Daily Devotions
Meditation, Prayers, and Assorted Stuff for June 3, 2020
Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey, “Claiming the Identity of Jesus”
When we think about Jesus as that exceptional, unusual person who lived long ago and whose life and words continue to inspire us, we might avoid the realization that Jesus wants us to be like him. Jesus himself keeps saying in many ways that he, the Beloved Child of God, came to reveal to us that we too are God’s beloved children, loved with the same unconditional divine love.
John writes to his people, “You must see what great love the Father has lavished on us by letting us be called God’s children—which is what we are.” (I John 3:1). This is the great challenge of the spiritual life: to claim the identity of Jesus for ourselves and to say, “We are the living Christ today!”
Here’s something different for you this morning: a poem by author, musician, and visual artist Morgan Harper Nichols called “Empathy.”
“Let me hold the door for you. I may have never walked in your shoes, but I can see your soles are worn, your strength is torn under the weight of a story I have never lived before. Let me hold the door for you. After all you’ve walked through, it’s the least I can do.”
Let’s all show one another a little extra empathy and gentleness today.
As Christians, we cannot condone violence, bloodshed, and looting, nor can we support a system that relegates someone to second class citizenship because of the color of his or her skin. Here’s an excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” written in August 1963.
I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states. I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.
Return of the Dad Joke:
What did the buffalo say to his son when he dropped him off at school? (Bison)
Why do you never see elephants hiding in trees? (Because they’re so good at it.)
Whenever the cashier at the grocery store asks my dad if he would like the milk in a bag, he says, “No, just leave it in the carton!”
Today’s links!
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jun/01/on-the-run-lack-of-sport-drives-fans-to-madcap-world-of-marble-racingYou know how we’re all longing for the return of professional sports? Well, long no more! Professional marble racing is here, and it’s a hoot. Follow this link to learn more, and this one to a YouTube channel devoted exclusively to the sport.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJdpnjuSWVOLgGT9fIzL0g
https://digg.com/2020/international-photography-awards-winnersThe theme of this year’s International Photography Awards is “Movement,” and the winning photos are absolutely awesome.
https://globalnews.ca/news/6973287/giant-owl-hatchlings-watch-tv/One of the world’s largest owls, the Eurasian eagle owl, set up camp in Jos Baart’s third-story apartment planter. Since the mother owl’s three gigantic chicks hatched, they’ve taken to watching TV through the window with their new property owner.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/foods/mad-honey-red-hallucinogenIf someone offers you honey made from rhododendron blossoms, don’t eat it!
https://www.inspiremore.com/farmlink-food-banks/ Read here about some college students who started a non-profit that links farmers’ excess produce with hungry people across the country.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=GEgIJLlBFUI&feature=emb_logoHAIRSPRAY alumni from many different productions, along with other professional theater, film and television performers came together for a joyous celebration of song and dance in You Can’t Stop the Beat! The video is a fundraiser for The Actors Fund COVID-19 Emergency Financial Assistance program.
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Sunday worship at 9 AM, with “Doughnut room” time starting at 8:30 AM. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/815064120, Meeting ID: 815 064 120 Dial in to participate at +1 312 626 6799.
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Wednesday Bible Study, 7 PM We’ll be covering Acts 10 and 11 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85431227316 Meeting ID: 854 3122 7316
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Please don’t forget that we’ll be painting the foyer starting this afternoon at around 4:30. Bring your own brush or roller, please, as well as a mask.
Stay safe and stay well!