July 12



Scarcity Brings Much Gratitude


Wednesday, July 12


€ Israel is a luxuriant vine
whose fruit matches its growth.
The more abundant his fruit,
the more altars he built;
The more productive his land,
the more sacred pillars he set up.
Hosea 10: 1

Prosperity makes faith so difficult. Always ready to take full credit for any harvest, we are acutely aware of our own hard work, planning and ingenuity. Truly, any clever and industrious farmer deserves praise, but what about the rich nutrients of the soil, the timely appearance of rainfall and sunshine, to say nothing of the mystery of the seed itself?

We so easily forget the long list of things we have been given, things we could never have procured on our own. Add a dash of adversity to the mixture, and everything changes. A bout of fever brings great gratitude for a glass of water, the loss of a dear friend puts the smallest kindness in high relief and nothing so much as a drought raises our appreciation for the gift of rainfall.

In times of plenty, Lord, may I turn to you with thanks and praise.


	Mark Neilsen



Hosea 10: 1-3 , 7-8, 12
Psalm 105:2-7 0 Matthew 10:1-7

Scarcity Brings Much Gratitude Wednesday, July 12 € Israel is a luxuriant vine whose fruit matches its growth. The more abundant his fruit, the more altars he built; The more productive his land, the more sacred pillars he set up. Hosea 10: 1

Wednesday, July 12 € Israel is a luxuriant vine whose fruit matches its growth. The more abundant his fruit, the more altars he built; The more productive his land, the more sacred pillars he set up. Hosea 10: 1

Scarcity Brings Much Gratitude
Wednesday, July 12 € Israel is a luxuriant vine whose fruit matches its growth. The more abundant his fruit, the more altars he built; The more productive his land, the more sacred pillars he set up. Hosea 10: 1