He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.” (Mark 5:34 NABRE)
During this month of April, I've noticed a simple theme coming into focus in these daily readings:
Have faith.
Faith changes everything. It's true, in this life we suffer at times, even to the point of chronic illnesses that steal every resource we have: Employment, insurance, property, time, happiness, relationships. Imagine having a serious health problem for twelve years! After that much time, it's not even unusual for an illness to become a secondary problem to strained finances!
But for this one woman, her faith in Jesus cures her.
And like Hannah in yesterday's verse, we see that her faith changes everything.
Today, I will surrender my afflictions to Jesus, certain of the peace and healing only he can give.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
April 29, 2014 - Tuesday
Eli said, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have requested.” (I Samuel 1:17 NABRE)
A young woman, Hannah, was unable to have a child which made her very unhappy. She came to the temple to ask God for a son. When she explains her prayer to the priest, Eli, he joins his prayer to hers. Soon thereafter, she has a son, names him Samuel, and dedicates his life to God. In fact, Samuel became a prophet, a national leader, and the last of Israel's judges, the one who anoints their first king, Saul.
Eli's encouragement should give us hope, even today, in two ways. First, that we should bring our troubles to the Lord and be at peace knowing with confidence that we have been heard. Second, that God can grant our requests, and will if they are part of his plan.
Lord, I am confident that you know my heart, my needs, my hopes; and I ask that if it is your will, that you grant my requests. If it is not your will that my requests be granted, I ask for understanding. I ask that you show me what I may learn from your denial.
Today, I will seek the peace that comes with placing my needs before God with confidence.
A young woman, Hannah, was unable to have a child which made her very unhappy. She came to the temple to ask God for a son. When she explains her prayer to the priest, Eli, he joins his prayer to hers. Soon thereafter, she has a son, names him Samuel, and dedicates his life to God. In fact, Samuel became a prophet, a national leader, and the last of Israel's judges, the one who anoints their first king, Saul.
Eli's encouragement should give us hope, even today, in two ways. First, that we should bring our troubles to the Lord and be at peace knowing with confidence that we have been heard. Second, that God can grant our requests, and will if they are part of his plan.
Lord, I am confident that you know my heart, my needs, my hopes; and I ask that if it is your will, that you grant my requests. If it is not your will that my requests be granted, I ask for understanding. I ask that you show me what I may learn from your denial.
Today, I will seek the peace that comes with placing my needs before God with confidence.
Monday, April 28, 2014
April 28, 2014 - Monday
Do not profane my holy name, that in the midst of the Israelites I may be hallowed. I, the LORD, make you holy. (Leviticus 22:42 NABRE)
Many comedians take the position that by poking fun at everyone, including themselves, they are not causing any trouble. They are, in effect, giving themselves permission to say things that shouldn't be said, to think things that shouldn't be thought, and to encourage things that shouldn't be encouraged. To be fair, not all comedians believe this.
This position is sneaky because it seems so reasonable and harmless, especially when it is couched immediately with laughter. I admit, it entices me because some of the funniest comic performances I've ever seen have crossed lines that shouldn't have been crossed, with hysterical results.
Holiness is a vague term that seems to have little to do with daily life these days, but that is so far from the truth! I suspect it may be more likely that we simply don't think about holiness, ever. God makes us holy and tells us to choose to be holy. So, do we need to wear robes and suffer through life in order to be holy? Not at all.
Holiness is a lifestyle that shows respect to God and to others. That's all. That is enough, and it is extraordinarily challenging in its implications.
Be extraordinary!
When I am holy, I choose to think, do, and say certain things; but as important, I choose to avoid thinking, doing, and saying many things that others accept and invite. And I know this will force me into some uncomfortable situations, even confrontations, where I'll need the Holy Spirit to guide me.
Today, I will seek to be holy in my words and thoughts, and to avoid the profane, asking God's Holy Spirit to lead and protect me.
Many comedians take the position that by poking fun at everyone, including themselves, they are not causing any trouble. They are, in effect, giving themselves permission to say things that shouldn't be said, to think things that shouldn't be thought, and to encourage things that shouldn't be encouraged. To be fair, not all comedians believe this.
This position is sneaky because it seems so reasonable and harmless, especially when it is couched immediately with laughter. I admit, it entices me because some of the funniest comic performances I've ever seen have crossed lines that shouldn't have been crossed, with hysterical results.
Holiness is a vague term that seems to have little to do with daily life these days, but that is so far from the truth! I suspect it may be more likely that we simply don't think about holiness, ever. God makes us holy and tells us to choose to be holy. So, do we need to wear robes and suffer through life in order to be holy? Not at all.
Holiness is a lifestyle that shows respect to God and to others. That's all. That is enough, and it is extraordinarily challenging in its implications.
Be extraordinary!
When I am holy, I choose to think, do, and say certain things; but as important, I choose to avoid thinking, doing, and saying many things that others accept and invite. And I know this will force me into some uncomfortable situations, even confrontations, where I'll need the Holy Spirit to guide me.
Today, I will seek to be holy in my words and thoughts, and to avoid the profane, asking God's Holy Spirit to lead and protect me.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
April 27, 2014 - Sunday
Tremble and sin no more; weep bitterly within your hearts, wail upon your beds. (Psalms 4:5 NABRE)
This ancient psalm asked everyone who hadn't kept their faith in God to turn back to him. It even goes further than that, telling them to tremble at the thought of even having turned away from him, to change how they lived their lives, and to feel the loss of having ignored him.
For anyone who has been away from a relationship with God, he invites you back! He WANTS you to turn back to him--right, the creator of all that exists knows you and wants a relationship with you! It doesn't matter what you've done or what you've thought. There is literally no sin so big that he is not bigger! You can not do anything he will not forgive.
In fact, today is Divine Mercy Sunday, a day we set aside in 2002 to celebrate Jesus' promise to Saint Faustina back in Poland about 90 years ago of his unfathomable mercy. Also, today, Popes John Paul II and John XXIII are proclaimed to be saints by Pope Francis.
Today, I will ask Saints Faustina, John Paul II, and John XXIII to intercede with Jesus on behalf of anyone who struggles with their faith, that we might all recognize him as the source of eternal life.
This ancient psalm asked everyone who hadn't kept their faith in God to turn back to him. It even goes further than that, telling them to tremble at the thought of even having turned away from him, to change how they lived their lives, and to feel the loss of having ignored him.
For anyone who has been away from a relationship with God, he invites you back! He WANTS you to turn back to him--right, the creator of all that exists knows you and wants a relationship with you! It doesn't matter what you've done or what you've thought. There is literally no sin so big that he is not bigger! You can not do anything he will not forgive.
In fact, today is Divine Mercy Sunday, a day we set aside in 2002 to celebrate Jesus' promise to Saint Faustina back in Poland about 90 years ago of his unfathomable mercy. Also, today, Popes John Paul II and John XXIII are proclaimed to be saints by Pope Francis.
Today, I will ask Saints Faustina, John Paul II, and John XXIII to intercede with Jesus on behalf of anyone who struggles with their faith, that we might all recognize him as the source of eternal life.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
April 26, 2014 - Saturday
But you, LORD, are forever on high. (Psalms 92:9 NABRE)
Certainty. Where does it come from? Did I always have it, or has it grown with time? In my experience, certainty of God has deepened over time by a process something like this:
It began with a childhood choice I made, surrounded by uncertainty. I had no tangible evidence of God, I simply agreed by choice that what I had learned about God was true. I was a child and the basic tenants of my faith were familiar to me and largely unquestioned. Even so, there was always the smallest seed of deep recognition that this was, indeed, all true.
To look at that first choice another way, children make all sorts of choices each day as they explore their world. They make choices freely and without reservation. They pick their favorite color. They can tell you their favorite food, and so much more. Choosing comes so easily and naturally to them! Honestly, it is only now, on reflection, that I even realize it was a personal choice I made myself, to agree that those things I had learned about God were true. I had no idea how important that particular first choice was!
So I made a choice. Naive? Perhaps, but it was just the beginning of a process. (Making that first choice as a child was, most likely, what I personally needed; though many other people make their first choice as adults--the church even has a special program to teach them about the faith, to help their process along.)
How I admire anyone who makes this choice as an adult! I don't know if I would have been able to wade through the pressures of my adult life, the temptations and distractions of this world, and the swirling options of opposing ideas to arrive at even one brief moment of calm reflection during which I might simply agree, to myself, that God is indeed real.
So what happened next for me? That choice allowed me a willingness to believe things to be true even if I could not see them. This willingness was not a whimsical inclination to be misled, but an openness to believe something to be true based on the acceptance that I might not know everything or have access to all the evidence yet! I might call it trust. This trusting mindset, allows glimpses of evidence in familiar places where I might never otherwise have recognized it--the familiar awe we all have of sunsets and the power of the ocean, of newborn babies and the wisdom of the aged, for example, can all begin to be evidence of God. With a little time, the evidence piled up and encouraged me to study. At some point, I noticed that the pile of observed evidence and study had begun to increase and sustain my certainty of God, the certainty which I now know to be so important in the face of this life's challenges.
So a little choice and a trusting mindset is all it takes. The reason why it is so important is for another day!
Of special note: Tomorrow is Divine Mercy Sunday. This year, we honor two new saints who's lives were dedicated to service and prayer. I still remember attending Mass in 1979 at the Boston Common presided by Pope John Paul II--I was 15 and one of those glimpses of evidence happened that day for me!
Lord, I thank you for the confidence I have in you. I am certain that in all the circumstances of my life you are with me, you guide me, and you protect me.
Today, I will pray especially for those who seek certainty and confidence that you are forever on high.
Certainty. Where does it come from? Did I always have it, or has it grown with time? In my experience, certainty of God has deepened over time by a process something like this:
It began with a childhood choice I made, surrounded by uncertainty. I had no tangible evidence of God, I simply agreed by choice that what I had learned about God was true. I was a child and the basic tenants of my faith were familiar to me and largely unquestioned. Even so, there was always the smallest seed of deep recognition that this was, indeed, all true.
To look at that first choice another way, children make all sorts of choices each day as they explore their world. They make choices freely and without reservation. They pick their favorite color. They can tell you their favorite food, and so much more. Choosing comes so easily and naturally to them! Honestly, it is only now, on reflection, that I even realize it was a personal choice I made myself, to agree that those things I had learned about God were true. I had no idea how important that particular first choice was!
So I made a choice. Naive? Perhaps, but it was just the beginning of a process. (Making that first choice as a child was, most likely, what I personally needed; though many other people make their first choice as adults--the church even has a special program to teach them about the faith, to help their process along.)
How I admire anyone who makes this choice as an adult! I don't know if I would have been able to wade through the pressures of my adult life, the temptations and distractions of this world, and the swirling options of opposing ideas to arrive at even one brief moment of calm reflection during which I might simply agree, to myself, that God is indeed real.
So what happened next for me? That choice allowed me a willingness to believe things to be true even if I could not see them. This willingness was not a whimsical inclination to be misled, but an openness to believe something to be true based on the acceptance that I might not know everything or have access to all the evidence yet! I might call it trust. This trusting mindset, allows glimpses of evidence in familiar places where I might never otherwise have recognized it--the familiar awe we all have of sunsets and the power of the ocean, of newborn babies and the wisdom of the aged, for example, can all begin to be evidence of God. With a little time, the evidence piled up and encouraged me to study. At some point, I noticed that the pile of observed evidence and study had begun to increase and sustain my certainty of God, the certainty which I now know to be so important in the face of this life's challenges.
So a little choice and a trusting mindset is all it takes. The reason why it is so important is for another day!
Of special note: Tomorrow is Divine Mercy Sunday. This year, we honor two new saints who's lives were dedicated to service and prayer. I still remember attending Mass in 1979 at the Boston Common presided by Pope John Paul II--I was 15 and one of those glimpses of evidence happened that day for me!
Lord, I thank you for the confidence I have in you. I am certain that in all the circumstances of my life you are with me, you guide me, and you protect me.
Today, I will pray especially for those who seek certainty and confidence that you are forever on high.
Friday, April 25, 2014
April 25, 2014 - Friday
“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:14)
Today as in the days of the Israelites, God continues to demonstrate his existence, power, authority, worthiness, and interest in us, and in return he asks us to commit ourselves to serving him. But for so many reasons, we just seem to find this incredibly difficult to do.
He asks us to throw away our other gods. And maybe that is part of our reluctance. What is it that I worship. Do I worship money? If money is my god, the Lord asks me to worship him instead. Do I worship sports? If sports is my god, the Lord asks me to worship and serve him instead. Do I worship relaxation above all else? If relaxation is my god, the Lord asks me to choose to serve him instead.
The choice itself is not difficult, but following through on it takes a lifetime of practice, false starts, and regular renewal of the commitment each day.
After safely bringing the Israelites through many battles and settling them into the promised land of Canaan, the Lord asked them to choose to serve him. Joshua agreed to this saying, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Today, like Joshua, I will again renew my choice to serve God.
Today as in the days of the Israelites, God continues to demonstrate his existence, power, authority, worthiness, and interest in us, and in return he asks us to commit ourselves to serving him. But for so many reasons, we just seem to find this incredibly difficult to do.
He asks us to throw away our other gods. And maybe that is part of our reluctance. What is it that I worship. Do I worship money? If money is my god, the Lord asks me to worship him instead. Do I worship sports? If sports is my god, the Lord asks me to worship and serve him instead. Do I worship relaxation above all else? If relaxation is my god, the Lord asks me to choose to serve him instead.
The choice itself is not difficult, but following through on it takes a lifetime of practice, false starts, and regular renewal of the commitment each day.
After safely bringing the Israelites through many battles and settling them into the promised land of Canaan, the Lord asked them to choose to serve him. Joshua agreed to this saying, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Today, like Joshua, I will again renew my choice to serve God.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
April 24, 2014 - Thursday
Trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. (1 Peter 1:11 NIV)
This verse, on its own, begs for context. Reading verses 1-12 helps to clarify what Saint Peter is saying here. Here are a few clarifications:
So what do I get from all of this?
Today, I will ask the Holy Spirit to lead me in purposeful action, and to reveal to me whatever I might need to know about purpose.
This verse, on its own, begs for context. Reading verses 1-12 helps to clarify what Saint Peter is saying here. Here are a few clarifications:
- Peter wrote this letter to be circulated through several new churches in parts of what is modern day Turkey.
- "Them" refers to the Old Testament prophets like Isaiah who lived centuries before the time of Jesus.
- The prophets actually had the holy Spirit of Christ in them.
- This Holy Spirit, not the prophets, was the one who predicted the suffering of Jesus the Messiah. He acted through the prophets.
- The Holy Spirit also made all the other prophetic predictions about Jesus' first and second coming, and the glory of God's kingdom.
- The prophets themselves wanted to understand the actual times and circumstances of these events being predicted.
- The Holy Spirit revealed to them that they were not serving people of their own times, but people who would come after the Messiah, people such as you and me.
So what do I get from all of this?
- I think this is some of what Jesus taught his apostles privately during their time together! Very cool that Peter would share it with us.
- I realize that God exists outside of time.
- I see that He works through each of us.
- I find comfort in my own difficulties when I realize how much the prophets endured.
- I see there is purpose in what we do when we are led by the Holy Spirit.
Today, I will ask the Holy Spirit to lead me in purposeful action, and to reveal to me whatever I might need to know about purpose.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
April 23, 2014 - Wednesday
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.” (Psalms 92:14-15 NIV)
Music is the best!
The Psalms are our earliest praise and worship songs, and sometimes the psalmist hits the nail on the head, like any good pop lyric.
Psalm 92 has a simple message and vivid imagery behind it: The good guys will win in the end.
Who, I ask, are the good guys and why will they bear fruit in old age, staying fresh and green?
In this psalm, they are anyone who proclaims "The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him." They are God's people. They are anyone the psalmist refers to earlier as "the righteous."
Part of the power of this psalm is the sharp contrast drawn between God's people and literally everyone else. You're either in or you're out. The psalmist has harsh words to describe the others: senseless people, fools, wicked, evildoers, enemies, adversaries, foes! He acknowledges that they will spring up like grass, and even that they will flourish, but that they will ultimately be destroyed forever.
Today, I will seek opportunities to share that the Lord is worthy of respect, the solution to my problems, and that there is no wickedness in him. (This should make for an interesting day!)
Music is the best!
The Psalms are our earliest praise and worship songs, and sometimes the psalmist hits the nail on the head, like any good pop lyric.
Psalm 92 has a simple message and vivid imagery behind it: The good guys will win in the end.
Who, I ask, are the good guys and why will they bear fruit in old age, staying fresh and green?
In this psalm, they are anyone who proclaims "The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him." They are God's people. They are anyone the psalmist refers to earlier as "the righteous."
Part of the power of this psalm is the sharp contrast drawn between God's people and literally everyone else. You're either in or you're out. The psalmist has harsh words to describe the others: senseless people, fools, wicked, evildoers, enemies, adversaries, foes! He acknowledges that they will spring up like grass, and even that they will flourish, but that they will ultimately be destroyed forever.
Today, I will seek opportunities to share that the Lord is worthy of respect, the solution to my problems, and that there is no wickedness in him. (This should make for an interesting day!)
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
April 22, 2014 - Tuesday
Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. (Mark 16:14 NIV)
God sometimes uses the events of our lives as examples for others to learn from.
Like the child of an alcoholic who cautiously protects himself from being hurt in all his relationships, who then witnesses a strong marriage that works based on trust and vulnerability. Seeing this, he may begin to take small risks in his own relationships, allowing himself to become more vulnerable and trusting, and enjoying stronger ties with others in his life.
He can learn because he can see and accept something as true even though it contradicts his own experience!
The willingness to accept truth that contradicts our experience is a quality we cannot do without if we are to mature. I believe it is another way to describe God's grace.
Or like the Iranian woman who recently forgave her son's killer rather than having him executed. We can witness her example and begin to rethink the so-called truth of our own culture's position on revenge and forgiveness. We can learn something important from her act which may contradict much of our own experience.
Indeed, God does sometimes use the events of our lives as examples for others to learn from.
In today's verse, Mark is led to use the apostle's doubt so God can speak to us through time! Because we did not have the chance to see Jesus in the flesh as the apostles did, yet are still asked to believe in his resurrection, Jesus shows us how hard it was even for his friends to believe! He uses their doubt to encourage us!
Today, I will remember with great joy that I accept the truth of Jesus' resurrection, even though it contradicts my personal experience of physical nature and I do not understand how it could possibly have happened!
God sometimes uses the events of our lives as examples for others to learn from.
Like the child of an alcoholic who cautiously protects himself from being hurt in all his relationships, who then witnesses a strong marriage that works based on trust and vulnerability. Seeing this, he may begin to take small risks in his own relationships, allowing himself to become more vulnerable and trusting, and enjoying stronger ties with others in his life.
He can learn because he can see and accept something as true even though it contradicts his own experience!
The willingness to accept truth that contradicts our experience is a quality we cannot do without if we are to mature. I believe it is another way to describe God's grace.
Or like the Iranian woman who recently forgave her son's killer rather than having him executed. We can witness her example and begin to rethink the so-called truth of our own culture's position on revenge and forgiveness. We can learn something important from her act which may contradict much of our own experience.
Indeed, God does sometimes use the events of our lives as examples for others to learn from.
In today's verse, Mark is led to use the apostle's doubt so God can speak to us through time! Because we did not have the chance to see Jesus in the flesh as the apostles did, yet are still asked to believe in his resurrection, Jesus shows us how hard it was even for his friends to believe! He uses their doubt to encourage us!
Today, I will remember with great joy that I accept the truth of Jesus' resurrection, even though it contradicts my personal experience of physical nature and I do not understand how it could possibly have happened!
Monday, April 21, 2014
April 21, 2014 - Monday
So that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:21 NIV)
Have you ever done a favor for someone who did not deserve it?
Maybe at work, you help someone that doesn't really treat you well, someone who you know talks about you when you're not around. This person has earned your distrust and you have the right to be really angry with him, but instead, for some reason, you help him fix a big problem he's got.
In the same way, God does us a huge favor! Specifically in today's verse, Paul explains that God gives us a gift called grace. Grace is the big favor!
Grace changes us. It makes eternal life possible. It stops sin's control of us. It removes death's power over us. Grace opens us up to be followers of Jesus--the one who came to save us from the power of sin, the one who shows us the way to eternal life.
Can you see grace? Of course! Just like the invisible wind, you can see its effects. That favor you did for your undeserving coworker, that is grace in action.
Today, I will help make God's grace visible in my world, with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Have you ever done a favor for someone who did not deserve it?
Maybe at work, you help someone that doesn't really treat you well, someone who you know talks about you when you're not around. This person has earned your distrust and you have the right to be really angry with him, but instead, for some reason, you help him fix a big problem he's got.
In the same way, God does us a huge favor! Specifically in today's verse, Paul explains that God gives us a gift called grace. Grace is the big favor!
Grace changes us. It makes eternal life possible. It stops sin's control of us. It removes death's power over us. Grace opens us up to be followers of Jesus--the one who came to save us from the power of sin, the one who shows us the way to eternal life.
Can you see grace? Of course! Just like the invisible wind, you can see its effects. That favor you did for your undeserving coworker, that is grace in action.
Today, I will help make God's grace visible in my world, with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
April 20, 2014 - Sunday
Jesus said to them,“Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. (John 21:12 NIV)
Happy Easter! JESUS IS RISEN!
In today's verse, Jesus appears for the third time to his apostles, asking them to have breakfast with him by the water. Can you picture the scene? With my eyes closed, I can see it. I can hear the birds and the water. I can taste the salt in the air. I can feel the breeze. And I can smell the fire, with the food he's cooked for his tired friends.
Jesus invites all of us, you and I, to eat with him too. The meal is ready for us. He's already prepared it. He offers more than we could need or think to ask for. Just as at the last supper, Jesus gives himself to the apostles in a new way as food for their spirits, we share this same meal even today in the Eucharist during Mass. It's a real mystery for sure, but we believe that he is truly present with us in this meal.
So, his is an invitation--one wanting a response. Our response, my answer, to his invitation is what he waits for. Even that day, his friends had trouble at first, even though they recognized him. They seemed to hesitate, before approaching him.
Do I hesitate at first, when Jesus invites me closer?
Today, I will respond to Jesus' invitation without hesitation! I will join him for breakfast! I will share it with family as he did with his friends.
Also, today, I will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for my friend, that Jesus will keep him close at this time. That he may experience healing, if that is God's will, in his body and spirit; and that he find peace, joy, and comfort in the arms of our savior.
Happy Easter! JESUS IS RISEN!
In today's verse, Jesus appears for the third time to his apostles, asking them to have breakfast with him by the water. Can you picture the scene? With my eyes closed, I can see it. I can hear the birds and the water. I can taste the salt in the air. I can feel the breeze. And I can smell the fire, with the food he's cooked for his tired friends.
Jesus invites all of us, you and I, to eat with him too. The meal is ready for us. He's already prepared it. He offers more than we could need or think to ask for. Just as at the last supper, Jesus gives himself to the apostles in a new way as food for their spirits, we share this same meal even today in the Eucharist during Mass. It's a real mystery for sure, but we believe that he is truly present with us in this meal.
So, his is an invitation--one wanting a response. Our response, my answer, to his invitation is what he waits for. Even that day, his friends had trouble at first, even though they recognized him. They seemed to hesitate, before approaching him.
Do I hesitate at first, when Jesus invites me closer?
Today, I will respond to Jesus' invitation without hesitation! I will join him for breakfast! I will share it with family as he did with his friends.
Also, today, I will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for my friend, that Jesus will keep him close at this time. That he may experience healing, if that is God's will, in his body and spirit; and that he find peace, joy, and comfort in the arms of our savior.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
April 19, 2014 - Saturday
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. (Psalms 150:6 NIV)
My first thought this Holy Saturday morning was, and now we wait. What a refreshing verse to counter my, sort of, helpless approach to managing time between Jesus' death and his resurrection!
I wonder what the apostles must have thought on this day, nearly two thousand years ago? We know so little about what they did immediately after Jesus died. We know at least some of them watched from a distance with the women of their group as Jesus' body was taken from the cross. After that, we know that for the most part, they stayed in the room where they had shared their final Seder with Jesus. We know they spent this time in fear of the Jews. And we know most were growing doubtful about all they had come to believe. We know a few of them were out and about, though they stayed very focused on what had happened, trying to understand what it all meant. I imagine they could only think to wait and see what would happen next. Their world had been turned upside down and they had no answers.
So they waited.
Today, instead of just waiting as the grieving apostles had to do, I will praise the Lord with the breath I have!
My first thought this Holy Saturday morning was, and now we wait. What a refreshing verse to counter my, sort of, helpless approach to managing time between Jesus' death and his resurrection!
I wonder what the apostles must have thought on this day, nearly two thousand years ago? We know so little about what they did immediately after Jesus died. We know at least some of them watched from a distance with the women of their group as Jesus' body was taken from the cross. After that, we know that for the most part, they stayed in the room where they had shared their final Seder with Jesus. We know they spent this time in fear of the Jews. And we know most were growing doubtful about all they had come to believe. We know a few of them were out and about, though they stayed very focused on what had happened, trying to understand what it all meant. I imagine they could only think to wait and see what would happen next. Their world had been turned upside down and they had no answers.
So they waited.
Today, instead of just waiting as the grieving apostles had to do, I will praise the Lord with the breath I have!
Friday, April 18, 2014
April 18, 2014 - Friday
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” (I Peter 2:24 NIV)
Lord, I ask, in a special way today, Good Friday, that I may join my own pains and discomforts--even the small ones--with the suffering of Christ on that cross, so that even my hurts become like prayers.
Lord, please bless those who are challenged because they believe in you and who stand firm in their belief. May they always hear even the smallest whisper of your Spirit at those times when temptation seems stronger than their own will, so that in those moments they find sudden and complete renewal and peace, confidence and boldness. Even joy!
Today, I join my pain-prayers with Jesus' suffering, for others who need God's graces in times of faith challenge.
Lord, I ask, in a special way today, Good Friday, that I may join my own pains and discomforts--even the small ones--with the suffering of Christ on that cross, so that even my hurts become like prayers.
Lord, please bless those who are challenged because they believe in you and who stand firm in their belief. May they always hear even the smallest whisper of your Spirit at those times when temptation seems stronger than their own will, so that in those moments they find sudden and complete renewal and peace, confidence and boldness. Even joy!
Today, I join my pain-prayers with Jesus' suffering, for others who need God's graces in times of faith challenge.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
April 17, 2014 - Thursday
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. (John 13:14 NIV)
Today is Holy Thursday, the day we remember the last Passover Seder meal Jesus shared with his friends. Today's verse is from John's account of the meal--which by the way is nearly a quarter of his entire gospel. In these five chapters, John shares some of the most intimate conversations among the group and teachings of Jesus ever recorded.
Imagine Jesus' position, knowing his time had come to leave them for the last time, knowing it was his final chance to explain to them everything that was going on, as only they could understand it, and knowing he ought to tell them what to expect next. And imagine all the questions they had, all the feelings of uncertainty and fear his words must have caused.
Imagine being there as your God, in the form of a man, insists on washing your feet of all things--to show you how to be a servant to others, how to be humble before God no matter how important you are among men!
Imagine being there as your friend, Jesus, who no doubt has become your best friend, predicts another of your group will turn him over as a traitor to the angry leadership that wants him dead. And worse, imagine with me what it feels like to hear this prediction about myself, sitting there, realizing it is me Jesus is talking about, that he already knows what I am about to do! And I choose to do it anyway, as if I have no choice!
Now imagine with me being Peter, who has been named the leader of the group, when Jesus predicts that even I will publicly deny knowing him, repeatedly! How guilty would I feel? How angry. How uncomfortable and worried. How suddenly aware of my new responsibility!
And imagine, after all of this, Jesus begins to comfort you. He describes the coming of the Holy Spirit into your heart. He explains how you will remain connected to him, as branches to a vine tended by God the Father. And he tells you to follow his commands after he is gone, and joy will be yours.
Today, I will remember my call to serve and to follow the commands of my friend, Jesus, even when it is risky.
Today is Holy Thursday, the day we remember the last Passover Seder meal Jesus shared with his friends. Today's verse is from John's account of the meal--which by the way is nearly a quarter of his entire gospel. In these five chapters, John shares some of the most intimate conversations among the group and teachings of Jesus ever recorded.
Imagine Jesus' position, knowing his time had come to leave them for the last time, knowing it was his final chance to explain to them everything that was going on, as only they could understand it, and knowing he ought to tell them what to expect next. And imagine all the questions they had, all the feelings of uncertainty and fear his words must have caused.
Imagine being there as your God, in the form of a man, insists on washing your feet of all things--to show you how to be a servant to others, how to be humble before God no matter how important you are among men!
Imagine being there as your friend, Jesus, who no doubt has become your best friend, predicts another of your group will turn him over as a traitor to the angry leadership that wants him dead. And worse, imagine with me what it feels like to hear this prediction about myself, sitting there, realizing it is me Jesus is talking about, that he already knows what I am about to do! And I choose to do it anyway, as if I have no choice!
Now imagine with me being Peter, who has been named the leader of the group, when Jesus predicts that even I will publicly deny knowing him, repeatedly! How guilty would I feel? How angry. How uncomfortable and worried. How suddenly aware of my new responsibility!
And imagine, after all of this, Jesus begins to comfort you. He describes the coming of the Holy Spirit into your heart. He explains how you will remain connected to him, as branches to a vine tended by God the Father. And he tells you to follow his commands after he is gone, and joy will be yours.
Today, I will remember my call to serve and to follow the commands of my friend, Jesus, even when it is risky.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
April 16, 2014 - Wednesday
Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, God, you provided for the poor. (Psalm 68:10 NIV)
Years ago, God gave his people a land to settle in after leading them out of slavery. Not only did he give them freedom, he gave them a home and all the provisions they needed for living.
In the same way, I believe he provides for our needs today. I cannot explain, then, why there are distinctions among people, why some are wealthy and others are poor, why some are sick and others have great health. But since the first man, it has always been so and seems to be accepted by God and part of the plan for his creation.
For me, however, sharing in the bounty of this life is less significant than the implication of the first two words of today's verse: "Your people."
God calls people to himself. That is what makes us his people. I do not know why there are distinctions among people, why some are called and others are not, why some who are blind have sight given to them and others remain sightless. It seems always to have been so, intended by God and part of the plan for his creation.
Mystery and unanswered questions will always be a part of faith. I am grateful to be one of God's people, able to recognize him as real, as creator, as Lord of all. And I appreciate my share in his bounty, how he has provided for every need I have ever had.
Today, I will pray for all those whose eyes are blind, and whose faith has been shaken, that the Lord of mercy will gently call them to himself, open their eyes, and protect them from all evil.
Years ago, God gave his people a land to settle in after leading them out of slavery. Not only did he give them freedom, he gave them a home and all the provisions they needed for living.
In the same way, I believe he provides for our needs today. I cannot explain, then, why there are distinctions among people, why some are wealthy and others are poor, why some are sick and others have great health. But since the first man, it has always been so and seems to be accepted by God and part of the plan for his creation.
For me, however, sharing in the bounty of this life is less significant than the implication of the first two words of today's verse: "Your people."
God calls people to himself. That is what makes us his people. I do not know why there are distinctions among people, why some are called and others are not, why some who are blind have sight given to them and others remain sightless. It seems always to have been so, intended by God and part of the plan for his creation.
Mystery and unanswered questions will always be a part of faith. I am grateful to be one of God's people, able to recognize him as real, as creator, as Lord of all. And I appreciate my share in his bounty, how he has provided for every need I have ever had.
Today, I will pray for all those whose eyes are blind, and whose faith has been shaken, that the Lord of mercy will gently call them to himself, open their eyes, and protect them from all evil.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
April 15, 2014 - Tuesday
When you enter the land that the Lord will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony. (Exodus 12:25 NIV)
Freedom is something we take for granted these days in our culture. We forget the thousands who are slaves around the globe this minute. We don't think about our country's history with slavery. And we don't pay much attention to the ancient Israelites who were slaves in Egypt.
But today is this year's first full day of the Jewish Passover, marked by the celebration of unleavened bread--a tradition that has been observed for many generations to celebrate and remember God's gift of freedom from Egyptian oppression. In today's verse, the Lord actually speaks these words directly to Moses and Aaron as a command they are to follow. (I just love that--always wonder how I would react--but that's for another day!)
Slavery takes many forms: physical bondage, yes, but there is also addiction, being a workaholic, being controlled by road rage, laziness, eating disorders, worries, gossip, and countless other masters. God's power can easily remove us from bondage, just as he escorted the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
Today, during one of these last days of Lent, I will ask God to remove bondage from our lives in any of it's forms, like he did for the Israelites.
Freedom is something we take for granted these days in our culture. We forget the thousands who are slaves around the globe this minute. We don't think about our country's history with slavery. And we don't pay much attention to the ancient Israelites who were slaves in Egypt.
But today is this year's first full day of the Jewish Passover, marked by the celebration of unleavened bread--a tradition that has been observed for many generations to celebrate and remember God's gift of freedom from Egyptian oppression. In today's verse, the Lord actually speaks these words directly to Moses and Aaron as a command they are to follow. (I just love that--always wonder how I would react--but that's for another day!)
Slavery takes many forms: physical bondage, yes, but there is also addiction, being a workaholic, being controlled by road rage, laziness, eating disorders, worries, gossip, and countless other masters. God's power can easily remove us from bondage, just as he escorted the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
Today, during one of these last days of Lent, I will ask God to remove bondage from our lives in any of it's forms, like he did for the Israelites.
Monday, April 14, 2014
April 14, 2014 - Monday
“‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the Lord your God.’” (Leviticus 23:22 NIV)
The Lord expects his people to care for the poor. We are charged with giving aid to those in need. I am responsible to share some of what I am given with the less fortunate.
I have adopted the mindset that I own nothing in this world. Rather, I am a steward of God's, a person who is responsible to look after some of his belongings.
All things belong to the Lord. In today's verse, he tells me something about how he wants me to help spread things around so all people, even those who appear poor, share in his wealth. One way to do that in our times is through Catholic Relief Services.
Today, I will prepare my donation for CRS Rice Bowl, a Lenten practice of sacrifice that's been around since 1975.
The Lord expects his people to care for the poor. We are charged with giving aid to those in need. I am responsible to share some of what I am given with the less fortunate.
I have adopted the mindset that I own nothing in this world. Rather, I am a steward of God's, a person who is responsible to look after some of his belongings.
All things belong to the Lord. In today's verse, he tells me something about how he wants me to help spread things around so all people, even those who appear poor, share in his wealth. One way to do that in our times is through Catholic Relief Services.
Today, I will prepare my donation for CRS Rice Bowl, a Lenten practice of sacrifice that's been around since 1975.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
April 13, 2014 - Sunday
He said to them, “Do you still not understand?” (Mark 8:21 NIV)
Trust in God. It is difficult because I want to trust myself, my senses and my experience. When I don't understand a difficult situation, my first inclination is to analyze it. When I lack something I need, the first thing I do is assume I myself have to find a way to get it.
In this verse from Mark 8, Jesus has just miraculously fed thousands of people with a few loaves of bread and fish. By this act, he gave the apostles an amazing sign of God's ability and desire to provide all they need; yet, on the boat ride home, they worry because they find themselves with just a single loaf of bread.
They are concerned about running out of food, a clear indication that they haven't learned to trust that God provides them with all they need.
Today, I will trust that God provides for me in my times of need, great and small, and will rely on him to do that.
Trust in God. It is difficult because I want to trust myself, my senses and my experience. When I don't understand a difficult situation, my first inclination is to analyze it. When I lack something I need, the first thing I do is assume I myself have to find a way to get it.
In this verse from Mark 8, Jesus has just miraculously fed thousands of people with a few loaves of bread and fish. By this act, he gave the apostles an amazing sign of God's ability and desire to provide all they need; yet, on the boat ride home, they worry because they find themselves with just a single loaf of bread.
They are concerned about running out of food, a clear indication that they haven't learned to trust that God provides them with all they need.
Today, I will trust that God provides for me in my times of need, great and small, and will rely on him to do that.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
April 12, 2014 - Saturday
The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. (John 12:23 NIV)
NCAA basketball is over for the season, and our teams, both the men and women, won it all! In front of the entire sports world, they made the impossible look easy.
After being an underdog all season, the men returned to campus as fans lined their bus route back, still cheering them on! After a perfect 40-0 season, huge crowds gathered along the route back to campus to watch the women's triumphant return. The fans wanted to be a part of something special!
These athletes have a following because they proved they are who they say they are. They generate excitement with wins and draw others to them by doing what seemed impossible.
Jesus had a fan base too. It was brief, but for a while after raising Lazarus from the dead, the locals were all atwitter over him. He proved who he was and began to draw many people to himself as a result. However, after riding into town on a donkey, along a road lined with his fans, rather than speaking at a rally of celebration, he predicts the end of his short-lived celebrity with his statement in today's verse.
He knew ahead of time what was going to be done to him during the next few days. And he knew it was God's plan. And he knew it was the way laid out for him by God. And he accepted it. Why?
Because that would be his path back to the Father. It would redeem our failings and give us the chance to join him. It was Jesus' time to finish the job he came here to do.
Today, I will remember that Jesus has power even over death, so I will lay all the lesser problems of my life at his feet.
NCAA basketball is over for the season, and our teams, both the men and women, won it all! In front of the entire sports world, they made the impossible look easy.
After being an underdog all season, the men returned to campus as fans lined their bus route back, still cheering them on! After a perfect 40-0 season, huge crowds gathered along the route back to campus to watch the women's triumphant return. The fans wanted to be a part of something special!
These athletes have a following because they proved they are who they say they are. They generate excitement with wins and draw others to them by doing what seemed impossible.
Jesus had a fan base too. It was brief, but for a while after raising Lazarus from the dead, the locals were all atwitter over him. He proved who he was and began to draw many people to himself as a result. However, after riding into town on a donkey, along a road lined with his fans, rather than speaking at a rally of celebration, he predicts the end of his short-lived celebrity with his statement in today's verse.
He knew ahead of time what was going to be done to him during the next few days. And he knew it was God's plan. And he knew it was the way laid out for him by God. And he accepted it. Why?
Because that would be his path back to the Father. It would redeem our failings and give us the chance to join him. It was Jesus' time to finish the job he came here to do.
Today, I will remember that Jesus has power even over death, so I will lay all the lesser problems of my life at his feet.
Friday, April 11, 2014
April 11, 2014 - Friday
We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. (II Thessalonians 3:4 NIV)
Paul's letter reads like military orders given to soldiers on the front line of a battle where lives are at stake. It is encouraging, but with a sense of urgent concern.
Paul has learned that some of his friends had begun to stray from his teachings. He describes them as believers who are idle and disruptive. He calls them busybodies.
To these believers, Paul goes on to encourage them to settle down and earn the food they eat.
To those who had not strayed from the teachings, he asks them never to tire of doing what is good.
Today, I will avoid idleness, gossip, and being disruptive toward those who are working at what is good.
Paul's letter reads like military orders given to soldiers on the front line of a battle where lives are at stake. It is encouraging, but with a sense of urgent concern.
Paul has learned that some of his friends had begun to stray from his teachings. He describes them as believers who are idle and disruptive. He calls them busybodies.
To these believers, Paul goes on to encourage them to settle down and earn the food they eat.
To those who had not strayed from the teachings, he asks them never to tire of doing what is good.
Today, I will avoid idleness, gossip, and being disruptive toward those who are working at what is good.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
April 10, 2014 - Thursday
For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:5 NIV)
The Acts of the Apostles is Saint Luke's second book (decidedly my favorite). In it, he tells us about their wild ride immediately after Jesus died and rose from the dead. (Just writing that sentence is an exercise in faith!)
Luke starts by telling us that Jesus visited them for forty days giving them many proofs that he was alive. (I am encouraged by this and can imagine what some of the proofs may have been--no doubt Thomas was satisfied, as was Luke, who--let us not forget--was a doctor!)
At some point, Jesus then tells the Apostles not to leave Jerusalem, but rather to wait for the Holy Spirit who will come to them as a gift from the Father.
Soon, our own forty-day waiting season of Lent will end and we'll celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the Christ. And fifty days after that, we will celebrate Pentecost, our remembrance of God's gift of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles, and indeed, to us all.
Today, I will ask this living Holy Spirit of God, to lead my every thought, word and action.
The Acts of the Apostles is Saint Luke's second book (decidedly my favorite). In it, he tells us about their wild ride immediately after Jesus died and rose from the dead. (Just writing that sentence is an exercise in faith!)
Luke starts by telling us that Jesus visited them for forty days giving them many proofs that he was alive. (I am encouraged by this and can imagine what some of the proofs may have been--no doubt Thomas was satisfied, as was Luke, who--let us not forget--was a doctor!)
At some point, Jesus then tells the Apostles not to leave Jerusalem, but rather to wait for the Holy Spirit who will come to them as a gift from the Father.
Soon, our own forty-day waiting season of Lent will end and we'll celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the Christ. And fifty days after that, we will celebrate Pentecost, our remembrance of God's gift of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles, and indeed, to us all.
Today, I will ask this living Holy Spirit of God, to lead my every thought, word and action.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
April 9, 2014 - Wednesday
And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.” (Mark 2:22 NIV)
Why are we so resistant to change? Why are we so hostile toward new things?
When the Pharisees came face-to-face with Jesus, they were challenged by his miracles and threatened by his teachings. They could not see who he really was, yet they knew he was changing everything. He was upsetting the established order; and these religious leaders, more than just about everyone else at the time, realized that. Yet they could not disentangle themselves from the power and comfort they had accumulated.
Indeed, when they came face-to-face with Jesus, they could only think of themselves. They could only worry about their careers, prestige and possessions. They became self-protective and began looking for ways to trip him up. They knew if they could just convict him of blasphemy, they could get rid of him and get back to their comfortable lives.
Jesus was a game changer. There is no doubt about that. He, with all that he represents, is the new wine, and he does not fit into their old wineskins.
How often do I clutch my old wineskins? How often am I like the Pharisees, so desperate to hang onto the trappings of my own comfortable life that I push Jesus away?
Today, I will embrace the change God is working in my heart, grateful and confident in the face of the unknown, the uncomfortable, and the darkness.
When the Pharisees came face-to-face with Jesus, they were challenged by his miracles and threatened by his teachings. They could not see who he really was, yet they knew he was changing everything. He was upsetting the established order; and these religious leaders, more than just about everyone else at the time, realized that. Yet they could not disentangle themselves from the power and comfort they had accumulated.
Indeed, when they came face-to-face with Jesus, they could only think of themselves. They could only worry about their careers, prestige and possessions. They became self-protective and began looking for ways to trip him up. They knew if they could just convict him of blasphemy, they could get rid of him and get back to their comfortable lives.
Jesus was a game changer. There is no doubt about that. He, with all that he represents, is the new wine, and he does not fit into their old wineskins.
How often do I clutch my old wineskins? How often am I like the Pharisees, so desperate to hang onto the trappings of my own comfortable life that I push Jesus away?
Today, I will embrace the change God is working in my heart, grateful and confident in the face of the unknown, the uncomfortable, and the darkness.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
April 8, 2014 - Tuesday
Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. (Isaiah 40:4-5 NIV)
College basketball! The NCAA finals were played last night and our team won! It is such a feeling of exhilaration when we get to feel part of such achievement, even as fans. Mankind surpassing physical boundaries and achieving beyond what anyone expects is the great joy of sports.
What if I could take those feelings of exhilaration and joy, and make them increase, make them last longer--more hours and more days. What if I could extend the awe and energy that sports creates in me. What if I could keep it alive and growing until it utterly overwhelms me.
Maybe at that point I might begin to experience the feelings of seeing God's amazing glory expressed in our world--the raising of mountains, the leveling of rough ground! And to think of it, all people seeing it together, knowing at once that God's glory is above all! All of us fans, overwhelmed at once by the exhilaration and joy of actually seeing God's awesome power expressed physically in our world! Difficult to even sustain such an imagining.
And yet, if our eyes have been opened, we can see the glory of the Lord expressed physically right now! Each morning when the sky brightens, I see God's glory. Each day when I share a few minutes with a child, I feel God's glory. And each night when the stars are uncovered, I sense the endlessness of God's glory.
Today, I will appreciate the signs of God's glory in my world right now.
College basketball! The NCAA finals were played last night and our team won! It is such a feeling of exhilaration when we get to feel part of such achievement, even as fans. Mankind surpassing physical boundaries and achieving beyond what anyone expects is the great joy of sports.
What if I could take those feelings of exhilaration and joy, and make them increase, make them last longer--more hours and more days. What if I could extend the awe and energy that sports creates in me. What if I could keep it alive and growing until it utterly overwhelms me.
Maybe at that point I might begin to experience the feelings of seeing God's amazing glory expressed in our world--the raising of mountains, the leveling of rough ground! And to think of it, all people seeing it together, knowing at once that God's glory is above all! All of us fans, overwhelmed at once by the exhilaration and joy of actually seeing God's awesome power expressed physically in our world! Difficult to even sustain such an imagining.
And yet, if our eyes have been opened, we can see the glory of the Lord expressed physically right now! Each morning when the sky brightens, I see God's glory. Each day when I share a few minutes with a child, I feel God's glory. And each night when the stars are uncovered, I sense the endlessness of God's glory.
Today, I will appreciate the signs of God's glory in my world right now.
Monday, April 7, 2014
April 7, 2014 - Monday
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. (Ephesians 3: 14-16 NIV)
Following Saint Paul's lead, I offer a humble prayer for you, my reader, my Christian family.
Lord God, please share your grace and strengthen the heart of everyone who reads this.
Give each reader the resolve and power, by your Spirit which lives in each of us, to take on your cause today. I ask this in Jesus' name.
Today, I will continually pray for you.
Following Saint Paul's lead, I offer a humble prayer for you, my reader, my Christian family.
Lord God, please share your grace and strengthen the heart of everyone who reads this.
Give each reader the resolve and power, by your Spirit which lives in each of us, to take on your cause today. I ask this in Jesus' name.
Today, I will continually pray for you.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
April 6, 2014 - Sunday
So that everyone he has made may know his work, he stops all people from their labor. (Job 37:7 NIV)
This verse is an encouraging reminder, especially on a Sunday, that I need to stop. In fact, I'm called to stop work on this day each week, called to recognize that the Lord has made me, and called to be thankful, joyful and full of praise to the one who created all things yet knows me by name. And when I do stop, releasing all my cares, I am aware that it actually changes me for the better. I become a better person.
Today, I will be thankful and joyful, praising God for his amazing creation and sharing it with me.
This verse is an encouraging reminder, especially on a Sunday, that I need to stop. In fact, I'm called to stop work on this day each week, called to recognize that the Lord has made me, and called to be thankful, joyful and full of praise to the one who created all things yet knows me by name. And when I do stop, releasing all my cares, I am aware that it actually changes me for the better. I become a better person.
Today, I will be thankful and joyful, praising God for his amazing creation and sharing it with me.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
April 5, 2014 - Saturday
Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us. (Isaiah 26:12 NIV)
There is an expression I sometimes hear that asks me to keep an "attitude of gratitude." In today's verse, the prophet has exactly this attitude. He recognizes that God first moves his people toward goodness; and when we act upon his promptings, the results are visible in the good things he provides--peace or accomplishments for example. He gives God, not himself, the glory for all the right things in his life.
I can see that Isaiah is speaking of a specific group of people. Looking back to Isaiah 24 and 25 for context, I was stunned! This verse describes God's treatment of those who trust in him at that time when he devastates the earth! And it is set in sharp contrast to how others will fare. He tells us of the earth's destruction, and how God's people will react, and how everyone else will react too. It will always fascinate and frighten me when I consider how difficult those final days are going to be!
Today, I will be grateful for the Lord's guiding my heart, and for the goodness that results in my life because I choose to respond to his direction.
There is an expression I sometimes hear that asks me to keep an "attitude of gratitude." In today's verse, the prophet has exactly this attitude. He recognizes that God first moves his people toward goodness; and when we act upon his promptings, the results are visible in the good things he provides--peace or accomplishments for example. He gives God, not himself, the glory for all the right things in his life.
I can see that Isaiah is speaking of a specific group of people. Looking back to Isaiah 24 and 25 for context, I was stunned! This verse describes God's treatment of those who trust in him at that time when he devastates the earth! And it is set in sharp contrast to how others will fare. He tells us of the earth's destruction, and how God's people will react, and how everyone else will react too. It will always fascinate and frighten me when I consider how difficult those final days are going to be!
Today, I will be grateful for the Lord's guiding my heart, and for the goodness that results in my life because I choose to respond to his direction.
Friday, April 4, 2014
April 4, 2014 - Friday
And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. (Matthew 24:31 NIV)
The study of mankind's destiny is called eschatology. It is both fascinating and frightening. In this verse from Matthew's gospel, we see a bit of Jesus' own description of his second coming at the end of times. It is ominous! In fact, he is in the middle of warning his disciples to be on guard against evil men claiming to be him.
For us it seems remote, even metaphorical: Jesus lived so far in the past. The end of times feels like a vague future to come long after we will probably depart this world.
But imagine if you had been Jesus' friend, had walked along too many dusty roads with him, had seen him heal people with a single touch, and had all the proof you needed that he was God come to be with us as a man! You are one hundred percent certain of his divinity because you eat with him every day and watch him all the time. And then he starts talking about how bad things are going to get before he returns in glory.
In today's verse, Jesus describes the real signs that will occur just before he returns to gather his people, so his followers can recognize false claims and avoid the deception of evil.
Two thousand years have passed since then, which can be very confusing since people have interpreted signs incorrectly all these years! For my part, I am content with a few of Jesus' other words, "...see to it that you are not alarmed." We have been given the Holy Spirit for these times while we wait for Jesus' return. The Holy Spirit gives us strength and discernment to recognize and confront evil even when it appears to be good.
Today, I will listen for the promptings of the Holy Spirit in my heart as I move through this day, allowing them to guide my choices.
The study of mankind's destiny is called eschatology. It is both fascinating and frightening. In this verse from Matthew's gospel, we see a bit of Jesus' own description of his second coming at the end of times. It is ominous! In fact, he is in the middle of warning his disciples to be on guard against evil men claiming to be him.
For us it seems remote, even metaphorical: Jesus lived so far in the past. The end of times feels like a vague future to come long after we will probably depart this world.
But imagine if you had been Jesus' friend, had walked along too many dusty roads with him, had seen him heal people with a single touch, and had all the proof you needed that he was God come to be with us as a man! You are one hundred percent certain of his divinity because you eat with him every day and watch him all the time. And then he starts talking about how bad things are going to get before he returns in glory.
In today's verse, Jesus describes the real signs that will occur just before he returns to gather his people, so his followers can recognize false claims and avoid the deception of evil.
Two thousand years have passed since then, which can be very confusing since people have interpreted signs incorrectly all these years! For my part, I am content with a few of Jesus' other words, "...see to it that you are not alarmed." We have been given the Holy Spirit for these times while we wait for Jesus' return. The Holy Spirit gives us strength and discernment to recognize and confront evil even when it appears to be good.
Today, I will listen for the promptings of the Holy Spirit in my heart as I move through this day, allowing them to guide my choices.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
April 3, 2014 - Thursday
He draws up the drops of water, which distill as rain to the streams; the clouds pour down their moisture and abundant showers fall on mankind. (Job 36:27-28 NIV)
I love driving on the highway in warm weather. The sense of freedom that comes with it as the wind races by, especially with great music playing, is fantastic. Even as I write this and recall the sunshine, I smile.
And where does this sense of well being come from? It's interesting to think about. Perhaps it comes less from being out in the beautiful weather than from feeling in control. My car has a steering wheel, a dashboard loaded with status indicators, a wind shield, safety gear, brakes and tires that manage my connection to the road. This highway has lanes, and is about the straightest line possible to my destination. Yes, I'm calling the shots. I am in charge. It feels good.
Now, imagine controlling the weather! What sort of dashboard controls would I use to make water evaporate and form into clouds? What kind of lever would I manipulate to make the clouds pour down their moisture? Or how would I switch on all those lightening bolts? Absurd! And the earth, how would I keep it on it's highway around the sun? And all the other suns....
Control in my life is something I enjoy, no matter how small or illusory it may be. But I rely on God's ultimate control, his goodness, and his justice far more than my own when I really need things done right!
Today, I will rely on God's goodness and justice; asking him to guide my way throughout the day.
I love driving on the highway in warm weather. The sense of freedom that comes with it as the wind races by, especially with great music playing, is fantastic. Even as I write this and recall the sunshine, I smile.
And where does this sense of well being come from? It's interesting to think about. Perhaps it comes less from being out in the beautiful weather than from feeling in control. My car has a steering wheel, a dashboard loaded with status indicators, a wind shield, safety gear, brakes and tires that manage my connection to the road. This highway has lanes, and is about the straightest line possible to my destination. Yes, I'm calling the shots. I am in charge. It feels good.
Now, imagine controlling the weather! What sort of dashboard controls would I use to make water evaporate and form into clouds? What kind of lever would I manipulate to make the clouds pour down their moisture? Or how would I switch on all those lightening bolts? Absurd! And the earth, how would I keep it on it's highway around the sun? And all the other suns....
Control in my life is something I enjoy, no matter how small or illusory it may be. But I rely on God's ultimate control, his goodness, and his justice far more than my own when I really need things done right!
Today, I will rely on God's goodness and justice; asking him to guide my way throughout the day.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
April 2, 2014 - Wednesday
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18 NIV)
All of creation is suffering. Saint Paul seems to confirm the obvious here, but he adds a balancing truth.
Creation has hope.
Ah, hope. I don't always get that. Sometimes I can't access it. There are times when I feel completely hopeless and alone. Times when despair consumes me. Dark times. Times I don't like to think about. Times of really deep, personal suffering. It is at these times I can become cynical and fresh--letting doubt stir in my heart. Scary stuff.
And I can only wait. And pray. And wait.
Endure this suffering? Cling to hope by praying? Is this a joke? It can seem that way, but no! I believe there is something to this! Since I know with certainty that I am not capable of such endurance on my own; Paul's words about God's Holy Spirit resonate deeply with me.
So, hope. How do I access that?
Here, in Romans 8, Paul writes to me about the promise of future glory, and he emphasizes that despite my present suffering--as great as it sometimes feels, I can never be separated from the love of God. Never.
He goes on to explain that I've been given God's Holy Spirit to endure my present suffering and to help me focus on the hope of God's promised salvation.
Today, I am grateful for knowing God's love in my life right now and for the constant company of his Holy Spirit.
All of creation is suffering. Saint Paul seems to confirm the obvious here, but he adds a balancing truth.
Creation has hope.
Ah, hope. I don't always get that. Sometimes I can't access it. There are times when I feel completely hopeless and alone. Times when despair consumes me. Dark times. Times I don't like to think about. Times of really deep, personal suffering. It is at these times I can become cynical and fresh--letting doubt stir in my heart. Scary stuff.
And I can only wait. And pray. And wait.
Endure this suffering? Cling to hope by praying? Is this a joke? It can seem that way, but no! I believe there is something to this! Since I know with certainty that I am not capable of such endurance on my own; Paul's words about God's Holy Spirit resonate deeply with me.
So, hope. How do I access that?
Here, in Romans 8, Paul writes to me about the promise of future glory, and he emphasizes that despite my present suffering--as great as it sometimes feels, I can never be separated from the love of God. Never.
He goes on to explain that I've been given God's Holy Spirit to endure my present suffering and to help me focus on the hope of God's promised salvation.
Today, I am grateful for knowing God's love in my life right now and for the constant company of his Holy Spirit.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
April 1, 2014 - Tuesday
Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? (Matthew 26:53 NIV)
March was a powerful month in the verses we've been reading, with God's great mercy for us squarely in the spotlight! And look at the beginning of April, the focus becomes laser sharp! Today's verse is a stunning reminder of the CHOICE Jesus makes to submit to crucifixion on our behalf!
With our wonderful family news, with the miracle of new life on everyone's mind, I can only equate Jesus' choice with the lifetime of choices parents make to sacrifice everything for their children. It helps me understand, at least a little, the complete giving of oneself for another who cannot possibly offer anything in return, except love.
Nearly incomprehensible!
Today, I will allow myself the pure joy of a child who is loved so much.
March was a powerful month in the verses we've been reading, with God's great mercy for us squarely in the spotlight! And look at the beginning of April, the focus becomes laser sharp! Today's verse is a stunning reminder of the CHOICE Jesus makes to submit to crucifixion on our behalf!
With our wonderful family news, with the miracle of new life on everyone's mind, I can only equate Jesus' choice with the lifetime of choices parents make to sacrifice everything for their children. It helps me understand, at least a little, the complete giving of oneself for another who cannot possibly offer anything in return, except love.
Nearly incomprehensible!
Today, I will allow myself the pure joy of a child who is loved so much.
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