Sunday We read of the feeding of the multitude in Mt. 14:13-21 today, July 31.It is an enacted parable on abundance, no? Some people think they the people were induced to share. Others see it as a miracle of abundance where a little is transformed into plenty, with more left over than what they started with. I would like us to consider applying this to our emotional lives. We act as if words and deeds of love are a scarce resource. We want to manage the good within, but in using it we see expansion and abundance, not in measuring them out with a medicine dropper.

Monday- Some people speak of facebook friends. They may feel closer to them than the flesh and blood friends. Virtual reality is making inroads into our minds. I celebrate the idea that the computer connections allow long lost people to emerge in one's life.It is an extension of the idea of the communion of saints, that we are bound together in our baptism across distance and time.

 

Tuesday Anger was our subject last week at the 9:30 bible Study. It was remarkable to hear how people had learned signals of an anger attack welling up and different ways they had learned to cope with anger over the years. A few folks shared how uncomfortable and upsetting they found the anger of others. Anger can be a good internal study. what angers us? Then to use god's question to Jonah, does it do you good to be angry? it may be a good idea to release some anger but constant catharsis only feeds anger. Far better to learn how to cope with it, control it, and channel it.As Scripture says, be angry but do not sin.

 

 

Wednesday The is the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the bible (KJV). The work was completed by teams of translators working at different universities. Some names are known to us only because they were translators of the Bible, even though they often agreed with Tyndale's earlier translation that was done entirely on his own and often on the run. they were determined to try to get elevated language to emphasize the majesty of God but at the same time to be as good and accurate a translation as they could.

 

Thursday-A Puritan writer spoke of the difficulty of having purity of heart, where one's desires are attuned to God's. "Heart work is hard work," he said.It reflects the words of James on being single-minded for god as opposed to what he calls being double minded, confused about the direction we should take. Yes, we are saved by grace. The task of living as a recipient of that grace is lifelong and difficult. No exploration is as tortuous as the road into the human heart and mind.

 

Friday The psychologist Martin  Seligman has a new book on flourishing.It builds on positive thinking. In his work, people who tend to their relationships, who are engaged by projects, who find meaning in their lives, accomplish something, and look to the good that can happen have a greater sense of well-being. the practices he suggests for attaining these pillars are simple Christian virtues and actions that can be seen in the fruit or gifts of the Spirit or the advice sections at the end of many of the epistles.

Saturday-Avery Brooke prayed:"Remind me o God to take time off, and not to feel guilty when I do." We make hard work a virtue, but can it be the virtue of a good life? Even god took sabbath rest after the creation. With new caffeine products, limited sleep, we push ourselves. Yes, idle hands are the devil's workshop, but so is constant, dutiful busyness. It too weakens our defenses and makes us more prone to mistakes. We need time to rest and refuel, to enjoy this life god has gifted us.