Devotional Notes Week of Oct. 21

Sunday-Ps.104 will be heard through a hymn (224, blue book) today in church. (the advantages of practicing with the choir). It is a fulsome hymn of creation. Consider writing out a list of ten elements of creation that inspire awe. After going through the grandeur of creation, the hymn asks God to rejoice in this creation. What elements of creation give god cause for joy, do you think? When does God rejoice in you? Monday-One of our members is soon to run a marathon. I sat across from two pastors who are running the same route in STL. It hit me hard that the spiritual life is a marathon and a sprint. Sometimes we need to run from or toward something now and fast. Usually, we are putting one foot in front of another moving toward a far distant finish line. What are the virtues needed for spiritual sprints and spiritual marathons? Tuesday-I start moderating the session meeting for another congregation today. I like the idea in our church that pastors moderate meetings, as the pastor seeks to draw out the ideas and response from the representatives of the congregation, the elders. I think that it limits a pastor trying to use it as an extension of one’s own ideas. I tend to dislike meetings but do admit tha the Spirit moves in and through them constantly. What church board decisions stand out in your mind over the years? Wednesday-I read the new Jesse Stone novel. It’s noteworthy only because the whole Robert B. Parker franchise has continued with different authors taking over his different main characters. It made me think of the “deposit of faith” of the church, where members of each generation hand down the faith and try to be faithful to its author. What are the primary signs of finding and holding true to the deposit of faith in 2012? Thursday-I’ve started the new novel by Michael Chabon, Telegraph Avenue. The man is a master of language. Just in the opening section he speaks of “skateboard wheels unraveling against the asphalt.” Part of me thinks that sermons and devotions should be models of clarity, but at other times, I do prize something that is more than clear but elegant. Do you have favorite religious writers, poets, lyric writers? Do certain writers tend to give you moments of religious insight? . Friday-I was present for a disappointing lecture, more of a loosely structured memoir, by Bishop Robinson in STL recently. I was reminded that the church has a long way to go in dealing with conflict as he recounted death threats against him and his family when he was to be consecrated as bishop in his church. Why is the church often so poor at dealing with conflict? What have you learned about resolving conflict peacefully over the years? Saturday-Last Saturday I went to the official unveiling a large mural at the new site of the Farmer’s Market. I so admire creative people. I do see their inspiration as Spirit-derived, just as the word itself shows. The world can be ugly, and people who add to its store of beauty are treasures. think of some creative people you know and some works you admire. Please consider issuing a prayer of thanks for them.Do you gravitate more toward music or the visual arts? Do you use your preferences to enhance the beauty of your spiritual life?