Thought for Wednesday July 4

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.

 Amos 5:  14 – 15, 21 -24   Hate evil and love good, and let justice prevail at the gate;

What is the difference between bad and evil?  Should I hate everyone who does anything bad?

Action:  Celebrate justice.

Thought for Tuesday July 3

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.

 John 20: 24 – 29  So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But Thomas said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

Do I think Thomas was justified in doubting the other disciples?   Do people I trust sometimes pass on information that is not true?

Action:   The next time one of your friends passes on good news - believe it – at least for a little while.

Thought for Monday July 2

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 29

Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul

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

2 Timothy 4: 6 – 8, 17 – 18  I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.

What do I need to do to feel like I have competed well, finished the race and kept the faith?

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 in the Church is a rock that I depend on?

Action:  Make a plan to compete well, finish the race and keep the faith using the rocks of the Church (e.g. Christ, sacraments, scripture, liturgy, tradition, saints)

Thought for Thursday June 28

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever.
Who can tell the mighty deeds of the LORD,
or proclaim all his praises?
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

Matthew 7: 21 – 29  Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand.

Is my faith built on rock or sand or some of both?  What can I do to shore up any sandy areas?

Action:  Examine your faith formation and revisit any practices or beliefs that you accepted without understanding.  Ask questions about them that will lead to a rock-solid understanding of  the faith.

Thought for Wednesday June 27

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 26

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, 12 – 14  Jesus said to his disciples: "Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.

Do I ever fail to recognize the value of what is around me, like a dog that chews up stuff for no reason?  Do I ever reject people who are offering me something good?

Action:   Look around you for what is holy – in creation, in people, in words, in actions…

Thought for Monday June 25

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 22

  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 do I treasure?  What can destroy my treasure?

Action:  Treasure your time with friends and family over the weekend and the whole summer.

Thought for Thursday June 21

Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth.
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.
Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth.

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.

Are there things that have been done to me that I just won’t forgive?  Have I ever done anything I think I will never be forgiven?

Action:  Forgive someone for something even if they have never apologized or shown any remorse.

Thought for Wednesday June 20

Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
Wealth and riches shall be in his house;
his generosity shall endure forever.
Light shines through the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious and merciful and just.
Blessed the man who fears the Lord.

Matthew 6:1 – 18  Jesus said to his disciples: "Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.”

Do I like to get a little credit for doing good things?  Does Jesus want me to hide all of my good deeds?

Action:  Secretly do something good for someone. (It is the longest day of the year so you have plenty of time)

Thought for Tuesday June 19

Praise the Lord, my soul!
Praise the LORD, my soul!
I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God while I live.
Praise the Lord, my soul!

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, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.

How am I supposed to love an enemy?  Can I just ignore this because Jesus said it two thousand years ago and had no concept of the complexities of the modern world?

Action:  Do something loving for someone you can’t stand; for example bake your boss a pie.

Thought for Monday June 18

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.

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.  When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.

What am I more likely to use as my guideline “an eye for an eye” or “offer no resistance”?  Was Jesus serious when he said this?

Action:  Identify some evil in your local community and find a way to address it without “fighting back.”

Thought for Friday June 15

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.

Ephesians 3: 8 – 19  That he [God] may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

What do I want God to grant me?  Do I have anything to add to St. Paul’s request?

Action:  Use the power and strength God has given you to touch somebody else’s life.

Thought for Thursday June 14

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: 20 – 26  You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment,

Do I see a lot of anger in the world/people around me?   What do I get angry about?

Action: The next time you get angry or annoyed about something (politics, economy, clothing styles, music, emails, etc), do something nice for someone.

Thought for Wednesday June 13

Holy is the Lord our God.
Extol the LORD, our God,
and worship at his holy mountain;
for holy is the LORD, our God.
Holy is the Lord our God.

Matthew 5: 17 – 19  But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.

Do I have any personal laws I follow?  How do I obey laws (policies, regulations, rules, etc)? 

Action:  Teach someone something that you have found to be helpful.

Thought for Tuesday June 12

Lord, let your face shine on me.
Steady my footsteps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity rule over me.
Lord, let your face shine on me.

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 bring to the table?  What would be lost if I quit doing my part?

Action:  The next time you hear someone referred to as “the salt of the earth” try and emulate something good that he or she does to earn that accolade.

Thought for Monday June 11

Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
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.
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Matthew 5: 1 – 12  Blessed are the poor in spirit… Blessed are they who mourn… Blessed are the meek… Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness… Blessed are the merciful… Blessed are the clean of heart… Blessed are the peacemakers… Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness…

Am I any of these things?  Which of these can I control?

Action:  Work for righteousness, show mercy, clean your heart, or make peace today.   

Thought for Friday June 8

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 7

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.

Mark 12: 28 – 34  The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.

How am I doing?   Do I treat everybody like a neighbor?

Action:  Do something for a “neighbor” you usually ignore.

Thought for Wednesday June 6

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.

2 Timothy 1: 1 - 12   For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.  For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.

Am I ever a coward?  Do I exercise power, love and self-control?

Action:  Go out today and look at the world as a person with power, love and self-control; do something using those gifts.

Thought for Tuesday June 5

The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.
Lavishly he gives to the poor;
his generosity shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.

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 the role of civil and Church authorities?  Have I ever seen those authorities confuse their roles?

Action:  The next time you hear of an argument or debate that involves both religious and civil dimensions, try to analyze the situation from both points of view and then look for the common ground.

Thought for Monday June 4

Blessed the man who fears the Lord.
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 fears the Lord.

 Mark 12: 1 – 12  Jesus began to speak to the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders in parables.

In what ways are parables more useful than rules?  Am I more likely to follow the letter of the law or to try and follow the example of a parable?

Action:  Write your own parable explaining one of your personal “rules” for living.

Thought for Friday June 1

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 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 Wednesday May 30

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.

1 Peter 1: 18 – 25  Beloved:  Realize that you were ransomed from your futile conduct, handed on by your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious Blood of Christ as of a spotless unblemished Lamb.

Do I ever feel like what I am doing is futile?  Does Jesus help me focus on what is most worthwhile?

Action:  Do something worthwhile today.

Thought for Tuesday May 29

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 28

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 25

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

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

Do I love Jesus?  Am I tending his sheep?

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

Thought for Thursday May 24

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

  

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

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

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

Thought for Wednesday May 23

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.

Have I ever felt hated because of the way I lived out the Gospel?  Am I worried about fitting into this world?

                                                                  

Action:  Do what you are supposed to do and don’t worry about what others think.

Thought for Tuesday May 22

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
A bountiful rain you showered down, O God, upon your inheritance;
you restored the land when it languished;
Your flock settled in it;
in your goodness, O God, you provided it for the needy.
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

John 17: 1 – 11  I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.

What work has God given me to do?  Do I hope doing what God wants me to do will bring me fame, fortune, pleasure or any other earthly prize?

Action:  Make a list of things God wants you to accomplish and get to work on it.

Thought for Monday May 21

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

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

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

Action:  Try to think of 3 things (moral or spiritual) you have changed your mind about in the last 20 years.  Think of 3 things you are still open to reconsidering.

Thought for Friday May 18

God is king of all the earth.
God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;
the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.
Sing praise to God, sing praise;
sing praise to our king, sing praise.
God is king of all the earth.

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

Am I strong enough to speak the truth?  Am I strong enough to keep speaking the truth even when I am being rejected?

Action:  Do not be afraid.

Thought for Ascension Thursday May 17

God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;
the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.
Sing praise to God, sing praise;
sing praise to our king, sing praise.
God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

Mark 16: 15 – 20  Jesus said to his disciples: "Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.”

How am I doing?  Does “proclaim the Gospel” just mean “talk about Jesus”?

Action:  Proclaim the Gospel in everything you say and do.

Thought for Wednesday May 16

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.”

Do I value the truth?  Is being “truthful” the same as being “factual”?

Action:  Look around at your surroundings today and state one truth they bear witness to.

Thought for Tuesday May 15

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

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

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

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

Thought for Monday May 14

The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.
From the rising to the setting of the sun
is the name of the LORD to be praised.
High above all nations is the LORD;
above the heavens is his glory.
The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.

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

How would I respond if I were the one chosen to replace Judas?  How would I respond if I had been with them the whole time and still wasn’t chosen?

Action:  Step up and do the best you can in whatever circumstance you are in.

Thought for Friday May 11

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  Jesus said to his disciples: "This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.”

Would Jesus exclude anyone from the “one another” in this commandment?  Do I exclude anybody from who I love as Jesus loved me?

Action:  Follow the commandment.

Thought for Thursday May 10

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 9

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  Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.

Is it arrogant to think that I can make a real difference without Jesus?  Is it arrogant to think that I can work with Jesus to change the world?

Action:  Look around you for the next few days and choose something you can do to make the world better with Jesus.

Thought for Tuesday May 8

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.  When something bothers you, just smile to yourself and think, “Maybe there is something good here that I just don’t see right now.”

Thought for Monday May 7

Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
May you be blessed by the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
Heaven is the heaven of the LORD,
but the earth he has given to the children of men.
Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.

John 14: 21 – 26  The Advocate, the Holy Spirit  whom the Father will send in my name  he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.

Have I ever felt the Holy Spirit remind me of something Jesus said?  What do I do when I am reminded of Jesus while doing something I realize isn’t quite consistent with his message?

Action:  Set up reminders so you don’t forget about Jesus’ message during your day; e.g. every time you pull out your credit card, whenever you get in your car, when your phone rings…

Thought for Thursday 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  Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.

Can I name the works Jesus did?  Do I do the works Jesus did?

Action:  Look up the works of mercy and practice them.

Thought for Wednesday May 2

O God, let all the nations praise you!
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!
O God, let all the nations praise you!

John 12: 44 – 50  I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.

 Isn’t it sometimes easier to stay in the dark?  Do I pick and choose what I “shine the light on”?

  Action:  Shine the light on something in your life or community that you have been avoiding.