November 12

1 Thessalonians 5:1-5

“But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness.” vss. 4-5

These are not easy days for any of us. We’re still dealing with the fall-out from the elections, and while some are satisfied with the results, others are not. Certainly nothing has been done to address the deep divisions resulting from the months of political posturing. In such conditions there are special challenges for those who want to live gracefully above the fray. We all have our own feelings, some of them intense and personal, but we know that our special call is to build bridges. Like the Thessalonians we are all children of light and, even though it feels as though we’re living in dark times, Christ is still the hope of the world. So how shall we deal with those who are so hurt and angry? Many of us  have learned that it does little good to tell them how they’re wrong. Their convictions have been formed over a lifetime, and it’s really not our place to change them from red to blue or vice versa. What all people need is a listening, compassionate ear, and not a lecture. To simply say, “How are you doing?”, and let them talk is the greatest gift we can offer. Walking in the light through a world of darkness requires solid faith and deep love! But what a difference it can make!

Thought for the Day: Who needs my ear today?

November 11

Psalm 90:5-8, 12

“For we are consumed by your anger; by your wrath we are overwhelmed. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your countenance.” vss. 7-8

In the wake of the election we’ve seen waves of anger sweeping our country. There have been charges and countercharges, lawsuits filed, along with demonstrations and occasional violent protests. All these are a result of deep-seated resentments and all-consuming wrath. Some are wondering if our elected leaders even have a chance in light of such overwhelming feelings. Perhaps the same sort of feelings were present in the psalmist’s community–it’s certainly very likely. Anger and resentment have been around for a long time. But the psalmist was more interested in considering how God was reacting to the misdeeds of Israel. Just how angry was God with the iniquities that had come to light? How fiercely was his wrath burning at the secret sins of the people? Having been conditioned by the theme of unconditional love that is so regularly heard in our congregations, we tend to downplay any possibility that God might be angry with us. But it just might be that our finger pointing and harsh words are not in line with God’s expectations and are, in fact, kindling God’s anger! If that’s the case we’d better start building bridges in a hurry. This is an opportunity for us to step up and show our true colors–we’ve been created as lovers and not haters–and God’s wrath is nothing to mess with!

Thought for the Day: How do we experience the wrath of God?

November 10

Psalm 90:1-4

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” vss. 1-2

The psalmist’s sense of God was deep and profound, far beyond the silly notions we hear bandied about in our time. There is no hint that he pictured the Divine as anything other than the “ground of all being.” Even before there was a universe there was God, the Source of all that is and all that is to come. While we might like a more concise or concrete definition, somehow it gives comfort to know that God’s existence is not dependent on human knowledge or experience. All things have their origin in God and ultimately all things find their destiny in God. Some thousands of years ago humans began to develop a God consciousness–some became channels of God’s essence and testified to the extravagant benevolence of the Divine. We began to understand that love is at the core of the Divine and that all existence bears the stamp of goodness. With that consciousness came a recognition that we are to reflect that love and goodness in all our interactions and connections. Unfortunately humans have often squandered their divine birthright in unending struggles for power and control. At times prophets have been disheartened by our behavior and doubted that love would ever triumph. But God, our dwelling place, has the last word, and that word will always be love!

Thought for the Day: What makes me believe that God is love?

November 9

Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18

“Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the Lord’s wrath; in the fire of his passion the whole earth shall be consumed; for a full, a terrible end he will make of all the inhabitants of the earth.” vs. 18

Prophets like Zephaniah had harsh words for the people of Israel and Judah. They were careful observers and it was obvious to them that the nation had strayed from the way of the Lord and that very soon there would be a day of reckoning. They used the scariest imagery possible, hoping that just maybe the people would turn from greed and exploitation and begin living as the Lord desired. We now live many centuries later and wonder what to make of such writings. The literalists among us are likely to discount the warning–since the catastrophe didn’t happen then, it’s not likely to happen now. Such thinking misses the point! No language about the future can be taken literally–but that doesn’t mean the texts should be disregarded. In every age it’s possible for keen observers of the present to get a sense of what is coming, and those prophets should be listened to! We live in a time when greed still runs rampant–the poor are still the victims. And on our horizons there are signs of global disaster–and all the money in the world won’t save us until we change our ways. Is there hope? In Christ all things are possible–even repentance!

Thought for the Day: How can the world be fixed?

November 8

Matthew 25:8-13

“And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut.” vs. 10

While the parable of the wise and the foolish bridesmaids is uncomplicated, it arouses a variety of questions for contemporary followers of Jesus. In its original context it seems designed to encourage believers to remain faithful and not be discouraged as they waited for the expected return of Jesus. But what is it for us? For most the whole idea of the Second Coming has been ruined by literalism–we’re really not expecting to hear trumpets sound and see Jesus descending on a cloud. So what is it that we’re supposed to be ready for? Is it our deaths, which could indeed come unexpectedly, or is there something else? And if we’re not ready when this big something happens, could we miss out on heaven? Or maybe the Second Coming is the appendix of the Creeds, and we should just remove it. Some might like that–but the move would be disastrous. The Second Coming is the belief that this world is not going to stay the same forever. Some day all the bigotry, racism, killing, power struggles, and mayhem will be at an end. The needs of the poor will be met and the hungry will be fed. To believe in the Second Coming is to say that one day love and compassion will rule. We have to hang on to that promise, even if the day is delayed. Amen, come Lord Jesus!

Thought for the Day: What will the Second Coming be like?

November 7

Matthew 25:1-7

“Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.” vss. 2-4

At the beginning of his ministry Jesus concluded his Sermon on the Mount with a story about a wise man who built his house on a rock, and a foolish man who built his house on sand. The winds blew and the floods rose; one house stood and the other fell. The wise, he tells the crowd, were those who heard his words and did them. Now, at the close of his ministry, we hear another parable about the wise and the foolish, about those who are prepared for the coming of the Bridegroom and those who are not. We too could tell stories about wise and foolish decisions, sometimes from personal experience. Plainly put, the wise are those who prepare for unforeseen circumstances–when the unexpected happens they are the ones who are ready. And if there is one thing we can count on in this world, it’s that the future will be full of surprises. Oh, we can make projections! Countless people make a living supplying us with guesses about what’s coming–but what do they know? It takes real wisdom to consider the signs of the times and make sure we have plenty of oil for our lamps. Only fools believe that we can simply go on living as we have without encountering the unexpected. There are consequences for foolish living!

Thought for the Day: What are the wise folks doing these days?

November 6

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 

“Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever.” vs. 17

When taken literally these words of Paul paint a spectacular picture of Christ’s Second Coming. Those who have died will burst from their graves and shoot into the air with all living believers, and together all the saints will meet their Lord in the air. This description fits well with the teachings of those who believe in what is commonly called the Rapture. The “Left Behind” series of books builds on this interpretation and presents a many volumed graphic depiction of those “Last Times.” Others believe that apocalyptic images, such as Paul uses in these verses, should never be taken literally. Paul simply wanted to offer words of encouragement about death to these new Gentile believers. He wants them to know that death is not the end–and that there will be a new beginning for their loved ones who have died. The Jewish apocalyptic language, already familiar to Paul, was intended to be a comfort, and not a blueprint for future events. We too wonder about the future! Some are painting apocalyptic pictures of impending global catastrophes–they see nothing but violence and destruction. Paul brought comfort by pointing to Christ–and for followers of Jesus, that continues to be the only source of hope for our troubled world!

Thought for the Day: What will be my comfort in the months ahead?

November 5

1 Thessalonians 4:13-15

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” vs. 13

Early followers of Jesus expected him to come again to usher in the promised eternal reign of God, and when that much anticipated return was delayed, some began to worry about those who were dying. Were they out of luck? Would they miss out on eternal life? Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians addresses that concern–he wants them to know that there will be new life in Christ for those who had died. We don’t live with the same timetable of future events as those first century Christians, but we still have concerns about death. Some wonder about those who have died. Are they okay? Are they at peace? Those questions lead many to consult mediums or psychics, persons who claim to be able to make connections with the spirits of the dead. Some find such consultations helpful while others are content with assurances like those of Paul. Such persons grieve at the time of a loved one’s death, but their grief is eased by their strong sense of hope. They believe with all their heart that there is new life beyond death, a new life with Christ that has no end. We may not be able to contact those who have died, but we can remember them, and by faith we know that they have peace. Death is not the end!

Thought for the Day: Why are psychics growing in popularity?

November 4

Psalm 70

“But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!” vs. 5

Many have been waiting for this day for months. The election is over, and even if we don’t yet know the results, at least we won’t have to watch the endless campaign commercials or get annoying text messages and emails from eager well-meaning advocates. From all evidence this has been one of the most divisive campaigns ever, and it’s hard to know if healing for our country will even be possible. Ugly words have been said, while relationships have been pushed to the breaking point– differences in opinions have become calls to arms. As we move ahead much will depend on the behaviors and attitudes of our leaders. We’ve had enough of arrogance, accusations, and pride–what we need now is deep humility and a willingness to work together for the good of all. All of us are poor and needy–the problems we face are enormous. No one party has all the answers. The psalmist advises us well. God is our help and our deliverer, and we can’t afford any delay. Perhaps what we need more than anything else is a national day of prayer, a time for people of all faiths, and of no faith at all, to get down on our collective knees and pray humbly for an end to the rancor and discord. When people are amassing huge stores of guns and ammunition it’s almost past time for us to repent and turn back to God.

Thought for the Day: Who will join me in prayer for our country?

November 3

Amos 5:21-24

“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream.” vs. 24

Amos had been sent to proclaim the word of the Lord to Israel and he was not happy with what he saw. While people continued to practice the externals of religion, gathering on festival days for the singing of hymns and the offering of sacrifices, it was all a facade. While the rich were growing ever richer, and had multiple homes with ornate furnishings, the poor were being exploited and were suffering. So Amos issues a warning–unless the nation changed its ways it would be destroyed. The record shows that Israel’s rulers paid no attention to Amos–and within a few decades they were overthrown and Israel was no more. Now times have changed and in our country there are no dynastic rulers–instead there are elections, and every four years ordinary people cast ballots to choose leaders. But despite the obvious changes, if Amos were to visit, it’s unlikely he would be pleased. The age-old disparity between the rich and the poor has not gone away, and in some ways it has grown worse. The wealthy have more than enough while the needy compete for the leftovers. There are plenty of churches and lots of religion, but a dearth of compassion, grace, and mercy. And today we vote for leaders! Will this election bring change? Will justice roll down like water and righteousness like an everflowing stream? Will our votes make a difference? Some are hopeful–but others wonder!

Thought for the Day: Why don’t people listen to prophets?