Today’s Reflection
Historian and civil rights activist Vincent Harding describes Howard Thurman (1899–1981) as a Black Pilgrim. Born in the deep South, Thurman experienced on a daily basis segregation, prejudice, and second-class status. Thurman’s spirituality involved discovering a quiet center from which self-affirmation emerged. He found the encounter with a personal and loving God ultimately more powerful than a social order determined to maintain his inferiority.
—Bruce G. Epperly, The Mystic in You: Discovering a God-Filled World (Upper Room Books, 2017)
Today’s Question
What scriptures remind you that God loves you?
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Today’s Scripture
When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.
—Titus 3:4-5 (NIV)
Prayer for the Week
God who guides us in the quest for justice, awaken my heart to growing edges in my life and in the healing of the world. Amen.
—Prayer excerpted from Bruce G. Epperly, “Prayer of Awareness and Transformation,” The Mystic in You
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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God so loved the world that He sent Jesus who said He did come into the world to destroy it but to save it. God loved us while we were still sinners. Thank You, Lord.
A beautiful morning, sunshine, cool temperatures, and fresh air.
Message writing and book reading today, but also outside for a walk . Want to catch up with NEM.
More soon. Take good care if you are where it is hot and humid.
I thought of Robert’s example first also. So I’ll add “For I know the plans I have for you, said the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a future with hope.” I recite this daily.
I am not sleeping well as I am very worried about all the financial and legal issues I need to take care of now that h has so drastically declined literally overnight. I am also mourning my lost independence and his dependence on me. I am reeling.
Prayers for Ally and David, may David’s hip heal quickly and well and may his time in the rehab facility be short. I pray for the Lord to be with Ally through all of her struggles and concerns. Prayers for April, Lou, and Rick and Scott. Prayers for Jill as she continues to enjoy time with Larry as he continues to do so well physically. Prayers for Robert as he prepares to lead the church services this Sunday, may God speak through him to his fellow congregants.
Psalm 56:8 – where the psalmist proclaims that God holds all of my tears in a bottle. He knows me so intimately.
All of Psalm 23, especially the last – surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days of my life.
I have had a wondrously lazy day. I took a walk in the cool of the morning, thoroughly watered all my flowers and then have been camped out in front of my tv – watching Wimbledon and trying to finish a book I have been enjoying. I am as lazy as Roger and it is quite alright.
Tennis last night, was as good as expected, with very good familiar foes. So nice to enjoy an intense match, while also joking and ribbing each other. Didn’t come out on the winning end, but that is ok. Afterwards, got to spend some time with my teammate who lost her mom recently. She noticed my tattoo, and I was able to share with her about its intimate meaning.
We were planning on celebrating my sister’s birthday on Friday, but she called and had to cancel. Don had Mohs surgery on his ear today and it didn’t go well. He has to have a skin graft Friday afternoon.
Tennis again this evening – guess I will have to get these bones moving.
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