Online Ministry for the Week 10/30 - 11/05 2017

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

God of gentle, loving guidance, who brought the Israelites into a new land, filled with new hope and promise: Be with us today, opening our hearts and spirits to an awareness of your abiding love and presence with us. Help us to place our trust solely in you; for we ask this in Jesus’ Name, Amen

DAILY READINGS

• Monday, October 30, 2017: Psalm 119:41-48 ; Numbers 33:38-39; James 2:8-13
• OR Psalm 119:41-48; Deuteronomy 6:1-9, 20-25; James 2:8-13
• Tuesday, October 31, 2017: Psalm 119:41-48; Exodus 34:29-35; James 2:14-26
• OR Psalm 119:41-48; Deuteronomy 10:10-22; James 2:14-26
• Wednesday, November 1, 2017: All Saints Day
• Thursday, November 2, 2017: Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 1:1-11; Romans 2:17-29
• OR Psalm 43; 1 Samuel 2:27-36; Romans 2:17-29
• Friday, November 3, 2017: Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 2:1-14; 2 Peter 2:1-3
• OR Psalm 43; Ezekiel 13:1-16; 2 Peter 2:1-3
• Saturday, November 4, 2017: Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; Joshua 2:15-24; Matthew 23:13-28
• OR Psalm 43; Malachi 1:6-2:9; Matthew 23:13-28 
• Sunday, November 5, 2017: Proper 26 (31)

Psalm 34:1-10, 22

34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

34:2 My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.

34:3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.

34:4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.

34:5 Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed.

34:6 This poor soul cried, and was heard by the LORD, and was saved from every trouble.

34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.

34:9 O fear the LORD, you his holy ones, for those who fear him have no want.

34:10 The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

34:22 The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

ABUNDANT HEALTH

Liquid Calories

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:8-9 (NIV)

One thing you could do to dramatically improve your health and lose weight is this: Don’t drink liquid sugar calories. This means soda, sports drinks, flavored coffees or teas, energy drinks, juices (except fresh-made vegetable juices).

Liquid calories get deposited directly as that dreaded belly fat. They turn your liver into a fat factory, triggering more insulin resistance and starting a vicious cycle. They mess with your head, increasing your appetite, and keep you from feeling full so you eat more than you normally would in a day. Bottom line: Stick to water or unsweetened, non-caffeinated teas.

—Dr. Mark Hyman

The Daniel Plan brief excerpt from The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a HealthierLife by Rick Warren, DMin; Daniel Amen, MD; & Mark Hyman, MD (Zondervan). © 2013 by The Daniel Plan. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

O Lord our God, you are completely righteous and good. In Christ, you call us to worship you in Spirit and truth. Help us to connect our faith with our daily actions. Thank you for the freedom to gather and worship you. Please protect our Christian brothers and sisters in every land. May our church contribute to an unending flow of justice for those in need. Amen.