Last Sunday’s Exodus reading provided God’s self-description: merciful, gracious, slow to anger, kind, and loyal.  This week, in Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a, we are told of the love, guidance, and protection God gave the people, and Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20 lists even more things God has done for the people.  As promised, God offered the ancient ones protection, security, and peace. As God’s children today, we can trust that we, too, as part of the family of God, receive God’s gifts.