Peter Fitch, St. Croix Vineyard Sunday, October 7, 2018 Hodgepodge on the Move Peter Fitch, St. Croix Vineyard Sunday, October 7, 2018

Psalm Series A few from me Walt on Psalm 137 Mark on Songs of Ascent Agnes on Psalm 139 Karen on Psalm 51

Last one felt “unfinished” Psalm 51, possibly related to King David after the seduction of Bathsheba and the murder of her husband The writer says to God, “Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight . . .”, and we think, “Wonder if that’s true?” Also, just speaking about this topic seems difficult, almost as though it squashes life in order to hope to give some back someday (“Create in me a clean heart . . .”)

Interruption: Dr. Bradley Irenaeus Jersak

Brad’s talk was called “Radical Inclusion” Website blurb: Brad Jersak finds a wonderful way to synthesize the Scriptural messages about radical inclusion, on the one hand, and the importance of Jesus, on the other. He thinks that all people, from all religions, who are devoted to God and desire to do good, are approved by Him. The special gift that Jesus brings is teaching us how to call God “Abba.” He brings about an intimacy with the Spirit of God that can fill our lives to the brim.

Then, in a first year philosophy class I spoke one day about Plato’s theory of leadership from The Republic Brad spoke the next time about Plato’s theory of knowledge ________NOUS_____________ Reason (Mathematics) Belief (Perception) Opinion (Speculation)

This led me to one psalm (121) and two thoughts (a story and a notion) 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—     from where will my help come? 2 My help comes from the Lord,     who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot be moved;     he who keeps you will not slumber. 4 He who keeps Israel     will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand 5 The Lord is your keeper;     the Lord is your shade at your right hand. 6 The sun shall not strike you by day,     nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord will keep you from all evil;     he will keep your life. 8 The Lord will keep     your going out and your coming in     from this time on and forevermore.

Story

Notion: Flowing Change (The-volution)

Can this flow make a practical difference? I think so Instead of focusing on sinful habits or guilt inducing experiences, and doing the hard work of trying to wrest ourselves toward fewer of these, or toward some sort of perfection, perhaps it would be better to focus on real and honest assessment and then experiment with opening to the flow of energy, insight, power, and love that comes from above the line (NOUS) and fills life to the brim Maybe this is in line with the intimacy that Jesus brings

All Can Be Helped from Above the Line Addictions Creative works Problem-solving Moral Encouragement