MORNING STAR

NUMBERS 24:17 (NLT)
A star will rise from Jacob;
a scepter will emerge from Israel.

REVELATION 22:16 (MSG)
I, Jesus, sent my Angel to testify to these things for the churches. I’m the Root and Branch of David, the Bright Morning Star.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Jesus is God's bright star, most visible as the new day is about to break.

DAILY FODDER
Have you been up early enough to see the Morning Star? This star is really the planet Venus, which becomes visible right before dawn. Why is the Morning Star a metaphor for Jesus?

PRAYER
Bright Morning Star, thank you for signaling the new day. Forgive my failure to notice your striking presence. I'm often too asleep to notice. Renew my energy for you so I can reflect your light to the dark world around me. I am encouraged by the hope of your glowing 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.

GOOD BEYOND OUR DOING

PSALM 65:11 (NLT)
You crown the year with a bountiful harvest...

ACTS 14:17 (MSG)
He made a good creation, poured down rain and gave bumper crops. When your bellies were full and your hearts happy, there was evidence of good beyond your doing.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The blessings we receive are evidence of good beyond our doing.

DAILY FODDER
Name 10 ways you have been blessed today. 

PRAYER
God, your goodness is beyond imaging. Creation testifies to your glory. Your blessed bounty springs forth year after year. I am sorry for hoarding, wanting more than I need. Break into my hard heart. Let joy rush in, that I might share your gifts with the hungry. Teach me to live in ways that help others see your grace. 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.

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.