Psalm 119:37-40

“Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; give me life in your ways.” vs. 37

When the word “vanities” is Googled the search results are exclusively related to those furnishings most often found in our bedrooms and bathrooms. There is an endless variety to choose from, all including mirrors and extravagant lighting. The styles change frequently and the message is that vanities should be changed out frequently. The psalmist had nothing like this in mind when he pleaded with God to turn his eyes from such things, though if he’d known what they were he might have doubled down on his prayers. Vanities are excessive pride in one’s own appearance or accomplishments and they are a particular problem for people in our self-oriented times. The psalmist believed that there was nothing more important than living a life centered on the ways of the Lord–and such a life has nothing to do with externals. Of course it’s necessary and good for us to take care of our bodies–we all want to look good! But such concern can easily become an obsession. Americans spend over a trillion dollars each year on skin and hair products designed to enhance their appearance. In the meantime spiritual poverty is increasing–more and more people feel alienated from God. It doesn’t make any difference how beautiful our faces are when we’re afflicted with ugly souls. As scripture reminds us, “Mortals look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Thought for the Day: What makes me beautiful?

Psalm 119:33-36

“Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.” vs. 34

The Jews had deep affection for the law. They rightly understood that its precepts provided a guide for healthy and orderly life in community. No country or nation can expect to know internal stability without an overwhelming allegiance to what is called the “rule of law.” Many in our land have expressed deep concern over what has been called the breakdown of law and order. It’s a legitimate fear. Our hearts crave security and the widespread disruptions have sparked anger and resentment. The disorder threatens our future together. Some have proposed a national crackdown on expressions of dissent and the use of federal troops to restore order. Others are saying that what is needed is a new approach to policing and a wholesale revision of the justice system. Obviously there are no easy solutions to what has become a national crisis. But generally the way forward isn’t found in a tougher version of the past. The law is a gift from God but it’s constantly evolving, and rigid enforcement is seldom the answer. The psalmist asked for understanding, and that’s a worthy prayer request for us as well. Out of the current disorder, a new order will emerge–we pray that it will lead to the end of injustice and the advent of what scripture calls the “peaceable kingdom.” If partisan bickering can be put aside, good things can happen!

Thought for the Day: What will the new order look like?

Ezekiel 33:7-11

“So you, mortal, I have made a sentinel for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.” vs. 7

Whenever Israel embraced wickedness, Ezekiel had been charged by the Lord to issue a warning. The people were to turn from their wicked ways, and if they did not, they would die! There are some for whom that would be a dream job! They love pointing out the sins of others and issuing dire warnings. A few of us may even have had such persons in our own families. Ezekiel didn’t have a choice about his calling–if he refused to issue the warning he would forfeit his own life. That was likely a powerful incentive for him. But most of us don’t feel that same pressure to offer corrective advice to the people around us, particularly if they are family and friends. In our culture we’ve been pretty much conditioned to keep our mouths shut about the poor behaviors we observe in others. We’ve been taught to “live and let live” and keep our nose out of other people’s business. But that’s not how it is in the family of God. We have responsibilities for one another and if someone is living in self-destructive ways, we are called by God to intervene. They may not like it, and sometimes they’ll ignore us, but many times our intervention will save lives, and our warnings can bring healing. 

Thought for the Day: Times I’ve seen interventions save lives.

Matthew 16:24-26

“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” vs. 24

Jesus did not consult a marketing expert when he began his historic mission in the towns and villages of Galilee. If he had, he would have been told that self-denial is not the way to attract followers. It just doesn’t work! Which is why contemporary Christian leaders have largely abandoned any pretense of self-denial in either their personal lives or in their professional outreach. That message, while clearly evident in the lives of so many saints, has been completely drowned out by our consumption obsessed culture and the worship of winning at all costs. We are taught from an early age that we can be and do anything that our heart desires, and all that is needed is hard work, wise investment, and discipline. The result has been, to a large extent, the loss of our souls. We’ve gained the whole world and lost our lives! But Jesus doesn’t give up! The One who sacrificed all, and went willingly to the cross, continues to come to us as the Christ, with an invitation to lose ourselves for the sake of others. And amazingly, some are listening and walking in the way of the cross. They have found that the secret to the good life is in self-surrender and in looking to the needs of those around them. Joy floods in when we stop trying to be right, admit our weakness, and give others the last word.

Thought for the Day: How can self-denial be made attractive?

Matthew 16:21-23

“But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’” vs. 23

Peter likely felt honored to have been elevated to the position of “messianic advisor” among the disciples of Jesus, so when Jesus began outlining his mission plan, Peter was ready to offer his opinion. But Jesus isn’t impressed with his new chief of staff, and fires him on the spot. He heard in Peter’s words the voice of the old adversary he’d encountered in the wilderness of Judea–by this time in his ministry Jesus couldn’t be fooled or misdirected. Doubtless the encounter was a jolt to Jesus too. It always surprises us when a trusted friend or family member turns out to be the main stumbling block in finding our direction and purpose. It isn’t that they have it in for us–they probably love us very much–but they don’t get our vision or our call. They think they know the realities of life and what’s good for us, and they want to protect us from losing our way or making mistakes. So they speak up and tell us the smart thing to do, and assume we’ll do as they suggest. But all the while they’re making their pitch our minds are awhirl–we know in our hearts that the way we have in mind has come from God, even if it doesn’t make sense. So we say “No” to the adversary–and pray that the stumbling block was not the cornerstone!

Thought for the Day: Someone who was a stumbling block to me.

Romans 12:17-21

“If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” vs. 18

Paul is enough of a realist to advise the Romans that it might not be possible to live peaceably with all. His words are not a surprise to most of us. We’ve been around long enough to know that some folks aren’t interested in reciprocal acts of kindness. For one reason or another they rebuff our attempts at making peace in favor of continuing acts of hostility. It’s particularly difficult when such persons are a part of our own households. Many times we’re tempted to just give up! “To hell with them,” we think to ourselves. “I don’t need this kind of aggravation in my life.” But Paul wouldn’t agree! From his perspective, followers of Jesus can never allow the words and actions of another person to dictate our own behaviors. There’s a certain consistency expected of us. We may not be able to control or manipulate another person, but we can, under most circumstances, control how we behave in their presence. When we’re on top of our game we are able to live peacefully and cordially with anyone, if we will to do it! It will mean putting a damper on our nasty sides and curbing our tongues when provoked. It’s a lifestyle that doesn’t come easily to us, but what a blessing it is when we’re able to return a frown or insult with a smile and a kind word. Sometimes relationships are actually healed!

Thought for the Day: When does my nasty side come out?

Romans 12:9-16

“Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.” vs. 16

Paul was writing these words to the little Christian community in Rome. He intended them to be a guide for their church family relationships and based them on his image of life in Christ Jesus. They stand in sharp contrast to what we see displayed on social media or at a national political convention. Our political leaders have little interest in living in the ways suggested by Paul, though they would dearly love their constituents to think that they do. Some become quite adept at talking the talk, though there are frighteningly few who are actually walking the walk! But that’s okay! Paul wasn’t expecting the Emperor or the Imperial Court to behave as he suggested either–their actions were dictated by lust for power and personal vendettas. His words were directed to followers of Jesus. Among us there will be people of a variety of political convictions and our call is to associate with them all, not trying to win arguments but carefully listening. We are to love them from the heart, not putting them down but lifting them up, and putting the best construction on all that they say or do. Harmony in Christian communities is being tested big time in these weeks and months. It’s important to remember that we’re not being asked to elect a messiah this year, our Christ has already come and is living among us.

Thought for the Day: Where do we get our political convictions?

Psalm 126:4-6

“Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.” vs. 6

The psalmist had amazing insights about the journey of life, and he didn’t even have access to Dr. Laura or self-help books. There weren’t theologians or psychologists available for consultation–he had only the stories of his people and assorted wisdom sayings gleaned from various Hebrew sages. But those sources and his own observations inspired his writing and now, 2500 years later, his words have the ring of authentic truth. There is a rhythm to life and we have come to know that periods of suffering are the seedbeds for growth and fruitful living. Naturally we would like it to be different–suffering isn’t appealing to anyone. But we can’t avoid the days of weeping and tears–they come to us whether we’re ready or not. And when they come, some people are destroyed–they enter a cycle of never-ending depression. But others have within themselves the seeds that lead to recovery and an even better life. For them disorder leads to order, and they emerge from the struggle stronger than they were before. What are those seeds that lead to joy? The psalmist doesn’t say, but we know from our own experience that they are seeds of faith with a coating of resilient hope. People of faith with irrepressible hope can endure any crisis and will emerge from suffering with shouts of thanks and praise on their lips.

Thought for the Day: What are seeds of faith? Where do they come from?

Psalm 126:1-3

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.” vs. 3

In times of stress and tension, it’s a blessing to have a great memory! That’s what gave solace to the psalmist, and it’s what we hang on to when uncertainty plagues our daily living. The psalmist remembered that the Lord had done great things for Israel and that the people had rejoiced in that moment of triumph–and that memory gave him hope for the future. Most of us have memories like that too, moments when time stood still and it feels like we’re living the dream. Of course, like surfers riding the crest of waves know all too well, even the best waves eventually crash on the beach–and so do we! And when that happens, and we pick ourselves up, sometimes wondering if we have a future, it’s such a blessing to remember the good times. It’s not that we’re going to be able to go back and relive the past, that can’t happen, but we can know that the Lord will smile on us again, and there will be new dreams and visions. Someday this time of distancing and masks will be over and hugs and kisses will abound. Our lives will have changed but our new normal will be better than ever. Relationships can be restored, brokenness can be healed, and we will rejoice again. The Lord will never stop doing great things for us. It’s one thing that we can count on!

Thought for the Day: What does it feel like to live the dream?

Jeremiah 15:15-21

“I did not sit in the company of merrymakers, nor did I rejoice; under the weight of your hand I sat alone, for you had filled me with indignation.” vs. 17

When the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah he had been filled with joy and gladness. He was thrilled to be called by the name of the Lord and gladly began his prophetic ministry among the people. But his work did not bring him joy; he found it impossible to be “one of the guys” and found himself isolated from his peers. In fact his old friends turned against him and refused to listen to what he said. That same thing can happen to followers of Jesus. We too have been named and called to bring a message of love and mercy to hurting and broken people. But many of them have been caught up in the worship of wealth, power, and pleasure,and have little inclination to even consider repentance. We then have a choice. We can swallow our words of judgment and join them in their idolatrous merry-making, or we can walk in the way of the Spirit and perhaps sit alone on Saturday night. There is a certain integrity involved with following Jesus–and even though our inclination is to be loving and caring, sometimes we have to walk away from family and friends. That’s not the funnest time in our journey of faith, but the joy that began our Jesus-connection will be enough to sustain us in the tough times too.

Thought for the Day: What fills me with indignation?