Ash Wednesday March 31, 2016

Isaiah 58:1-11

“Shout it aloud, do not hold back.
    Raise your voice like a trumpet.
Declare to my people their rebellion
    and to the descendants of Jacob their sins.
2 For day after day they seek me out;
    they seem eager to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that does what is right
    and has not forsaken the commands of its God.
They ask me for just decisions
    and seem eager for God to come near them.
3 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say,
    ‘and you have not seen it?
Why have we humbled ourselves,
    and you have not noticed?’

“Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please
    and exploit all your workers.
4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,
    and in striking each other with wicked fists.
You cannot fast as you do today
    and expect your voice to be heard on high.
5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
    only a day for people to humble themselves?
Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed
    and for lying in sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
    a day acceptable to the Lord?

6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
    and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
    and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
    and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
    and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
    you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

“If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
    with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
    and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
    and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The Lord will guide you always;
    he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
    and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
    like a spring whose waters never fail.

Isaiah 58:6 (NRSV)     God says, “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice . . . to let the oppressed go free?”

A year ago, when I saw that one of the meditations in The Upper Room had the title “Ash Wednesday,” I didn’t really understand what that meant. I soon learned that Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, known as the “Great Fast” in Russian Christianity. On this day some churches perform a symbolic action. The sign of the cross is made in ashes on people’s foreheads as a sign of our humanity and of our need for God.

Whatever name we give this day, it is the beginning of a time of self-examination. It is not only a time to give up something we enjoy but also a time to take on some form of ministry in Christ’s name. Through the prophet Isaiah, God says, “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?” (Isa. 58:6-7).

It seems, then, that the fast includes spending more time with God through prayer and reading the Bible as well as serving God through acts of love toward my neighbors. What a privilege!

Thought for today: What am I willing to release in order to reflect?

Good Works March 30, 2016

Titus 3:8-14     8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

Titus 3:8 (NIV)     Paul wrote, “I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.”

Several years ago a fire destroyed a church in my town. The fire raged through the night. Firefighters worked for more than 13 hours to contain it. The next day’s newspaper featured an article about the fire. In the story, the church’s pastor described how members of his congregation felt: “Our members are devastated, but we know we will rebuild our church.”

Soon after the newspaper story, people from the community began donating money, furniture, musical instruments, and other items to the congregation. Within two years, members of the church had built a brand new sanctuary. Once again, an article in the newspaper told about the church, and it quoted members who thanked the community for its outpouring of donations. “I am amazed at the goodwill and love people have shared with us,” one of the members said.

God’s word encourages us to do good deeds and to show kindness toward others. Christ loved us so much that he gave his life for us. Through our works of love and kindness, we express our love for Christ and show that we belong to him.

Thought for today: What good works have I practiced?

Our Strong Tower March 29, 2016

Psalm 18:1-3     I love you, O Lord, my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
    my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
    and I am saved from my enemies.

Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)     The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

“Do you know how many types of tag games there are, Mom?” I heard a kid ask excitedly. He listed various types they’d played at school. I listened as he talked with his brothers about the different types, comparing rules, and the difficulty of each one.

I watched as he played and I thought about a portion of Psalm 18, which describes God as our fortress, our safe place. I thought how God is a refuge where we can go anytime. God is like the safe place in the middle of a game of tag. The simplicity of a kids game conveyed the message right away.

I stopped and prayed asking God to help him run to safety in God’s care whenever he needs it. I prayed silently for myself too, that I would be quicker to run to God instead of trying to deal with problems on my own.

God wants us to pray about our problems and ask for help. Even when bad things happen, we can always find refuge in God’s love. And we can proclaim, “I’m safe.”

Thought for today: Where do I run to when I feel unsafe?

Keep Flowing March 28, 2016

Amos 5:21-24    

“I hate, I despise your religious festivals;
    your assemblies are a stench to me.
22 Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings,
    I will not accept them.
Though you bring choice fellowship offerings,
    I will have no regard for them.
23 Away with the noise of your songs!
    I will not listen to the music of your harps.
24 But let justice roll on like a river,
    righteousness like a never-failing stream!

Amos 5:24 (NIV)     Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!

I am learning that I cannot love God fully without loving my neighbor. I love them by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross, praying for them, visiting them when they are sick, offering them shelter, and helping them in their hour of need.

The Lord did not call us to be stagnant but to allow our faith to flow outward like a stream. Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me, as scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:38). Water flows, the Spirit flows, love flows. Christ’s love can help us transform our world as we humbly serve others inside and outside our places of worship.

Thought for today: Is my stillness a time of reflection or a symptom of stagnation?

Rage or Blessing? March 27, 2016

James 3:1-12     Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

James 3:8 (NIV)     No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

Sometimes our tempers get the best of us. We may even use the verse quoted above to excuse our venting. Although we are helpless to tame our tongues, God is not. Paul cautions, “In your anger do not sin” (Eph. 4:26), which tells us that there are ways for us to handle anger without hurting other people.

Though for today:  Am I building a wall of resentment and if so how do I address the issue?

Got Tickets? March 26, 2016

Matthew 5:14-16     14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 (KJV)     Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

We never know when we will have an opportunity to be the light Jesus calls us to be by sharing God’s word with another person. I certainly did not expect someone to ask me to share while I exercised. Our God is everywhere.

Thought for today: Am I reflecting or deflecting light?

Gratitude for Answered Prayer March 25, 2016

Romans 12:11-13     11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Philippians 4:6 (NIV)     Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Recently, I have been praying daily for the big battles that I face. It occurred to me, however, that when my prayers are answered, I am not so steadfast in giving thanks as I am in my asking. I may thank God once or twice and move on to some other petition for others or for myself. I rarely recognize answers to prayers for the little things in my life.

The practice of persistent prayer has led me to persistent thanksgiving, and I am now trying to be faithful in thanking God for answered prayers, big or small.

Thought for today: Does my praise line up with my prayer?

Bedside Prayer March 24, 2016

Matthew 6:5-8     And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Psalm 63:5-6 (NRSV)     The psalmist wrote, “My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips when I think of you.

God hears — and responds to — all our prayers. God wants us to feel a sense of closeness, like talking with a good friend who is sitting next to us or by our bedside. When we pray, we can share with God about everyday things, knowing that God is ready to listen.

Thought for today: How often do I really talk to God?

Bearing Fruit March 23, 2016

Psalm 1:1-6     Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.

4 Not so the wicked!
    They are like chaff
    that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Ephesians 2:10 (NRSV)     We are what [God] has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.

Fruit-bearing trees and bushes are a gift that inspires me. Just as God designed these plants to produce fruit, God calls me to bear fruit. God has a purpose for my life. As I mature in my relationship with God by studying the Bible, praying, and working in community with other Christians, I discover and fulfill that purpose.

Our reading for today encourages us to root our faith in God’s word. Then we will be like trees planted by streams of water that yield their fruit in season (v. 3) — “good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” When we read God's word, believe it, and obey it, we produce fruit and bring glory to God.

Thought for today: Am I producing fruit or am I dormant? 

The Father’s Son March 22, 2016

John 14:1-14     “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

John 14:9 (CEB)     Jesus replied, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been with you all this time? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”

One of my favorite silly movies has a character “Mini-me”…..you ever see family members with so many characteristics in common that when you see them all together it’s like a circus house of mirrors?

Thinking about how alike family members are, focus on another father/son relationship that reveal many similarities. By observing Jesus and his interactions with others, we know much about God. Jesus always taught love. He was quick to forgive, and he healed others. He was gentle, kind, and compassionate. He assured us there was nothing to fear. Since he is God’s Son, we know that God has these same characteristics: loving, forgiving, gentle, kind, and compassionate. We know God because we know Jesus.

Thought for today: Do I reflect God?

Hearing Aids March 21, 2016

Matthew 13:9-17    9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

10 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”

11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 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. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables:

“Though seeing, they do not see;
    though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
    you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
15 For this people’s heart has become calloused;
    they hardly hear with their ears,
    and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.’

16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

- Matthew 13:9 (NRSV)     Let anyone with ears listen!

You ever have a conversation with someone who is losing their hearing but refuses to acknowledge the fact? I ignored it right along with them for as long as I could. But when it began to interfere with my conversations with a beloved family member, I knew I needed to do something

After I addressed them, they took action and soon discovered they had been missing out on so much when they were unable to hear fully. They couldn’t grasp why people were often frustrated and impatient, and they lacked calm and peace.

The same results can occur in a relationship with God. When we don’t spend time listening to and hearing God, we lose the fruit of the Spirit and our lives lacks calm and peace. It is wonderful that God communicates in many different ways: through nature, through other people, and through the Bible.

I am so grateful that I don’t allow my intermittent “hearing impairment” to interfere with my ability to connect with God and truly listen with my whole being.

Thought for today: Does God have my undivided attention?

Living Water March 20, 2016

John 4:4-15     4 But He needed to go through Samaria.

5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.

9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.

10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

11 The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? 12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?”

13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”

John 4:10 (NIV)     Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

Water is essential to life. It makes up 50-75 percent of our bodies, yet we often forget to drink enough water or we substitute other drinks that do us little good. As a result, many of us spend our days slightly dehydrated.

I love the parallel between these facts and what Jesus says in the reading above: “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Thought for today: What do I consider the source of my life?

Doing Good — Regardless March 19, 2016

Philippians 1:1-6      Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)          Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

It’s easy to feel discouraged when good intentions result in pain. But it helps to pause and thank Jesus for his promise to complete his work in the lives of all those who follow him. (See Phil. 1:4-6.) With this promise in mind, we can persevere in doing good for others — as Jesus has commanded.

Thought for today:  Can I look to God for the strength to continue?

Love in Action March 18, 2016

Matthew 7:7-12   

 7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 7:12 (NIV)   In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

 What is the way Christ would have us treat others? He calls us to open the door and welcome them with acceptance and hope. Christ understands each person’s situation and asks us to respond to that person with love and respect. In this way, we can put God’s love into action and enhance our relationships with others and with God.

Thought for today: Have I gotten in the habit of practicing random acts of kindness?

Praying Out Loud March 17, 2016

Romans 8:35-39     35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

People give in to their fears because it is less scary in the short-term. Facing fears takes unbelievable strength. I have learned that in order to overcome fears, you will have to ask God for help and then be willing to accept that help in whatever form it comes.

Neither today’s fears nor worries about tomorrow can separate us from God’s love. Knowing this, we can find comfort that even when we are afraid, we have the promise of God’s unrelenting love.

Thought for today: Can I and will I trust God’s ability to sustain?

Trained Eyes March 16, 2016

Luke 24:13-32

13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.

15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?

19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.

21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;

23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.

24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

Luke 24:31 (NIV)     Their eyes were opened and they recognized [Jesus].

We can train our eyes to spot God. As we recall God’s faithfulness in our lives, we develop eyes of faith — eyes that will see God’s presence, regardless of the circumstances. When those around us have lost sight of God, it is our privilege and responsibility to lovingly reassure them, “Yes, my friend, God is still here.” Then, with words of faith, we can point them toward God — guiding them to see and discover God in the midst of their situation.

Thought for today: Do I look for God in every situation?

The Little Things March 15, 2016

2 Corinthians 9:7-15     7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:

“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
    their righteousness endures forever.”

10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Galatians 6:10 (NRSV)     Whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.

We can do so much to share God’s love through the little things. People need to feel and experience God’s love. They need someone to show concern, to listen, or perhaps to share a gentle embrace. Today, tomorrow, or on any given day, God can use each of us to bless someone.

Thought for today: How do I bear witness to God’s love?

Offering Buckets March 14, 2016

Psalm 136:1-3    

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:26 (NRSV)     O give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.

No matter how big our offering plates or buckets are, we can never repay God for pouring out enduring love for us. But when we give back to God with thankful hearts, we are responding to that love in ways that further God’s reign on earth. Remembering how blessed and loved we are, we, in turn, can show God’s love by giving “buckets” full of love to God’s people every day.

Thought for today: Can I emulate God’s generosity toward others?

Even a Sigh March 13, 2016

Psalm 139:1-10     You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.

Psalm 139:3 (NIV)    The psalmist wrote, “You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways."

My battle with cancer taught me the difference between being tired and being fatigued. When I was tired, an inner push still allowed me to accomplish certain tasks. But when I was fatigued all I could do was think of what I wanted to do for the day and take joy in the any minuscule accomplishments. I often felt depleted. Sometimes I had no energy to eat, let alone take a shower. Some mornings I’d be so exhausted that all I could do was sigh. Then in my devotions I discovered Psalm 38:9: “O LORD, all my longing is known to you; my sighing is not hidden from you.” What a boost I felt in my spirit! God understood my deepest sigh, no matter how low or weak I felt. God loved me no matter how weary or discouraged I had become. God knew how I felt and what I longed for.

I am overwhelmed by God’s intimate love for us — that God listens for something as small as a sigh. Though our suffering may seem a huge burden, it can never keep God from caring for us.

Thought for today: Am I aware of God’s grace?

My Daily Bread March 12, 2016

Exodus 20:1-17     And God spoke all these words:

2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

3 “You shall have no other gods before me.

4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

13 “You shall not murder.

14 “You shall not commit adultery.

15 “You shall not steal.

16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Exodus 20:17 (NRSV)     You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

It is difficult not to envy someone who has an exciting job, a beautiful house, or a seemingly perfect family. But when we focus our attention on resenting or wanting what someone else has, we may fail to notice the ways God blesses us and provides for us daily. Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” a statement of faith and expectation that God will provide us with what we need every day. Rather than comparing our lives to our neighbors’, we can trust in God and open our hearts to eternal blessings.

Thought for today:  Can I be content with God has provided in the moment?

Hard Work, Low Pay . . . March 11, 2016

Genesis 31:38-42     38 “I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten rams from your flocks. 39 I did not bring you animals torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for whatever was stolen by day or night. 40 This was my situation: The heat consumed me in the daytime and the cold at night, and sleep fled from my eyes. 41 It was like this for the twenty years I was in your household. I worked for you fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks, and you changed my wages ten times. 42 If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, you would surely have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands, and last night he rebuked you.”

Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)     We glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

 I was beginning to discover the connection between my perseverance and God’s desire to shape my character. Sometime later, I read the biblical account of the way Laban tricked Jacob into working for a wife he did not choose. Under Laban’s supervision, Jacob worked through extreme temperatures, sleepless nights, and unfair treatment. Yet God blessed him because of his faithful endurance. God used the experience to shape Jacob’s character.

The story is a reminder of how God can shape us through adversity. As we remain faithful and persevere through difficult circumstances, God is faithful to cultivate in us the character of Christ. By God’s grace, we can emerge from our trials stronger and more conformed to the image of Christ.

Thought for today: Do I work through my trials and tribulations or do I give up and go my own way rather than trust God to guide me through my trials?

Compassion in Action March 10, 2016

Nehemiah 5:1-12     Some men and their wives cried out against their Jewish brothers and sisters. 2 Some of them were saying, “There are now many of us. We have many sons and daughters. We have to get some grain so we can eat and stay alive.”

3 Others were saying, “We’re being forced to sell our fields, vineyards and homes. We have to do it to buy grain. There isn’t enough food for everyone.”

4 Still others were saying, “We’ve had to borrow money. We needed it to pay the king’s tax on our fields and vineyards. 5 We belong to the same family lines as the rest of our people. Our children are as good as theirs. But we’ve had to sell them off as slaves. Some of our daughters have already been made slaves. But we can’t do anything about it. That’s because our fields and vineyards now belong to others.”

6 I heard them when they cried out. And I was very angry when I heard what they were saying. 7 I thought it over for a while. Then I accused the nobles and officials of breaking the law. I told them, “You are charging your own people interest!” So I called together a large group of people to handle the matter. 8 I said, “Our Jewish brothers and sisters were sold to other nations. We’ve done everything we could to buy them back and bring them home. But look at what you are doing! You are actually selling your own people! Now we’ll have to buy them back too!” The people kept quiet. They couldn’t think of anything to say.

9 So I continued, “What you are doing isn’t right. Shouldn’t you show respect for our God? Shouldn’t you live in a way that will keep our enemies from saying bad things about us? 10 I’m lending the people money and grain. So are my relatives and my men. But we must stop charging interest! 11 Give the people’s fields back to them. Give them back their vineyards, olive groves and houses. Do it right away. Give everything back to them. Also give them back the one percent on the money, grain, fresh wine and olive oil you have charged them.”

12 “We’ll give it back,” they said. “And we won’t require anything more from them. We’ll do exactly as you say.”

Then I sent for the priests. I made the nobles and officials promise to do what they had said.

James 2:17 (NRSV)     Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.

Nehemiah showed leadership not only by empathizing but also by doing something to improve the situation. He didn’t just feel the pain of others; he was moved to help them. As God’s servants we too are called to respond with mercy and to put God’s love into action.

Thought for today: Can I act on the word after I hear it?

Criticism March 9, 2016

2 Corinthians 7:2-11      2 Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. 4 I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.

5 For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11 See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

2 Corinthians 7:8-9 (NIV)     Paul wrote, “If I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. . . . because your sorrow led you to repentance.”

We have all been criticized and know that it is rarely a pleasant experience. However, when properly delivered, even criticism can be beneficial and productive. The apostle Paul had detractors who criticized him to the church at Corinth. They claimed Paul was uncaring, untrustworthy, and unqualified. As a result, Paul defended his ministry. He tells us in today’s reading that he realized his words hurt his audience. Although we tend to discourage actions that cause others discomfort, Paul affirms that criticism can sometimes be necessary. However, it is helpful for us to remember that the purpose of good criticism is not to hurt people but for their correction and growth.

Thought for today: How do I receive criticism?

Remember to Breathe March 8, 2016

Matthew 6:25-34     25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 11:28 (KJV)     Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Every time a problem or an unexpected challenge came along, I held my breath through it. I became stressed and could not relax. I knew that God had shown me mercy by helping me through difficult times. I also realized that God didn’t want me to hold my breath throughout my life. God wanted me to rest in faith, knowing that no matter what problem I was facing, God would help me through it.

I’m never alone; and even if another person does not remind me to breathe, God is always with me assuring me that I can rest. Knowing this, I can relax and breathe in God’s presence.

Thought for today: Am I allowing God to be my constant companion or do I consciously or subconsciously sabotage his efforts to assist me?

Freely Given March 7, 2016

James 2:14-26    14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NRSV)     By grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God — not the result of works.

We receive eternal life because we are God’s children through faith in Christ. We do good works because we appreciate all God has given to us and want others to be blessed as we are.

Thought for today: How do I show God my love?

A Good Taste in a Sour World March 6, 2016

Psalm 34: 1- 22

1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.

3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.

6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.

10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.

11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?

13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.

21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.

22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

Psalm 34:8 (NIV)     Taste and see that the LORD is good.

The psalmist challenges us to seek the Lord and to keep praising God, even in the midst of trouble. The promise is that we will see God’s goodness and it will be so good that we can truly taste it.

Thought for today: can I see God in my struggles or do I tend to focus and dwell on the problem?

Wherever We Go March 5, 2016

Joshua 1:1-9    

After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

 Joshua 1:9 (NRSV)     Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

The Bible promises us that we have the Lord’s comforting presence with us wherever we go. God delights to hold our hand in the dark places of life, where we feel alone, forgotten, and afraid. Remembering this, we can find the help and comfort we need to return to the light.

Thought for today: Do I look to God in times of trouble?

Becoming a Better Disciple March 4, 2016

James 1:17-26

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

James 1:22 (NRSV)     Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.

Disciples are shaped by what they are taught not just by where they are taught. God works through others to remind us of the standards Jesus set for us.

Thought for today: Am I walking in light and love the way God intended or do I use His word to judge and measure others?

The Full Armor of God March 3, 2016

Ephesians 6:10-17    

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)   Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God.

Only together with scripture can the writer’s personal thoughts bring us closer to our God, who wishes to communicate love to us fully. I have begun to realize that the busier we are the more important it is to put aside time to be with God. We can find strength, protection, guidance, and peace in Bible study and prayer.

Thought for today: Do you set aside time for God?

Eyes to See March 2, 2016

Luke 7:36-50     36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”

41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

 Luke 7:44 (CEB)     Jesus turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman?”

Often we have eyes that do not see. The story in today’s reading calls us all to see people with whom we interact each day not as stereotypes but as real people with needs, gifts, and great possibilities — for that is the way God sees us all. The biblical message is that God — who came in Jesus Christ — sees us, knows us, died for us, and cares for us. Our lives can be made new when we respond to God’s redeeming love that we know in Jesus Christ.

Thought for today: How do I see and treat people?