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Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.

Forward Day By Day SUNDAY, July 26 8 Pentecost
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SUNDAY, July 26 8 Pentecost

Ephesians 3:14-21. To know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Potluck dinners are the modern version of two stories in today's scriptures. People show up with a dish and an entire gathering is well-fed, no matter that no one knew how many would come, or that some would not be able to bring anything.

Once during Lent at my church, nothing but desserts appeared. Some grumbled, some were joyful. But regardless, dessert is what we ate. After that, a system was assigned for bringing certain dishes according to last name.

But I've always thought God meant us to indulge in a feast of desserts that evening. It is something most of us have longed for but never actually done.

Today's readings get our attention through our stomachs, so we can begin to understand something so much richer. That is the breadth and length and height and depth of God's love for us. Chewing on this reading, we begin to be nourished and full and satisfied.

PRAY for the Diocese of Wakefield (York, England)

Ps 14 and 2 Samuel 11:1-15 –OR–  Ps 145:10-19 and 2 Kings 4:42-44; John 6:1-21

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

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Life's short, eat dessert first...

Jul 26, 2009 at 9:53 am

Written by Judy,

My title is often quoted within our immediate family because desserts are so tempting. At my church we sign up under salad, meat, veggie, or dessert based on the first letter of our last name. It is an orderly way to provide a well balanced meal, but I've often wondered how well-balanced our meals would be if everyone brought what THE HOLY SPIRIT led them to bring, such as all desserts. God laughs. What a time to laugh and be joyful in the Lord-- to throw caution to the wind and be so "child-like" as to enjoy dessert only. If our daily meals are healthy, then an occasional dessert indulgence will not endanger our physical health and may be good for our spiritual health. Among the favorite memories of my deceased Mother is of the few times we just skipped lunch and indulged in a very filling banana split. We both so thoroughly enjoyed our dessert-lunch that I still smile whenever I remember those special times; it's as if she's right here smiling with me.

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