Thought for Tuesday June 3

 

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 June 2

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:  Think of some issue you are sure you are right about and then think about how Jesus would express his moral certitude.  If there is a difference between what you do and what he would do, make a plan to change your approach.

Thought for Friday May 30

God is king of all the earth.
All you peoples, clap your hands,
shout to God with cries of gladness,
For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,
is the great king over all the earth.
God is king of all the earth.

John 16: 20 – 23  So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.

Am I in anguish?   Can I even begin to imagine the joy of being in the presence of God?

Action:  Do something joyful this weekend; or at least try to make it joyful for someone else.

Thought for Ascension Thursday May 29

God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
All you peoples, clap your hands,
shout to God with cries of gladness,
For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,
is the great king over all the earth.
God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

 

Acts 1: 1 – 11  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.

How do you think the Apostles felt as Jesus left them?  Do you think it was harder for the Apostles to witness the Crucifixion or the Ascension?

Action:  Rise above whatever is swirling around your community and do something good today.

Thought for Wednesday May 28

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 27

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 26

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  They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God.

Would I be willing to give me life for what I believe in?  Am I investing my life working for what I believe in?

Action:  Spend some time today thinking of all those who gave their lives to preserve what they believed in and all of those who spent their lives working to make your life better.

Thought for Friday May 23

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  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 like I was chosen?  Do I accept that I am appointed to bear fruit?

Action:  Ask the Father to help you bear fruit in a situation where your previous efforts have been fruitless and keep trying.

Thought for Thursday May 22

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  This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.

Does this mean I have to love everybody?  How can I express love to others?

Action:  Find a way to express Jesus’ love to somebody you can’t stand.

Thought for Wednesday May 21

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.

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

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 20

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 19

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  Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.

Do I love Jesus?  Do I keep his words?

Action:  Spend some time thinking about how you can love Jesus more and keep his words better.

Thought for Friday May 16

You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
And now, O kings, give heed;
take warning, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice before him;
with trembling rejoice.
You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.

John 14: 1 – 6  In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?

Do I ever think about what heaven will be like?  Am I content knowing Jesus has prepared a place for me?

Action:  Have a heavenly weekend.

Thought for Wednesday 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  This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.

Does this mean I have to love everybody?  How can I express love to others?

Action:  Find a way to express Jesus’ love to somebody you can’t stand.

Thought for Tuesday May 13

All you nations, praise the Lord.
His foundation upon the holy mountains
the LORD loves:
The gates of Zion,
more than any dwelling of Jacob.
Glorious things are said of you,
O city of God!
All you nations, praise the Lord.

 

John 10: 22 – 30  "How long are you going to keep us in suspense?  If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."

Do I ever wish Jesus would speak more plainly to me?  Have I ever been in suspense waiting for him to show me something I should be doing?

Action:  Quit stalling.  Do something you know Jesus wants you to do even if he hasn’t spoken “plainly.”

Thought for Monday May 12

Athirst is my soul for the living God.
Send forth your light and your fidelity;
they shall lead me on
And bring me to your holy mountain,
to your dwelling-place.
Athirst is my soul for the living God.

John 10: 11 – 18  A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them.  This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.

Do I approach my work as hired help or as a shepherd who cares?  Do I look to Jesus as my shepherd or just as God’s hired savior?

Action:   Invest your time working for things you care about.

Thought for Thursday May 8

Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

Bless our God, you peoples,
loudly sound his praise;
He has given life to our souls,
and has not let our feet slip.
Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

 

John 6: 44 – 51  I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world.

Why is Jesus talking about bread?  What is so special about bread?

Action:  Break bread with someone you wouldn’t normally eat with; sometime in the next week or so.

Thought for Tuesday May 6

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

 

John 6: 30 – 35  Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

What do I hunger and thirst for?  Are my needs satisfied in Jesus?

Action:  Start working on something your community is really hungering for, and ask Jesus to help you.

Thought for Monday May 5

Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!
I declared my ways, and you answered me;
teach me your statutes.
Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds.
Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

John 6: 22 – 29  Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.

What am I working for? Do I expect to see the final results of all of my work in my lifetime?

Action:  Make a change in your life that you know bears witness to Christ even though you know you won’t actually be able to see the results.

Thought for Friday May 2

One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.
One thing I ask of the LORD
this I seek:
To dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD
and contemplate his temple.
One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.

 

John 6: 1 – 15  Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?"

Do I ever think that what I have to offer isn’t enough to make a difference?  Have I ever seen my efforts multiplied into something great?

Action:  Give whatever you can and trust in God to multiply it.

Thought for Thursday May 1

The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

John 3: 31 – 36  For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God.  He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.

Is there any limit to the gifts of the spirit?  Do I ever feel like I have to ration my gifts; like I could burnout?

Action:  Examine your gifts and find one that gives you energy.  Make a plan to nourish that gift.

Thought for Wednesday April 30

The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

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

 

John 3: 16 – 21  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

How often do I hear condemnations “in the name of God”?   Am I working to save the world from things others will only condemn it for?

Action: Absolve and liberate are both opposites of condemn. Start working on ways to absolve or liberate our society from the sins other Christians condemn it for.

Thought for Tuesday April 29

The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.
The LORD is king, in splendor robed;
robed is the LORD and girt about with strength.
The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.

 

John 3: 7 – 15  Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony.

When I make choices that bear witness to Jesus, but are contrary to the prevailing culture, do people sometimes treat me like I am an outcast?  Do I ever get frustrated when people don’t accept my testimony?

Action:  Keep bearing witness even though people may treat you like a nut.

Thought for Monday April 28

Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
Why do the nations rage
and the peoples utter folly?
The kings of the earth rise up,
and the princes conspire together
against the LORD and against his anointed:
"Let us break their fetters
and cast their bonds from us!"
Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.

John 3: 1 – 8 Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man once grown old be born again?

Have I ever wondered if I am too old to change?  Is it ever too late to begin bearing witness to Jesus?

Action:  Take the first step toward changing one of your oldest “bad habits” – something you do that really isn’t consistent with Jesus’ message.

Thought for Friday April 25

The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.
O LORD, grant salvation!
O LORD, grant prosperity!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD;
we bless you from the house of the LORD.
The LORD is God, and he has given us light.
The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.

John 21: 1 – 14  Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We also will come with you."

Do I ever do something recreational when I am trying to sort through spiritual thoughts?  Do I value recreation?

Action:   Let God run the world this weekend while you take some time off to enjoy your life.

Thought for Thursday April 24

O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
O LORD, our Lord,
how glorious is your name over all the earth!
What is man that you should be mindful of him,
or the son of man that you should care for him?
O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

 

Luke 24: 35 – 48  Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

Is my mind open?  What is the most important thing I understand from the Bible?

Action:  If you have closed your mind to anything in scripture (something you reject or avoid), try to open your mind and deal with it.

 

Thought for Wednesday April 23

Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord.
Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name;
make known among the nations his deeds.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
 Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord.

Luke 24: 13 – 35  Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people

Am I doing my part to carry on Jesus’ work as a prophet?  Do I ever go against the grain at home, school, church, work or around my friends?

Action:  If something has been bugging you, something you think isn’t really consistent with gospel values, do something to change the way you may contribute to the problem.

Thought for Tuesday April 22

The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

John 20: 11 – 18 Mary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping.

Have I ever been afraid to allow myself to feel the real pain of loss?  Am I confident that I will always find consolation?

Action:  The next time you lose someone (or something) let yourself grieve confident that you will find consolation.

Thought for Monday April 21

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.

Matthew 28: 8 – 15  They gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, "You are to say, His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep.'

Would I ever lie for money?  Does lying seem worse when I think of Jesus dying on the cross for me?

Action:  Think of Jesus’ sacrifice every time you are faced with a tough decision.

Thought for Good Friday April 18

Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your kindness.
Take courage and be stouthearted,
all you who hope in the LORD.
Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.

John 18: 1 – 19: 42  When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, "It is finished." And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

Does this sink in?  Can I really “be in the moment” of Jesus death?

Action:  Spend some time between noon and three today contemplating Jesus death.

Thought for Holy Thursday

Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.
How shall I make a return to the LORD
for all the good he has done for me?
The cup of salvation I will take up,
and I will call upon the name of the LORD.
Our blessing-cup is a communion with the Blood of Christ.

 

John 13: 1 – 15  He [Jesus] said to them, "Do you realize what I have done for you?

 

Do I realize what Jesus has done for me?

 

Action:  Eat dinner today and try to appreciate the food (where it comes from, how it is prepared, who cooked it, etc.) and the company.   Try to picture Jesus eating the Passover with his friends.

Thought for Wednesday April 16

Lord, in your great love, answer me.
I will praise the name of God in song,
and I will glorify him with thanksgiving:
"See, you lowly ones, and be glad;
you who seek God, may your hearts revive!
For the LORD hears the poor,
and his own who are in bonds he spurns not."
Lord, in your great love, answer me.

 

Matthew 26: 14 – 25  On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, "Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?"

What am I preparing for Jesus?  Do I have anything I want to do during Easter that I am still preparing for?

Action:  Plan something to celebrate Holy Week or Easter.

Thought for Tuesday April 15

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.

 

John 13: 21 – 38  Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, "Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me."

Have I ever been betrayed by a friend or family member?  Does a betrayal negate forever all of the good someone does?

Action:  If you have ever been betrayed and are still upset about it, make a list of all the good your betrayer has done and try to show them as much compassion as Jesus showed Judas.

Thought for Monday April 14

The Lord is my light and my salvation.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
The Lord is my light and my salvation.

 

John 12: 1 – 11  He [Judas Iscariot] said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions.

Why would Jesus have such a low-life among his Apostles?  Doesn’t Jesus only call people who are good and holy to do his work?

Action:  Examine your conscience.  Is there anything you do that would make other people wonder why Jesus would want you around?  Work to change that and know that Jesus loves you anyway.

Thought for Friday April 11

In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.
My God, my rock of refuge,
my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold!
Praised be the LORD, I exclaim,
and I am safe from my enemies.
In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.

 

John 10: 31 – 42  The Jews answered him, "We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy.”

Do I place more value on works or words?  Is it easier to misunderstand works or words?

Action:  Try doing something good without talking about it and see if your work speaks for itself.

Thought for Thursday April 10

The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
Look to the LORD in his strength;
seek to serve him constantly.
Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought,
his portents, and the judgments he has uttered.
The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

John 8: 51 – 59  Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, 'He is our God.'

Is “child of God” a central part of my identity?  Do I use that phrase to describe other people?

Action:  Think of the 5 people that annoy you the most and for each one say, “____________ is a child of God.”  Repeat to yourself as often as necessary.  

Thought for Wednesday April 9

Glory and praise forever!
"Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers,
praiseworthy and exalted above all forever;
And blessed is your holy and glorious name,
praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages."
Glory and praise forever!

 

John 8: 31 – 42  Jesus said, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

How does the truth set me free?  Have I ever been trapped in a lie?

Action:  Look at a bad situation and see if any Gospel truths are being ignored.  Try to bring truth into the situation.

Thought for Tuesday April 8

O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.
O LORD, hear my prayer,
and let my cry come to you.
Hide not your face from me
in the day of my distress.
Incline your ear to me;           
in the day when I call, answer me speedily.
O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.

John 8: 21 – 30  The one who sent me is with me.  He has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him.

Do I always do what is pleasing to God?  How often do I even think about it?

Action:  Do something pleasing to God today.

Thought for Monday April 7

Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.

John 8: 1 – 11  “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”  Again he bent down and wrote on the ground.  And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders.

Do I have to be sinless to see the sins of others?  What can I do when I do recognize another’s sin?

Action:  The next time you notice someone else sinning, do something positive to counteract the effect of that sin.  

Thought for Friday April 4

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
Many are the troubles of the just man,
but out of them all the LORD delivers him.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.

John 7: 1-2, 10, 25 - 30     Jesus moved about within Galilee; he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him.

If people were trying to kill me, would I avoid them?  What do I believe in enough to risk my life?

Action:  Avoid any person, habit or situation which “kills” your spirit; at least for a day or two.

Thought for Wednesday April 2

The Lord is gracious and merciful.
The LORD is just in all his ways
and holy in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call upon him,
to all who call upon him in truth.
The Lord is gracious and merciful.

John 5: 17 – 30  “I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.”

What can I do on my own?  Whose will do I seek?

Action:  Try to do something good that you have not done before because you thought you just weren’t up to it.