Thought for Friday December 30

Alleluia, alleluia.
Let the peace of Christ control your hearts;
let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.
Alleluia, alleluia.

Colossians 3: 12 – 21  Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another,  if one has a grievance against another;  as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.  And over all these put on love,  that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.

Am I holding on to any grievances?  Does peace control my heart?

Action:  Make a list of all of the things you need to leave in 2016 and leave them there.  Enter the New Year committed to compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness.  Put on love.  And be thankful.

Thought for Thursday December 29

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

 

Luke 2: 22 – 35  The parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord,

 

How do I think Mary and Joseph felt while presenting Jesus to the Lord?   How do I think the God felt?

 

Action:  Present yourself to God and ask him what he wants you to do today.

 

Thought for Wednesday 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.”

Is “run away and hide” the advice I would expect from the God who sent plagues to Egypt, wiped out the Amalekites, and destroyed Jericho?  Does the birth of Jesus seem to usher in a new era in God’s dealings with his people?

Action: Make a point of doing something nice for the “innocent” people around you.

 

Thought for Tuesday December 27

Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many isles be glad.
Clouds and darkness are around him,
justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.
Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

John 20: 1 – 8 They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him.

Do I ever feel like Jesus is missing?  Do I ever wonder where he is?

Action:  This is the Christmas Season keep celebrating even though most of society is putting away Christmas.

Thought for Monday December 26

Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety.
You are my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me.
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Acts 6: 8 – 10, 7: 54- 89  Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people.

Who is working great wonders among the people today?  Am I doing anything good?

Action:  Bear witness to Christ and the message of Christmas.

Thought for Friday December 23

Alleluia, alleluia.
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

Alleluia, alleluia.

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 22

Alleluia, alleluia.
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
Alleluia, alleluia.

 

Luke 1: 46 – 56  From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.

What great things has the Lord done for me?  Who do I call “blessed”?

Action:  Start relaxing into Christmas confident that you are blessed and that the Lord will continue to do great things for you.

Thought for Wednesday December 21

Alleluia, alleluia.
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law:
come to save us, Lord our God!
Alleluia, alleluia.

Song of Songs 2: 8 – 14  My lover speaks; he says to me, “Arise, my beloved, my dove, my beautiful one, and come! “For see, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of pruning the vines has come, and the song of the dove is heard in our land.

Does this passage/promise brighten my day (the shortest of the year)?   Do I associate the coming of Christ at Christmas with the arrival of a lover?

Action:  Make the most of the shortest day of the year – it is my best chance to “be good all day long.”

Thought for Tuesday December 20

Alleluia, alleluia.
O Key of David,
opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:
come and free the prisoners of darkness!
Alleluia, alleluia.

 

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

Mary took the news of her “situation” pretty well; how would I have handled it?  Do I have enough inner peace to accept whatever God asks of me?

Action:  Offer yourself to God as Mary did, or acknowledge why you can’t.

Thought for Monday December 19

Alleluia, alleluia.
O Root of Jesse’s stem,
sign of God’s love for all his people:
come to save us without delay!

Alleluia, alleluia

 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 people rejoice over my existence?

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

Thought for Thursday December 15

I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
Sing praise to the LORD, you his faithful ones,
and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger lasts but a moment;
a lifetime, his good will.
At nightfall, weeping enters in,
but with the dawn, rejoicing.
I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

Isaiah 54: 1 – 10  So I have sworn not to be angry with you, or to rebuke you. Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken,  My love shall never leave you nor my covenant of peace be shaken, says the LORD, who has mercy on you.

Do I ever question God’s love for me?  Am I better able to love others because I am confident in God’s love for me?

Action:   Be loving.

 

Thought for Wednesday December 14

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.

Isaiah 45: 6 – 25  I am the LORD, there is no other; I form the light, and create the darkness, I make well-being and create woe; I, the LORD, do all these things.

Do I ever take credit for something God did?   How important is it to acknowledge that God is God?

Action:  When you light your Advent candles, take a moment to thank God for creating the light.

Thought for Tuesday December 13

The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

Matthew 21: 28 – 32  A man had two sons.  He came to the first and said, ‘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 of the two did his father’s will?”

Which one am I?  Which way do people usually respond to my requests for help?

Action:  The next time God asks you to do something (probably through someone else) say “Yes” and then do it.

Thought for Monday 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.

Zechariah 2: 14 - 17  Silence, all mankind, in the presence of the LORD!

When am I silent – without TV, radio, books, gadgets, etc. – in the presence of the Lord?  Is finding time to be silent part of my Advent?

Action:  Find time for Silence.

Thought for Friday December 9

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 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.

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 Wednesday December 7

O bless the Lord, my soul!
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
 O bless the Lord, my soul!

Matthew 11: 28 – 30  Jesus said to the crowds: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.

How tired am I?  How important are the things I have accepted as burdens?

Action:  Let go of some burden that wasn’t really important anyway.

Thought for Tuesday December 6

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  Jesus said to his disciples: “What is your opinion?  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?

Does my answer change depending on whether I see myself as the 1 rescued or one of the 99 left alone?  If I am one of the 99, what responsibility do I have to the shepherd and the stray?

Action:  Look out for the one likely to go astray.

Thought for Monday December 5

Our God will come to save us!
Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
Our God will come to save us!

Isaiah 35: 1 – 10    The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.

Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe. The burning sands will become pools, and the thirsty ground, springs of water.

Do I have a picture of the promises of God that is as clear as Isaiah’s?    Can I imagine the dramatic change that would occur if a river sprang up in the desert?

Action:  Take the time during Advent to develop a clear picture of what God has promised you.

Thought for Friday December 2

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  Then he touched their eyes and said, "Let it be done for you according to your faith."

Do I really want something done to me according to my faith?  Does God care for me based on my faith or his love?

Action:   Treat people better than they treat you.

Thought for Thursday December 1

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.

Am I solid enough to withstand life’s storms?  Where are the weaknesses in my foundation?

Action:  Work to get stronger.

Thought for Wednesday 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.

Romans 10: 9 – 18  But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed?  And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard?  And how can they hear without someone to preach?  And how can people preach unless they are sent?

Do I appreciate the Church’s role in preparing and sending people to preach?  Has the Church prepared and sent me to preach – in words or actions?

Action:  Thank or pray for the best preachers you have ever met.

Thought for Tuesday November 29

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

Isaiah 11: 1 – 10  Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid;  The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them.  The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the cobra’s den, and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair.

Am I a wolf, leopard, lion, bear or cobra or am I the lamb, kid, calf, baby?  Do the strong want to be with the vulnerable?

Action:  Work on being strong in partnership with the weak.

Thought for Monday November 28

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  When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.”

Have I ever been paralyzed – physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally?  What motivates me to keep going when I just want to quit?

Action:  Advent is a new beginning.  Use this time to reset your physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health and increase your resilience to be ready for whatever is coming.

Thought for Friday November 25

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 24

I will praise your name forever, Lord.
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.
I will praise your name forever, Lord.

 

Sirach 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; May his goodness toward us endure in Israel to deliver us in our days.

1 Corinthians 1: 3 – 9  Brothers and sisters:  I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus.

Luke 17: 11 – 19  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.

Action:  Be thankful and offer thanks.

Thought for Wednesday November 23

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 22

Give glory and eternal praise to him.
“Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord,
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
Give glory and eternal praise to him.

Luke 21: 5 – 11  Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen?  And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”

Wouldn’t it be nice to know when something bad is about to happen?  Do I spend much time preparing myself  for disasters – natural, personal or spiritual?

Action:  Make a list of five things you need to do to prepare yourself for the worst — and then start working on them.

Thought for Monday November 21

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 18

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: 43 – 45  Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, saying to them, "It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves."

 

What do I want Jesus to drive out of my church?   Does anything at church distract me from prayer?

 

Action:   Go to church this weekend and focus on all the things that encourage prayer.

Thought for Thursday November 17

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  If this day you only knew what makes for peace – but now it is hidden from your eyes.

If I did know what “makes for peace” would I have the courage to stand up and push for it?  What do I see people courageously pushing for today?

Action:  Be peacefully courageous.

Thought for Wednesday November 16

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 15

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  So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way.

Have I ever gone out on a limb to see or know Jesus better?  How important is convenience in my practice of faith?

Action:  Start now making a plan for getting to know Jesus better during Advent.

Thought for Monday November 14

Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.
Indignation seizes me because of the wicked
who forsake your law.
Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.

Luke 18: 35 – 43  Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?"  He replied, "Lord, please let me see."

Why did Jesus ask the blind man what he wanted; wouldn’t it be obvious he wanted to see?  What do I want Jesus to do for me?

Action:   Ask Jesus to do one specific thing for you today.

Thought for Friday November 11

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.

Who do I know who was willing to lose his life to save others?   What am I willing to lose my life for?

Action:  Thank someone who has given up something in his or her life for you.  (Hint:  It’s Veterans Day)

Thought for Thursday November 10

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

Do I see the Son of Man lighting up the world?  Why must he suffer?

Action:  Storm into the gloomiest situation you encounter on a frequent basis and do something to light it up, even if it only lasts for a second.

Thought for Wednesday 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^st Corinthians 3: 9 – 11, 16 – 17  Brothers and sisters: You are God's building.

Do I spend more time and energy on my exterior or my interior?   What do I want to experience when I walk into a church?

Action:   Next time you go to church be aware that your presence, attitude, and actions can have as much impact on other people’s experience as all of the art, architecture and decorations.

Thought for Tuesday November 8

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 7

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.” The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree  ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”

How much faith do I have?   Do I want the responsibility that comes with being able to tell a tree to move?

Action:  Pray for an increase of your faith, even if you are not sure you want it.

Thought for Friday November 4

The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
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 revealed to the nations his saving power.

Luke 16: 1 – 8  Jesus said to his disciples, "A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property.

Have I squandered anything?  Am I squandering any of the gifts God has given me?

Action:  Make a conscious effort to use your gifts today.

Thought for Thursday November 3

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 2

Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, for you are with me.
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.

 

Romans 5: 5 - 11   Brothers and sisters: Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

What hopes do  I have for myself?  For my family and friends?  For my city, nation, the world? 

Action:  Invest some time, energy, or money into making someone’s hopes come true.

Thought for Tuesday 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.

Revelations 7: 2 - 4, 9 - 14     After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.”

1 John 3: 1 - 3   Beloved: See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.

Matthew 5: 1 – 12  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”

Is All Saints Day an important feast for me; i.e. do I make a real effort to observe it?  Who comes to mind on this feast?

Action:  Pray for all of the saints you know, living and dead, canonized and un-canonized, and ask them to pray for you too.

Thought for Monday October 31

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.

Philippians 2: 1 – 4  Brothers and sisters: If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests,  but also everyone for those of others.

Do I find any encouragement in Christ or any solace in love?  When am I selfish; when am I a  humble servant? 

Action:  Look out for others.

Thought for Friday 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.

 

Ephesians 2:19 – 22  Brothers and sisters:  You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.

Does my faith make me feel like I am part of something – a citizen of the household of God?   What responsibilities do I have as a citizen?

Action:  Be a good citizen and help others find their place in the household of God. 

Too vague? – Make a donation to www.stjude.org or another organization that is working on “The Impossible” that only citizens of the household would even attempt.

Thought for Thursday October 27

Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
My mercy and my fortress,
my stronghold, my deliverer,
My shield, in whom I trust,
who subdues my people under me.
Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

 

Ephesians 6: 10 – 20 Brothers and sisters: Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the Devil. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Does having faith and knowing God make me feel strong?  Am I ready to face whatever the Devil may throw at me?

Action:  Be strong, have faith, stand firm, read the word of God, pray, and be confident that God will help you.