In this “Searchlights and Penlights” UCC devotional, Martin Copenhaver quotes Sister Helen Prejean:

“I’m always asking God for a searchlight.  But, instead, God gives me a penlight.”

Copenhaver goes on to say that he’s learning to walk by penlight. Many of us can likely relate to that thinking.

How do we allow more illumination in our lives? Maybe one answer is included in the song  “Christ as a Light” (Prayer of St. Patrick,) performed in this link by John Michael Talbot. Hearing or singing this song provides peace, especially considering omnipresence…

POSSIBLE ACTIONS: Find time to “brighten/focus the penlight,” especially since brightening the path helps during light and dark times

• Spend time in silence, allowing yourself to bask in the light.
• Consider using Copenhaver’s prayer as a breath prayer today: “God, if I can’t have the searchlight, show me how to walk by penlight.”

May we allow ourselves to be surrounded by the light of God, illuminated and illuminating…

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, October 11, 2020:

• • Exodus 32:1-14 and Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 
  • Isaiah 25:1-9 and Psalm 23 
  • Philippians 4:1-9 
  • Matthew 22:1-14

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{NOTE: A few years back my mom and I spent glorious time traveling in South Africa. One bonus of the trip are devotionals – like the one below – with more global perspective…}

Surveying the South African landscape, one can’t help but be pleased by God’s creation. In particular, the creatures here are beautiful and incredible.

Yet amidst this beauty the “circle of life” looms. Watching impala cautiously seeking safe paths, it’s easy to understand the frightening African environment for animals.

Sadly, many humans experience similar instability. The good news is that we humans have the opportunity to support one another plus enjoy a faith-filled life before, during and after these challenging moments. With our faith-based community at the ready, we can more easily lean into life regardless of what comes our way!

ACTION: can you identify someone in your circle of influence who may need a little extra support? Make contact with him/her today and consider ways you can provide a little safer and/or more enjoyable path for that person…

May you enjoy this day with the power of an elephant, the attention of an impala and filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, October 11, 2020:

• • Exodus 32:1-14 and Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 
  • Isaiah 25:1-9 and Psalm 23 
  • Philippians 4:1-9 
  • Matthew 22:1-14

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HUMOR

• Christian Playbook humor links – NEW UPDATES on 10/4

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In his book A Spirituality of Homecoming, Henri J. M. Nouwen says “Following Jesus means that we have to keep walking on the ground, keep struggling.” [if you have time, take a few minutes now and read the rest of the paragraph and following commentary  HERE***]

How can each of us do some small effort to help stem the issues in our communities? Among these in our area this year are COVID-19, racial injustice, economic inequality, climate change, tempering the vitriol surrounding our politics, health care, etc.

One step at a time! ACTIONS may include: wearing a mask WHENEVER in public during pandemic times, having civil conversations even when disagreeing with another’s political views, volunteering to feed those less fortunate, conserving water and more.

Kris Kristoferson co-developed the song “One Day At A Time” in the 1970s and it’s still popular today. A lyrical phrase in that song rings true here: “help me to be all I can be, and all that I am.”

Each of us has a part to play in this world, so let’s go out and help make this a better place to live! May the Spirit move you to walk in new and exciting ways in the upcoming days…

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, October 11, 2020:

• • Exodus 32:1-14 and Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 
  • Isaiah 25:1-9 and Psalm 23 
  • Philippians 4:1-9 
  • Matthew 22:1-14

Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?**  If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE

HUMOR

• Christian Playbook humor links – NEW UPDATES on 10/4

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE

What a blessing to have creative folks in our world helping us to experience moments of WOW.

Today’s focus is on The Poem of Your Life music video featuring music by Michael Card. The lyrics and music are captivating. Adding the visual images here definitely add to the “worship God” moments.

ACTION: Perhaps today is an opportunity to hear the “music” around you, enjoying the music video of your own poem of life…

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, October 4, 2020:

• Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 and Psalm 19 
• Isaiah 5:1-7 and Psalm 80:7-15 
• Philippians 3:4b-14 
• Matthew 21:33-46

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HUMOR

• Christian Playbook humor links – updated on 7/17

CLICK ON ICONS BELOW FOR LINKS TO CHRISTIAN PLAYBOOK PAGES ON DEVOTIONALS, PRAYERS, MUSIC, STUDY AND LOVE