Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.
Thus says the LORD: If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech; If you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted…Then the LORD will guide you always and give you plenty even on the parched land. He will renew your strength, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails. (Isaiah 58:9-14)
BESTOW YOUR BREAD ON THE HUNGRY: The “serve others” philosophy did not originate with the teachings of Jesus. The message of God, spoken through the prophets from early on, has been clear: When you serve others, you serve God.
God wants our focus away from ourselves. When we do that, we accomplish two things. First, we show others that they have value. We build them up and affirm them.
However, by focusing outward, we leave ourselves vulnerable. After all, if we are not looking out for ourselves, who is? Which brings me to the second thing we accomplish: We put our trust in God.
From the Deacon's Desk 
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