Thought for Friday December 31

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;

let the sea and what fills it resound;

let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!

Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the LORD.

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

John 1: 1 – 18 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.


Am I planning a new beginning? What do I want to carry into the new year and what do I want to leave behind?


Happy New Year!

Thought for Thursday December 30

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Bring gifts, and enter his courts;

worship the LORD in holy attire.

Tremble before him, all the earth.

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Luke 2: 36 – 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.


Does it comfort me to know that Jesus wasn’t born knowing everything? How important is learning as part of the human experience?


Action: Learn something new today.

Thought for Wednesday December 29

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Announce his salvation, day after day.

Tell his glory among the nations;

among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Luke 2: 22 – 35 “Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.”


What would I need to see to be at peace? How often am I at peace?


Action: Pay attention to what you are reading, watching on TV, listening to on the radio, etc and ask yourself if these make you feel at peace, challenge you to do better, or just make you mad.

Thought for Tuesday December 28

Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.

Broken was the snare,

and we were freed.

Our help is in the name of the LORD,

who made heaven and earth.

Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.

Matthew 2: 13 – 18 The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”


How would I feel if I were Joseph and God’s advice was “run away and hide”? Can I imagine God giving me that advice?


Action: Listen carefully to God’s advice even if it isn’t what you expect.

Thought for Monday December 27

Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,

before the LORD of all the earth.

The heavens proclaim his justice,

and all peoples see his glory.

Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

John 20: 1 – 8 Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him.”


Why do we read this right after Christmas? Does it seem strange?


Action: Celebrate the entire Christmas season.

Thought for Christmas Eve

Luke 2: 1 – 14

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields

and keeping the night watch over their flock.

The angel of the Lord appeared to them

and the glory of the Lord shone around them,

and they were struck with great fear.

The angel said to them,

“Do not be afraid;

for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people.

For today in the city of David

a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.

And this will be a sign for you:

you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes

and lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,

praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Day!

Thought for Thursday December 23

Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.

All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy

toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him,

and his covenant, for their instruction.

Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.

Luke 1: 57 – 66 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.


With whom will I be rejoicing this Christmas? If I had my pick of anyone to rejoice with, who would it be?


Action: Get ready to rejoice with whomever you are spending Christmas.

Thought for Wednesday December 22

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“My heart exults in the LORD,

my horn is exalted in my God.

I have swallowed up my enemies;

I rejoice in my victory.”

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

Luke 1: 46 – 56 “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.

Am I rejoicing in God? What am I feeling as Christmas draws near?

Action: Start relaxing now so you can enjoy Christmas.

Thought for Tuesday December 21

Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.

Our soul waits for the LORD,

who is our help and our shield,

For in him our hearts rejoice;

in his holy name we trust.
Exult, you just, in the Lord! Sing to him a new song.

Luke 1: 39 – 45 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.


When was the last time I leaped for joy? Is there enough joy in my life?


Action: Plan some joy in your life.

Thought for Monday December 20

Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.

The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;

the world and those who dwell in it.

For he founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the rivers.

Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.

Luke 1: 26 – 38 …for nothing will be impossible for God.

Do I believe that nothing is impossible for God? Do I believe he can do great things through me?

Action: Take on something that is a little over your head and trust that God will help you.

Thought for Friday December 17

Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.

Justice shall flower in his days,

and profound peace, till the moon be no more.

May he rule from sea to sea,

and from the River to the ends of the earth.

Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.

Matthew 1: 1 – 17 Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.

Who cares?

Action: Send a Christmas card to your most distantly related, shirttail cousin or acquaintance just to acknowledge that we are all one family in Christ.

Thought for Thursday December 16

I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

“Hear, O LORD, and have pity on me;

O LORD, be my helper.”

You changed my mourning into dancing;

O LORD, my God, forever will I give you thanks.

I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

Luke 7: 24 – 30 All the people who listened, including the tax collectors, who were baptized with the baptism of John, acknowledged the righteousness of God; but the Pharisees and scholars of the law, who were not baptized by him, rejected the plan of God for themselves.

Do I acknowledge the righteousness of God or do I reject God’s plan for me?


Action: Work to fulfill God’s plan for you.

Thought for Wednesday December 15

Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior.

Kindness and truth shall meet;

justice and peace shall kiss.

Truth shall spring out of the earth,

and justice shall look down from heaven.

Let the clouds rain down the Just One, and the earth bring forth a Savior.

Luke 7: 18 – 23 John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”


Is Jesus enough for me or am I looking for something more? Do I live like Jesus is “The One”?


Action: Put Jesus at the center of your holiday preparations.

Thought for Tuesday December 14

The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

I will bless the LORD at all times;

his praise shall be ever in my mouth.

Let my soul glory in the LORD;

the lowly will hear me and be glad.

The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

Matthew 21: 28 Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go.


Which one sounds more like me? How would I deal with this if I were the father in the story?


Action: Do your work willingly.

Thought for Monday December 13

Teach me your ways, O Lord.

Remember that your compassion, O LORD,

and your kindness are from of old.

In your kindness remember me,

because of your goodness, O LORD.

Teach me your ways, O Lord.

Matthew 21: 23 – 27 Jesus said to them in reply, “I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things.”


Would I be nervous if Jesus said he was going to ask me a question? How confident am I that I could answer his question?


Action: Study something you think Jesus would want you to know about.

Thought for Friday December 10

Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.

He is like a tree

planted near running water,

That yields its fruit in due season,

and whose leaves never fade.

Whatever he does, prospers.

Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.

Matthew 11: 16 – 19 Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare this generation?

How would I describe my generation? What do I want my generation to be known for?
Action: Work for what you want to be known for.

Thought for Thursday December 9

The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and of great kindness.

Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,

and let your faithful ones bless you.

Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom

and speak of your might.

The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and of great kindness.

Matthew 11: 11 – 15 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force.


We still have violence, but is it different than it would be if Jesus had not come? How does Jesus help me “survive” the violence that is around me and in my own heart?


Action: The next time you have a violent thought ask Jesus to help you resist the temptation and then do something nice for the next person you see.

Thought for Wednesday December 8

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.

All the ends of the earth have seen

the salvation by our God.

Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;

break into song; sing praise.

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.

Ephesians 1: 3- 6, 11 – 12 In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ.


Do I believe I was chosen and destined for the glory of God? Do I hope in Christ?


Action: Live like you are chosen.

Thought for Tuesday December 7

The Lord our God comes with power.

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;

let the sea and what fills it resound;

let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!

Then let all the trees of the forest rejoice.

The Lord our God comes with power.

Matthew 18: 12 – 14 If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray?


Have I ever been the stray? If so, who came looking for me?


Action: Go out on a limb to help someone who really needs it.

Thought for Monday December 6

Our God will come to save us!

The LORD himself will give his benefits;

our land shall yield its increase.

Justice shall walk before him,

and salvation, along the way of his steps.

Our God will come to save us!

Luke 5: 17 – 26 Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and, struck with awe, they said, “We have seen incredible things today.”


When was the last time I was astonished? Has God ever shown me incredible things?


Action: It is the feast of St. Nicholas; give yourself a little gift.

Thought for Friday December 3

The Lord is my light and my salvation.

I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD

in the land of the living.

Wait for the LORD with courage;

be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.

The Lord is my light and my salvation.

Matthew 9: 27 – 31 When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him.


Did Jesus really think they would say, “No”? What do I believe Jesus can do for me?


Action: Tell someone you love/care about them even if you think it is so ridiculously obvious that you don’t need to say it.

Thought for Thursday December 2

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,

for his mercy endures forever.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD

than to trust in man.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD

than to trust in princes.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Matthew 7: 21 – 27 And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.

Do I act on Jesus’ words? Have I ever felt like a fool when I didn’t?


Action: Listen to Jesus and act on one thing he said.

Thought for Wednesday December 1

I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

You spread the table before me

in the sight of my foes;

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

Matthew 15: 29 – 37 Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others.

Is Jesus so inspiring to me that I try to bring other people to him? Do I ever make a conscious effort to be Christ to someone in need?

Action: Be Christ for someone today: smile, encourage, help, give …

Thought for Tuesday November 30

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

They are more precious than gold,

than a heap of purest gold;

Sweeter also than syrup

or honey from the comb.

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

Matthew 4: 18 – 22 As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.


How important is my day to day work? Do I need to leave my daily work to follow Jesus?


Action: If you can follow Jesus in your regular work, try doing it in a new way; if you can’t follow Jesus in your job ...

Thought for Monday November 29

Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Because of my relatives and friends

I will say, “Peace be within you!"

Because of the house of the LORD, our God,

I will pray for your good.

Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Matthew 8: 5 - 11 “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.”


Do I feel worthy of asking Jesus for a favor? Do I ever ask Jesus to do things for me just out of friendship?


Action: Do 4 small favors for people today – even if they don’t know it.

Thought for Friday November 26

Here God lives among his people.

Even the sparrow finds a home,

and the swallow a nest

in which she puts her young–

Your altars, O LORD of hosts,

my king and my God!

Here God lives among his people.

Luke 21: 29 – 33 “Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near.

Do I see any signs that the Kingdom of God is near? What would I like to see happening?

Action: Get involved with or start your own project to make the Kingdom of God a little more present here and now.

Thought for Thursday November 25 - Thanksgiving

Sir 50:22-24

And now, bless the God of all,

who has done wondrous things on earth;

Who fosters people’s growth from their mother’s womb,

and fashions them according to his will!

May he grant you joy of heart

and may peace abide among you;

Thought for Wednesday November 24

Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!

Let the sea and what fills it resound,

the world and those who dwell in it;

Let the rivers clap their hands,

the mountains shout with them for joy.

Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!

Luke 21: 12 – 19 By your perseverance you will secure your lives.

Through what have I persevered? What have I given up on?

Action: Make an effort to accomplish something you have given up on.

Thought for Tuesday November 23

The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;

let the sea and what fills it resound;

let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!

Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.

The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Luke 21: 5 – 11 While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here– the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”

How much value to I place on how a church looks? What makes a church a church?


Action: Be thankful for your church community and participate in something they are doing during the holiday season.

Thought for Monday November 22

Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;

the world and those who dwell in it.

For he founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the rivers.

Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

Luke 21: 1 – 4 He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”


What have I given in the last year? What do I plan to give in the year ahead?


Action: Give thanks for what you have and give what you can.

Thought for Friday November 19

We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.

“Yours, O LORD, are grandeur and power,

majesty, splendor, and glory.

For all in heaven and on earth is yours.”

We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.

Luke 19: 45 – 48 The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile, were seeking to put him to death, but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose because all the people were hanging on his words.

Have I heard anyone suggest extreme action against any person or group? Whose words is my community hanging on?

Action: Pay attention to whose words are having the most affect in my life – promise yourself you will put Jesus’ words first.

Thought for Thursday November 18

The Lamb has made us a kingdom of priests to serve our God.

Let them praise his name in the festive dance,

let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.

For the LORD loves his people,

and he adorns the lowly with victory.

The Lamb has made us a kingdom of priests to serve our God.

Luke 19: 41 – 44 As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace– but now it is hidden from your eyes.

Do I ever feel this way about my city or country? Do I have any insight about what could make for peace in my society?

Action: Make a point of being peaceful in all of your words and actions today.

Thought for Wednesday November 17

Holy, holy, holy Lord, mighty God!

Praise him with sounding cymbals,

praise him with clanging cymbals.

Let everything that has breath

praise the LORD! Alleluia.

Holy, holy, holy Lord, mighty God!

Luke 19: 11 – 28 A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return. He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, ‘Engage in trade with these until I return.’


What has God invested in me? What return have I given him?


Action: Put some of your God given gifts to work for His Kingdom.

Thought for Tuesday November 16

I will seat the victor beside me on my throne.

He who walks blamelessly and does justice;

who thinks the truth in his heart

and slanders not with his tongue.

I will seat the victor beside me on my throne.

Luke 19: 1 – 10 When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.”

How would I feel if Jesus just invited himself to my house? Is there anything in my house I wouldn’t want Jesus to see?

Action: Look around your house and if there is anything you wouldn’t want Jesus to see, consider getting rid of it or changing it.

Thought for Monday November 15

Those who are victorious I will feed from the tree of life.

He is like a tree

planted near running water,

That yields its fruit in due season,

and whose leaves never fade.

Whatever he does, prospers.

Those who are victorious I will feed from the tree of life.

Luke 18: 35 – 43 He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!”

What do I wish people would stop saying? How do I respond when people try to make me stop speaking the truth?

Action: Speak the truth even if you meet opposition.

Thought for Friday November 12

Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

Open my eyes, that I may consider

the wonders of your law.

Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

Luke 17: 26 – 37 Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it.


Do I like my life? Do I want to preserve it exactly as it is?


Action: Examine your life and pick something to preserve and something to change.

Thought for Thursday November 11

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.

The LORD gives sight to the blind.

The LORD raises up those who were bowed down;

the LORD loves the just.

The LORD protects strangers.

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.

Luke 17: 20 – 25 For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.

Does the first sentence sound exciting? Is the second sentence a downer (or buzzkill)?

Action: It is Armistice Day (Veteran’s Day). Call a truce and make an effort to not voice (even to yourself) anger or hatred for a couple of days.

Thought for Wednesday November 10

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Only goodness and kindness follow me

all the days of my life;

And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD

for years to come.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Luke 17: 11 – 19 As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”


Do I really want people to take pity on me? On whom do I take pity?


Action: Take action to help someone on whom you would normally pity.

Thought for Tuesday November 9

The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!

There is a stream whose runlets gladden the city of God,

the holy dwelling of the Most High.

God is in its midst; it shall not be disturbed;

God will help it at the break of dawn.

The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!

1 Cor 3: 9 – 11, 16 - 17 Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?


Do I treat myself – my body, my words, etc – with as much respect as I show for Church buildings? What do I do to build up and maintain my temple?


Action: Invest some time in maintaining your temple.

Thought for Monday November 8

Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;

the world and those who dwell in it.

For he founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the rivers.

Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

Luke 17: 1 – 6 And the Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”

Would greater faith make my life easier or harder? Do I want to grow in faith?
Action: Launch in to some project that will require greater faith than you actually have.

Thought for Friday November 5

Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

I rejoiced because they said to me,

“We will go up to the house of the LORD.”

And now we have set foot

within your gates, O Jerusalem.

Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Luke 16: 1 – 8 ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’


What, if anything, am I a steward of? What would I do if Jesus asked me for an accounting of my stewardship?


Action: Start thinking about some project you could take on as a steward. You may need to make some changes in your routine to take on something new.

Thought for Thursday November 4

Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord.

Sing to him, sing his praise,

proclaim all his wondrous deeds.

Glory in his holy name;

rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!

Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord.

Luke 15: 1 – 10 I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.


Is everybody either righteous or a sinner? Which am I?


Action: Repent of at least one of your sins.

Thought for Wednesday November 3

The Lord is my light and my salvation.

One thing I ask of the LORD;

this I seek:

To dwell in the house of the LORD

all the days of my life,

That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD

and contemplate his temple.

The Lord is my light and my salvation.

Luke 14: 25 – 43 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion?


What cross am I carrying? Am I planning to carry it to the completion of my mission?


Action: Do something to energize yourself so you can continue to carry your cross.

Thought for Tuesday November 2

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

In verdant pastures he gives me repose;

beside restful waters he leads me;

he refreshes my soul.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

John 6: 37 – 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.


Who am I praying for today? Who am I looking forward to seeing in heaven?


Action: Pray for your loved ones who have already died.

Thought for Monday November 1

Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;

the world and those who dwell in it.

For he founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the rivers.

Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

Matthew 5: 1 – 12 Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.


What do I see that is not righteous? What is the difference between righteous and self-righteous?

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Action: Be righteous this week, not self-righteous.

Thought for Friday October 29

How great are the works of the Lord!

Majesty and glory are his work,

and his justice endures forever.

He has won renown for his wondrous deeds;

gracious and merciful is the LORD.

How great are the works of the Lord!

Luke 14: 1 – 6 On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.



Why did Jesus go to eat with people whom seem to always oppose him? Would I rather eat with people I agree with or those with whom I know I disagree?


Action: List 2 good ideas from the political candidates you chose not to vote for, and commit to working for those goals no matter how the election comes out. [This is the same suggestion I made 2 years ago. Did you try it then?]

Thought for Thursday October 28

Their message goes out through all the earth.

The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

Day pours out the word to day,

and night to night imparts knowledge.

Their message goes out through all the earth.

Luke 6: 12 – 16 When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:   [the word ‘apostle’ means ‘one who is sent’]


What have I been sent to do? Am I doing it?


Action: Do what you were sent to do.

Thought for Wednesday October 27

The Lord is faithful in all his words.

The LORD is faithful in all his words

and holy in all his works.

The LORD lifts up all who are falling

and raises up all who are bowed down.

The Lord is faithful in all his words.

Luke 13: 22 – 30 After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’


What have I done (good or bad) that I think Jesus would remember me for? What would I like to be remembered for?


Action: Before you make any medium or big decisions, ask yourself if you would want Jesus to remember you for your decision.

Thought for Tuesday October 26

Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Blessed are you who fear the LORD,

who walk in his ways!

For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;

blessed shall you be, and favored.

Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Luke 13: 18 – 21 Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like?”


Why does Jesus try to describe the Kingdom of God? Does he think we won’t want to be part of it unless he makes it sound good?


Action: Do something to make the Kingdom of God a little more present in your own life.

Thought for MOnday October 25

Behave like God as his very dear children.

Blessed the man who follows not

the counsel of the wicked

Nor walks in the way of sinners,

nor sits in the company of the insolent,

But delights in the law of the LORD

and meditates on his law day and night.

Behave like God as his very dear children.

Luke 13: 10 – 17 He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God.


If I were suddenly cured of some affliction would I immediately praise God or gripe that it took so long? What do I glorify God for?


Action: Glorify God for the things in your life that you have thus far taken for granted.

Thought for Friday October 22

Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;

the world and those who dwell in it.

For he founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the rivers.

Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

Luke 12: 54 – 59 “Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?”


Do I judge for myself or do I rely on someone else to tell me what is right? Is there a danger in relying on “authorities” for moral guidance?


Action: Judge for yourself what is right.

Thought for Thursday October 21

The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

For upright is the word of the LORD,

and all his works are trustworthy.

He loves justice and right;

of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.

The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

Luke 12: 49 – 53 Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!”


What did Jesus teach that would set the world on fire if it were lived out? Am I doing my part?


Action: Join in with some project that you believe has the potential for bringing powerful change.

Thought for Wednesday October 20

You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

God indeed is my savior;

I am confident and unafraid.

My strength and my courage is the LORD,

and he has been my savior.

With joy you will draw water

at the fountain of salvation.

You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

Luke 12: 39 – 48 Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?”


Are all of Jesus’ teachings meant for everyone? Is there anything Jesus said that I don’t believe is meant for me?

Action: The next time you hear a sermon that doesn’t seem to be meant for you, try to find some relationship between what is being said and your life.

Thought for Tuesday October 19

The Lord speaks of peace to his people.

Kindness and truth shall meet;

justice and peace shall kiss.

Truth shall spring out of the earth,

and justice shall look down from heaven.

The Lord speaks of peace to his people.

Luke 12: 35 – 38 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.


Am I vigilant? What am I supposed to be vigilantly waiting for?


Action: Wake up and be vigilant.

Thought for Monday October 18

Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,

and let your faithful ones bless you.

Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom

and speak of your might.

Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

Luke 10: 1 – 9 He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”


Am I doing my part? What sustains me in the work that I do?


Action: Get out there and harvest something.

Thought for Friday October 15

Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Exult, you just, in the LORD;

praise from the upright is fitting.

Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;

with the ten stringed lyre chant his praises.

Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Luke 12: 1 – 7 There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.


What am I hiding? Do I have any secrets I would like to tell someone?


Action: Don’t do anything today that you would want to hide.

Thought for Thursday October 14

The Lord has made known his salvation.

All the ends of the earth have seen

the salvation by our God.

Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;

break into song; sing praise.

The Lord has made known his salvation.

Luke 11: 47 – 54 Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.


Do I believe I am getting the keys to understanding important issues in our society? Does God offer me the key of knowledge?


Action: Look for the keys of knowledge, and don’t be satisfied with rumors.

Thought for Wednesday October 13

Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.

He is like a tree

planted near running water,

That yields its fruit in due season,

and whose leaves never fade.

Whatever he does, prospers.

Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.

Luke 11: 42 – 46 “Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God.


Do I pay attention to love for God? What do I do to express love?


Action: Express your love for God.

Thought for Tuesday October 12

Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.

And I will walk at liberty,

because I seek your precepts.

Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.

Luke 11: 37 – 41 After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat.


What would I expect of Jesus at dinner? What would I want him to talk about?


Action: Invite someone to join you for a meal this week.

Thought for Monday October 11

Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.

From the rising to the setting of the sun

is the name of the LORD to be praised.

High above all nations is the LORD;

above the heavens is his glory.

Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.

Luke 11: 29 – 32 While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation…”


How is my community dealing with evil? How do I react when someone points out the evil in my life?


Action: Listen to someone who has an opposing viewpoint to your own and be willing to challenge yourself to see the other side of some issue.

Thought for Friday October 8

The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

Majesty and glory are his work,

and his justice endures forever.

He has won renown for his wondrous deeds;

gracious and merciful is the LORD.

The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

Luke 11: 15 – 26 “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house.”


What divisions am I part of? Would I give up fighting to be “right” if it could heal a division?


Action: Get involved in healing a division in your family, neighborhood, community or country.

Thought for Thursday October 7

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior,

born of the house of his servant David.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.

Luke 11: 5 – 13 Jesus said to his disciples: “Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,


Do I have a friend I can go to at midnight? Am I the kind of friend someone would come to at midnight?


Action: Be a good friend – go above and beyond for one of your friends this week.

Thought for Wednesday October 6

Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News.

Praise the LORD, all you nations,

glorify him, all you peoples!

Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News.

Luke 11: 1 – 4 Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.”


Who taught me how to pray? Am I still learning?


Action: Teach somebody to pray.

Thought for Tuesday October 5

Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

My soul also you knew full well;

nor was my frame unknown to you

When I was made in secret,

when I was fashioned in the depths of the earth.

Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

Luke 10: 38 – 42 Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.”


Do I ever feel like I am doing all of the work? Do I ever wish I had more help?


Action: Help someone who serves tirelessly.

Thought for Monday October 4

The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart

in the company and assembly of the just.

Great are the works of the LORD,

exquisite in all their delights.

The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

Luke 10: 25 – 37 “And who is my neighbor?”


What problems do I see in my neighborhood? Am I a good neighbor?


Action: Be a good neighbor.

Thought for Friday October 1

Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

If I take the wings of the dawn,

if I settle at the farthest limits of the sea,

Even there your hand shall guide me,

and your right hand hold me fast.

Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

Job 38: 1, 12 – 21 40: 3 - 5 The LORD addressed Job out of the storm and said: Have you ever in your lifetime commanded the morning and shown the dawn its place?

Then Job answered the LORD and said: Behold, I am of little account; what can I answer you?


Do I ever have trouble remembering that God is God and I am not? How much reverence do I show God?


Action: Go to Church the weekend and worship God.

Thought for Thursday September 30

I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.

I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD

in the land of the living.

Wait for the LORD with courage;

be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.

I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.

Luke 10: 1 – 12 Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.


Am I a lamb or a wolf? What am I being sent to do?

Action: Get out there and do something.

Thought for Wednesday September 29

In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,

for you have heard the words of my mouth;

in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;

I will worship at your holy temple

and give thanks to your name.

In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

John 1: 47 – 51 You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”


Do I really want to see heaven opened up before I die? Isn’t it easier to live without knowing everything?


Action: Be an angel for someone today.

Thought for Tuesday September 28

Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

O LORD, my God, by day I cry out;

at night I clamor in your presence.

Let my prayer come before you;

incline your ear to my call for help.

Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

Luke 9: 51 – 56 When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him.


Have I ever been resolutely determined to do anything? If I knew my time was imminent, what would I focus on doing?


Action: Resolutely determine to do something to live your faith more explicitly and then do it.

Thought for Monday September 27

Incline your ear to me and hear my word.

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;

incline your ear to me; hear my word.

Show your wondrous mercies,

O savior of those who flee

from their foes to refuge at your right hand.

Incline your ear to me and hear my word.

Luke 9: 46- 50 Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.


Who do I receive and who do I reject? How do I decide?


Action: Receive someone you have been rejecting.

Thought for Friday September 24

Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - 11

There is an appointed time for everything,

and a time for every thing under the heavens.

A time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.

A time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to tear down, and a time to build.

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them;

a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.

A time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away.

A time to rend, and a time to sew;

a time to be silent, and a time to speak.

A time to love, and a time to hate;

a time of war, and a time of peace.

Am I making a difference right now, right here? What should I be doing?


Action: Do something, it’s time.

Thought for September 23

In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,

that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.

Prosper the work of our hands for us!

Prosper the work of our hands!

In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

Luke 9: 7 – 9 But Herod said, "John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?"



What would I do if I had Herod’s power? Is there anybody you would like to never have to deal with again.


Action: The next time you catch yourself saying, “I’m going kill that idiot.”, stop for a minute and consider what you are saying and then do something loving for the idiot. [If you never have such thoughts you don’t work where I do. – just kidding]

Thought for Wednesday September 22

Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.

The law of your mouth is to me more precious

than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.

Luke 9: 1 – 6   He said to them, "Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic.


What journey has God sent me on? What supplies do I have for that journey?


Action: Give some kind of support to a person or group that is doing God’s work with few resources.

Thought for Tuesday September 21

Their message goes out through all the earth.

The heavens declare the glory of God;

and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

Day pours out the word to day,

and night to night imparts knowledge.

Their message goes out through all the earth.

Matthew 9: 9 – 13 As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him.


How did Jesus call me? Have I answered?


Action: If you are unclear about what Jesus is calling you to do, schedule a time to work on figuring it out.

Thought for Monday September 20

The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.

Who harms not his fellow man,

nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;

By whom the reprobate is despised,

while he honors those who fear the LORD.

The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.

Luke 8: 16 – 18 To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.


Does this sound fair? Does it sound fair if what you have is faith, hope, and love?


Action: Find a concrete way to express love (or faith or hope) and see if your love increases.

Thought for Friday September 17

Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.

Hide me in the shadow of your wings,

But I in justice shall behold your face;

on waking, I shall be content in your presence.

Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.

Luke 8: 1 – 3 Accompanying [Jesus] were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.


Do I think of myself as a companion of Jesus? Do I provide for him out of my resources?


Action: Be conscience of being in the company of Jesus this weekend.

Thought for Thursday September 16

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,

for his mercy endures forever.

Let the house of Israel say,

"His mercy endures forever."

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

Luke 7: 36 – 50 "Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days' wages and the other owed fifty. Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?"


How do I “measure” love? How do I express love?


Action: Enjoy being loved today.

Thought for Wednesday September 15

Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

For upright is the word of the LORD,

and all his works are trustworthy.

He loves justice and right;

of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.

Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

John 19: 25 – 27 Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

How do I deal with the pain of losing someone I love? Was the sorrow at the end worth the love?


Action: Reminisce about the people you have lost and what they taught you about love.

Thought for Tuesday September 14

Do not forget the works of the Lord!

Hearken, my people, to my teaching;

incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

I will open my mouth in a parable,

I will utter mysteries from of old.

Do not forget the works of the Lord!

John 3: 13 – 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.


Do I spend my time and energy improving bad situations or just complaining about them? Do I see a lot of condemning in my society?


Action: Next time you hear someone condemning someone else, challenge them to go out and do some real good.

Thought for Monday September 13

Proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes again.

May all who seek you

exult and be glad in you

And may those who love your salvation

say ever, "The LORD be glorified."

Proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes again.

Luke 7: 1 – 10 A centurion there had a slave who was ill and about to die, and he was valuable to him. When he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and save the life of his slave.


Who is valuable to me? What do I want Jesus to do for that person?


Action: Do something to make yourself valuable to someone else.

Thought for Friday September 10

How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

Blessed they who dwell in your house!
continually they praise you.

Blessed the men whose strength you are!

their hearts are set upon the pilgrimage.

How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

Luke 6: 39 – 42 Jesus told his disciples a parable: "Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?


What is my blindness? Who is my guide?


Action: Gently help someone who is blind to something Jesus has helped you see.

Thought for Thursday September 9

Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

O LORD, you have probed me and you know me;

you know when I sit and when I stand;

you understand my thoughts from afar.

My journeys and my rest you scrutinize,

with all my ways you are familiar.

Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

Luke 6: 27 – 38 Jesus said to his disciples: "To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”


Do I see a lot of love for enemies these days? How am I doing?

Action: When you see people promoting hate, stand up to them and remind them that Jesus said, “Love your enemies.”

Thought for Wednesday September 8

With delight I rejoice in the Lord.

Let me sing of the LORD, “He has been good to me.”

With delight I rejoice in the Lord.

Matthew 1: 1 – 16, 18 – 23 Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.


What values or beliefs have been passed down to me from my family? What do I want to pass down to other generations?


Action: Call, write, email, text or facebook someone younger than you are and share some of your values.

Thought for Tuesday September 7

The Lord takes delight in his people.

Let them praise his name in the festive dance,

let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.

For the LORD loves his people,

and he adorns the lowly with victory.

The Lord takes delight in his people.

Luke 6: 12 – 19 When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:


How do I think the disciples who were not chosen to be Apostles felt? Do I want Jesus to chose me for a special assignment?


Action: Accept the work Jesus is asking you to do.

Thought for Monday September 6

Lead me in your justice, Lord.

But let all who take refuge in you

be glad and exult forever.

Protect them, that you may be the joy

of those who love your name.

Lead me in your justice, Lord.

Luke 6: 6 – 11 The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the Sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him.



Do I look for reasons to dislike people I disagree with? Do I ever make a point of finding reasons to like someone I disagree with?



Action: Think of the person with whom you most disagree and find 3 things you can appreciate in him or her.

Thought for Friday September 3

The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

Trust in the LORD and do good,

that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security.

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will grant you your heart’s requests.

The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

Luke 5: 33 – 39 Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined. Rather, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins.


Am I prepared to hear something new? Am I so certain of things that I avoid listening to ideas that challenge my status quo?


Action: If you have any non-negotiable beliefs, try to imagine what difference it would make if you are wrong.

Thought for Thursday September 2

To the Lord belongs the earth and all that fills it.

The LORD's are the earth and its fullness;

the world and those who dwell in it.

For he founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the rivers.

To the Lord belongs the earth and all that fills it.

Luke 5: 1 – 11 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man."


Do my sins make me inclined to go to Jesus or away from him? Which should I do?


Action: Take your sins to Jesus.

Thought for Wednesday September 1

Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Our soul waits for the LORD,

who is our help and our shield,

For in him our hearts rejoice;

in his holy name we trust.

Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Luke 4: 38 – 44 Simon's mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them.



Can I even imagine what it would be like to be cured of all my ails? What would I do?



Action: Do something you have been avoiding doing because you don’t feel well enough.

Thought for Tuesday August 31

The Lord is just in all his ways.

The LORD is gracious and merciful,

slow to anger and of great kindness.

The LORD is good to all

and compassionate toward all his works.

The Lord is just in all his ways.

Luke 4: 31 – 37  In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?


Why wouldn’t Jesus just destroy an unclean demon? What evil would I like to see destroyed?



Action: Try destroying a little bit of the evil that lives in you.

Thought for Monday August 30

The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;

let the sea and what fills it resound;

let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!

Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.

The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Luke 4: 16 – 30 He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.


Other than winning the lottery, what would be a “glad tiding” for the poor? Do I believe Jesus can deliver for the poor?


Action: Make a plan to do something real for a poor person for the rest of the year.

Thought for Friday August 27

The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

The LORD brings to nought the plans of nations;

he foils the designs of peoples.

But the plan of the LORD stands forever;

the design of his heart, through all generations.

The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

Matthew 25: 1 – 13 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.


Am I wise or foolish? Am I spiritually prepared for the times when things don’t go well?


Action: Imagine something really bad happens to you a year from now; start spiritually preparing yourself for that event.

Thought for Thursday August 26

I will praise your name for ever, Lord.

Every day will I bless you,

and I will praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD and highly to be praised;

his greatness is unsearchable.

I will praise your name for ever, Lord.

 

Matthew 24: 41 – 53 “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time?


What am I in charge of? Am I faithful and prudent?


Action: Spend one whole day being prudent about everything – time, money, food, activities, work, etc.

Thought for Wednesday August 25

Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Blessed are you who fear the LORD,

who walk in his ways!

For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;

blessed shall you be, and favored.

Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Matthew 23: 27 – 32 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets’ blood.’


What did past generations do that I think they should have known not to do? What have I seen happen in my lifetime that I hope future generations will not do?



Action: Do something today to help fix a situation caused by past sins.

Thought for Tuesday August 24

Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,

and let your faithful ones bless you.

Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom

and speak of your might.

Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

John 1: 45 – 51 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”


Do I ever form opinions about people based on something as trivial as where they are from? Have I ever come to really respect anyway I had originally dismissed?


Action: Give someone you have written off another chance.

Thought for Monday August 23

Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Sing to the LORD a new song;

sing to the LORD, all you lands.

Sing to the LORD; bless his name.

Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Matthew 23: 13 – 22 Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter.”



If someone asked my advice about how to get into heaven, what would I tell them? Am I living my own advice?


Action: Do something special for yourself this week; give yourself a little taste of heaven.

Thought for Friday August 20

Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting.

They cried to the LORD in their distress;

from their straits he rescued them.

And he led them by a direct way

to reach an inhabited city.

Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting.

Mathew 22: 34 – 40 “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”


With all of the complexities of the modern world, do these commandments give enough direction? Do I obey them?


Action: Obey these two commandments.

Thought for Thursday August 19

I will pour clean water on you and wash away all your sins.

A clean heart create for me, O God,

and a steadfast spirit renew within me.

Cast me not out from your presence,

and your Holy Spirit take not from me.

I will pour clean water on you and wash away all your sins.

Matthew 22: 1 – 14 Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables saying,  “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to …”


Why does Jesus try to explain to us what the Kingdom of heaven is like? Why does he use so many different parables to do it?


Action: Make up your own parable about what you hope the Kingdom of heaven is like.

Thought for Wednesday August 18

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

He guides me in right paths

for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk in the dark valley

I fear no evil; for you are at my side

With your rod and your staff

that give me courage.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Matthew 20: 1 – 16 The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard.


Am I ready to do the work of the kingdom? Do I expect any ‘special’ compensation for doing God’s work?


Action: Get up with the intent of doing some good, and then do it.

Thought for Tuesday August 17

It is I who deal death and give life.

“How could one man rout a thousand,

or two men put ten thousand to flight,

Unless it was because their Rock sold them

and the LORD delivered them up?”

It is I who deal death and give life.

Matthew 19: 23 – 30 Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven.”


Am I rich or do I want to be? Do I see being rich as a problem?


Action: Use some of your riches (money, talent, time, etc) to help someone who is poor.

Thought for Monday August 16

You have forgotten God who gave you birth.

You were unmindful of the Rock that begot you.

You forgot the God who gave you birth.

When the LORD saw this, he was filled with loathing

and anger toward his sons and daughters.

You have forgotten God who gave you birth.

Matthew 19: 16 – 22 The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?”


How many people strive for the maximum instead of the minimum? Do I seek to do more than observe the commandments?

Action: Try to be perfect – pray perfectly, study scripture perfectly, witness perfectly, love perfectly, lead perfectly.

Thought for Friday August 13

You have turned from your anger.God indeed is my savior;

I am confident and unafraid.

My strength and my courage is the LORD,

and he has been my savior.

With joy you will draw water

at the fountain of salvation.

You have turned from your anger.

Matthew 19: 3 – 12 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate.


How do I show respect for marriage? How can I support other people’s marriages?


Action: Be supportive of people who are getting married soon.

Thought for Thursday August 12

Do not forget the works of the Lord!

And he surrendered his strength into captivity,

his glory in the hands of the foe.

He abandoned his people to the sword

and was enraged against his inheritance.

Do not forget the works of the Lord!

Matthew 18: 21 – 19: 1 Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him?


What will happen to me if I refuse to forgive? Is there anyone who refuses to forgive me?


Action: Forgive.

Thoughtfor Wednesday August 11

The glory of the Lord is higher than the skies.

From the rising to the setting of the sun

is the name of the LORD to be praised.

High above all nations is the LORD;

above the heavens is his glory.

The glory of the Lord is higher than the skies.

Matthew 18: 15 – 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.


Do I experience God’s presence differently when I am gathered with others for worship? Is gathering with others important to me?


Action: Go to church.

Thought for Tuesday August 10

Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

Blessed the man who fears the LORD,

who greatly delights in his commands.

His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;

the upright generation shall be blessed.

Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

John 12: 24 – 26 Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”


What have I seen other people give up for the sake of bearing fruit for others? What am I willing to give in order to bear more fruit?


Action: Give up something (an hour of TV, one Saturday a month, an hour of cleaning your house, facebooking one evening a week, etc) so you can bear more fruit.