Association of Lutheran Resource Centers

Blog home for the Association of Lutheran Resource Centers (ALRC).

Food

Posted on March 20, 2011 by Karen Matthias-Long

(I posted this on my Lenten devotional blog, but thought it was worth posting here, too – as a way to share a wonderful book,  to share a way to feed the hungry that will make your mouth drop and to share a worship idea.)

“It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4

It suddenly occurred to me today that the same part of the body I use for eating is the same part of the body from which I speak. My mouth is a tool used for both things. Not just eating. Not just speaking. Here are a few thoughts that came to mind when I read this passage:

  • One does not live by bread ALONE. God’s word is also food….words that come from a mouth. This picture of the bird and chicks is how I imagine God when I read this passage. God is like a mother bird that feeds her scrawny hatch-lings – their mouths eager for this food that the mother bird offers. I need both earthly food and God’s word to truly live.
  • Eating is spiritual – or at least, should be. How many

Worship as nourishment

Posted on June 18, 2010 by Julie Aageson

As I read and reflect this summer, I’m encouraged by so many things.  At worship this morning, the spirit of God’s presence was tangible—in the liturgy, in a baptism where the pastor took obvious pleasure in the fact that he’d confirmed the young mother, officiated at their wedding, and baptized the three-year old brother of the little new-born.  The sermon was compelling and thoughtful.  Prayers were shared for people in the congregation, for the community, for other denominations.  Projects were announced that clearly illustrate “God’s work, our hands.”

This congregation truly is about “being church.”   They practice being Christ’s presence in the world.  I went away fed with bread and wine, blessed, forgiven, and marked with the wondrous grace of God’s love.

*  What do you find encouraging or nourishing to you as we enter this season of summer?