Thought for Monday January 19

You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

“Yours is princely power in the day of your birth, in holy splendor;

before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten you.”

You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

Mark 2: 18 – 22 Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?


Do I experience Jesus like a groom at his wedding? Am I celebrating with him?

Action: Do something today to celebrate Christ’s mission?

Thought for Friday January 16

Do not forget the works of the Lord!

What we have heard and know,

and what our fathers have declared to us,

we will declare to the generation to come

The glorious deeds of the LORD and his strength.
Do not forget the works of the Lord!

Mark 2: 1 – 12 They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him.

How hard do I work to bring people to Jesus? Do I give up easily?

Action: If you have been working to bring someone to Jesus and meeting obstacles at every turn, show that person this gospel passage and tell him or her that you intend to keep trying.

Thought for Thursday January 15

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us bow down in worship;

let us kneel before the LORD who made us.

For he is our God,

and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Mark 1: 40 – 45 The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly.

Do I tell people what Jesus has done for me? Should I?


Action: Write a brief article, one or two paragraphs, about what Jesus has done for you. If you can, give it to someone else to read.

Thought for Wednesday January 14

The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name;

make known among the nations his deeds.

Sing to him, sing his praise,

proclaim all his wondrous deeds.

The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

Mark 1: 29 – 39 He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.


If Jesus cured me, would I immediately jump up and serve him? What excuses do I give for not serving him?

Action: Face one of your excuses head on and try to overcome it.

Thought for Tuesday January 13

You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.

All sheep and oxen,

yes, and the beasts of the field,

The birds of the air, the fishes of the sea,

and whatever swims the paths of the seas.

You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.

Mark 1: 21 – 28 All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority.

Do I look for authoritative teaching? Do I prefer teaching with relative terms like – “in some cases”, “it depends”, “usually”, “maybe”, or even “We can agree to disagree”?

Action: Try to go for one day without using relative terms when you are talking about what you believe.

Thought for Monday January 12

Let all his angels worship him.

The heavens proclaim his justice,

and all peoples see his glory.

Let all his angels worship him.

Let all his angels worship him.

Mark 1: 14 – 20 Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they left their nets and followed him.

What would Jesus have to offer me for me to give up everything I know? What am I willing to leave behind?


Action: If there is something you are holding on to that is getting in the way of living your faith, make a plan to give it up.

Thought for Froday January 9

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 5: 12 – 16 “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”

Is there something I want Jesus to do for me? When was the last time I asked him?

Action: Ask Jesus to do something for you today.

Thought for Thursday January 8

Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

May his name be blessed forever;

as long as the sun his name shall remain.

In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed;

all the nations shall proclaim his happiness.

Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Luke 4: 14 – 22 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region.

Do I know what it means to be “in the power if the Spirit”? Do I really want to know?

Action: If you have ever had an experience of “the Spirit” share it with someone. If someone shares such an experience with you, pay attention.

Thought for Wednesday January 7

Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

O God, with your judgment endow the king,

and with your justice, the king’s son;

He shall govern your people with justice

and your afflicted ones with judgment.

Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Mark 6: 45 – 52 But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”

What do I need courage to do? Do I find that courage in Jesus?

Action: Ask Jesus to give you the courage to do something you have been afraid to do and take a step toward doing it.

Thought for Tuesday January 6

Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

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.

Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

Mark 6: 34 – 44 When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd;

Do I accept Jesus’ leadership or do I prefer to be my own shepherd? How well is my choice working for me?

Action: Pick some area of your life that you are in complete control of, and ask Jesus to take it over. Ask him continuously to guide you through your decisions and actions in that area.

Thought for Monday January 5

I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.

The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;

this day I have begotten you.

Ask of me and I will give you

the nations for an inheritance

and the ends of the earth for your possession.”

I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.

Matthew 4: 12 – 25 From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Does celebrating Christmas make me feel like the Kingdom of God is at hand? If it is at hand, is there something of which I should repent?

Action: Begin the new year by repenting of a sin or bad habit.

Thought for Friday January 2

All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

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.

All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

John 1: 19 – 28 When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?”

What is my most honest answer for “Who are you?”? Who do I really want to be?

Action: If there is a difference between who you are and who you want to be, make a change in your life to close the gap.

Thought for Thursday January 1

May God bless us in his mercy.

May the peoples praise you, O God;

may all the peoples praise you!

May God bless us,

and may all the ends of the earth fear him!

May God bless us in his mercy.

Luke 2: 16 – 21 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.

What did I glorify God for in the last year? Did I glorify him enough?

Action: Resolve to glorify God for one thing each day of the new year.

Thought for Wednesday 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.

Thought for Tuesday 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 Monday 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 with some real gesture and words – for example kneel and offer God your mind and body.

Thought for Friday December 26 (Feast of St. Stephen)

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? Is it something I need to hear?

Action: Bear witness to Christ by continuing to celebrate Christmas until the season is over (January 10, 2009).

Thought for Christmas Day

A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.

The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;

let the many isles be glad.

The heavens proclaim his justice,

and all peoples see his glory.

A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.

Luke 2: 15 – 20 So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Thought for Wednesday December 24 Christmas Eve

For ever 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.
For ever 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 Tuesday 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 Monday 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 your are most hungry for with confidence that he can satisfy that hunger.

Thought for Friday 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 for Thursday 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 Wednesday 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 Tuesday December 16

The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

I will bless the LORD at all times;

his praise shall be ever in my mouth.

Let my soul glory in the LORD;

the lowly will hear me and be glad.

The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

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

Which of these am I more likely to do? What interferes with my ability to do what I should do willingly?

Action: Pick something you have been avoiding doing and do it happily.

Thought for Monday December 15

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 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 Thursday December 11

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

Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,

and let your faithful ones bless you.

Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom

and speak of your might.

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

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

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

Action: The next time you have a violent thought (like slamming into the guy who just cut you off in traffic) ask Jesus to help you resist the temptation and then do something nice for the next person you see.

Thought for Wednesday December 10

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 9

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.

Thought for Monday 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;

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. And wish a happy feast day or birthday to all of the Marys you know.

Thought for Friday December 5

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 4

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 themwill be like a wise man who built his house on rock.

How often do I act on something I have read in the bible?

Action: Do something this week that was directly inspired by Jesus’ words.

Thought for Wednesday December 3

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

You spread the table before me

in the sight of my foes;

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

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

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

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

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

Thought for Tuesday December 2

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 1

Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Because of my relatives and friends

I will say, “Peace be within you!"

Because of the house of the LORD, our God,

I will pray for your good.

Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

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

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


Action: Ask Jesus for 4 favors today.

Thought for Friday November 29

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 27 Thanksgiving USA

Lord, I thank you for your faithfulness and love.

I will give thanks to your name,

Because of your kindness and your truth.

When I called, you answered me;

you built up strength within me.

Lord, I thank you for your faithfulness and love.

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.


What am I most thankful for? What do I take for granted?


Action: Count your blessings and give thanks for all that you have.

Thought for Wednesday November 26

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 25

The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;l

et 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 (the buildings only)? 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 24

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.

Thought for Friday November 21

How sweet to my taste is your promise!

How sweet to my palate are your promises,

sweeter than honey to my mouth!

How sweet to my taste is your promise!

Luke 19: 45 – 48 … all the people were hanging on his words.


Which words of Jesus am I hanging on? What would be different if the whole world lived out my favorite passage from the Gospel?


Action: Give yourself a treat today for all of the work you put into reading and thinking about Jesus’ words.

Thought for Thursday November 20

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

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

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


Do I believe that peace is possible in the world, my country, my community or even just in my own family? What do I imagine it looks like?


Action: Make a gesture of peace to someone with whom you have been “at war.”

Thought for Wednesday November 19

Holy, holy, holy Lord, mighty God!

Praise him with sounding cymbals,

praise him with clanging cymbals.

Let everything that has breath

praise the LORD! Alleluia.

Holy, holy, holy Lord, mighty God!

Luke 19: 11 – 28 While people were listening to Jesus speak, he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the Kingdom of God would appear there immediately.

Do I expect the Kingdom of God to just appear? Am I working to make it happen?


Action: Change one thing in your surroundings that is not consistent with the presence of the Kingdom of God.

Thought for Tuesday November 18

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.


What am I willing to do to see Jesus better?


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

Thought for Monday November 17

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

He is like a treeplanted near running water,

That yields its fruit in due season,

and whose leaves never fade.

Whatever he does, prospers.

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

Luke 18: 35 – 43 He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!”


Would I ever want to be pitied, even by Jesus? Can I think of any problems that have arisen from blind pride?


Action: Set aside your pride and get you hands dirty working to fix some problem that most people try to just ignore.

Thought for Friday November 14

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 13

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.

Do I see the Son of Man lighting up the world? Have I ever had the experience of bringing new light to some situation?


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 12

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.

Thought for Tuesday November 11

The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

Trust in the LORD and do good,

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

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will grant you your heart’s requests.

The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

Luke 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.’

What have I been commanded to do? Have I done it?


Action: Go do something you were commanded to do.

Thought for Monday November 10

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 for change with someone to whom you have been a bad example (cursing, drinking, careless driving, gossiping, goofing off, etc).

Thought for Friday November 7

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 6

Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord.

Sing to him, sing his praise,

proclaim all his wondrous deeds.

Glory in his holy name;

rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!

Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord.

Luke 15: 1 – 10 In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

In this big, complicated world, does the repentance of just one sinner seem like something worth celebrating? Do I believe God is happy when I repent?

Action: Repent of one of your sins and celebrate the great effect that repentance will have.

Thought for Wednesday November 5

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: Find something in your life (time, money, talent) that you are not investing in the Kingdom of God and make the decision to reallocate it to some task you have been putting off.

Thought for Tuesday November 4

I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.

To him my soul shall live;

my descendants shall serve him.

Let the coming generation be told of the LORD

that they may proclaim to a people yet to be born

the justice he has shown.

I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.

Luke 14: 15 - 24 A man gave a great dinner to which he invited many. But one by one, they all began to excuse themselves. The first said to him, ‘I have purchased a field and must go to examine it

What’s my excuse for not accepting everything God offers me?


Action: Go to some religious function you would normally skip.

Thought for Monday November 3

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 October 31

How great are the works of the Lord!

Majesty and glory are his work,

and his justice endures forever.

He has won renown for his wondrous deeds;

gracious and merciful is the LORD.

How great are the works of the Lord!

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

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


Action: List 2 good ideas from the political candidates you chose not to vote for, and commit to working for those goals no matter how the election comes out.

Thought for Thursday October 30

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 29

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 28

Their message goes out through all the earth.

The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

Day pours out the word to day,

and night to night imparts knowledge.

Their message goes out through all the earth.

Luke 6: 12 – 16 Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.


Did Jesus have more to talk to God about than I do? What did they talk about all night?


Action: The next time you can’t sleep, ask God what he wants to talk about.

Thought for Monday October 27

Behave like God as his very dear children.

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.

Behave like God as his very dear children.

Luke 13: 10 – 17 This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day from this bondage?”


Do I feel free on the Sabbath? Do I even celebrate the Sabbath?

Action: Make a plan the next Sabbath different from every other day of the week. If you can’t celebrate the Sabbath on Sunday, pick some other day and make it your Sabbath.

Thought for Friday October 24

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 23

The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

For upright is the word of the LORD,

and all his works are trustworthy.

He loves justice and right;

of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.

The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

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


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


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

Thought for Wednesday October 22

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.

Thought for Tuesday October 21

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: Start preparing a spiritual readiness plan so that you are ready to respond to movements of the Spirit.

Thought for Monday October 20

The Lord made us, we belong to him.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

his courts with praise.

The Lord made us, we belong to him.

Luke 12: 13 – 21 “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

What are my most prized possessions? Would it make any difference in my life if I lost them?

Action: Give away some things you really don’t need.

Thought for Friday October 17

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.

What would I not say if I thought it would be heard by everyone? Do I whisper about my faith or proclaim it from the rooftops?

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

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

Do those in authority ever withhold the whole truth from others because they believe it is more efficient to simplify things? Did God “simplify” things for us?

Action: Dig for the real truth of things you have heard talked about on the news. Commit yourself to only passing on things you know are wholly true and aren’t just sound bites.

Thought for Wednesday October 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.

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

Do I ever give without even thinking about what God really wants? What am I doing, besides “paying tithes”, to help change the world?

Action: The next time you are asked to give, ask how what you are giving will change the world.

Thought for Tuesday October 14

Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.

And I will walk at liberty,

because I seek your precepts.

Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.

Luke 11: 37 – 41 After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home.

Would I have invited Jesus to dinner after all of the “challenging” things he said over the last week? Do you think anyone who had just heard Jesus preach envied the Pharisee who invited Jesus?

Action: Pay attention to the people around you. If anyone seems intimidated because of your position, size, demeanor, etc, make an effort to be more approachable. If there is someone who intimidates you, make the effort to speak up in his or her presence.

Thought for Monday October 13

Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.

From the rising to the setting of the sun

is the name of the LORD to be praised.

High above all nations is the LORD;

above the heavens is his glory.

Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.

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

Is this the kind of preaching that is drawing crowds today? How do I react when someone points out the evil in my life?


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

Thought for Friday October 10

The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

Majesty and glory are his work,

and his justice endures forever.

He has won renown for his wondrous deeds;

gracious and merciful is the LORD.

The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

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

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

Action: Get involved in healing a division in your family, neighborhood, community or country. You can start with something simple like inviting the “black sheep” in your family to a get together he would normally be excluded from.

Thought for Thursday October 9

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

He has raised up for us a mighty savior,

born of the house of his servant David.

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

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

Do you have a friend you could do this to? Is Jesus this kind of a friend for you?


Action: Donate three loaves of bread to a local soup kitchen, food bank, shelter or family in need.

Thought for Wednesday October 8

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

Praise the LORD, all you nations,

glorify him, all you peoples!

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

Luke 11: 1 – 4 “When you pray, say:Father, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.”

Is there anything I pray for that Jesus didn’t include? Is there anything here I usually don’t even think about?

Action: Explain this passage to a child. If you don’t have a child (or grandchild or Godchild), rewrite this in your own words.

Thought for Tuesday October 7

Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

My soul also you knew full well;

nor was my frame unknown to you

When I was made in secret,

when I was fashioned in the depths of the earth.

Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

Luke 10: 38 – 42 Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.

What part have I chosen? What am I doing with it?


Action: Take over the service for someone so he or she can experience the better part.

Thought for Monday October 6

The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart

in the company and assembly of the just.

Great are the works of the LORD,

exquisite in all their delights.

The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

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

Who is my neighbor? Do I regard anyone as a non-neighbor?

Action: Look at your neighborhood and make a decision to change something to help establish the reign of God. Clean up trash, talk to people, plant flowers, work with a drug prevention program, volunteer at the school, fix the playground equipment, mow a field for kids to play in, welcome newcomers, etc.

Thought for Friday October 3

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.

Luke 10: 13 – 16 Jesus said, “Whoever listens to you listens to me.”


Do I want that responsibility? Am I conscious of this responsibility when I speak?

Action: Speak out against and work to change something in your community that is not consistent with Jesus’ teaching.

Thought for Thursday October 2

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

I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD in the land of the living.

Wait for the LORD with courage;be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.

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

Matthew 18: 1 – 5, 10 He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.

What’s so great about kids? What qualities have I lost as I have gotten older?

Action: Approach a serious problem facing your family or society with the optimism and idealism of youth and see what you can do to make things better when you are not hindered by the cynicism of age.

Thought for Wednesday October 1

Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

Daily I call upon you, O LORD;

to you I stretch out my hands.

Will you work wonders for the dead?

Will the shades arise to give you thanks?

Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

Luke 9: 57- 62 Jesus answered him, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.”

What is more important, what I have done or what I will do? Which do I spend more time thinking about?

Action: Make a plan for fixing something in your community.

Thought for Tuesday September 30

Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

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

at night I clamor in your presence.

Let my prayer come before you;

incline your ear to my call for help.

Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

Luke 9: 51 – 56 When the disciples James and John saw this [Jesus’ rejection] they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?”


Do I ever feel frustrated when I meet people who reject Jesus and his teaching? What do I do about it?

Action: If you know someone who doesn’t take spirituality/God seriously, get involved in a project that is trying to help your community and invite that person to join you.

Thought ofr Monday September 29

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

I will give thanks to you, O LORD,

with all my heart,for you have heard the words of my mouth;

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

I will worship at your holy templeand give thanks to your name.

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

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


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

Action: Be an angel for someone today.

Thought for Friday September 26

There is an appointed time for everything,

and a time for every thing under the heavens.

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

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

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

A time to rend, and a time to sew;

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

Luke 9: 18 – 22 He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”


Why was this God’s plan for saving humanity? What are the advantages of this plan?


Action: If you know someone who is frequently rejected, see if you can find a way to support him/her.

Thought for Thursday September 25

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

Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,

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

Prosper the work of our hands for us!

Prosper the work of our hands!

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

Luke 9: 7 – 9 But Herod said, “Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.


Who is Jesus to me? Am I actively trying to see him better?

Action: Fix some situation so that people are able to see the kingdom Jesus came to establish. If that seems like to much, try just making one improvement toward that goal.

Thought for Wednesday September 24

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

From every evil way I withhold my feet,

that I may keep your words.

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

Luke 9: 1 – 6 Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Who do I believe now has this power and this responsibility?


Action: Exercise whatever power you have to make someone else’s life better.

Thought for Tuesday September 23

Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Make me understand the way of your precepts,

and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds.

Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

Luke 8: 19 – 21 He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

How often do I consciously act on the Word of God? Do I sometimes hear his word without acting on it?

Action: Do something specifically in response to something you have heard or read from the Bible.

Thought for Monday September 22

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

Who lends not his money at usury

and accepts no bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things

shall never be disturbed.
The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.

Luke 8: 16 – 18 No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.


Do I sometimes hide my “light”? Who has shared the light of God with me?

Action: Share an insight you have had with someone you think can benefit from it.

Thought for Friday September 19

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

Hide me in the shadow of your wings,

But I in justice shall behold your face;

on waking, I shall be content in your presence.

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

Luke 8: 1 – 3 Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.

Where have I most clearly heard Jesus speak to me? Do I have a special place I can go to listen to him?


Action: Put yourself in the presence of God; go somewhere special or set aside a special time; and read the good news and let Jesus proclaim it to you.

Thought for Thursday September 18

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

You are my God, and I give thanks to you;

O my God, I extol you.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

Luke 7: 36 – 50 “So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.”

Do I see the connection between forgiveness and love? Am I able to show great love?

Action: Do something loving for someone today.

Thought for Wednesday September 17

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

Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;

with the ten‑stringed lyre chant his praises.

Sing to him a new song;

pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness.

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

Luke 7: 31 – 35 They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another,
‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’


When was the last time something “religious” made me dance or weep? What excites me spiritually?


Action: Share a favorite scripture passage with someone and see if you can get a reaction.

Thought for Tuesday September 16

We are his people: the sheep of his flock.

Know that the LORD is God;he made us,

his we are;his people, the flock he tends.

We are his people: the sheep of his flock.

Luke 7: 11 – 17 He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.


What would I do if Jesus raised me to a new life? Would I go back to doing what I had always done?


Action: Do something this week that you have never done before – go skydiving, read a different book, go to something at a church, eat different food, plan a trip, tell someone you love him/her – and rise to new possibilities in your life.

Thought for Monday September 15

Proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes again.

May all who seek youexult and be glad in you

And may those who love your salvationsay ever,

“The LORD be glorified."

Proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes again.

Luke 2: 33 – 35 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”


Does this sound like a warning or a promise? Is the promise of a greater good enough to motivate me through pain?


Action: If there is something causing pain or suffering in your life now, try to name three good things that might come of your difficulty. If you can’t come up with anything, talk to a friend. If that doesn’t help surrender your pain to God and trust that he will bring some good from it.

Thought for Friday September 12

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

For a sun and a shield is the LORD God;

grace and glory he bestows;

The LORD withholds no good thing

from those who walk in sincerity.

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

Luke 6: 39 – 42 Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?


What faults in others bother me the most? Do they remind me of my own sins?


Action: The next time somebody does something that you think is really bad, ask yourself if you have ever done anything similar.

Thought for Thursday September 11

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,

for his mercy endures forever.

Let the house of Israel say,

“His mercy endures forever.”

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

Luke 7: 36 – 50 Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.


Am I sorry enough for my sins that I could “bathe” feet with my tears? What would I do for Jesus in sorrow for my sins?

Action: Do something for someone today aware of Christ’s presence in that person.

Thought for Wednesday September 10

Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.

They are borne in with gladness and joy;

they enter the palace of the king.

The place of your fathers your sons shall have;

you shall make them princes through all the land.

Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.

Luke 6: 20 – 26 Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied.
But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry.


What sounds better to me, being hungry with the promise of being satisfied or being full with the promise of being hungry? Am I spiritually hungry or spiritually satisfied?


Action: Fast for a little while so that you can appreciate the promise of being satisfied.

Thought for Tuesday September 9

The Lord takes delight in his people.

Let them praise his name in the festive dance,

let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.

For the LORD loves his people,

and he adorns the lowly with victory.

The Lord takes delight in his people.

Luke 6: 12 – 19 Jesus departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.

What do I imagine Jesus’ prayer was like? How do I think he might have addressed God?

Action: Try to pray to God as you think Jesus would.

Thought for Monday September 8

With delight I rejoice in the Lord.

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

With delight I rejoice in the Lord.


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


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

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

Thought for Friday September 5

The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

Trust in the LORD and do good,

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

Take delight in the LORD,

and he will grant you your heart’s requests.

The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

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

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

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

Thought for Thursday September 4

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

The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;

the world and those who dwell in it.

For he founded it upon the seas and

established it upon the rivers.

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

Luke 5: 1 – 11 After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.”

What do I “fish” for in my daily life? Would I be willing to give it up if Jesus asked me to?


Action: Let go of something that is interfering with your spiritual life. For the anglers out there, “Throw one back.”

Thought for Wednesday September 3

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

Our soul waits for the LORD,

who is our help and our shield,

For in him our hearts rejoice;

in his holy name we trust.

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

Luke 4: 38 – 44 Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her.

How often do I pray for other people? Do I believe my prayer has power?


Action: Pray for someone today.

Thought for Tuesday September 2

The Lord is just in all his ways.

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 just in all his ways.

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

When do I recognize the presence of Jesus most – when I am being holy or when I am struggling with my demons(sins)?


Action: If there is anything in your life that you do as a result of your “unclean demons,” ask Jesus to help you with them and make one change in your life to try and conquer them.