Thought for Tuesday September 21

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.

Matthew 9: 9 – 13 As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him.


How did Jesus call me? Have I answered?


Action: If you are unclear about what Jesus is calling you to do, schedule a time to work on figuring it out.

Thought for Monday September 20

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

Who harms not his fellow man,

nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;

By whom the reprobate is despised,

while he honors those who fear the LORD.

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

Luke 8: 16 – 18 To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.


Does this sound fair? Does it sound fair if what you have is faith, hope, and love?


Action: Find a concrete way to express love (or faith or hope) and see if your love increases.

Thought for Friday September 17

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 Accompanying [Jesus] were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.


Do I think of myself as a companion of Jesus? Do I provide for him out of my resources?


Action: Be conscience of being in the company of Jesus this weekend.

Thought for Thursday September 16

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 "Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days' wages and the other owed fifty. Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?"


How do I “measure” love? How do I express love?


Action: Enjoy being loved today.

Thought for Wednesday September 15

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

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.

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

John 19: 25 – 27 Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

How do I deal with the pain of losing someone I love? Was the sorrow at the end worth the love?


Action: Reminisce about the people you have lost and what they taught you about love.

Thought for Tuesday September 14

Do not forget the works of the Lord!

Hearken, my people, to my teaching;

incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

I will open my mouth in a parable,

I will utter mysteries from of old.

Do not forget the works of the Lord!

John 3: 13 – 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.


Do I spend my time and energy improving bad situations or just complaining about them? Do I see a lot of condemning in my society?


Action: Next time you hear someone condemning someone else, challenge them to go out and do some real good.

Thought for Monday September 13

Proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes again.

May all who seek you

exult and be glad in you

And may those who love your salvation

say ever, "The LORD be glorified."

Proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes again.

Luke 7: 1 – 10 A centurion there had a slave who was ill and about to die, and he was valuable to him. When he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and save the life of his slave.


Who is valuable to me? What do I want Jesus to do for that person?


Action: Do something to make yourself valuable to someone else.

Thought for Friday September 10

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

Blessed they who dwell in your house!
continually they praise you.

Blessed the men whose strength you are!

their hearts are set upon the pilgrimage.

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

Luke 6: 39 – 42 Jesus told his disciples a parable: "Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?


What is my blindness? Who is my guide?


Action: Gently help someone who is blind to something Jesus has helped you see.

Thought for Thursday September 9

Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

O LORD, you have probed me and you know me;

you know when I sit and when I stand;

you understand my thoughts from afar.

My journeys and my rest you scrutinize,

with all my ways you are familiar.

Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

Luke 6: 27 – 38 Jesus said to his disciples: "To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”


Do I see a lot of love for enemies these days? How am I doing?

Action: When you see people promoting hate, stand up to them and remind them that Jesus said, “Love your enemies.”

Thought for Wednesday 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, text or facebook someone younger than you are and share some of your values.

Thought for Tuesday September 7

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 When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:


How do I think the disciples who were not chosen to be Apostles felt? Do I want Jesus to chose me for a special assignment?


Action: Accept the work Jesus is asking you to do.

Thought for Monday September 6

Lead me in your justice, Lord.

But let all who take refuge in you

be glad and exult forever.

Protect them, that you may be the joy

of those who love your name.

Lead me in your justice, Lord.

Luke 6: 6 – 11 The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the Sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him.



Do I look for reasons to dislike people I disagree with? Do I ever make a point of finding reasons to like someone I disagree with?



Action: Think of the person with whom you most disagree and find 3 things you can appreciate in him or her.

Thought for Friday September 3

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 2

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 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man."


Do my sins make me inclined to go to Jesus or away from him? Which should I do?


Action: Take your sins to Jesus.

Thought for Wednesday September 1

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. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them.



Can I even imagine what it would be like to be cured of all my ails? What would I do?



Action: Do something you have been avoiding doing because you don’t feel well enough.

Thought for Tuesday August 31

The Lord is just in all his ways.

The LORD is gracious and merciful,

slow to anger and of great kindness.

The LORD is good to all

and compassionate toward all his works.

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?


Why wouldn’t Jesus just destroy an unclean demon? What evil would I like to see destroyed?



Action: Try destroying a little bit of the evil that lives in you.

Thought for Monday August 30

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 4: 16 – 30 He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.


Other than winning the lottery, what would be a “glad tiding” for the poor? Do I believe Jesus can deliver for the poor?


Action: Make a plan to do something real for a poor person for the rest of the year.

Thought for Friday August 27

The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

The LORD brings to nought the plans of nations;

he foils the designs of peoples.

But the plan of the LORD stands forever;

the design of his heart, through all generations.

The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

Matthew 25: 1 – 13 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.


Am I wise or foolish? Am I spiritually prepared for the times when things don’t go well?


Action: Imagine something really bad happens to you a year from now; start spiritually preparing yourself for that event.

Thought for Thursday August 26

I will praise your name for ever, Lord.

Every day will I bless you,

and I will praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD and highly to be praised;

his greatness is unsearchable.

I will praise your name for ever, Lord.

 

Matthew 24: 41 – 53 “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time?


What am I in charge of? Am I faithful and prudent?


Action: Spend one whole day being prudent about everything – time, money, food, activities, work, etc.

Thought for Wednesday August 25

Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Blessed are you who fear the LORD,

who walk in his ways!

For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;

blessed shall you be, and favored.

Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Matthew 23: 27 – 32 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets’ blood.’


What did past generations do that I think they should have known not to do? What have I seen happen in my lifetime that I hope future generations will not do?



Action: Do something today to help fix a situation caused by past sins.

Thought for Tuesday August 24

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.

John 1: 45 – 51 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”


Do I ever form opinions about people based on something as trivial as where they are from? Have I ever come to really respect anyway I had originally dismissed?


Action: Give someone you have written off another chance.

Thought for Monday August 23

Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Sing to the LORD a new song;

sing to the LORD, all you lands.

Sing to the LORD; bless his name.

Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Matthew 23: 13 – 22 Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter.”



If someone asked my advice about how to get into heaven, what would I tell them? Am I living my own advice?


Action: Do something special for yourself this week; give yourself a little taste of heaven.

Thought for Friday August 20

Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting.

They cried to the LORD in their distress;

from their straits he rescued them.

And he led them by a direct way

to reach an inhabited city.

Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting.

Mathew 22: 34 – 40 “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”


With all of the complexities of the modern world, do these commandments give enough direction? Do I obey them?


Action: Obey these two commandments.

Thought for Thursday August 19

I will pour clean water on you and wash away all your sins.

A clean heart create for me, O God,

and a steadfast spirit renew within me.

Cast me not out from your presence,

and your Holy Spirit take not from me.

I will pour clean water on you and wash away all your sins.

Matthew 22: 1 – 14 Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables saying,  “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to …”


Why does Jesus try to explain to us what the Kingdom of heaven is like? Why does he use so many different parables to do it?


Action: Make up your own parable about what you hope the Kingdom of heaven is like.

Thought for Wednesday August 18

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

He guides me in right paths

for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk in the dark valley

I fear no evil; for you are at my side

With your rod and your staff

that give me courage.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Matthew 20: 1 – 16 The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard.


Am I ready to do the work of the kingdom? Do I expect any ‘special’ compensation for doing God’s work?


Action: Get up with the intent of doing some good, and then do it.

Thought for Tuesday August 17

It is I who deal death and give life.

“How could one man rout a thousand,

or two men put ten thousand to flight,

Unless it was because their Rock sold them

and the LORD delivered them up?”

It is I who deal death and give life.

Matthew 19: 23 – 30 Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven.”


Am I rich or do I want to be? Do I see being rich as a problem?


Action: Use some of your riches (money, talent, time, etc) to help someone who is poor.

Thought for Monday August 16

You have forgotten God who gave you birth.

You were unmindful of the Rock that begot you.

You forgot the God who gave you birth.

When the LORD saw this, he was filled with loathing

and anger toward his sons and daughters.

You have forgotten God who gave you birth.

Matthew 19: 16 – 22 The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?”


How many people strive for the maximum instead of the minimum? Do I seek to do more than observe the commandments?

Action: Try to be perfect – pray perfectly, study scripture perfectly, witness perfectly, love perfectly, lead perfectly.

Thought for Friday August 13

You have turned from your anger.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 have turned from your anger.

Matthew 19: 3 – 12 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate.


How do I show respect for marriage? How can I support other people’s marriages?


Action: Be supportive of people who are getting married soon.

Thought for Thursday August 12

Do not forget the works of the Lord!

And he surrendered his strength into captivity,

his glory in the hands of the foe.

He abandoned his people to the sword

and was enraged against his inheritance.

Do not forget the works of the Lord!

Matthew 18: 21 – 19: 1 Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him?


What will happen to me if I refuse to forgive? Is there anyone who refuses to forgive me?


Action: Forgive.

Thoughtfor Wednesday August 11

The glory of the Lord is higher than the skies.

From the rising to the setting of the sun

is the name of the LORD to be praised.

High above all nations is the LORD;

above the heavens is his glory.

The glory of the Lord is higher than the skies.

Matthew 18: 15 – 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.


Do I experience God’s presence differently when I am gathered with others for worship? Is gathering with others important to me?


Action: Go to church.

Thought for Tuesday August 10

Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

Blessed the man who fears the LORD,

who greatly delights in his commands.

His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;

the upright generation shall be blessed.

Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

John 12: 24 – 26 Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”


What have I seen other people give up for the sake of bearing fruit for others? What am I willing to give in order to bear more fruit?


Action: Give up something (an hour of TV, one Saturday a month, an hour of cleaning your house, facebooking one evening a week, etc) so you can bear more fruit.

Thought for Monday August 9

Heaven and earth are filled with your glory.

Praise the LORD from the heavens;

praise him in the heights;

Praise him, all you his angels;

praise him, all you his hosts.

Heaven and earth are filled with your glory.

Matthew 17: 22 – 27 Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.


What does it mean that Jesus paid for Peter too? Do I feel like Jesus has paid for me too?

Action: Do a little extra to cover someone who can’t contribute his “fair share.”

Thought for Friday August 6

The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.

The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;

let the many islands be glad.

Clouds and darkness are round about him,

justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.

The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.

Luke 9: 28 – 36 Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up a mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white.


Has anyone ever asked me to pray with them? How did I or how would I respond?


Action: If you are married (or are very close to someone) try praying with him or her.

Thought for Thursday August 5

Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Give me back the joy of your salvation,

and a willing spirit sustain in me.

I will teach transgressors your ways,

and sinners shall return to you.

Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Matthew 16: 13 – 23 And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.


What is Jesus promising? How important is it to me?


Action: Next time you make a promise, think carefully and make sure your promise has value and that you can fulfill it.

Thought for Wednesday August 4

The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

Hear the word of the LORD, O nations,

proclaim it on distant isles, and say:

He who scattered Israel, now gathers them together,

he guards them as a shepherd his flock.

The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

Matthew 15: 21 – 28 His disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.”


Is there someone I think Jesus should not help? How do I deal with people who are always asking for help?


Action: Do something loving for someone who bugs the daylights out of you.

Thought for Tuesday August 3

The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.

Let this be written for the generation to come,

and let his future creatures praise the LORD:

“The LORD looked down from his holy height,

from heaven he beheld the earth,

To hear the groaning of the prisoners,

to release those doomed to die.”

The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.

Matthew 14: 22 – 36 Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds.


Do I ever feel like I have been sent out ahead of Jesus? Does he ever really send us out alone?


Action: Do something to prepare someone else for hearing the word of God.

Thought for Monday August 2

Lord, teach me your statutes.

Take not the word of truth from my mouth,

for in your ordinances is my hope.

Lord, teach me your statutes.

Matthew 14; 13 – 21 When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns.



Doesn’t it sound like Jesus wanted to be alone? Why didn’t he just tell these people to go away?



Action: Make an effort to put up with people who need love even when you feel like you have nothing lefy to give.

Thought for Friay July 30

Lord, in your great love, answer me.

But I pray to you, O LORD,

for the time of your favor, O God!

In your great kindness answer me

with your constant help.

Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Matthew 13: 54 – 58 Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. Where did this man get all this?" And they took offense at him.


Were they offended at what he said or just offended because they didn’t think he should be preaching to them at all? What offends me?


Action: The next time something offends you, make a special effort to meet that offense with grace and love.

Thought for Thursday July 29

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.

Blessed he whose help is the God of Jacob,

whose hope is in the LORD, his God.

Who made heaven and earth,

the sea and all that is in them.

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.

John 11: 19 – 27 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home.


Am I more likely to go out to Jesus or to wait for him to come to me? Under which circumstances am I likely to do the opposite of my usual?


Action: If what you are doing isn’t bearing great fruit, try a different approach.

Thought for Wednesday July 28

God is my refuge on the day of distress.

Rescue me from my enemies, O my God;

from my adversaries defend me.

Rescue me from evildoers;

from bloodthirsty men save me.

God is my refuge on the day of distress.

Matthew 13: 34 – 36 The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.


What would I sell for the Kingdom of heaven? What is it worth to me?


Action: Do something worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Thought for Tuesday July 27

For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.

Help us, O God our savior,

because of the glory of your name;

Deliver us and pardon our sins

for your name's sake.

For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.

Matthew 13: 36 – 43 Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house.


Does it comfort me to know that Jesus recognized that there were times to stop preaching and expecting the people to respond? Do I give myself a break from time to time?


Action: Give yourself a planned break (a short one) from studying the word of God.

Thought for Monday July 26

You have forgotten God who gave you birth.

You were unmindful of the Rock that begot you,

You forgot the God who gave you birth.

When the LORD saw this, he was filled with loathing

and anger toward his sons and daughters.

You have forgotten God who gave you birth.

Matthew 13: 31 – 35 He spoke to them another parable. "The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened."


Do I wonder what the kingdom of heaven would be like? Why is it important to think about the Kingdom of heaven here and now?


Action: Do something to make your world a little bit more like the Kingdom of heaven.

Thought for Friday July 23

The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

Hear the word of the LORD, O nations,

proclaim it on distant isles, and say:

He who scattered Israel, now gathers them together,

he guards them as a shepherd his flock.

The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

Matthew 13: 18 – 23 But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.



Am I rich soil or just mediocre soil or _________ ? What can I do to get better?



Action: Do something to make yourself better prepared to hear the word of God and act on it.

Thought for Thursday July 22

With you is the fountain of life, O Lord.

For with you is the fountain of life,

and in your light we see light.

Keep up your mercy toward your friends,

your just defense of the upright of heart.

With you is the fountain of life, O Lord.

John 20: 1 – 18 But go to my brothers and tell them, 'I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'


Is my relationship to God the Father the same as Jesus’? Do I feel like God loves me as much as he loves Jesus?


Action: Do something today that you couldn’t do if you were not a child of God.

Thought for Wednesday July 21

I will sing of your salvation.

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.

I will sing of your salvation.

Matthew 13: 1 – 9 A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up.


Do I ever feel like the good that I do just gets swallowed up and lost? Does it frustrate me when my efforts don’t bear fruit?


Action: Keep planting seeds even if many of them never bear fruit.

Thought for Monday July 19

To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

"Gather my faithful ones before me,

those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."

And the heavens proclaim his justice;

for God himself is the judge.

To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

Matthew 12: 38 – 42 Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you."

Do I want a sign from Jesus? Do I need a sign?


Action: When you see a sign today, ask yourself if what you are doing bears witness to Christ.

Thought for Friday July 16

You saved my life, O Lord; I shall not die.

My dwelling, like a shepherd's tent,

is struck down and borne away from me;

You have folded up my life, like a weaver

who severs the last thread.

You saved my life, O Lord; I shall not die.

Matthew 12: 1 – 8 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath."


Do I often point out others “sins”? Do I hold myself to the same standard?


Actions: Lighten up on others.

Thought for Thursday July 15

From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth.

You, O LORD, abide forever,

and your name through all generations.

You will arise and have mercy on Zion,

for it is time to pity her.

For her stones are dear to your servants,

and her dust moves them to pity.

From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth.

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


Where do I find rest? Does Jesus help me with my burdens?


Action: Let Jesus carry part of your load so you can get some rest.

Thought for Wednesday July 14

The Lord will not abandon his people.

Shall he who shaped the ear not hear?

or he who formed the eye not see?

Shall he who instructs nations not chastise,

he who teaches men knowledge?

The Lord will not abandon his people

Matthew 11: 25 – 27 At that time Jesus exclaimed: "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.


What do I see that seems to be hidden from others? How do I respond when someone points out something that had been hidden to me?


Action: Point out some truth that is hidden from other people’s revelation.

Thought for Tuesday July 13

God upholds his city for ever.

Great is the LORD and wholly to be praised

in the city of our God.

His holy mountain, fairest of heights,

is the joy of all the earth.

God upholds his city for ever.

Matthew 11: 20 – 24 Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented.

What does it take for me to repent? Do mighty deeds inspire me?


Action: Your choice – perform a mighty deed or repent.

Thought for Monday July 12

To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

"When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it?

Or do you think you that I am like yourself?

I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.

He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;

and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God."

To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

Matthew 10: 34 – 11: 1 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.


Do the routines of my life ever keep me from changing and growing? How willing am I to let go of my rituals?


Action: Change some routine in your life to give you more time to pray, study the Gospel, or minister to others.

Thought for Thursday July 8

Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.

Once again, O LORD of hosts,

look down from heaven, and see:

Take care of this vine,

and protect what your right hand has planted,

the son of man whom you yourself made strong.

Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.

Matthew 10: 7 – 15 Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.


Do I give and receive freely or do I keep score? How did I get the things that are most valuable to me?


Action: Do something nice for someone in honor of someone who really helped you out.

Thought for Wednesday July 7

Seek always the face of 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!

Seek always the face of the Lord.

Matthew 10: 1 – 7 Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.


What has Jesus given me authority to do? What problems am I working to cure in my community?


Action: Exercise some authority in your community and work to make things better.

Thought for Tuesday July 6

The house of Israel trusts in the Lord.

Our God is in heaven;

whatever he wills, he does.

Their idols are silver and gold,

the handiwork of men.

The house of Israel trusts in the Lord.

Matthew 9: 32 – 38 At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.


Have I ever felt abandoned? Do I know anyone who feels abandoned?


Action: Be a leader for someone who seems to be wandering aimlessly.

Thought for Monday July 5

Lord is gracious and merciful.

Every day will I bless you,

and I will praise your name forever and ever.

Great is the LORD and highly to be praised;

his greatness is unsearchable.

The Lord is gracious and merciful.

Matthew 9: 18- 26 She said to herself, "If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured." Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, "Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you." And from that hour the woman was cured.


If her faith saved her, why wasn’t she cured until Jesus spoke to her? What healing do I seek?


Action: Pray for someone’s healing.

Thought for Friday July 2

One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

The way of truth I have chosen;

I have set your ordinances before me.

One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Matthew 9: 9 – 13 As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him.


Is it really that easy? When was the last time I just got up and followed Jesus?


Action: Get up and follow Jesus.

Thought for Thursday July 1

The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.

They are more precious than gold,

than a heap of purest gold;

Sweeter also than syrup

or honey from the comb.

The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.

 
Matthew 9: 1 – 8 And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.”


Do I ever wonder how this man was paralyzed? Do I sometimes miss the humanity in the stories of Jesus’ miracles?


Action: Do something for someone who is sick or hurting. Pray for all those having surgery.

Thought for Wednesday June 30

To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

“For mine are all the animals of the forests,

beasts by the thousand on my mountains.

I know all the birds of the air,

and whatever stirs in the plains, belongs to me.”

To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

Matthew 8:28 – 34 They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?”


What does the Son of God have to do with me? Is there an appointed time for being tormented?


Action: Be supportive of someone who is feeling tormented or at least having a bad time.

Thought for Tuesday June 29

The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,

and your faces may not blush with shame.

When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,

and from all his distress he saved him.

The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.

Matthew 16: 13 – 19 And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.



What does church mean to me? How seriously do I take the promise that the gates of the netherworld will not prevail against the church?



Action: Go to church and praise God in thanksgiving for his promise.

Thought for Monday June 28

Remember this, you who never think of God.

“Consider this, you who forget God,
lest I rend you and there be no one to rescue you.

He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;

and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”

Remember this, you who never think of God.
Matthew 8: 18 – 22 Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”



What makes me feel “at home” when I am away from home? Do I feel at home in church or while praying?



Action: Do something to support the people who give their time and energy to help people who are homeless.

Thought for Friday June 25

Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you!

By the streams of Babylon

we sat and wept

when we remembered Zion.

On the aspens of that land

we hung up our harps.

Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you!

Matthew 8: 1 – 14 And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”


What tells me more about who this man was; that he is described as a leper or the way he spoke to Jesus? Do I define myself more by my infirmities (or abilities) or by my relationship with Jesus?


Action: Think of one thing in your life that would change if you saw yourself only in terms of your relationship with Jesus, and then start making that change.

Thought for Thursday June 24

I praise you for I am wonderfully made.

Truly you have formed my inmost being;
you knit me in my mother’s womb.

I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made;

wonderful are your works.

I praise you for I am wonderfully made.

Luke 1: 57 – 66, 80 “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed.


Why did my parents give me my name? What do I want my name to mean?


Action: Every time you hear your name today, make an effort to respond with the same love Jesus shows for those who call upon him.

Thought for Wednesday June 23

Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.

Turn away my eyes from seeing what is vain:

by your way give me life.

Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord.

Matthew 7: 15 – 20 Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them.”


Have I encountered any false prophets lately? What fruits do I look for?


Action: Every time you hear something being spread that is having a negative effect, work to have a positive effect.

Thought for Tuesday June 22

God upholds his city for ever.

Great is the LORD and wholly to be praised

in the city of our God.

His holy mountain, fairest of heights,

is the joy of all the earth.

God upholds his city for ever.

Matthew 7: 6 – 14 Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many.


How often do I go through the narrow gate? As I grow older, are the roads getting narrower of wider?


Action: Get off one of the wide roads you are on.

Thought for Monday June 21

Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us.

You have rocked the country and split it open;

repair the cracks in it, for it is tottering.

You have made your people feel hardships;

you have given us stupefying wine.

Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us.

Matthew 7: 1 – 5 You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.


Why does the splinter in my brother’s eye bother me? Am I worried that if I remove the beam from my eye, I will clearly see a bigger beam in my own eye?


Action: The next time someone else’s sin really bothers you, ask yourself if you are guilty of the same sin.

Thought for Friday June 18

The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling.

For the LORD has chosen Zion;

he prefers her for his dwelling.

“Zion is my resting place forever;

in her will I dwell, for I prefer her.”

The Lord has chosen Zion for his dwelling.

Matthew 6: 19 – 23 Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.


What is my treasure? Where is my heart? [For the Harry Potter fans: Do you recognize the last line of this passage?]


Action: Make a deposit to your store of treasures.

Thought for Thursday June 17

Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,

before the Lord of all the earth.

The heavens proclaim his justice,

and all peoples see his glory.

Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

Matthew 6: 7 – 15 “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”


How good am I at forgiving? Is there anyone I refuse to forgive?


Action: Forgive.

Thought for Wednesday June 16

Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.

How great is the goodness, O LORD,

which you have in store for those who fear you,

And which, toward those who take refuge in you,

you show in the sight of the children of men.

Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.

Matthew 6: 1 – 6, 16 – 18 Jesus said to his disciples:… When you give alms… When you pray… When you fast…


Is Jesus assuming too much saying “when” instead of “if”? When do I give alms, pray and fast?


Action: Give alms, pray and fast.

Thought for Tuesday June 15

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;

in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.

Thoroughly wash me from my guilt

and of my sin cleanse me.

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Matthew 5: 43 – 48 Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,


Am I persecuted? How do I respond to being treated bad?


Action: Do something a little bit loving for someone who has done something wrong to you.

Thought for Monday June 14

Lord, listen to my groaning.

At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you.

For you, O God, delight not in wickedness;

no evil man remains with you;

the arrogant may not stand in your sight.

Lord, listen to my groaning.

Matthew 5: 38 – 42 Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.”


Am I at peace with Jesus’ words here? Do I focus more on the evil outside of me, or the evil within?


Action: Find a way to respond to the evil in your community without getting pulled into it.

Thought for Friday June 11

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 15: 3 – 7 "What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?


Have I ever been the one that strayed? Who went looking for me?


Action: Go look for one you know who is lost.

Thought for Thursday June 10

It is right to praise you in Zion, O God.

Thus have you prepared the land:

drenching its furrows, breaking up its clods,

Softening it with showers,

blessing its yield.

It is right to praise you in Zion, O God.

Matthew 5: 20 – 26 Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.


Is it easier to bring a gift to the altar or reconcile with someone you are mad at? Is there anyone I have been mad at for a long time?


Action: If you answered yes to the second question, do something to resolve the situation.

Thought for Wednesday June 9

The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

All the ends of the earth have seen

the salvation by our God.

Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;

break into song; sing praise.

The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

Matthew 5: 17 – 19 Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.


What laws do I think are important? Would the Church feel like a community if it didn’t have some laws?


Action: Observe a law that you think is kind of silly, because of its value to the overall community. If you can’t think of such a law, break one you think prevents us from being a community.

Thought for Tuesday June 8

Lord, let your face shine on us.

Know that the LORD does wonders for his faithful one;

the LORD will hear me when I call upon him.

Tremble, and sin not;

reflect, upon your beds, in silence.

Lord, let your face shine on us.

Matthew 5: 13 – 16 Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?


What do I do to maintain my enthusiasm? What do I do when my enthusiasm for the faith wavers?


Action: Add some flavor to your spiritual life – do something new.

Thought for Monday June 7

Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

I lift up my eyes toward the mountains;

whence shall help come to me?

My help is from the LORD,

who made heaven and earth.

Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Mathew 5: 1 – 12 Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.


What do I see around me that is not righteous? What can I do about it?


Action: Do something to improve a bad situation.

Thought for Friday June 4

O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

Those who love your law have great peace,

and for them there is no stumbling block.

O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

Mark 12: 35 – 37 The great crowd heard this with delight.


Can I remember five things I “heard with great delight”? Was I aware of God’s action in any of them?


Action: Share some news that you think someone will hear with great delight. See if you can recognize God in the good news.

Thought for Thursday June 3

Teach me your ways, O Lord.

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.

Teach me your ways, O Lord.

Mark 12: 28 – 34 One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?”


What commandments do I actually live by? What commandments would I want to teach children?


Action: Share your “first commandment” with someone.

Thought for Wednesday June 2

To you, O Lord, I lift up my eyes.

To you I lift up my eyes

who are enthroned in heaven.

Behold, as the eyes of servants
are on the hands of their masters.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my eyes.

Mark 12: 18 – 27 He is not God of the dead but of the living. You are greatly misled.


Who have I lost that I still mourn for? Does it comfort me to know that my dead friends and family are really living with the living God?


Action: If you know someone who has recently lost someone, call to say hi, how are you.

Thought for Tuesday June 1

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.

Let your work be seen by your servants

and your glory by their children.

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

Mark 12: 13 – 17 So Jesus said to them, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”


Do I ever get confused about what is God’s? What do I have that does not belong to God?


Action: Repay (or make a payment on) a debt today – monetary or otherwise.

Thought for Monday May 31

Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

God indeed is my savior;

I am confident and unafraid.

My strength and my courage is the LORD,

and he has been my savior.

With joy you will draw water

at the fountain of salvation.

Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

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



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



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

Thought for Friday May 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.

Mark 11: 11 – 26 Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!”


Why did Jesus get mad at the fig tree? Do I understand his frustration?

Action: Every time you notice you are frustrated, set aside one dollar (or any amount you want) for people who are in a situation more frustrating than your own. Remember to actually give that money to some charity that will use it to help them.

Thought for Thursday May 27

Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

his courts with praise;

Give thanks to him;

bless his name.

Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
Mark 10: 46 – 52 Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.


If Jesus told me to “Go your way,” would I follow him on the way? Is ‘my way’ different than ‘the way’?


Action: Go a different way today.

Thought for Wednesday May 26

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.
Mark 10: 32 – 45 The disciples were on the way, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went ahead of them. They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid.


Am I amazed at Jesus or afraid? Which one inspires action?


Action: Pick one characteristic of Jesus or his teaching that scares you and find a way to move past your fear and take action.

Thought for Tuesday May 25

The Lord has made known his salvation.

All the ends of the earth have seen

the salvation by our God.

Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;

break into song; sing praise.

The Lord has made known his salvation.

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


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


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

Thought for Monday May 24

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.

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


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


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

Thought for Friday May 21

The Lord has established his throne in heaven.

Bless the LORD, O my soul;

and all my being, bless his holy name.

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits.

The Lord has established his throne in heaven.

John 21: 15 – 19 “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”


What other commands did Jesus give Peter (or any of his disciples)? What advice would you give Peter and his successors about how to carry out Jesus’ command?


Action: Feed some lambs.

Thought for Thursday May 20

Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.

Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,

my body, too, abides in confidence;

Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world,

nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.

Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.

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


Am I getting closer to being perfect? Does being perfect sound good?


Action: Do one thing to be more perfect today.

Thought for Wednesday May 19

Sing to God, O Kingdoms of the earth.You kingdoms of the earth, sing to God,

chant praise to the Lord

who rides on the heights of the ancient heavens.

Behold, his voice resounds, the voice of power:

“Confess the power of God!”

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

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


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


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

Thought for Tuesday May 18

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

Blessed day by day be the Lord,

who bears our burdens; God, who is our salvation.

God is a saving God for us;

the LORD, my Lord, controls the passageways of death.

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

John 17: 1 – 11 Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.

Does this explain eternal life well enough for me? Is this something I want?

Action: Come up with your own action for today; and don’t forget to make it eternal.

Thought for Monday May 17

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

But the just rejoice and exult before God;

they are glad and rejoice.

Sing to God, chant praise to his name;

whose name is the LORD.

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

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

Do I accept that Jesus knows everything? Do I seek his help for everything?


Action: Trust Jesus to help you with something that has been bugging you, even if it is trivial.

Thought for Friday May 14

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

From the rising to the setting of the sun

is the name of the LORD to be praised.

High above all nations is the LORD;

above the heavens is his glory.

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

John 15: 9 – 17 It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.


Do I feel chosen? Am I bearing fruit that will remain?


Action: Today is the anniversary of my Baptism, the day I was chosen. I plan to celebrate it. If you know what day you were chosen, mark it on your calendar and celebrate it every year. If you don’t know, look it up.

Thought for Thursday May 13

The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

All the ends of the earth have seen

the salvation by our God.

Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;

break into song; sing praise.

The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

John 16: 16 – 20 Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.


Isn’t it better to rejoice while everyone else rejoices? What does the world rejoice about?


Action: Learn to look for the good in everything and rejoice about it.

Thought for Wednesday May 12

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Praise the LORD from the heavens;

praise him in the heights.

Praise him, all you his angels;

praise him, all you his hosts.

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

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


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


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

Thought for Tuesday May 11

Your right hand saves me, O 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 temple,

and give thanks to your name.

Your right hand saves me, O Lord.

John 16: 5 - 11 But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.


What is my experience of Jesus? Of the Father? Of the Holy Spirit?


Action: Ask the Holy Spirit to do something for you that you would not ask Jesus or the Father to do.

Thought for Monday May 10

The Lord takes delight in his people.

Let the faithful exult in glory;

let them sing for joy upon their couches.

Let the high praises of God be in their throats.

This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.

The Lord takes delight in his people.

John 15: 26 – 16: 4 And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.


Does my life and lifestyle testify to me relationship with Jesus? What evidence does my life give about Jesus?

Action: Do something today that could be used as proof that Jesus is having a positive influence in your life.

Thought for Friday May 7

I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord.I will give thanks to you among the peoples, O LORD,

I will chant your praise among the nations.

For your mercy towers to the heavens,

and your faithfulness to the skies.

Be exalted above the heavens, O God;

above all the earth be your glory!

I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord.

John 15: 12 – 17 I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.


What do I call friendship? Am I friends with Jesus?


Action: Spend time with a friend this weekend.

Thought for Thursday May 6

Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Sing to the LORD a new song;

sing to the LORD, all you lands.

Sing to the LORD; bless his name.

Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

John 15: 9 – 11 “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”


Do I have Jesus’ joy in me? Is my joy complete?

Action: Find something in the next couple of weeks that you can celebrate with great joy.

Thought for Wednesday May 5

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.

John 15: 1 – 8 Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.”


Do I feel like the words of Jesus have made me more productive? What in my life could use a little pruning?


Action: Prune an activity out of your life (temporarily) and use the time to do something for someone else.

Thought for Tuesday May 4

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.

John 14: 27 – 31 Jesus said to his disciples: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.


What is peace? How is the “peace” we are offered by society, government, etc different from the peace of Jesus?


Action: Live peacefully today.

Thought for Monday May 3

Their message goes out through all the earth.

The heavens declare the glory of God;

and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

Day pours out the word to day;

and night to night imparts knowledge.

Their message goes out through all the earth.

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

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


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