Psalm 36:5-7

“Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.” vs. 5

To the casual observer it appears that our world is dominated by people who cultivate intrigue and deceit and who have no regard for truth or kindness. Every day we read and hear stories of their schemes and scams, and it’s easy to think that humanity is evil to the core. The psalmist knew those kinds of folks too and imagined that they lay in their beds at night plotting their wicked ways. And still he earnestly believes that the steadfast love of God permeates the universe. His claim is bold, and sometimes hard to believe, yet it’s the bedrock conviction of every religion worth its salt. Certainly it’s what followers of Jesus believe! Even though we periodically run into people who think God is vindictive and cruel, we are bold to proclaim that the entire universe has been conceived and created in love. We’re not talking about a superficial, Nashville, kind of love here, the conditional lust that drives our shallow desires. This love is a power and a force beyond our imagination; it’s the Love that birthed every star and galaxy, every reptile and mammal, every mountain and sea. And it’s that Love to which we cling every day of our lives. Of course there’s ugliness in our world–but it can never negate the Love of God. Love is the source of our Being!

Thought for the Day: How do I experience the Love of God?

Isaiah 62:1-5

“For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch.” vs. 1

When the people returned to Jerusalem after their time in exile, it would have been easy for them to be discouraged. Their proud city lay in ruins and the temple had been destroyed. The protective walls were no more than piles of rubble. But the prophet refused to let the voices of pessimism win the day, and instead offered words of encouragement and hope. It’s what our faith ancestors have always done in the face of destruction, death, and defeat. We are this world’s people of hope and will always refuse to capitulate in the face of every ugly challenge thrown against us. Even as this pandemic continues to grind away by undermining and negating our dreams and plans. Even as wars and rumors of nuclear destruction fill the pages of newspapers. Even as lies and fears abound, followers of Jesus will continue to anticipate salvation and restoration. For many this message seems quaint and out of touch–they’ve given up on the “peace on earth, good will to all” song of the Christmas angels and see nothing but ruination for our world. Their discouragement is understandable but the vision of the hopeful will always win the day. Even on a day of darkness we will continue to celebrate the Light.

Thought for the Day: How do I avoid discouragement?

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

“Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’” vss. 21-22

When John began baptizing by the Jordan, people came out from all the area to hear him preach and to receive a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. One of those who came to hear him was Jesus, and he was so moved that he too went down into the water for baptism. It became for him the defining experience of his life! After his baptism, as he was praying, he had a profound and overwhelming experience of God’s presence and call. At that moment he heard words of affirmation and felt deep and unconditional love. But more than that, out of that experience he was led to proclaim that same message to every person that he encountered. That’s what happens when the Holy Spirit breaks into our lives. In one way or another we realize that at the core of our being we are loved–in fact we are the beloved children of God. That moment of awakening is precious to us: it could happen in baptism or in some sort of altar call or in a time of meditation. There is no prescribed pathway. But oh how wonderful it is to know that we are precious children of God! 

Thought for the Day: When did I realize that I was loved by the Universe?

Acts 8:14-17

“Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.” vss. 14-15

The early years of the Church were a jumble of activity. The apostles tried to impose some sense of order but it was impossible. Believers were heading in every direction to tell the good news of Jesus–they were in Alexandria, Damascus, Corinth, Rome, and some even had intentions of going to Spain, Ethiopia, and India. The message could not be contained, and it certainly couldn’t be controlled. In Samaria folks had been baptized but they didn’t know anything about the Holy Spirit, so Peter and John were sent in their direction. There weren’t any rules so the leaders were making things up on the fly–surely one couldn’t be a real Christian without receiving the Holy Spirit along with baptism. We still have those issues in some of our congregations–leaders not only want to control believers, they want to control God as well. Some still say it’s a two step process: first baptism, and then the Holy Spirit. As though we could even imagine controlling God’s Holy Spirit! The truth is that the Holy Spirit had been in Samaria long before Peter and John got there. No one becomes a believer apart from the Spirit of God–and that’s how it’s always been!

Thought for the Day: How does one “receive the Holy Spirit”?

Isaiah 43:1-7

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” vs. 1b

While there are a multitude of differences among humans we have one thing in common. All of us crave affirmation, a sign of affection or love, some indication that we have value just as we are. Too many have been beaten down by discounting cultural messages that come from every direction. For some it starts in childhood with bullying or absent parents and continues with physical and emotional abuse of every kind. The world just has a way of beating down the weak and savaging the vulnerable. Even those who have had loving and caring parents eventually run into the rampant negative imaging that colors so much of what we see and hear. Sometimes we even imagine that we are unlovable! The prophet offered the people of Israel a word from God that resonates deeply in our hearts too. “Fear not,” he says to them and to us, “for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Think of it! We have value just as we are! God knows us by name and has claimed us. We don’t have to be billionaires or superheroes, we can be bumblers and muddlers, even failures at all we do, and we are still precious to God. Oh that family, friends, and strangers would hear these grace-filled words from our lips every day of our lives! It’s the most precious gift we could possibly give!

Thought for the Day: What does affirmation do for me?

Matthew 2:1-12

“On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” vs. 11

When Matthew wrote his gospel he included the story of the wise men to illustrate that the birth of Jesus had been anticipated centuries before when Isaiah wrote that one day a light from God would shine in the darkness, and that kings bearing gifts would come to Judea. It’s a simple story, one that contrasts nicely with Luke’s account of the shepherds’ visit to the Bethlehem stable, and that provides the central theme for the festival of the Epiphany. The central feature of the story is of course the star, a light from the heavens that illuminates the presence of the Christ Child. This is the season in which we celebrate the revealing of God’s glory in Jesus and are reminded that the Light of Christ is in the world now, and that the darkness of despair and fear will never be able to overcome it. In recent weeks, as the Covid variants continue, the whole world has been caught up in a spirit of pessimism and negativity. Media broadcasting focuses on distortions and deceptions and implies that disaster is on the horizon. We need a strong dose of Epiphany right now! The Light shines in the darkness and will never be extinguished. The nay-sayers can never be given the last word!

Thought for the Day: What significance do stars have for me?

Ephesians 3:1-12

“Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things;” vss. 8-9

It was apparent to Paul and some other leaders in the early Church that the good news revealed in Christ Jesus had actually been present ages before at the dawn of time. When the Hebrew people began to think of themselves as the people of God their prophets regularly reminded them of God’s steadfast mercy and unconditional love. Jesus too spoke of grace and forgiveness and after his death his followers pointed to him as the one in whom the love of God had become incarnate. They saw him as the Messiah or Christ, but were slow to realize that his mission was to all people of all time. Paul’s special calling was to help people realize that the boundless riches of Christ, revealed in Jesus, were not just for the Jews, but for the Gentiles as well. It is immensely difficult for people to open their minds to the richness and diversity of God’s mercies. Some never get to the point where they can acknowledge that people of other faiths or religions are included in the family of God. But the mysteries of God are so much greater than our narrow views and parochial positions. And what a blessing it is when we finally get it!

Thought for the Day: When and how was my mind opened?

Psalm 72:`1-7, 10-14

“May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute, may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts.” vs. 10

When a new prince was crowned in Judah there was no limit to the extravagant dreams and hopes that were given voice by the people. With a new ruler on the throne this psalmist even looks forward to the day when distant kings and rulers would bring gifts and tribute. Even in those days there was a sense that what happened in Jerusalem was more than a local event. Judah was a small country with little international importance, yet its religious leader believed that what happened there would have an impact on the whole world. Now it’s doubtful that anyone beyond Jerusalem even took note of the psalmist’s words when they were sung at the coronation. But the psalm was remembered and was used regularly in the liturgy of the temple even after the country of Judah had been swallowed up by adversaries. And then in the fullness of time it happened! A child was born–and the whole world was touched. And even though few took note of this baby, his influence would ultimately be felt in every nation. Of course the psalmist wasn’t talking about Jesus–that’s not how prophecy works. But there was in his writings a sense that one day great things would happen in his land, and all the world would take note. And he was right! It’s what happens when people dare to dream!

Thought for the Day: What is the American dream?

Isaiah 60:1-6

“Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” vs. 3

When the people of Israel returned from exile the prophet was ecstatic. He believed with all his heart that this was a turning point, the dawn of a new age of prosperity, and that the kings of the nations would come with their treasures to Jerusalem. New trade routes would open and caravans from afar would find their way to the hill country of Judea. It was a radiant vision, one that found a home in the hearts of the people, and defined their identity as the people of God. The Church desperately needs a similar vision as we enter a new year still reeling from our Covid encounters. Some congregations are a shadow of their former selves and a few have closed their doors. Where once we were motivated by a spirit of optimism and hope, fear-mongers now spread doom and gloom. All that pessimism is not becoming for those who carry the light of Christ in their hearts. That’s just not who we are! Of course there will be tough times in the course of the years–that’s always how it’s been. In the midst of exile and repression the prophets continued to believe in a glorious future, and we are their progeny. The gift that we have in Christ is precious and eternal, and it will survive every pandemic and catastrophe. Times are changing but we are still the Light of the world.

Thought for the Day: What’s the biggest challenge for my congregation?

John 1:15-18

“The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” vs. 17

Jesus was born a Jew and grew up thoroughly enmeshed in Judaism’s traditions and laws, but when he began preaching and teaching his interpretation of the prophets revealed the centrality of God’s steadfast love and mercy. The gospel writer John put it clearly, “The law had come through Moses; grace and truth had come through Jesus Christ.” We’ve taken John’s words into our hearts; for many they are the core message of the gospel. It is so good to know that we are loved unconditionally and that our salvation is by grace! But it’s so hard to live by that good news! We get a taste of that with the advent of each new year and the emphasis on resolutions. For days we’ve gotten messages from our cultural Moses telling us that our lives will be so much better if we can get our lives in order. And we’ve gone along with it. Some have already made ambitious resolutions and started on diets and workout programs–others are waiting until after the orgiastic consumption of food and drink required by the bowl games. Now it’s fine to go to gyms, eat healthy, and take care of bodies and relationships. But what we often fail to realize is that those resolutions are like the law and too often they result in failure and guilt. Those who live by grace know that God’s love is not connected to cultural standards of beauty and fitness. It really is unconditional!

Thought for the Day: What resolutions am I making?