Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Thought for Wednesday 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!

1 John 1:1-4 Beloved: What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life — for the life was made visible; we have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to us—  what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

Does Christmas make Jesus more visible?  Do I make him visible through my actions in the world?

Action:   Make your faith visible to others through action.

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Thought for Tuesday 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.


Matthew 10: 17 – 22  Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans.

Is this really what I wanted to hear the day after Christmas?  Did I use the four weeks before Christmas to prepare myself for the reality of  the Incarnation and the responsibility of being the body of Christ on earth?

Action:  Don’t quit.  Christmas is a season too.

Friday, December 22, 2017

Thought for Friday December 22


My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
“The bows of the mighty are broken,
while the tottering gird on strength.
The well-fed hire themselves out for bread,
while the hungry batten on spoil.
The barren wife bears seven sons,
while the mother of many languishes.”
My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

Luke 1: 46 – 56  He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

What do I hunger for?  Do I believe God can satisfy my hunger?

Action:  Tell God what you are most hungry for with confidence that he can satisfy that hunger.

 

 

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Thought for Wednesday 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 even if he has to work through me?  What is the most impossible thing I have ever done?

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

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Thought for Tuesday 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.

Monday, December 18, 2017

Thought for Monday December 18


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

 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:  Learn the names of some of the “nameless” people you see every day.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Thought for Friday December 15


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.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Thought for Thursday December 14


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.

Isaiah 41: 13 – 20  The afflicted and the needy seek water in vain, their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will open up rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the broad valleys; I will turn the desert into a marshland, and the dry ground into springs of water.
If God is going to do everything, can I just ignore the needy?  So when is God going to get to work and get this all done?

Action:  Thank God every time you drink water today.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Thought for Wednesday December 13


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 – 30  “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:  Help someone who is carrying a heavy burden.

Monday, December 11, 2017

Thought for Tuesday December 12


You are the highest honor of our race.
Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God,
above all the women on earth;
and blessed be the LORD God,
the creator of heaven and earth.
You are the highest honor of our race.

Luke 1: 26 – 38  The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary.  And coming to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Would I be suspicious of a greeting like this?  Am I ready to accept the responsibility that comes with my gifts?

Action:  Next time you think you are being asked for too much – think of Mary.

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Thought for Monday December 11


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!
 
Luke 5: 17 – 26  But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus.
 
What do I do when there are obstacles in my path to following God?  How hard will I try to find another way?
 
Action:  If there is some good thing you have wanted to do but haven’t been able to do, try to find a different way.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Thought for Friday 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. 

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Thought for Thursday December 7


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, 24 – 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.


How often do I act on a new idea or opportunity?  How much of my time and energy is exhausted in just keeping up with the status quo?


Action:  Use Advent to examine how you use your time and find a way to reduce the load of incessant tasks so you have time and energy to take on new opportunities. [Unless you are like me and need to find a way to be less lazy and actually take on more.]

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Thought for Wednesday December 6


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.
 

Isaiah 25: 6 – 10  On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples. A feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, The web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever.
 

Does this sound good to me?   Do I really expect God to provide this?
 

Action:  Do what you can to provide a meal (donate, invite, volunteer) to someone who has no idea what juicy, rich food and choice wine are like.

Monday, December 4, 2017

Thought for Tuesday December 5

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.

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.

Who am I afraid of?  Who would be afraid to hang out with me?

Action:  Spend some time with someone you usually avoid.

Sunday, December 3, 2017

Thought for Monday December 4


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.
 
Isaiah 2: 1 – 5  In days to come, They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.
 
Do I trust in the power of this world or the promise of God?  Am I ready for peace?
 
Action:  Let go of some of your dependence on power to change the world.

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Thought for Friday December 1


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.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Thought for thursday 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.


How do I identify myself?  What job does Jesus see me doing?

Action:  Embrace your work – be competent, be caring, stay balanced.

Monday, November 27, 2017

Thought for Tuesday November 28


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, in the church I go to, helps me to worship and pray?  Does Jesus’ description of the end times worry me comfort me, or…?

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

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Thought for Monday November 27


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 is the hardest thing for me to give – money, energy, time, love, etc.?  What is the greatest gift another person has given me in the last year?


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.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Thought for Wednesday November 22


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.


2 Maccabees 7:1, 20 - 31   It happened that seven brothers with their mother were arrested and tortured with whips and scourges by the king, to force them to eat pork in violation of God's law.


Who would I want with me if I was being “put to the test”?  In what ways is your faith tested? - (I assume no one is force-feeding you pork)


Action:  Give thanks for the people who support you in the practice of the faith.

Monday, November 20, 2017

Thought for Tuesday November 21


The Lord upholds me.
But you, O LORD, are my shield;
my glory, you lift up my head!
When I call out to the LORD,
he answers me from his holy mountain.
The Lord upholds me.


2 Maccabees 6: 18 – 31  Eleazar, one of the foremost scribes, a man of advanced age and noble appearance, was being forced to open his mouth to eat pork.
But preferring a glorious death to a life of defilement, he spat out the meat…  But Eleazar made up his mind in a noble manner, of his years, the dignity of his advanced age, the merited distinction of his gray hair, and of the admirable life he had lived from childhood; and so he declared that above all he would be loyal to the holy laws given by God…  He told them to send him at once to the abode of the dead, explaining: "At our age it would be unbecoming to make such a pretense; many young people would think the ninety-year-old Eleazar had gone over to an alien religion.
 
Am I aging with dignity?  Do I see my responsibility to live the faith growing as I get older?


Action:  Remember your words and your example have an influence on others – live up to your responsibility.

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Thought for Monday November 20


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.”

 

 

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Thought for Friday November 17


The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
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.
The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

Wisdom 13: 1 – 9   All men were by nature foolish who were in ignorance of God, and who from the good things seen did not succeed in knowing him who is, and from studying the works did not discern the artisan;

Do I know people who see everything God created and still aren’t smart enough to really appreciate him?   How different would my life be if I were ignorant of God?

Action:  Be wise – don’t do anything stupid this weekend.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Thought for Thursday November 16


Your word is forever, O Lord.
Let my soul live to praise you,
and may your ordinances help me.
Your word is forever, O Lord.

Wisdom 7:22 – 8: 1  In Wisdom is a spirit intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, agile, clear, unstained, certain, not baneful, loving the good, keen, unhampered, beneficent, kindly, firm, secure, tranquil, all-powerful, all-seeing, and pervading all spirits, though they be intelligent, pure and very subtle. For Wisdom is mobile beyond all motion, and she penetrates and pervades all things by reason of her purity.

Who do I know that exhibits this kind of wisdom?  Do I accept that I have this gift of Wisdom and am I willing to accept the responsibility to use it?

Action:  Remember to ask Mother Mary to come to you speaking words of wisdom; she will be there in your hour of darkness standing right in front of you.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Thought for Wednesday November 15


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  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.


How often do I say “Thank You” to people who have helped me?  Do I sometimes take help for granted?


Action:  Think back in your life and pick out something someone did for you that has had a great impact on your life, especially if you didn’t notice at the time; contact the person who helped you and thank him or her; if you can’t do that – pay it forward.

Monday, November 13, 2017

Thought for Tuesday November 14


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.


Wisdom 2: 23 – 3:9  But the souls of the just are in the hand of God,  and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace.


Does my faith in God’s love and promise of his peace inspire love and charity in me?  Do my acts of love and charity sustain my faith in God’s love?


Action: Let your faith inspire charity and your charity keep your faith.

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Thought for Monday November 13


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.
 

Wisdom 1: 1 – 7  Love justice, you who judge the earth; think of the Lord in goodness, and seek him in integrity of heart;  For perverse counsels separate a man from God, and his power, put to the proof, rebukes the foolhardy; Because into a soul that plots evil, wisdom enters not, nor dwells she in a body under debt of sin.

Does sin make us stupid?  What is separating me from God?

Action:  Pay off some of your “debt of sin” – examine your conscience, repent, confess, make amends, seek indulgences, offer an act of contrition…

 

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Thought for Thursday 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!

 
John 2: 13 – 22  Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken.


Does this mean the disciples didn’t believe Jesus or the scriptures until after the resurrection?  When did I come to believe Jesus and the scripture?


Action:  Make a point this week of acting like somebody other people will believe.

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Thought for Wednesday November 8


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?


Have I calculated the cost of carrying my cross with Jesus?  Do I have what it takes to complete the job?


Action:  Reallocate some of your time, money, talent, or energy  to something you know you need to do but have been putting off – visiting someone, going to the doctor, quitting smoking, learning a new skill, volunteering, praying, exercising, getting married, changing jobs, dealing with a problem …

Monday, November 6, 2017

Thought for Tuesday November 7


In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.
Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted
my soul like a weaned child.
Like a weaned child on its mother's lap,
so is my soul within me.
In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.

 
Romans 12: 5 – 16  Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.


What grace has been given to me?  Who do I know that exercises his gifts really well?

Action:  Invest time improving your ability to exercise your gifts – take a class, read a book, etc.

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Thought for Monday November 6


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 11: 29 – 36  Brothers and sisters:  The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.

Do I sometimes see my gifts as a burden because of the duty I have to exercise them?   Is there a responsibility I would really like to have taken from me?

Action:   Reach out to support someone who seems to be struggling with his gifts or call.

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Thought for Friday November 3


Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
He has granted peace in your borders;
with the best of wheat he fills you.
He sends forth his command to the earth;
swiftly runs his word!
Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

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. In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy.

How often do I eat with people who are suffering?  Who invites me to eat when things aren’t going well?

Action:  Start thinking about your plans for the upcoming holiday season.  Consider spending part of your time serving those who are  suffering instead of just the usual insufferable relatives. [Just kidding folks]

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Thought for Thursday November 2


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.


Wisdom 3: 1 – 9  The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.  They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction.  But they are in peace.


Is there anyone I know who has died that I worry about, i.e. maybe they didn’t quite make it?  How often do I pray for the dead?


Action:  Pray for the dead.

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Thought for Wednesday 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  Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me, "Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?" I said to him, "My lord, you are the one who knows."  He said to me, "These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb."


Do the examples of the saints who have “survived the time of great distress” inspire me?  What would I have to change in my life to qualify for beatification?


Action:  Make sainthood your goal (just don’t plan to be martyred).

Monday, October 30, 2017

Thought for Tuesday October 31


The Lord has done marvels for us.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
The Lord has done marvels for us.


Romans 8: 18 – 25  We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies…. But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.


What am I hoping for?   What am I tired of waiting for? 


Action:  Keep hoping. Keep waiting. Endure.  In the meantime, celebrate the good that has and is happening in your life.

 

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Thought for Monday October 30


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.


Am I ready to be suddenly cured of some affliction (physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, societal)?  What would I do differently in my life if I were cured?


Action:  Don’t let your afflictions prevent you from doing what you can do.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Thought for Thursday October 26


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.
 
Romans 6: 19 – 23  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 
Do I worry much about the effects of the sins I commit?  Have a usually had good experiences in Confession?
 
Action:  Repent, confess and do your best to avoid sinning.
 

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Thought for Wednesday October 25


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?  Would I ever be tempted to give up some of my gifts if I could escape some responsibility?

Action:  Do what is expected of you and remind yourself that others are doing the same.  You are not alone.

Monday, October 23, 2017

Thought for Tuesday October 24


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  Jesus said to his disciples:  “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.”


What am I ready for?  What could I do immediately for God?


Action:  Get ready – God may want something from you tomorrow.

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Thought for Monday October 23


Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
free to worship him without fear,
holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.


Luke 12: 13 – 21  Then he said to the crowd, "Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions."… 'You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?' Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God."


Am I greedy – about time, money, energy?  Do I plan more for financial obligations (retirement, mortgage, insurance, taxes) or my spiritual/ faith development?

Action:  Make a plan to store up something that will last.

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Thought for Friday October 20


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  Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops.

Have I ever made the mistake of whispering something that never should have been said at all?  What am I willing to proclaim from the housetops?

Action:   The next time you are tempted to whisper something, ask yourself if it is something that really should be proclaimed or left unsaid.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Thought for Thursday October 19


With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.
I trust in the LORD;
my soul trusts in his word.
My soul waits for the LORD
more than sentinels wait for the dawn.
With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.


Luke 11: 47 – 54   When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees began to act with hostility toward him and to interrogate him about many things, for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say.


Do I ever wonder if people talk about me after I leave the room?  Do I sometimes hope that maybe they do keep talking about something they seemed to disagree with?


Action:  Next time you are left in the room, do your best to keep the conversation productive. Not destructive.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Thought for Wednesday 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 Tuesday October 17


The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
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.
The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

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. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal.


Do I ever let others’ table manners distract me from interacting with them as persons?  Am I a good guest?

Action:  Invite someone who is lonely to dinner, or lunch, or coffee, or somewhere else.

Monday, October 16, 2017

Thought for Monday October 16


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: 29 – 32  At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here.

How far will I go to seek wisdom?  Who is the wisest person I know?

Action:  The next time someone asks you for advice, consider whether you have the gift of wisdom for that topic and give your advice accordingly.

 

Friday, October 13, 2017

Thought for Friday October 13


The Lord will judge the world with justice.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart;
I will declare all your wondrous deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, Most High.
The Lord will judge the world with justice.
 
 
Luke 11: 15 - 26  "When an unclean spirit goes out of someone, it roams through arid regions searching for rest but, finding none, it says, 'I shall return to my home from which I came.'  But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order.  Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that man is worse than the first."
 
Do I believe I can conquer my sins and weaknesses without God’s help?  Have I seen people fail again and again to conquer their unclean spirits?
 
Action:  Have some good, clean fun this weekend.