Thursday, May 30, 2013

Thought for Friday May 31


Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
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.
Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.


Luke 1: 39 – 56  And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;


What does my soul proclaim?  What does my lifestyle proclaim?


Action:  Make a point of proclaiming positive and loving things in the way you act.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Thought for Wednesday May 29


Show us, O Lord, the light of your kindness.
Help us, O God our savior,
because of the glory of your name;
Deliver us and pardon our sins
for your name’s sake.
Show us, O Lord, the light of your kindness.

 

Mark 10: 32 – 45  Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”

 

Do I think I am a better judge of what is best for me than Jesus is?  Do I try to control what I get form Jesus?

 

Action:  Ask Jesus to do what is best for you.

Thought for Tuesday May 28


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.
 
Mark 10: 28 – 31  Peter began to say to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.”

 
What did Peter give up to follow Jesus?  What have I given up?

 
Action:  Give thanks for the “everything” that you have.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Thought for Monday May 27


The Lord will remember his covenant forever.
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 forever.

 

Mark 10: 17 – 27  As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

What does it mean to “inherit” something?  What does it say about our relationship with God if we hope to “inherit” eternal life?

Action:  Think of one element of your faith that you have inherited, and make a plan to pass it on to as many people as you can.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Thought for Friday May 24


Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
Lead me in the path of your commands,
for in it I delight.
Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

 
Sirach 6: 5 – 17  When you gain a friend, first test him, and be not too ready to trust him.  For one sort is a friend when it suits him, but he will not be with you in time of distress. Another is a friend who becomes an enemy, and tells of the quarrel to your shame.  Another is a friend, a boon companion, who will not be with you when sorrow comes.  When things go well, he is your other self, and lords it over your servants;  But if you are brought low, he turns against you and avoids meeting you.


Have I had friends like each of these?  How do I “test” friends?


Action:  Do something for a friend who has passed the test.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Thought for Thursday May 23


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.

 
Mark 9: 41 – 50   If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.  It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire.


What have I done to control the things that cause me to sin?  Are there situations I avoid because I know they may cause me to sin?

Action:  Do not cut off any appendages.  If you have any “sin triggers” that you know of, avoid them.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Thought for Wednesday May 22


O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.
My lips pour forth your praise,
because you teach me your statutes.
O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

 Sirach 4: 9 – 11  Wisdom breathes life into her children and admonishes those who seek her.  He who loves her loves life;  those who seek her will be embraced by the Lord.


Do I value wisdom?  Where do I look to find wisdom?


Action:  Don’t be content with what you think you know – seek real wisdom.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Thought for Firday May 17


The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our transgressions from us.
The Lord has established his throne in heaven.


John 21: 15 – 19 Simon, son of John, do you love me?"  Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."   He said to him, "Tend my sheep."


Do I love Jesus?  Am I tending his sheep?


Action:  Provide some gentle leadership to someone who seems to be wandering.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Thought for Thursday May 16


Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
I bless the LORD who counsels me;
even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.


John 17: 20 – 26 And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me.

Do I see perfection in my future?  Do I like the idea of being perfect?

Action:  Show one person perfect love today (for as long as you can stand it).

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Thought for Wednesday May 15


Sing to God, O Kingdoms of the earth.
You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God,
chant praise to the Lord
who rides on the heights of the ancient heavens.
Behold, his voice resounds, the voice of power:
“Confess the power of God!”
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

John 17: 11 – 19  I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.  I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the Evil One.

Do I belong to this world?  How does God keep me from the Evil One?

Action:  The next time you find yourself getting wrapped up in the things of this world, go the extra mile for someone who has nothing in this world.

 

 

Monday, May 13, 2013

Thought for Tuesday May 14


The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.
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 Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.

Acts 1: 15 – 26  Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection…So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias… Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles.
 
Do I ever feel like I am where I am just by chance?  Have I ever taken the place of someone who had betrayed others?

Action:  Remember, your choices make you who you are.  It isn’t just chance.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Thought for Monday May 13


Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
But the just rejoice and exult before God;
they are glad and rejoice.
Sing to God, chant praise to his name;
whose name is the LORD.
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

John 16: 29 – 33  The disciples said to Jesus, "Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you.”

Do I believe Jesus knows everything?  Does it comfort me or annoy me to think of Jesus as a know-it-all?

Action:  Think of some issue you are sure you are right about and then think about how Jesus would express his moral certitude.  If there is a difference between what you do and what he would do, make a plan to change your approach.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Thought for Friday May 10


God is king of all the earth.
All you peoples, clap your hands,
shout to God with cries of gladness,
For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,
is the great king over all the earth.
God is king of all the earth.

 
Acts 18: 9 - 18    One night while Paul was in Corinth, the Lord said to him in a vision, “Do not be afraid.  Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you.  No one will attack and harm you, for I have many people in this city.”

Am I ever afraid to speak the truth?  Am I aware of the many people who would agree or just the ones who would disagree?


Action:   Do not be afraid.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Thought for Thursday May 9


God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
All you peoples, clap your hands,
shout to God with cries of gladness,
For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,
is the great king over all the earth.
God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
 
Ephesians 1: 17 – 23  Brothers and sisters: May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him.
 
Do I have a Spirit of wisdom and revelation?  Do I know Jesus?
 
Action:  Get to know Jesus.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Thought for Wednesday May 8


Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights.
Praise him, all you his angels;
praise him, all you his hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

John 16: 12 – 15  Jesus said to his disciples: “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.  But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.”

How much truth can I really stand?  When was the last time the truth hurt me?

Action:  Face up to some truth and make a change in your life.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Thought for Tuesday May 7


Your right hand saves me, O Lord.
Because of your kindness and your truth,
you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
Your right hand saves me, O Lord.

John 16: 5 – 11  Jesus said to his disciples: "Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts.”


When have I experienced grief?  Was it healthy; did it help me move on?


Action:  When you make a change in your life to more closely bear witness to Jesus, go ahead and take the time to grieve for whatever you are giving up.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Thought for Monday May 6


The Lord takes delight in his people.
Let the faithful exult in glory;
let them sing for joy upon their couches.
Let the high praises of God be in their throats.
This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.
The Lord takes delight in his people.

 
Acts 16: 11 – 15  After she and her household had been baptized, she offered us an invitation, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,
come and stay at my home,” and she prevailed on us.


Who do I invite into my life?  How do I respond to offers of hospitality?


Action:  Invite someone who needs a break out to eat.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Thought for Friday May 3


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.

John 14: 6 – 14  Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you know me, then you will also know my Father.

Is knowing the Father my goal?  Am I content to follow Jesus without knowing him or the Father?

Action:  Think of something you do because you know God wants to (and not just because you were told to), and put some extra effort into it this week.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Thought for Thursday May 2


The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.
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 Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.

John 15: 9 – 17  This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.

Does this mean I have to love everybody?  How can I express love to others?

Action:  Find a way to express Jesus’ love to somebody you can’t stand.