Finding Purpose February 29, 2016

Proverbs 31:10-31     10 A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:27-28 (CEB)     She is vigilant over the activities of her household; she doesn’t eat the food of laziness. Her children bless her; her husband praises her.

In moments of despair, I feel God speak gently to my heart. Through prayer, scripture, and other reading God helps me to step back from my negative thoughts and to look around me. I begin to see that my calling was in the lives of the people I love, my great nephews giggling with joy as they challenge me to play and dance. In the calm gratitude my family displays around the table while sharing a hot, home-cooked meal.  

Thought for today: Where do I find your self worth?

Shine On February 28, 2016

John 1:1-9     1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

Genesis 1:16 (NIV)     God made two great lights — the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night.

Recently, the moon was closer to Earth than it would be at any other time during the year. Because of its nearness, the moon appeared larger and brighter than usual. The brilliant light shone by this “super-moon” cast shadows in my yard just as the sun does during the day. The moon seemed to produce its own glow; however, we know that its luminescence is but a reflection of the sun’s intense radiance.

I want to be like that super-moon at all times, brilliantly reflecting a power greater than my own. I ask myself,

Do I regularly display kindness, forgiveness, and love? Am I a good example for others to follow? Or do I shine brightly only on rare occasions? Do I perform good deeds so others will praise me or because I know that doing so is God’s will for me?

When I consciously draw nearer to God; my thoughts, words, and actions can more intensely reflect God’s love to others.

Thought for today: Do I reflect God’s light?

Our Youthful God February 27, 2016

Psalm 71:9-18     Do not cast me away when I am old;
    do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
10 For my enemies speak against me;
    those who wait to kill me conspire together.
11 They say, “God has forsaken him;
    pursue him and seize him,
    for no one will rescue him.”
12 Do not be far from me, my God;
    come quickly, God, to help me.
13 May my accusers perish in shame;
    may those who want to harm me
    be covered with scorn and disgrace.

14 As for me, I will always have hope;
    I will praise you more and more.

15 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,
    of your saving acts all day long—
    though I know not how to relate them all.
16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord;
    I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
    and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
18 Even when I am old and gray,
    do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
    your mighty acts to all who are to come.

2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)     We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

 God’s power has not waned. While the strength and vigor of my physical body fade, the eternal youth of God’s Holy Spirit restores my soul daily. I am constantly assured that God, who empowered and guided me throughout my working years, is also able to help me meet the demands of aging.

Thought for today: Do I trust God to restore me daily?

Playing for God February 26, 2016

Matthew 25:14-29     14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’

21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

22 “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’

23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

24 “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

28 “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags.29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.

Philippians 4:13 (NRSV)     I can do all things through [Christ] who strengthens me.

Just when you’re about to turn away from God’s nudging,  You need to reflect on the above verse from Philippians. He encouraged us to act on our callings and to persevere at developing the talents He has given us. No matter how small our talent, if we have faith and are willing to work hard and keep using our talent, God will use it for the kingdom.

Thought for today: What needs to grow and be developed in your life?

An Eye-Opening Experience February 25, 2016

Matthew 20:29-34     29 As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him.30 Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

31 The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

32 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

33 “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”

34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

Matthew 20:33 (NRSV)      [Two blind men] said to [Jesus], “Lord, let our eyes be opened.”

In our reading for today, Jesus changed the perspective of two blind men who probably felt their lives were going nowhere. Jesus’ presence and compassion gave their world a new perspective. After he opened their eyes, they could look into the eyes of loved ones and enjoy the landscape around their city. Not only did they receive physical vision from Jesus, but they gained new spiritual vision that day.

We all get discouraged some days, but it’s important to remember that Jesus also crosses our path each day. If we ask him, he will open our eyes to the hope he offers each of us.

Thought for today: What are you blind to? What is it that you truly need to see?

Dry and Weary Land February 24, 2016

Psalm 42:1-8     For the choir director: A psalm of the descendants of Korah.

1 As the deer longs for streams of water,
    so I long for you, O God.
2 I thirst for God, the living God.
    When can I go and stand before him?
3 Day and night I have only tears for food,
    while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,
    “Where is this God of yours?”

4 My heart is breaking
    as I remember how it used to be:
I walked among the crowds of worshipers,
    leading a great procession to the house of God,
singing for joy and giving thanks
    amid the sound of a great celebration!

5 Why am I discouraged?
    Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
    I will praise him again—
    my Savior and 6 my God!

Now I am deeply discouraged,
    but I will remember you—
even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan,
    from the land of Mount Mizar.
7 I hear the tumult of the raging seas
    as your waves and surging tides sweep over me.
8 But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me,
    and through each night I sing his songs,
    praying to God who gives me life.

Psalm 63:1 (NRSV)     The psalmist wrote, “I seek you, [my God], my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water."

when we acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Water of Life, our faith can flourish and we can receive strength from him. Jesus said to the Samaritan woman at the well, “The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life” (John 4:14). Remaining connected to God’s living water requires work. Disciplines such as spending time with God in prayer, studying the Bible, and learning how to listen for God’s voice are all part of growing in our relationship with Christ. When we seek God every day, our thirst will be quenched by Living Water.

Thought for today: How am I seeking God?

Not What I’d Planned February 23, 2016

Romans 8:24-28     24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)     Cast all your anxiety on [God] because he cares for you.

God cares for each of us and will bring us what is best for us. We need only to pray and to trust God and then act on God’s nudgings.

Thought for today: Do I truly trust God in all situations?

The First Step February 22, 2016

Matthew 3:13-17     13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Jesus began his ministry and mission knowing that God was well pleased with him. I think God is already well pleased with us as we take the first step in any new ministry. This prompted me to ask myself,

What first step do I need to take in order to begin whatever mission God has set aside for me?

We can trust that as we take that first step, God is already well pleased!

Thought for today: What actions am I taking in order to insure that I  hear “well done my good and faithful servant”?

Prayer Assignments February 21, 2016

Philippians 4:4-9     4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

James 5:16 (NRSV)  Pray for one another. . . . The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.

Prayer is a privilege God gives each of us to bless others. Besides enriching our lives and the lives of those for whom we pray, our prayers for others will someday bring our Master’s commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:21, NIV).

Thought for today: Have I finished the work God has given me?

The Shrinking Yard February 20, 2016

1 Corinthians 2:4-13       We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.9 However, as it is written:

“What no eye has seen,
    what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
    the things God has prepared for those who love him—

10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.

Our perspective changes as we grow up. As we learn to look at the world from God’s perspective, “big” problems become as small as that backyard. Many things in the world do not change, but how we view the world can change. With God’s help, we can seek to have the mind of Christ and see things from his point of view.

Thought for today: Does anything stop you from seeing the world as God sees it?

Reflections February 19, 2016

1 John 1:3-9     3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Matthew 5:16 (NIV)     Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

I am not a perfect reflection of Christ, but I find comfort in the knowledge that God doesn’t expect me to be perfect but only to be as faithful as I can be. Even with our imperfections, God calls us to be faithful reflections of God’s love.

Though for today : Who will see Christ through me today?

The 75-Dollar Question February 18, 2016

Philippians 2:1-4     So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any

participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:3 (NIV)     Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.

Years ago, I realized that what matters to God is for us to pay attention to the needs of others and to give wholeheartedly.

Thought for today: How often do I share my blessings?

Genuine Need, Genuine Gratitude February 17, 2016

Luke 17:11-19     11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee.12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

Matthew 7:1 (CEB)     Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged.

 we may never know when someone who asks for our help might have a genuine need.

Thought for today: How often do I practice random acts of kindness?

The Heart to Keep Trying February 16, 2016

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18     16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)     Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Prayer helps in other areas of life. Remembering the blessings you have is a simple practice, but it accomplishes a mighty change of heart. When you feel discouraged, remember what God has given you; and find new strength to keep trying. A change of focus creates a change of attitude and motivation.

Thought for today: Can you shift your focus to see your blessings?

The Power of a Whisper February 15, 2016

Luke 10:38-42     38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Psalm 46:10 (NIV)      Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

Jesus often whispers for us to come and sit at his feet. When we take time to disconnect from our flurry of daily activities, we can hear God's voice much more clearly.

Thought for today:  Can I slow down long enough to hear God’s whisper and can I sit still at his feet?

Our Refuge and Strength February 14, 2016

Psalm 46:1-3     God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Psalm 27:5 (NRSV)      [The LORD] will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble.

Prayers and daily Bible reading comforted and encouraged us to remain firm in our faith. Family, friends, and church members prayed for us and with us and stood beside us in our worst moments of doubt and desperation. God showed us that we were never alone in our struggles.

Thought for today:  Do you seek God in times of difficulty?

Grace Abounds February 13, 2016

Genesis 15:1-7     After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:

“Do not be afraid, Abram.
    I am your shield,
    your very great reward.”

2 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?”3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”

4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”

6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

7 He also said to him, “I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it.”

Philippians 1:6 (CEB)      The one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus.

Our scars and brokenness do not limit God from working in our lives. God’s grace toward us abounds.

Thought for today: Do you put up barriers to prevent you from experiencing the full power of God?

A Gift Given February 12, 2016

Matthew 2:1-11     After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod,

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.”

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

We can never repay God’s gift of Christ. Often we try to make it up to God by doing good deeds, regularly attending church, and seeking to grow spiritually. Sometimes we feel so unworthy that we resist God’s grace. But in the end we realize that a gift is a gift. Gifts do not demand repayment; they are freely given out of love. All we can do is accept God’s gift with joy, then allow that gift — Jesus Christ — to become a part of who we are.

Thought for today: What does the Christ mean to you?

The Family of God February 11, 2016

John 3:11-17     11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

John 3:16 (NIV)     God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

I am even more amazed by the love God expresses for us every day — even at this very moment. Along with my brothers and sisters in the faith, I have found the love I had been missing. With them, I pray that we will be able to share God’s love with those who do not know it.

Thought for today: Can you accept God’s love in its fullest measure or do you attempt to sabotage the relationship?

That Is Enough February 10, 2016

2 Corinthians 4:16-18     16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16 (NRSV)     Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.

The words of the apostle Paul above remind us that we still have a purpose in life even though our abilities might be limited by age and disease. Even if the only thing we can do to help in any given situation is to pray, that is enough.

Thought for today: Can you recognize and accept the work that God has for you to do?

Fourth Sunday of Advent February 9, 2016

Genesis 45:4-15     4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

8 “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. 9 Now hurry back to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don’t delay. 10 You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. 11 I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.’

12 “You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you. 13 Tell my father about all the honor accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly.”

14 Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.

1 John 3:17 (NIV)     If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

Thought for today: Do your actions honor God?

Emmanuel — God with Us February 8, 2016

Psalm 98:1-9     1 Sing to the Lord a new song,
    for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
    have worked salvation for him.
2 The Lord has made his salvation known
    and revealed his righteousness to the nations.
3 He has remembered his love
    and his faithfulness to Israel;
all the ends of the earth have seen
    the salvation of our God.

4 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,
    burst into jubilant song with music;
5 make music to the Lord with the harp,
    with the harp and the sound of singing,
6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—
    shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

7 Let the sea resound, and everything in it,
    the world, and all who live in it.
8 Let the rivers clap their hands,
    let the mountains sing together for joy;
9 let them sing before the Lord,
    for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
    and the peoples with equity.

Matthew 28:20 (CEB)     Jesus said, “I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

Though for today:  What is God showing me today?

A Mother's Heart February 7, 2016

Luke 1:46-56     6 And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
    and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

56 And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her home.

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)     The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Thought for today:  As you face today’s challenges,  can you, like Mary, show unwavering faith?

Overcoming through Endurance February 6, 2015

John 16:28-33     28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

29 His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.

30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

31 Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?

32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Revelation 3:5 (KJV)     The Son of man said, “He that overcometh . . . shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will . . . confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”

The Bible tells us about many of God’s people who stood firm in the face of danger. When God told Abraham to move to an unknown land, Abraham obeyed (see Gen. 12), later becoming the father of a great nation. Joseph remained faithful to God through trial after trial and ended up in a position of power from which he could rescue his people. (See Gen. 37-47.) Rahab risked her life to hide Israelite spies (see Josh. 2-6) and became an ancestor of Christ. (See Matt. 1.) All had faith in God’s promises. Today, people continue to know God through these stories. All through the ages, God has been faithful. God walks with us in our struggles and provides all we need to endure.

Thought for today: can you stand and move in faith? Why/why not?

Reflected Light February 5, 2016

Matthew 5:13-16      13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14 (CEB)     You are the light of the world.

Thought for today: What qualities do you reflect to those you meet day by day?

Great Joy February 4, 2016

Luke 1:46-55     46 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

Matthew 2:10 (KJV)     When [the wise men] saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

 Jesus came to show us what God is like. He worked continually for our good and even died for us. God will do whatever it takes to reach us.

Though for today:  Are you open to God’s will or do you continually change his instruction to suit your needs?

Praying for My Enemies February 3, 2016

Matthew 5:43-48     43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 5:44 (NIV)     Jesus said, “I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Thought for today: Do you have compassion and empathy for those who persecute you? Can you see and understand their brokenness? 

Third Sunday of Advent February 2, 2016

Deuteronomy 6:1-9     These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 3 Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.

4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NRSV)     Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise.

Thought for today:   What is your legacy? How do people know that you serve God?

“Who Am I To Do This?” February 1, 2016

Exodus 3:1-12     Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”

4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”

And Moses said, “Here I am.”

5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

7 The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concernedabout their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 9 And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them.10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)     Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Thought for today:  How do you KNOW that God is with you?