Monday, July 15, 2013

Devotional Pts. week of July 14

July 14, Sunday-Ps.82 is a parade example of the development of religious thought in the Scriptures. It imagines less a monotheism than God being the CEO among the gods of the other nations. Still, they all seem insistent that they all expect justice and equity to be established, especially to the most vulnerable in society. Where have your ideas in religion evolved?

Monday- This prayer suggestion comes from ira Kent Groff. Kythe in Old English means to "feel close to," as folks say, "they're kith and kin."[i] Kything is a way to practice the gift of imagination. Visualizing another as complete, uplifted, is an empowering way to pray without words, "holding the person in the Light," a Quaker phrase.... allow the face of someone you love to come to mind. Center, and picture the person you want to pray for in the Light: Hold their face in your mind's eye. Now try placing your arms and hands in an X shape across your chest for several minutes, holding them in your heart (see Philippians 1:7). Dropping your hands... releasing your loved one to the arms of God, letting go-the hardest job parents or caregivers have.

Tuesday-We read the Good Samaritan story on Sunday. I saw a living example as our daughter’s fellow brilliant graduate students helped her move. One rarely equates graduate student with muscle. They were so helpful and cheerful doing some difficult labor. One said that he did it in hopes that he will get help in moving, but another said that if he has the time, he is happy to do it, unconditional help in other words.

Wednesday-I saw an alarming question on belief net, if our sou8ls are being stolen?” In Reformed tradition that cannot happen, as the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints insists that God gives us what we need to protect our souls. So, better put, what things threaten to steal your soul if thye could/ Where would you be tempted to let your soul be swept away by a current?

Thursday-Moving is stressful. I always find it dispiriting. Part of it is reliving memories. Part of it is deciding what shards of a life to relinquish. Part of it is the empty echoes of a room once full of furniture and people. the excitement of a new place fades in the light of loss for me.

Friday-Due to Susie’s alert eye, I am going to the Wildey Theater to see a singer/songwriter, Randall Bramblett. He has an eye for the down and out, a bit of a southern Springsteen. He speaks of “rusted dreams” and “bar wire stars that whisper you just might live.” What songwriters or poets speak to you/ When does a song come on that youjust must singa long with due to its lyrics?


Saturday-It is our youngest child’s, Jocelyn’s, 21st birthday today. Not surprisingly, I am stunned that she is a rising college senior, as I recall the holy moment of hearing her heartbeat on the early ultrasound machines. Hosea 11 hints that god looks at us as if we were grown children. What are your early, storng memories of a child, or as a child?

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