March 31, 2014 - Monday

The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned. (Psalms 34:22 NIV)

Regardless of the troubles of this life, no matter what I face, the Lord will protect my soul through all of it because I belong to him.  I look to him for protection.

Unfortunately, this ancient promise doesn't mean life will be carefree.  Indeed, if that were the case, I wouldn't need to be rescued!  I don't think this particular verse describes my rescue from suffering in this life, but rather from the occasions of sin which promise only suffering in the next.

Today, I will take comfort and trust in the Lord's merciful promise of rescue for my soul.

March 30, 2014 - Sunday

Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  (Matthew 6:11-12 NIV)

It is beginning to dawn on me, as I spend time in daily reflection on these verses, that God's mercy is perhaps the central theme of the Bible.  The story of man's salvation is almost summed up in these statements from the prayer Jesus taught his friends.

Powerful perspective.  Many echoes of these needs, both in my life and in the lives of all people.

Today, I will pray the Our Father for myself, asking for God's mercy on me and my family.

March 29, 2014 - Saturday

“The Lord reigns for ever and ever.” (Exodus 15:18 NIV)

Last night we watched basketball.  The 2014 NCAA tournament is nearing the end and we saw two talented teams give everything they had in order to win.  It was an exciting game and afterwards, as is typically done, the first thing the broadcasters do is interview the winning coach and his star player.  They ask them to describe the game, how they feel, and what it all means to them.  And after the final game, sometimes a star player will give thanks to God.  Now, in our secular culture, we can probably agree, that such open gestures of faith can be risky and even cause some discussion after the fact; so it tells us something about the committment and strength of character of the individual.

Today's verse is such a gesture!  Immediately after the Lord led the Israelites out of Egypt and destroyed Pharoah and his army in the sea, Moses makes a public statement about how great and powerful the Lord is.  As part of it, he reminds us that the Lord will reign forever.

Interestingly, Exodus is near the very beginning of the Bible.  This statement is made again twice in the last book of the Bible.  Quite a frame for this book, the Word of God.

Today, I will recgonize God's greatness and his willingness to save those who have faith in him.

March 28, 2014 - Friday

Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: “ ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’ ? (Luke 20:17 NIV)

Rejection hurts.  And Jesus felt that pain.  

If it were not so horribly tragic, it would be comic to consider the absurdity of it...that the infinite, almighty creator of the universe would humble his boundlessness by taking on the puny form of a human man, only to be mistreated and rejected by other men (in this case the religious leaders of the time), mere specks of dust in the vastness of his own creation.

In today's verse, Jesus quotes Psalm 118 (verse 22), referring to himself as the the cornerstone.

Today, I will welcome the rejection that comes from my faith in Jesus.

March 27, 2014 - Thursday

See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse— the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; (Deuteronomy 11:26, 27 NIV)

The carrot and the stick.  Positive and negative reinforcement.  Moses would have been an effective leader even today!  Here he describes the laws he was given by God, which the Israelites were to observe.  His promise here of blessing should be an encouragement to us even today.  

Since the days of Moses and the law, we've had an even greater blessing, Jesus!  He was the actual incarnation of the creator God as a man who walked among us (on Tuesday, we celebrated the Feast of the Annunciation), who taught us a new law while he was here, and who's Spirit now lives in each of us--you and I--and leads us through the wilderness of our own experience!

Today, I will welcome Jesus in my heart, grateful for his companionship during every breath.

March 26, 2014 - Wednesday

As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11 NIV)

Writing to his friends in Rome, Saint Paul quotes the words of Isaiah, a Jewish prophet, to encourage these new believers.  He wants to strengthen their resolve in the faith and to prepare them to share the good news with others.

Today, I will be mindful of my own call, and grateful for the gift of the Word of God having been shared with me!

March 25, 2014 - Tuesday

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, (Hebrews 6:1 NIV)

Transitions are difficult in life and in writing.  This statement is a transition, a pivot point that is designed to shine a big spotlight on what comes next.  Nevermind all those basics we've been focused on, all those simpler teachings about the promised Christ.  Turn now toward some new knowledge I am about to share with you that only the grown-up Christians can understand.  See how that could make compelling this otherwise confusing verse?  

Sort of like, "Psst, do you want to know a secret?"

"Of course I do!"

"Good, because this is really important and I don't want you to miss it.  You're old enough now to hear this.  It's hard to hear, and you can never un-hear it, but you're ready."

"So tell me."

"OK.  It is urgent that you remain patient and faithful to the Lord, confident in the promises he has made.  To turn away would be disasterous, and even though I don't believe you will do that, you should know the stakes."

Today, I will meditate on the risk of falling away and the certainty of God's promise.

March 24, 2014 - Monday

For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. (Hebrews 10:14 NIV)

Just as one man, Adam, caused the downfall of all humankind, the separation of man from the presence of God, by his action; so one man, Jesus, redeemed us by his action, restoring our chance to be in God's presence for eternity.

And all we are asked to do is believe.

Today, I will pray in a special way for the conversion of souls that, for whatever reason, do not have faith in God.

March 23, 2014 - Sunday

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5 NIV)

Unfortunately, meekness has never really been a defining quality of mine. At times, I'm more likely to drive closer to rage than calm.  It is more common than not for me to be annoyed by small, insignificant problems.  And my fuse for inconveniences is short.  I work on these!  I pray about them.  But I can't seem to get past them!  Not yet anyway!

But there is one aspect of meekness that I hope most of all to have: I pray for the meekness to submit without hesitation to God's promptings in my life.

I hope that in this lifetime I may find happiness as promised.  And in the next, that I may inherit the new earth first described by Isaiah, then Jeremiah, referred to by Jesus here and Saints Peter and John after Jesus ascended.  It is part of how God's eternal reward is described!  Now that is something to submit to!

Today, I will listen quietly for God's whisper and I will go where it sends me.

March 22, 2014 - Saturday

“Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, (Psalm 50:14 NIV)

This psalm was written by one of King David's musicians named Asaph.  1 Chronicles tells of Asaph who was given the important job of ministering before the Ark of the Covenant, which was kept before the Isrealite army.

The history is interesting, but the psalm stands alone.  It is actually a warning to us all:  Do not forget about God.  It is set about half way through Psalm 50, and the entire passage is 23 verses explaining, from God's perspective how he feels when we ignore him in our daily lives.

Today, I will remember God is with me by saying "thank you" each hour as a way to remember.

March 21, 2014 - Friday

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (Luke 6:27, 28 NIV)

On one hand this can seem so remote that it seems little more than a platitude.  Somehow, it feels trite and inconsequential!  But on the other hand, let's slow down and look at things in reverse....

Pray for those who mistreat

Why?  Because I'm sad to admit that I've mistreated a few people along the way, and it would be amazing to learn that maybe they prayed for me even after I mistreated them.  I do have people who mistreat me.  What do I think of them?  Can I pray for them? 

Bless those who curse

I can recall tossing a few angry words at others on occasion--it would be utterly overwhelming to know that maybe they asked God to bless me even after my sharp tongue attacked them.  I do have people who curse me.  How do I react to that?  Can I turn it around and bless them?  

Do good for those who hate

Honestly, I have hated, if briefly.  Imagine if that person did something good for me even after feeling my hatred!   And then, gratefully, it starts to get a little more remote for me!  I am not certain and cannot think of anyone, but I may have had people who have hated me.  Could I do good for someone who I know that hates me?  How do I get past their hate?

Love your enemies

Through the years, I have been so opposed to a few people I might have considered them my enemies.  Gratefully, I have no memory of being anyone's enemy.  But if it should happen, will I be able to love them--show them patience, kindness, and all the other qualities we associate with love?  How would I reverse my urge to attack them?  I know I cannot on my own, certainly not seventy times seven times!

Today, I will pray for the Holy Spirit to lead my heart to prayer, blessings, goodness and love toward those who are set against me.

March 20, 2014 - Thursday

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us— (Psalm 67:1 NIV)

God, please look at me favorably!  

Let me know your presence in this life.  

Prepare my soul for the next.  

I ask that your Holy Spirit be with me and guide my thoughts, words, and actions.  

I hope that you will understand my intentions are good even when I act badly.  

I thank you for the gift of awareness to your real presence with me this day, in this place.

All of these are just about the same sentiment--we, little shapes of clay, hoping the potter will find his work pleasing.

Today, I will seek joy in knowing that, as his child, God gives me his grace, his blessing, and his favor.

March 19, 2014 - Wednesday

Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. (1 Chronicles 22:13 NIV)

Words of a father to his child not long before dying:  God wants you to do something for him, a job I started but can't finish.  To guarantee success, you should observe God's laws, be strong and courageous, and do not be afraid or discouraged.

I'm thinking King David chose his words to Solomon very carefully here, and they echo down through time to us as sound advice.  If I want to succeed at the job God gives me, which is often so difficult to recognize in advance, I can follow this advice too.  It offers unusual confidence despite my frequent missteps and uncertainty.  The advice is a light to my path!

There are many examples of people who followed this advice, but my favorite role model is Saint Joseph, who accepted courageously the job he was given to care for and raise up God's own son as a man!

Today, I will not be afraid or discouraged, I will be strong and courageous, I will be careful to listen for God's quiet guidance in my heart.

March 18, 2014 - Tuesday

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (Matthew 18:21, 22 NIV)

What is the worst thing anyone ever did to you?  Have you forgiven them yet?  What if they did it to you again?  How often could you forgive them?  

Jesus seems to expect the impossible here.  But it is important to remember that he willingly gave his life to make up for all our sins against God.  So how is this degree of forgiveness even possible for the rest of us?!

First of all, forgiveness is not foolishness and it is not forgetfulness.  It is a choice to heal and to let go of bitterness, anger and resentment.  It is a decision to move past hurt.  And I believe it is available to us when we really need to grant it, only through prayer.  What we need is a heart willing to forgive the unforgivable.

Today, I will pray for the willingness to forgive others as I have been forgiven my own unforgivable actions.

March 17, 2014 - Monday

Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. (Mark 6:10 NIV)

Jesus sent his twelve apostles on a journey to preach, cast out demons (really, that's what we're told), and annoint and heal the sick.  He sent them with no provisions or money.  They took a staff, nothing else.

He sends us to do his work, unprepared by all outward appearances, and yet provides all we need for the task.

Today, I will go as I am sent, with whatever staff Jesus provides, to do the job I'm given.

March 16, 2014 - Sunday

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18 NIV)

My Dad's favorite of the Beatitudes was, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." 

Over the years, it became mine too, and I spent a good amount of time reflecting on it and putting it into action--or at least trying.  

It is great to have a favorite Beatitude!  I never really thought about it until now, but it has given me identity, to some extent, and a reason to act a certain way toward others.

Rather than speaking recklessly (all the time) by telling lies or gossping, or backbiting, I was given a reason to try to defend those who are falsly accused, to set things right, to reconcile people, and to speak cheerfully--to be called a child of God.

Today, I will seek the self control that directs a wise tongue in moments of truth.

March 15, 2014 - Saturday

You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way. (Psalm 18:36 NIV)

We all have a boss.  David the King knew that it was his Lord, our God, who provided everything he needed!  He realized and shared it in his songs.

Yesterday was a difficult day for my spirit and about midday I found myself praying "Lord, I'm done!  And if you need me to do more, I need a rest!"  About a minute later, literally, I came across Matthew 11 28-30.    

As I mention in my morning post yesterday, I had hoped to be aware of God's invisible spirit moving in the visible world--even to be a flag blowing in his wind for others to see.  Indeed, reading this passage changed me dramatically after several days of true darkness.  Perhaps others saw this flag, the change in me as the dark cloud lifted.  I certainly did.

So, ok.  My point is, today's verse is about God providing exactly what we need for the job he gives us in this life.  Yesterday was a good reminder to me because my ankles, so close to giving way, did not!  He provided what I needed.

One more thing, this happened in the three o'clock hour which is known as the Hour of Divine Mercy, the hour when Jesus died on the cross.  Meaningful to me too, that it was on a Friday during Lent as I have been praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy each day--a prayer given to St. Faustina less than 100 years ago!

Today, I will step away from the dark cloud that has overshadowed me this week, and will walk along the broad path God provides.

March 14, 2014 - Friday

I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? (John 3:12 NIV)

Yesterday was so windy that a flag outside blew nearly straight out, like the flag in the old moon landing photos.  Watching it, I knew with certainty that the wind was blowing.  In fact, I could tell it was blowing from the north east and was affecting everything it touched with the cold air it brought.

I speak of the wind as if I have seen it.  Of course, I have not.  You can never see wind.  But I believe it is real.  All the signs point to it, so I am willing to believe it exists--the movement of the flag, the unusual cold.

Noticing the signs of what we cannot see does not come naturally to me, but I have noticed how God's spirit affects this world.  So, I am as certain of God's truth as I am of the wind that blows.

Not to break any metaphors here, but I hope to be God's flag, blowing in his wind, as a sign to anyone who sees me that he is right here with us.

Today, I will watch the invisible things move and affect the visible world.

March 13, 2014 - Thursday

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Psalm 90:1, 2 NIV)

One of my deep needs is to recall God's unbounded scope.  It keeps me humble.  To stop and consider each of the concepts in today's verse is fun and exciting!  

The Lord keeps us safe.  That is what a dwelling place, or home, does.  He is a place for us to come home to when we need protection from the world outside.  And he has been that way through all the generations before us.  And he will always be there for us, and our children, whenever we ask.

In fact, he was God before the mountains or the world were born.  And a phrase I love, from everlasting to everlasting you are God--from forever in the past to forever in the future!

Today, I will be humble before God; praising him, grateful for keeping us safe.

March 12, 2014 - Wednesday

As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. (2 Corinthians 6:1 NIV)

God has given us his grace.  Paul urges us to do something with it.

What is grace?  It is God's favor, his approval of me.  It is something I have not earned and do not deserve.  It is a gift of relationship with him.  Stepping back to even imagine this, from my little human perspective, is difficult to do!  It seems absurd!  And yet, it is true.

And what should I do with it?  Paul goes on to ask that we open our hearts to one another.  He describes his own suffering and mistreatment because of his beliefs, and strangely enough, his joy in this.  And then he begs us to keep our faith in the one true God and to avoid idols.

Today, I will gratefully accept God's approval of me!

March 11, 2014 - Tuesday

Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” (John 7:24 NIV)

This admonition of Jesus to a temple gathering seems to stand alone, but he is actually telling the community to stop judging him for healing the sick on the Sabbath.  

I judge by appearances all the time.  I make snap decisions about people:  Inventing what I think they are like, imagining why they say and do the things they do.  And I do this without any real understanding of their needs or motivations.

Today, I will be careful not to judge others, trying instead to show God's love to them.

March 10, 2014 - Monday

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. (1 Thessalonians 3:12 NIV)

We already know that when Paul uses the word love, he means some very specific things.  He prayed for his friends and followers, of which I am one.

Here, Paul is calling upon God to continually increase my patience with everyone.  He is asking God to move my heart and actions toward kindness.  He is praying that God would keep me from wanting things for myself--because (not surprisingly) this leads to envy, boastfulness, pride, lies, gossip, selfishness, anger, and negative comparisons.  And he is asking God to show me his truth, to lead me away from evil things, to protect others, to always trust, to always hope, and to always persevere in adversity.

What a beautiful prayer to offer for his friends!  He isn't telling them to bear the impossible task of making these things happen, he asks God to do the heavy lifting.  And all we need to do is welcome the changes!

Today, I will allow God to lead me in love.

March 9, 2014 - Sunday

Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. (John 6:57 NIV)

Food nourishes.  It gives us what we need to live in this life.

In the passage containing this verse, Jesus makes some statements which actually caused many of his followers at the time to stop following him!  He called himself the bread of life, the food they had to eat in order to have eternal life.

Jesus nourishes.  He gives us what we need to live eternally.

As our eternal food, he sustains us spiritually in this life so that we can live with him forever.  That is one of the really challenging points of Christian faith.  Do you believe that Jesus is the son of God and the one who connects us to God, giving us the chance to have eternal life?

Today, I will be glad for the gift of my own belief in this truth, which I cannot prove but accept anyway.

March 8, 2014 - Saturday

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. (Psalm 100:1 NIV)

I woke up sad today.  And my first confrontation of the day is this verse!  I'm frustrated and laughing, annoyed and grateful, angry and (crazy as it might be) already not as sad.  What do I do with this?  Well, no intellectualizing today.  It would be dishonest.  

Connecting with line 1 of song 100 just changed my mood for the better.  It reminds me of so much goodness:  That I am alive.  That I can shout for joy.  That I have a thousand reasons to be joyful.  That I am not alone in my joy.  That the joy was a gift.  That this is my purpose.  That God has a plan for me, for the earth, and for all that is.  Well, you get the idea!  Amen!

Joy, it seems, is more than an emotion, but I experience it like an emotion.  It is an attitude that comes from simple awareness of the grandeur of this creation, of God's touch on all things great and small.  It is a choice to focus.  It is the gift, the reward of asking, in any circumstance, for God's help and letting go of control so he can help.  So you recognize joy, it feels like happiness, confidence and purposefulness all at once.  Ask for it.  Let it wash over you.  Enjoy it.  Thank God for sharing his joy with us!

Today, I will allow joy to rule my heart.

March 7, 2014 - Friday

For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers. (Proverbs 11:14 NIV)

Decision making is difficult, even scary.  And the higher the stakes, the more challenging it can be.  This proverb resonates with me.  In my experience it is true that when leaders make decisions, their best chance of success comes by listening to others who have specific knowledge and have shown good judgment.

Since each of us is a leader in our own circle of influence, we can learn from this bit of wisdom by seeking input from others we know and respect as good advisors.

Today, I will look at the areas of my life where I make decisions, the people I influence with my decisions, and I'll try to identify by name anyone I know as a reliable advisor.

March 6, 2014 - Thursday

and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (1 Thessalonians 4:11, 12 NIV)

Paul gives very modern advice when he tells his friends to lead quiet lives.  To be seen as both credible and Christian in our society is difficult.  Apparently, it was a big deal for the early followers of Christ too.  In fact, it led Paul to advise his friends to focus on just two personal qualities that are still valid today:  To mind my own business and to work with my hands.  

In his experience, if I do these two things, I can win the respect of non-Christians, and will be independent, rather than indebted to others (thus limiting my ability to focus on what matters).  And all this is simply so that others may consider the truth of what I believe when they hear it.

Today, I will evaluate how well I mind my own business, and how I "work with my hands." 

March 5, 2014 - Wednesday

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. (Revelation 2:17 NIV)

It is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.  I am called to humility--to repent for my sins, to pray, to sacrifice and to give to the poor.  

While I can't connect this scripture verse directly with the Lenten season, the context of the verse is clearly on point!  This is from a section where Jesus calls an entire church to repent of their sins, which were following false gods.  This verse is the promise of what is to come for turning back to God.

Today, I will pray for a sense of closeness with God as I walk this Lenten journey.

March 4, 2014 - Tuesday

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:12 NIV)

What do you say to someone when you want to convince them of something you know is true, but sounds completely unbelievable?  That's the trouble the writer to the Hebrews faced when he wrote this.  He decided to relate his claims about Jesus to something he knew they already believed, so this verse is actually a quote from the Hebrew prophet, Jeremiah.

It is like me referring to the "I have a dream" speech.  Every American today would get my reference, and without saying anything else, most would even understand I was talking about racial equality in a way no one had believed was possible at that time.

So the writer to the Hebrews reminds them of one of God's great promises!

It is a promise from God to those willing to believe in Jesus, now recognized by them as the divine son of God because of all he said and did.

Today, I will remember God's promise to forgive me and forget my sins!

March 3, 2014 - Monday

Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. (Psalm 4:1 NIV)

Possibly our most basic prayer!  This just seems to capture what we need at life's most painful moments.  Not to make light of the discomfort the writer feels, it is helpful to read this because it gives me words.  And it gives me permission to speak honestly with God when I am most in need of his real help.  

Today, I will pray confidently with the sure and certain knowledge that God will hear and answer my prayers.

March 2, 2014 - Sunday

My son, pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight, (Proverbs 5:1 NIV)

This father asks his adult children to trust him because he deeply understands his topic and knows its pitfalls.  He hopes they will listen to him because the insight he is about to share came through long and painful experience.  

The rest of chapter 5 is his plea that they avoid adultery.  In fact, it reads like a romance novel and sounds a lot like a confession, but it is not just that!

While he is certainly addressing this one problem, if I expand "adultery" to mean all of the tempting vices of this life, this spiritual father's wisdom warns me to avoid whatever tempts me away from God, for some really specific reasons.  

He shares from his own experience that giving in to temptation led him toward death; that it's sweet promise was false and ultimately bitter; that it was aimless; that it took his honor, dignity, money and health; that it alienated him in his important relationships; and that it held him back from achieving his goals.

The encouraging news is that tempting situations always allow me my choice!  Amen to that, but what a struggle!

Today, I will pray about how to approach Lent in terms of prayer, fasting, and giving so that I can avoid temptations and all the problems they cause!