March 1, 2014 - Saturday

And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. (1 John 4:21 NIV)

When I read this, I understand it as meaning family.  Family is something that makes sense to me.  It is so present to me and it is what sustains me.  Of course, John, who you might remember was the only apostle at the cross of Jesus--there with Mary, was very close to Jesus.  Family.

May our understanding of family inform how we treat others, with patience and kindness and all the other powerful qualities that go so far beyond the mere feeling we call love.

Today, I will work on being patient and kind to others as a sign of my love.

February 28, 2014 - Friday

My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. (Job 23:11, 12 NIV)

My father used to say, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."  This was one of his motivational speeches and it worked pretty well.  Whenever I'd have a setback, one of those challenging times when I'd lose my desire to try, these words shook me up.  It turns out when you hear them in such a situation, you have only a few seconds to decide if you are tough.  More often than not, I decided I was tough!  And then it is easy to start again.

Job is the perfect example of mental toughness.  He kept going despite the many setbacks he encountered.  Truthfully, his emotions went to some dark places, but he decided, at every turn, to be mentally tough so he could always follow God's path for his life.

Today, I will keep mentally tough--stepping along the path God has placed in front of me, no matter how my feelings try to distract me.

February 27, 2014 - Thursday

Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. (Ecclesiastes 1:17 NIV)

The reflections of old men.  If there is value in them, here it is, we've experienced a lot and it shows.  You can see the effects.  You can gauge life's impact in our outlook.

Today's verse is the reflection of an old man who spent his life trying to be wise.  He became smart by man's standards.  Yet, he was also given enough of God's wisdom and perspective to realize that chasing after worldly knowledge is meaningless!  His conclusion, at the end of Ecclesiastes, is to tell us to fear God and keep his commandments.  This short book is a summary of our struggle with our lives, mortality and the value of adopting God's perspective.

Today, I will begin thinking about how to spend Lent this year, which begins next Wednesday.

February 26, 2014 - Wednesday

From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me,” says the Lord. (Isaiah 66:23 NIV)

Prophets fascinate me, but still I wonder, if I was alive nearly 3000 years ago, what I would have thought of Isaiah the prophet?  Or if I was alive about 2000 years ago, I wonder what I would have thought of Jesus and his friends.  And that challenges me to consider how I think of and treat holy people living right now.

I have to be careful in my own attitude so I don't get cynical toward believers.  Sound odd coming from someone who claims to believe?  Maybe, but it's true.  I can look down on others who either worship differently or who understand things differently, because I can be so sure of my own opinions!  Like yesterday's verse, this is when I rely on my own "wisdom" rather than turning to God's wisdom in evaluating things.  Jesus once said to his disciples,  "He who is not against us is for us. (Mark 9:40 NIV)  That is something worth considering.

Today, I will look for all the different ways the Holy Spirit makes appearances in those around me!

February 25, 2014 - Tuesday

No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. (1 Corinthians 2:7 NIV)

Have you ever kept a big secret?  I mean one of those secrets you can only tell your best friend even though you're not supposed to, and you can only begin with something like, "You are not going to believe this!"?  That is how Paul must have felt when he wrote this because he is in the middle of explaining that God had been keeping his wisdom a secret, protecting it, until Jesus came and shared it with his friends.

Paul's message is that we should not rely on our own human intelligence or wisdom but rather on the "mind of Christ" which is given to us when we rely on the Holy Spirit in times of decision.

Today, I will rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit in every one of my important decisions.

February 24, 2014 - Monday

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17 NIV)

Paul wrote these words to one of his young churches.  They are simple words which, in the light of what Jesus promised in Sunday's verse, should encourage us.  Paul is explaining how to live day-to-day as part of this movement Jesus began.

Reading the entire passage is surprising.  Where I expected a laundry list of "thou shalt not" type rules, Paul instead describes ways we can love each other.  If you have a couple of minutes, check out verses 11-16 to see the details.

Today, I will try to remember to offer up every word I say and every deed I do, thankfully in Jesus' name.

February 23, 2014 - Sunday

All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. (John 6:37 NIV)

Pausing on this verse for perhaps the first time, I recognize two powerful messages in Jesus' words:  I was a gift to him by God the Father, and because I accept him, he will not drive me away.  

Today, I will be grateful for this promise of Jesus.

February 22, 2014 - Saturday

How useless to spread a net where every bird can see it! (Proverbs 1:17 NIV)

First things first.  Right?  When you have many things to share, it is common to begin with your most urgent or pressing point.  So what does a king, the ruler over an entire nation, the leader of an army, the highest legal opinion available, what does this man say first to his son, before sharing any other pearls of wisdom?  

In this first bit of advice, what he may have considered his most important advice, Solomon urges his son, and indeed all of us, not to accept the invitations of evil men.

You will notice the verse above doesn't really express that point, but the entire passage (verses 10-19) is very clear and easy to understand.  Give it a quick read for the full impact!

Today, I will pray for the awareness of evil invitations so that I am prepared to decline them.

February 21, 2014 - Friday

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (Matthew 5:11 NIV)

We humans are so adaptable!  In our culture, where we consider ourselves sophisticated, we prefer more subtle forms of torment.  With few exceptions, it has become socially unaccepted to directly insult, persecute, or speak evil against anyone, but we do it all the time in more discreet ways which are just as applicable here.  We gossip.  We nag.  We exclude.  We give looks.  We spread rumors.  We bully online.  We tell lies.  We talk behind backs.  And sometimes we actually do these things because someone believes in Jesus.

And because at times I've done these things myself, at other times I have been cautious about expressing my own belief.  I have been timid, afraid others would do these things to me if I would have expressed my belief.  How subtle it can be.  And how scary.  So boldness is called for whenever I get the chance to live, as Jesus expects, in his name.

Today, I will live and act and speak boldly, guided by the Holy Spirit and grateful for Jesus' blessing when I do.

February 20, 2014 - Thursday

then that person can pray to God and find favor with him, they will see God’s face and shout for joy; he will restore them to full well-being. (Job 33:26 NIV)

No matter how bad things get, God restores me.  And so I pray on, continually in need of God's restoring favor!  

Our lives have a way of pressing in on us.  We endure difficult times that are so tiring and distracting that we forget this hopeful truth.  We get pulled into our own suffering as though it were the worst thing ever, but in fact it is not.  We compound our discomfort by justifying ourselves to ourselves and anyone who will listen.  

Today, I will seek two minutes of silence away from all thoughts.  My only prayer, will be a thank you afterward.

February 19, 2014 - Wednesday

so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (Romans 12:5 NIV)

This wonderful reminder humbles and encourages me.  

It is humbling because it reminds me that I am responsible to others, that I shouldn't act in isolation as though my thoughts or actions don't affect those around me.  They do.  

It is encouraging because it reminds me of something I forget so easily, that others will be there to lean on when I need them.

Today, I will focus on what others around me need, and act as though I belong to them.

February 18, 2014 - Tuesday

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ (Matthew 25:44 NIV)

Regardless of what this passage teaches, my strongest memory of it will always be sitting on my father's lap as he read it to me.  It is part of a story he told me was his favorite--when Jesus delivers the last judgment.

If you recall the full story, this is an extremely scary passage as "they" are just about to find out they will spend eternity apart from God.

Why?  Simply because they didn't recognize Jesus in those who suffer, and they didn't help them.

Today, I will remind myself that every person in need is Jesus, and I will help in any way I can.

February 17, 2014 - Monday

I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. (Genesis 17:7 NIV)

A covenant is a contract.  It is an agreement between two people, each of whom agrees to the established terms.  Isn't it fasinating that the creator God says this to an old man, Abraham.  He promised Abraham that he would be his God and the god of his children through all generations.  I have no doubt this was difficult to believe for the nearly hundred year old man!  But he had faith.  He had complete confidence.  And he relied on his faith at that moment which was otherwise probably a little hard to believe.

Today, I will consider my faith in God and his promise to Abraham, that the creator of all things is my God too.

February 16, 2014 - Sunday

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. (John 15:9 NIV)

What would it be like to know I was going to die, soon?  What if I even knew beforehand that it was going to be painful?  How overwhelming this is.  Any train of thought leads me along a rail of fear, sadness, or loss at what I'd leave behind...even though I have a strong faith in what follows death.  I wonder what I would say and do to say goodbye to my family and friends.

Jesus shared a meal with his people.  He told them how he felt and what to expect as time and events passed.  Today's verse is one of the wonderful and amazing things he shared with them.  I can picture myself sitting at the table with him and hearing him say he loves me as much as his father loves him.  And he even makes it into an invitation to remain in that relationship.

Today, I will accept Jesus' invitation to stay in his love so that I can share it.

February 15, 2014 - Saturday

Be exalted in your strength, Lord; we will sing and praise your might. (Psalm 21:13 NIV)

You know those moments when you feel everything come together so perfectly, those days when you feel like you can't lose, those times when everything clicks into place?  And how about those rare times when you work so hard to achieve something, and it all comes together so smoothly and so correctly that you somehow can't even believe it was so easy!

Who gets the credit?

Today, I will praise the Lord's might and acknowledge him as the strength in my success.

February 14, 2014 - Friday

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7 NIV)

Love.  What a perfect reflection on this February 14!  Love has been described many ways, but here is one that isn't too familiar.  But there are a couple of ways to connect with it.  First, by remembering that God IS love.  Second, by understanding that love calls us to action.  

So, what can I take away from this?  That having been born of God means I have chosen to believe in Jesus Christ and that I know something about God.  Also, John makes it clear that I am not alone in this.  And that when I show love to others, I am sharing God's gift with them.

Today, I will act with love, sharing this gift.

February 13, 2014 - Thursday

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 1:14 NIV)

Paul just described his most terrible failures to Timothy, his son in faith, as proof that God wants to give his gifts to the absolute worst of us.  He is convinced that no one is so bad that God doesn't want to share his grace, and the faith and love of Jesus with them.  

Today, I will admit to myself that no matter what I've done in my life, I can have God's gifts even though I certainly do not deserve them!

February 12, 2014 - Wednesday

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, (Colossians 2:2 NIV)

And I hope my daily reflection is as encouraging to your heart as it has been to mine!  This journey is proving to bring me bits of understanding I never expected, a little at a time.  And I hope you feel the unity with me that I feel with you by your own reading and reflection.

Today, I will allow myself to feel encouraged in heart, aware of the impact daily reflection is having on me.

February 11, 2014 - Tuesday

as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.” (2 Corinthians 8:15 NIV)

This verse is actually a re-quote from the book of Exodus (16:18).  Paul is recalling that scary time when Moses and the Israelites were lost in the desert after leaving Egypt--when they were out of food and God came to their assistance.  You may remember that each morning, each family was miraculously provided that day's food for everyone in their tent.  No more.  No less.  And so naturally, anyone with a bigger family gathered more food.  And anyone with a smaller family was told to gather less food.  No one went hungry.  Each had just enough and (here is the key) equality was established in the sense that everyone ate.

Back to Saint Paul's point.  Fearless giving!  Enthusiastic giving!

Specifically, he encourages his young church at Corinth to share generously with his new ministry in another part of the world.  He prods them to send financial help in a spirit of generosity and willingness, not out of guilt or pressure.

My understanding of giving is based on the belief that God provides me with all that I have and all that I need so that I can share it fearlessly and enthusiastically!

Today, I will evaluate the ways in which I give to others, and make sure I am not being reluctant, complaining or tentative about it!

February 10, 2014 - Monday

But I say unto you, that in this place is one greater than the temple.  -Matthew 12:6

The twelfth chapter of Matthew is a confrontation between Jesus and a group of religious men who accuse his friends of breaking their man-made sabbath rules.  And Jesus, rather than debating with them, begins to teach them about himself.

It must be human nature because it seems to happen to everyone.  Getting caught up in my own narrow way of thinking, making my little "rules" about how things ought to be done, and even deciding that others should follow my rules!  It feels silly as I write it down, but I know I've done it!  And instead of worrying about making everyone conform to my limited understanding, I think things will work out better if I point them to the real authority on how we should live our lives, to God's word.

Today, I will pray for a clear head in confrontation so that I will not be drawn into flawed arguments but rather that I will maintain focus on Jesus.

February 9, 2014 - Sunday

"Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding."  -Proverbs 9: verse 6

Ouch!  That's pretty direct!  This proverb is actually accusing me of acting like a fool!  A fool is someone who lacks good judgment, good sense, or understanding.  I could be offended here and tune out the message, but I won't just yet because I know the twist in Proverbs is that we get actual techniques to grow in wisdom and understanding--from God's perspective.

So Proverbs is an early self-help book!  And what would a good self-help book be without a clever twist, right?  Well here it is, God's idea of foolishness is what is called "worldly wise."  Again, that almost feels like a personal insult since I like to think of myself that way, but when I step past that feeling, I start to see the simplicity and positivity here.

Restated:  I should seek understanding.  I should think and act with goodness.  The reward of this effort will be life.

Today, I will be on the lookout for situations where I see things differently from others who are smart and clever thinkers--to figure out if our differences are because of what I believe.

February 8, 2014 - Saturday

“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. (Matthew 10:40 NIV)

 Whenever you ask someone to do something outside their comfort zone, they will need motivation.  And the further out your request puts them, the stronger the motivation will need to be.

So this is part of Jesus' motivational speech.  If you read the rest of Matthew chapter 10 it is quickly apparent he is sending them way outside their comfort zone!  In fact, he is sending them out among a very skeptical and dangerous bunch to perform miracles in his name--to do things in front of people they will either believe or shun, no middle ground.  So, he tells them not to be afraid of those people who will be against them, but rather to realize that whomever welcomes them is really welcoming Jesus and God the Father.

This encourages me in two ways.  First, to choose again for myself what I believe.  Second, to share it fearlessly.

Today, I will choose again to welcome Jesus into my heart.

February 7, 2014 - Friday

So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them. (Exodus 2:25 NIV)

Belief is difficult to maintain when things are going wrong.  What happens when years pass and you are suffering, and there is no sign that God is even real?  What do you do?  How do you feel?  Alone.  Ignored.  Forsaken.  And time drags on.

The Israelites had been slaves for many years and were suffering greatly in Egypt.  Perhaps they felt as Jesus may have felt in his last moments before death, while nailed to a tree.  Alone. Ignored. Forsaken.

I don't understand why we have these dark times in life, but this verse gives me hope to believe that God is there, he is watching over me, and he is concerned about me whenever I suffer and feel he is not there.  And he will send relief in the end--Moses came back to lead the Israelites out of slavery.  And Jesus was resurected!

Today, I will pray for anyone suffering greatly right now, that they will not lose faith and that God will relieve them soon.

February 6, 2104 - Thursday

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV)

Used so often at weddings, the depth of this verse has been all but lost.  It's even used as the punchline of jokes!  But to me, these words are a challenge, a dare, a call to reimagine my idea of love.  

And what if I see it in the context of the great commandment which sums up all God's other laws--to love God and to love my neighbor as myself?

Suddenly, I see something in a new way!  I am called to be patient toward God (really) and all those around me.  I am challenged to show kindness toward God and the people in my life.  I am dared not to envy God or others, not to boast to God or others about myself, and to be humble before God and before my neighbor.  

And my only hope of changing myself in all these ways is through prayer.

Today, I will humbly ask God's help in showing love to the people with whom I spend the day.  I will ask for a time to show patience, opportunities to be kind, a chance to avoid being envious or boastful, and the awareness to see his hand on my life.

February 5 2014 - Wednesday

But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. (Jeremiah 10:12 NIV)

Jeremiah reluctantly answered God's call and soon found himself with the awkward task of telling people that the gods they had been worshiping we're fake and that the true God who created the earth and sky was angry at their turning away from him.

I wonder how often my own head is turned from God to false gods of my own making--work and money, music and movies, sports and hobbies.  These all have the potential to become my false gods.

Today, I will keep my mind on the one true God.

February 4, 2014 - Tuesday

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. (Revelation 19:6 NIV)

After evil has lost its grip on this world, we shall sing praise to God!  Handel's Messiah, which he wrote about 275 years ago in 1741, is a beautiful rendition of what we might hear, even if it is on a small human scale!

Today, I will listen to music of praise, remembering that God does reign!

February 3, 2014 - Monday

Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. (Isaiah 4:3 NIV)

At some point, everything we know will change.  And it is predicted that the proverbial storm will come before the calm.  And afterward, we're told, those who remain will be called holy--they will be dedicated to God, called saints.  

So what?  Is there a point to worrying about a vague future where not everyone wins the big lottery?  If that were the case, then, no.  But that isn't the point.  The reason it is worth keeping our eyes on the prize, so to speak, is that this is no lottery and believers don't need to worry.  And so I ask myself again why I believe and what I believe.  First of all, I have faith because study and experience support it.  There is a simple answer to what I believe, and I often pray it daily, and repeat it at least once a week:

http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/

Today, I will sit with my statement of belief several times.

February 2, 2014 - Sunday

The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.  -Matthew 10: verse 24

Sometimes I think I am smart.  I think of clever answers to difficult questions.  I do things that show off my skills and training.  I speak impressive words, wrapped around complex ideas.  And if I do this fast enough and often enough, I begin to rely on myself. I start believing I am self-reliant. 

The start of a problem!  Now, what happens next is as predictable as night following day--I stumble, fall, and hurt myself.  Sometimes I hurt others near me too.

Maybe remembering that I don't have to be perfect can open me to being what God wants me to be.

Today, I will try doing things God's way instead of my way.

February 1, 2014 - Saturday

One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. (Psalm 145:4 NIV)

What an absolutely funny, transparent, unexpected, clarifying, spotlight-focusing verse!  It is said that the invisible God reveals himself to us in many ways.  My favorites are the ones that make me laugh, especially first thing in the morning!  So here I sit about to write my reflections on God's mighty acts, suddenly aware it is for you, another generation!  The ironically funny and wonderful awareness should be obvious by now:  The insight that what I am doing here is part of the plan, which means that what you are doing here is part of the plan.  My current action of entrusting the knowledge of God to you was foretold, and therefore your reading of it was also predicted by this verse!

We walk our paths united in this.

So, I hope you share the exact sense I have right now, of connection to something larger than yourself, of a purpose for your life even if it isn't clear yet, of the amazing span of God who, thousands of years ago, could lead a man to write the words above, to me!  So I would share them with you!  And I pray that you smile at this too!

Today, I will appreciate God's expansive might and his personal interest in me!