Daily Bread May 11

This Beautiful Planet that Gave Us Rise
John Bonney of Springfield, OR, USA


As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life. -1 Timothy 6:17-19

Do you know how alone we are in this universe? I mean alone because we do not know anything beyond ourselves, this small planet, a few other planets, and a few other stars. We are all we have, and the earth which is our home is all we have. Can we save it? Can we save ourselves? Shall we look at the All that makes us one-one with each other, one with this earth, one with eternity, and into eternity.

Around 1963 I was standing on the edge of the reef on the island of Guam which barricaded a lagoon area. It was about half of a mile from the beach to the reef edge. The might of the Pacific Ocean waves hitting the seemingly impermeable hardness of the reef was deafening as well as astounding. The display of power was obvious. Water can be overwhelming, and it can be very gentle. But on the reef that day in such a situation one couldn’t help but recognize our own fragility and find one’s thoughts propelled outward into creation.

Yet here we stand upon this earth and here we remain, at least for now.

It is wise for us to see to the needs of the world community, the world’s human beings, flora and fauna. But we are slow to recognize our interconnections with everything else on this beautiful planet that gave us rise through the unimaginable activity of the Creative Source.

Let us turn out minds, our eyes, and our hands outward into the needing communities. Let us mend our home relationships and our extra-home relationships. Let us deal in love and patience and acceptance. Let us live compassionately and empathetically with others. Let us feed the poor in spirit and poor in mind. Let us visit the sick and the homeless and those incarcerated. Let us find our Christ and hear the words “as much as you have done this to those, you have done it for me.”

May this day find you as aware as is possible of the blessings and needs that flow around you.

Prayer Phrase

I am about to do a new thing, now it springs forth… (Isaiah 43:19).

Spiritual Practice

A New Thing

Breathe deeply and listen within. Where is the Spirit doing a new thing in you? How do you feel about the new thing that might be emerging? Are you excited, resistant, fearful, hopeful? Take whatever you are experiencing to prayer. Breathe deeply and listen around you. Where is the Spirit doing a new thing in your community? Pay attention to how it feels to discern the Spirit’s activity and presence within and around you.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

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