Do not fret…it leads only to evil. ~ Psalm 37:8-9 

Know someone who likes to fret? Of a cherished family member, my uncle says: “if you don’t think you’re worrying enough about something, let me know and I’ll contact {insert name here} – – she’ll do some worrying for you!”  🙂

Christian Playbook efforts are made less stressful by friends and CP readers sending materials. This Forward Day By Day devotional (HERE) comes from such a friend (thanks Joan!) The devotional author shares several meanings of the word “fret” including “… to fret is also to gradually wear away or wear down something by rubbing or gnawing.” The author then follows up, in the context of Psalm 37, by saying:

What if the worrying and obsessing that I do over the things I cannot control is the very thing that most wears me down and gnaws at my peace?

Can you relate, or do you know someone who could? Maybe answering this “MOVING FORWARD” question {taken from the Forward Day By Day post HERE} will help? “How can you approach fretting in a new way?”

PRAYER: Dear God, help us approach fretting in a new way, allowing the wearing down to become building up with you!

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit !

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, September 12, 2021:

• Proverbs 1:20-33 and Psalm 19 or Wisdom of Solomon 7:26 – 8:1 
• Isaiah 50:4-9a and Psalm 116:1-9 
• James 3:1-12 
• Mark 8:27-38

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Reviewing past CP postings can provide some nice reminders. This one from 5 years ago…

Three of us arrived at the jail, greeted by 31 men for worship. Early on we did Amazing Grace – it’s a frequent starting tune for worship because most everyone knows it. Yet on this day, virtually no one was singing; a troubling sign, for sure …

A transformation happened over the course of our scripture-prayer-song formatted worship … by the time we were done the men encouraged one another to stand while praying the joys and concerns. The final song – If I Had a Hammer – was enjoyed with virtually everyone singing along, including some dancing with virtually all energized.

A magical hour of worshiping God, fueled by the Spirit, for sure!

That posting closed with these words:

Even on those days when the Spirit doesn’t immediately seem to be working through you, have confidence and persevere, knowing that your love and caring can shine through in the most unexpected ways and circumstances…

We’re experiencing similar worship with our New England Club community right now – OVER THE PHONE (they are in COVID-19 isolation for a few more days!) For some it’s hard to imagine getting inspiration from listening to a worship service while holding the phone up to one’s ear. Yet, that’s been our experience. Allowing the word of God into our lives is the key, however that is received – phone, radio, TV, in-person, YouTube, FB Live, Zoomin’, email, Instagram, podcasts, Twitter, Tik Tok and more – – much more!

Enjoy the day, filled with the amazing Spirit and unbridled love that can come so abundantly to “Jesus people!”

CHURCH BILLBOARD:  In the 23rd Psalm there is peace and calm…

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, September 5, 2021:

• Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 and Psalm 125 
• Isaiah 35:4-7a and Psalm 146 
• James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17 
• Mark 7:24-37

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“I’ve heard of a coincidence, yet I’ve never seen one”

The quote above, uttered on many an occasion by friend Jim O. is a nice reminder of synchronicity and the Creator’s hand clearly at work in so much of life’s journey.

The last few days have provided such moments of our Creator staying present coupled with the smiles that can come along from such experiences.

• Chris D. recently mentioned a quote from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (page 247): “I am nearer than you dare believe, closer than the air you breathe”
• During blessed time with Mark M. similar ideas came up again, bringing to mind the song Breathe by Michael W. Smith. Take a listen HERE if you have a few minutes.

Two good friends. Two blessed gatherings. Two men allowing the Spirit to move through them in deeper-than-many discussions leading to wonderful conversation about the Creator’s work in-and-through our lives.

Where do you find the Creator at work in your life today (possibly masked as coincidence by some?)  The smile of a stranger? The warmth of the sun? A friend’s joyous wager? A child giggling in fun?

ENJOY the air you breathe on this special day, filled with the Spirit!!!

P.S. The song Breathe has been added to our Christian Playbook music site on YouTube HERE. Listening to a few such songs can certainly stir some satisfying smiles…

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, September 5, 2021:

• Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 and Psalm 125 
• Isaiah 35:4-7a and Psalm 146 
• James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17 
• Mark 7:24-37

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Riding the Rapids is the title of the Our Daily Bread devotional HERE. Many of us have a kayaking style of going for the rapids, but only with proper preparation and a dose of caution. Maybe that’s why the article resonates so much, with description of preparations for weight distribution, detailed directions, etc..

Which detailed directions would we describe as being helpful while riding the lifetime of rapids as Christians?

• Finding your community of Christian friends?
• Developing a daily prayer time?
• Continuing education and growing your faith?
• Seeking experiences that allow for incremental strength of character and Christian witness?

May we develop and enhance those detailed directions in our lives this day and in the days ahead…

POSSIBLE ACTION: Ask a friend(s) which “detailed directions” they have found most helpful in strengthening their faith? Which activities would you like to take on or enhance in the days ahead as you continue thinking about “What would Jesus have me do?”

Enjoy the ride, filled with the Spirit…

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, September 5, 2021:

• Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 and Psalm 125 
• Isaiah 35:4-7a and Psalm 146 
• James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17 
• Mark 7:24-37

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Perhaps this weekend will offer a reminder of the loveliness of your dwelling place in one or more of the following fashions?

• Listen to the song How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place HERE
• Spend a few minutes outdoors, listening for the sounds of nature, looking at the growth occurring around you
• Pray for all children of God, that they might see God’s loveliness and brightness even in the midst of darker times
• Perhaps you’ll want to say aloud the following “Jones benediction,”

“Friends, life is short, and there is precious little time to gladden the hearts of those who travel with us. So make haste to be kind and be quick to love, for in every act of love and kindness, the God who first formed us, transforms and reforms us, now and forever. And for these blessings, the people of God say … Amen.”

May you have such a joy-filled time(s) this weekend, filled with the Spirit…

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, August 29, 2021:

• Song of Solomon 2:8-13 and Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 
• Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 and Psalm 15 
• James 1:17-27 
• Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

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Looking for ways to connect with those around you? Guideposts has a great list to get you started HERE.  They’re calling it the Connect Challenge.

Not only are there 20 ideas for connecting, there are articles and details within an idea. For instance, the sub-article for Connection Idea #4 (Icebreaker) is about overcoming social anxiety, especially after so many months of having isolation as a focus!

POSSIBLE ACTION: Try one or more of these challenge ideas over the next week or so. You’ll feel more connected to another person and also likely get some good spiritual food as well…

PRAYER:  Dear God, prepare us to be “the touch of Jesus” in other’s lives today. May your touch and presence find us “just where we are,” that we might extend those same characteristics and efforts to those we are naturally with, and those we seek out! Amen.

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit…

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, August 29, 2021:

• Song of Solomon 2:8-13 and Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9  • 
• Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 and Psalm 15  • 
• James 1:17-27  • 
• Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

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Did you have a similar reaction when reading the last several CP posts?

Most of the thoughts and visiting principles of spreading Jesus’ touch to those experiencing dementia also readily applies to ALL connections we make, regardless of brain health status!

That listing of 101 items brought to mind things to do with some friends currently living in senior communities. Which was a reminder of the Carebag.

What is a Carebag, you may ask. Here’s a description:

Construction workers have toolboxes, doctors have medical bags, so why shouldn’t Christian visitors/connectors carry a ‘go bag’ of their own . . . “CareBags?”

This CP webpage on CareBags shares a prospective list of items for visitors. Based on our recent postings, it now has an augment for those specifically visiting those experiencing dementia.

POSSIBLE ACTIONS: 

• Assemble a CareBag of your own for the next time you’re doing some visiting.
• Given your experiences and study, what item(s) would you suggest as additions to the CP CareBag listing? Please send those to salong_now@yahoo.com

PRAYER:  Dear God, prepare us to be “the touch of Jesus” in other’s lives today just as those in New Testament stories felt it. May your touch and presence find us “just where we are,” that we might extend those same characteristics and efforts to those we are naturally with, and those we seek out! Amen.

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit…

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, August 22, 2021:

• 1 Kings 8:(1,6,10-11), 22-30, 41-43 and Psalm 84 
• Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 and Psalm 34:15-22 
• Ephesians 6:10-20 
• John 6:56-69

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We can spread Jesus’ touch in many ways, including sharing the joy, love and caring of Christ with family, friends and neighbors who are experiencing dementia. HERE is a Top-10 list of activities, and a link to another 91 ideas! You’ll undoubtedly be able to find a few of these that you’re equipped to do. 🙂

Now, think about your community. Does a certain someone come to mind who is experiencing dementia or showing some signs that make you wonder? Why not contact that person and find an opportunity for a walk? Or maybe it’s a visit to their home and discussion of items on their walls? Or another idea or two of the other 100 items!

Don’t know anyone at the moment, but willing to reach out to someone experiencing dementia? Ask a pastor or a treasured friend if they know of a special someone. Or check in with the local senior center to see how you might connect and help. 

PRAYER:  Dear God, prepare us to be “the touch of Jesus” in other’s lives today just as those in New Testament stories felt it. May your touch and presence find us “just where we are,” that we might extend those same characteristics and efforts to those we are naturally with, and those we seek out! Amen.

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit…

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, August 22, 2021:

• 1 Kings 8:(1,6,10-11), 22-30, 41-43 and Psalm 84 
• Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 and Psalm 34:15-22 
• Ephesians 6:10-20 
• John 6:56-69

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Jesus said: “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me.”  ~ John 6:56-57

We heard about Jesus’ touch in the last posting via the song “He Touched Me” (HERE). We have the opportunity to extend this same touch to those around us, many of whom we don’t know by name. We need not look far…

Dementia is affecting an ever-growing swath of society. Those experiencing dementia can miss community touch; many of us simply don’t know what to do or say. We may tend to make less contact as a result.

The life of Tony Bennett, including his dementia, is chronicled in the 2021 AARP article (HERE.) It’s filled with wonderful family/friends perspectives, links to helpful webpages and this commentary about the stigma:

Like cancer and mental illness, Alzheimer’s carries a stigma, since people feel a special terror of an incurable disease that ruthlessly detaches its sufferers from the places, events and people that anchored them in life. Many treat it as an immediate death sentence and retreat from the world, encouraged to do so by family members who fear the disease and its unpredictable, and sometimes socially embarrassing, course.

Jesus says to love one another, no exceptions. In upcoming CP posts we’ll explore some aspects of connecting with those experiencing dementia. We can spread Jesus’ touch in many ways, sharing the joy, love and caring of Christ with our family, friends and neighbors who are experiencing dementia.

PRAYER:  Dear God, prepare us to be “the touch of Jesus” in other’s lives today just as those in New Testament stories felt it. May your touch and presence find us “just where we are,” that we might extend those same characteristics and efforts to those we are naturally with, and those we seek out! Amen.

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit…

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, August 15, 2021:

• 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 and Psalm 111 
• Proverbs 9:1-6 and Psalm 34:9-14 
• Ephesians 5:15-20 
• John 6:51-58

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How has the touch of Jesus changed you?

The song “He Touched Me” (HERE) by the Gaither Family has some nice messages about us meeting our blessed Savior including:

“he touched me and made me whole”

“now I am no longer the same”

“oh, the joy that floods my soul”

“I’ll never cease to praise him”

Knowing that touch of Jesus is available to all of us is so satisfying. The results? The joy flooding our souls. Opportunities to never cease in praising God. No longer being the same.

PRAYER:  Dear God, prepare us to feel the touch of Jesus in our lives today just as those in New Testament stories did. May that touch find us “just where we are!” Amen.

Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit…

Lectionary Texts for Sunday, August 8, 2021:

• 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 and Psalm 130 
• 1 Kings 19:4-8 and Psalm 34:1-8 
• Ephesians 4:25-5:2 
• John 6:35, 41-51

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