How Does God Provide?--Nov. 3, 2019

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Great is your steadfast love to us, God,

and your faithfulness endures forever.

In view of your faithful love, Jesus taught us

we need not strive after such things as food,

because we can trust you to provide them;

we should concentrate on your kingdom.

Jesus also taught us to feed the hungry.

Millions of families lack enough food

to escape starvation. Should we say:

Do not worry, God will provide it?

Paul was busy planning his ministry

when a youth required his attention.

He could have continued to teach

and left the boy for you to heal,

but he made himself available

for you to heal through him.

Work through us, dear God,

as we work to find ways

to feed the starving.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 103; 150; 117; 139

Neh. 5:1-9

Acts 20:7-12

Luke 12:22-31

Selected Verses

Ps. 117:2

For great is his steadfast love toward us,
          and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD!

Neh. 5:2

For there were those who said, “With our sons and our daughters, we are many; we must get grain, so that we may eat and stay alive.” 

Acts 20:10-11

But Paul went down, and bending over [the boy] took him in his arms, and said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.”  Then Paul went upstairs, and after he had broken bread and eaten, he continued to converse with [the believers in Troas] until dawn; then he left.

Luke 12:30-31

“…For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them.  Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”  [Jesus, to his disciples]