who has the greatest advocate of all — because I do. 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.