Thought for Tuesday 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 What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Do I sometimes feel like the human race has sunk into darkness?  Where do I see the light of the human race?

Action:  Resolve to be the light in 3 dark situations in the coming year. 

  

Last Year I suggested: “Resolve to pay close attention to the good going on in the world instead of obsessing about the bad.”  Did that work for anyone?

Thought for Monday 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 Christmas Eve

Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
He shall say of me, “You are my father,
   my God, the rock, my savior.”
Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,
   and my covenant with him stands firm.

Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

 

Matthew 1: 1 – 25  Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,

How would I feel if an “angel of the Lord” appeared to me?  Scared, annoyed, excited, apprehensive?

Action:  Don’t do anything today that isn’t intended to bring joy to yourself or others.

 

Thought for Monday 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.

What do I see god doing for other people?  Do I rejoice with them?

Action:  Rejoice with your family and friends for the next week or so – eat great food, sing carols, cheer on your favorite teams and don’t forget to thank God for everything he has done for you and them.

Thought for Thursday December 19

My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.
My mouth shall be filled with your praise, and I will sing your glory!

 

Luke 1: 5 – 25  And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.

Does the way I live my life  bring joy and gladness to my parents?  What could I do to make many people rejoice over my existence?

Action:  Do something today your Mom & Dad and God the Father would be proud of you for.

Thought fro Wednesday December 18

Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous deeds.
And blessed forever be his glorious name;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.

 

Matthew 1: 18 – 25  She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

How do my actions give my name meaning?   What do I want my name to mean?

Action:  Make a point of calling people by their names today, conscious that we are all still creating ourselves as persons.

Thought for Tuesday 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  Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab.  Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab.

Who cares?  Why are people interested in genealogy?  Is it important to see ourselves as a product of a long line of people even if we don’t who they are?

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

 

Thought for Monday December 16

Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior.
Teach me your ways, O Lord.

 

Matthew 21: 23 – 27  “By what authority are you doing these things?  And who gave you this authority?”

Do I respect God’s authority over his creation?  Can I think of any examples of his authority being dismissed?

Action:  Look around you for something that seems to be out of kilter with God’s intent, and take  step toward fixing it.

Thought for Friday December 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.

 

Matthew 11: 16 – 19  But wisdom is vindicated by her works.

What works have I seen wisdom produce?  Do I respect wisdom?

Action:  Talk to three wise people this weekend and heed what they say.

Thought for thursday December 12

You are the highest honor of our race.
Your deed of hope will never be forgotten
by those who tell of the might of God.
You are the highest honor of our race.

Luke 1: 39 -  47  And Mary said:  “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;  my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”

What does my soul proclaim?  What does my mouth proclaim?

Action:  Do something today to rejoice in God’s greatness.

Thought for Wednesday December 11

 

O bless the Lord, my soul!
Merciful and gracious is the LORD,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
Not according to our sins does he deal with us,
nor does he requite us according to our crimes.
O bless the Lord, my soul!

Matthew 11: 28 – 31  “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”

 

What burden would you like taken from you?  Do you trust Jesus enough to give it to him?

Action:  Ask Jesus to help you with some task that has been bothering you.

Thought for Tuesday December 10

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?

 

Am I more likely to stay with the safe crowd or go looking for the one stray?  What will I risk to help one person?

Action:  Go out on a limb to help someone who really needs it; or adopt a stray dog or cat.

Thought for Monday December 9

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.

Luke 1: 26 – 38  Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

 

How hard is it to say yes to God?   Would I ever give God such an open-ended yes as Mary did, or do I want more control?

Action:  Say yes to something God has been trying to get you to do. 

 

Thought for Friday December 6

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”?   How important is it to proclaim your faith?

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 5

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  Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.  The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house.  But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.

What is my house built on?  What kind of foundation is necessary to live your faith in modern society?

Action:  If there are in soft/sandy spots in your foundation, make a plan for shoring them up.

Thought for Wednesday December 4

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

Matthew 15: 29 – 37  The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole,  the lame walking,  and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel.

Do I acknowledge that people I know have changed or do I still think of them the way I always have?  Do I want people to let me grow and change?

Action:  Thank God for all of the infirmities he has helped you overcome.

Thought for Tuesday December 3

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.

 

Luke 10: 21 – 24   No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.

What has Jesus revealed to me about the Father?  Do I look to Jesus to learn the mind and heart of God?

Action:  Look around today and see if you can find one small thing you know God would want changed and change it.

Thought for Monday December 2

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.”

This line replaced, “Lord I am not worthy to receive you…,” in the Mass.  What is the difference between receiving something and receiving someone in your home?  Does this sentence change your understanding of receiving Communion?

Action: Receive someone new into your home (or office or social circle or etc.).  If you just had 20 people I your house for Thanksgiving, you can skip this one.

Thought for Wednesday November 27

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 For I [Jesus] myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking.

Has Jesus ever helped me find just the right words when I didn’t know what to say?  Have I ever heard Jesus speak to me through someone else?

Action:  Trust Jesus to help you speak to all of the annoying relatives and acquaintances you will run into for the next month or so.

Thought for Tuesday November 26

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.”

What do I most like or not like to see in churches?   What kinds of things help me to worship and pray?

Action:  Decorate your house for Advent in a way that will really help you focus on the season.

Thought for Monday November 25

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.”

If I won the lottery, would I give a large donation to charity?  If I did, would that donation be better than what I am giving now?

Action:  Give until it hurts – make a donation that is a little more than is easy for you.  It doesn’t have to be money – blood is in great demand at this time of year, plenty of cats and dogs need homes, shelters need volunteers…

Thought for Friday November 22

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.
 
Doesn’t “put him to death” seem like a pretty extreme way of responding to someone you disagree with?  Am I violent about any issue?

Action:  Pray for the people of the Philippines.

Thought for Thursday November 21

To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Offer to God praise as your sacrifice
and fulfill your vows to the Most High;
Then call upon me in time of distress;
I will rescue you, and you shall glorify me.”
To the upright I will show the saving power of 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.”

How peaceful is my city?  Do I have any idea what would make for peace in my city?

Action:  Do something to make your neighborhood a little more peaceful.

Thought for Wednesday November 20

Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.
My steps have been steadfast in your paths,
my feet have not faltered.
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me; hear my word.
Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.

Luke 19: 11 – 28  Then the other servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it stored away in a handkerchief,’

 

Is there anything God has given me that he wants me to keep hidden away?  Has God given me anything that I am hiding?

Action:  Invest your talents in changing the world, or at least the part of it that is around you.

Thought for Tuesday November 19

The Lord upholds me.
When I lie down in sleep,
I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.
I fear not the myriads of people
arrayed against me on every side.
The Lord upholds me.

Luke 19: 1 – 10  Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man,  was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way.

What keeps me from seeing who Jesus really is?  What am I going to do about it?

Action:  Do whatever you have to do to see Jesus.

Thought for Monday November 18

Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.
Though the snares of the wicked are twined about me,
your law I have not forgotten.
Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.

Luke 18: 35 – 43  He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.

Have I seen a miracle?  What miracle would I most like to see happen?

Action:  Work to improve some situation that “would need a miracle to fix.”

Thought for Friday November 15

Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
Within my heart I treasure your promise,
that I may not sin against you.
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.

What about my life am I set on preserving?   What would I like to lose?

Action:  Examine your life for something you do frequently/consistently that bears no fruit and quit doing it.

Thought for Thursday November 14

Your word is forever, O Lord.
The revelation of your words sheds light,
 giving understanding to the simple.
Your word is forever, O Lord.

 

Luke 17: 20 – 25  “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”

If I can’t observe the kingdom of God, how am I supposed to know it is really here?  What difference does it make?

Action:  Think for yourself and don’t get wrapped up in mob mentality.

 

Thought for Wednesday November 13

Rise up, O God, bring judgment to the earth.
Defend the lowly and the fatherless;
render justice to the afflicted and the destitute.
Rescue the lowly and the poor;
from the hand of the wicked deliver them.
Rise up, O God, bring judgment to the earth.

 

Luke 17: 11 – 19  As they were going they were cleansed.   And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.

 

Am I so used to my afflictions that I wouldn’t even notice if I were cured?   Have you ever thought, “I would do more “good” if I didn’t have [some particular problem].”?

Action:  Start trying to do something that you think you can’t do – ask Jesus to help.

Thought for Tuesday November 12

I will bless the Lord at all times.
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.
I will bless the Lord at all times.

 

Luke 17: 7 – 10 When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’

Do I think I am special because I do some good things?  Do I expect to do all I have been commanded to do?

Action:  Do what God has commanded you to do.

Thought for Monday November 11

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  Jesus said to his disciples, “Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur.”

Have I noticed that causes of sin frequently occur in my life?  Have I ever noticed myself causing someone else to sin?

Action:  Make a plan to change if  you have been a bad example (cursing, drinking, careless driving, gossiping, goofing off, etc.).

Thought for Friday November 8

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  Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property.”

What am I squandering?  Am I a good steward of the resources entrusted to me?

 

Action:  Pick something you tend to waste (time, food, money, energy) and make a real effort to conserve it and put it to a positive use.

Thought for Thursday November 7

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

Luke 15: 1 – 10  So Jesus addressed this parable to them. “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?

Would I leave the 99 and go after the one?  Does this sound like a good business decision?

Action:  Work on a lost cause.

Thought for Wednesday November 6

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 5

In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.
O LORD, my heart is not proud,
nor are my eyes haughty;
I busy not myself with great things,
nor with things too sublime for me.
In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.

Romans 12: 5 – 16  Brothers and sisters: We, though many, are one Body in Christ and individually parts of one another.  Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them:

What are  my gifts?  Am I exercising them?

Action:  Use your gifts.

Thought for Monday November 4

In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.
O LORD, my heart is not proud,
nor are my eyes haughty;
I busy not myself with great things,
nor with things too sublime for me.
In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.

Luke 14: 12  - 14  Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind;  blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.

Would the world be different if people were less focused on what they can get out of a situation?  How would I be different if I were?

Action:   Do something really special for someone anonymously.

Thought for Friday 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 mourn, for they will be comforted.

 

For whom do I mourn?  Do I find comfort in the feast of All Saints (and Halloween and All Souls)?

 

Action:  Do something fun this weekend that you used to do with someone you have lost and let it bring you comfort.

Thought for Thursday October 31

Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
O God, I will sing a new song to you;
with a ten‑stringed lyre I will chant your praise,
You who give victory to kings,
and deliver David, your servant from the evil sword.
Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

Luke 13: 31 – 35  Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.

Do I have the perseverance to continue doing what I know I should even when I know it will be hard?  Where do I look for the strength to keep going?

Action:  If there is something you have given up on doing even though you know you should, take one step toward doing it again.  If you are perfect and never give up, go to dinner and celebrate.

Thought for Wednesday October 30

The Lord is faithful in all his words.
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 faithful in all his words.

 

Luke 13: 22 – 30  Someone asked Jesus, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?”

What do I want the answer to this question to be?  Do I want everyone to be saved, or do I prefer to think of heaven as a very exclusive club?

Action:  Think of someone (contemporary, historical or even fictional) that you believe is not going to heaven, and find a way to work against whatever sin he or she was/is committing.

Thought for Tuesday October 29

The Lord has done marvels for us.
Then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
The Lord has done marvels for us.

 Luke 13: 18 – 21  Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like?  It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden.  When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.”

 

What strikes me most about this description of the Kingdom of God?  Do I have a role/place in this kingdom?

Action:   Do something to make someone’s day.

Thought for Friday October 25

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?

Would I rather be told what is right and wrong or figure it out for myself?   Is the world simple enough to just live by a set of rules?

Action:  If there is some issue on which you are just following authority without convictions of your own, rethink it.  You may come to the same conclusion, but at least it will be your conclusion.

Thought for Thursday October 24

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
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.
Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

 

Luke 12: 49 – 53 Jesus said,  “Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?  No, I tell you, but rather division.”

So is Jesus happy that there is such division in the world?   Is he expressing a wish or a prediction or …?

Action:  Find some common ground with everyone you encounter today.

Thought for Wednesday October 23

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  Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.

What has been entrusted to me?   What is demanded of me?

Action:  Decide to use one of your gifts for the good of others.