Power from God

"Thus, to support the physical and earthly life God has prescribed for us an appropriate earthly and material bread,

which is as common to all people as life itself. But to maintain the spiritual and heavenly life that belongs to believers,

God has sent a living bread that came down from heaven: namely Jesus Christ, who nourishes and maintains

the spiritual life of believers when eaten -- that is, when appropriated and received spiritually by faith."  Belgic Confession, 1561 (printed in our worship folder today)

From A Prayer For Every Day, September 14, I need this one so often:

"My Father, grant me the power to be patient. Deliver me from irritability. Spare me from sharp, unkind words and all self-centeredness and lovelessness. Help me to serve my brothers and sisters without thinking about myself." Amen.

Seven words from this week's lectionary readings:

Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28  - judgment

Exodus 32: 7-14  - wrath  (God's no less)

Psalm 51: 1-10  - purge

I Timothy 1: 12-17  - mercy

Luke 15: 1-10  - found (the sheep, the coin, which represent God finding me.)

I Corinthians 1: 18-24  - power  (in the cross)

Revelation 11  - reign  (latter part of chapter on which Handel's Hallelujah Chorus is based)

God speaks the following to Abraham, Genesis 18:14 "Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?" other versions "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" "Is anything too difficult for the Lord?" This sounds a lot like the angel's word to Mary at the announcement of the conception of Jesus, "For nothing will be impossible with God." (Luke 1:37)

So we give our lives with their burdens, difficulties, problems and sins to God who is steadfast in love for us and faithful in mercy! This is our only comfort.