Philippians 1:3-8

“I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” vs. 6

Paul was so proud of the congregation in Philippi. He hadn’t spent much time there but he’d obviously been effective in proclaiming the gospel…and the people had taken it to heart. Everything that he heard was positive and his letter to them is effusive in his praise. They had proven themselves to be a generous and loving community and Paul prays for their continued growth in holiness. His words are instructive for us. No matter who we are the Holy Spirit has been at work in our daily journey, constantly encouraging us in faith and strengthening us in service. We’re like a planted garden, constantly growing and maturing, regularly showing forth love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. That doesn’t mean that we can’t get off track and wander from the path of righteousness. We’re all too familiar with the way that can happen in this temptation-filled world of selfish consumption. The cultural demons are hard at work even in this Advent season to distort the purity of the Jesus message and obscure it with glitz and glamour. But the Spirit never deserts us and constantly encourages us to return to the good work that has begun among us. It really is a magnificent calling! In the midst of all the conflict and turmoil, we are the hope of the world!

Thought for the Day: What good work will I be doing today?

Luke 1:78-79

“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” vss. 78-79

Jesus regularly arose early in the morning and went out to pray. And there on the hills that surround the Sea of Galilee he would watch the sun come up. It’s a magnificent sight and certainly must have lifted his spirits. Some of us know that feeling. Night can be hard when we’re going through tough times. The hours drag on and the darkness breeds despair and sadness. But then comes the dawn and when we see the first rays of light peep over the horizon the results are close to magical. Hope floods our hearts and life seems good again. Zechariah’s song reminds us that Jesus gives that same burst of joy to our dark and troubled world. It’s not only that he offers the promise of life in the presence of death, he actually becomes for us the one trustworthy guide to living the abundant life in the present. As we devote ourselves to walking in his Way we discover the amazing peace that comes through the tender mercies of our God. We even feel his presence in those dark times when the unthinkable becomes real and suffering brings tears. No wonder we like to decorate our homes and streets with lights in these dark weeks leading up to Christmas. They’re a powerful reminder that the dawn from on high has broken upon us.

Thought for the Day: My best sunrise ever!

Luke 1:68-75

“the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.” vss. 73-75

Zechariah saw the birth of his son, John, as the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise to Abraham. It was a sign that Israel had not been forgotten, that God was finally acting to bring salvation. While Zechariah couldn’t have known how the rescue would be accomplished, he did know that John’s birth was the beginning of the story and not the end. The new freedom was to be used for service without fear. We know a bit more about that salvation story…it’s a part of our faith legacy. And we too have been called to serve, to live in holiness and righteousness through all of our days. For some people that seems a foreboding proposition…they have the notion that living in holiness means saying goodbye to having a good time. Those who try it discover it calls for discipline. Holiness just doesn’t happen while we’re wandering around. A good first step would be to identify a role model, preferably a joyful saint, and then do what they do. Progress will be slow…behavioral changes always take time…but the results will be gratifying. One day we will discover the joy that comes with selfless serving…and life will be a delight!

Thought for the Day: Who could be my role model in holy living?

Malachi 3:1-4

“he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness.” vs. 3

When the people of Israel returned to Jerusalem after their time of captivity in Babylon they began the hard work of rebuilding the temple…it wasn’t easy and took some time. When the construction was done, one thing remained…they needed uncorrupted priests and Levites to run the place. The prophet prays that the Lord would send a messenger to act as a refiner’s fire and purify those charged with offering sacrifices. It’s a story that has been repeated again and again in the history of God’s people. Just having warm-bodied persons to lead and participate in worship isn’t enough…what the Lord requires is holy hearts and hands. Consequently the Church has been in constant need of purification in every place and in every season. Advent provides the perfect setting for the meditation and repentance that brings holiness in our daily living. We’re reminded of messengers like John the Baptist who came announcing the coming of the kingdom and calling for change. Those with a yearning to live as God intends will use these days to reflect on the purity of their speech and actions…and boldly resolve to always speak the truth and do what is right.

Thought for the Day: What is the purpose of Advent?

Luke 21:29-36

“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth.” vss. 34-35

Jesus was talking about the much anticipated return of the Son of Man, an event eagerly awaited by his followers in the early days of the Church. They longed for an end to the pain and the suffering of those turbulent years and couldn’t wait for that Day to come. But there was still life to be lived! As they waited they continued in their jobs and went about their usual routines…and some began to live carelessly. Luke’s words were intended as a warning…if they weren’t careful that Day could take them by surprise. We tend not to take such warnings seriously. Two thousand years have passed and there has been no sign of the spectacular return pictured in scripture. Careless living has become endemic. So many give their lives over to sensual gratification or senseless accumulation and live as though there is no tomorrow. They imagine that they can delay aging and decrepitude with exercise and diet…and it’s not going to happen! Jesus was right. That Day will come and it will come to all who live on the face of the whole earth. What a blessing it is to be ever vigilant and live each day to its fullest! It is the way to abundant joy!

Thought for the Day: How does one live a vigilant life?

Luke 1:25-28

Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” vs. 28

When Luke wrote his gospel, the destruction of Jerusalem was fresh on his mind. It had been a horrible experience for both Jews and Christians. The Roman armies were brutal and they had completely destroyed the temple and killed thousands of Jewish defenders. For many of the faithful it was as though the end of the world had come and they had no idea what was coming next. The temple had been the center of their worship life for hundreds of years…it was as though their God had deserted them. Jesus had spoken of the future during his lifetime and Luke decided to write what his followers had remembered. Luke’s description matches the events that had just taken place but he directs his readers to consider those horrible times, not as an ending, but as a prelude to a glorious future. They had not been deserted by God! Indeed God had continued to watch over them and keep them safe…and soon their redemption would draw near. The armies of Rome had done their worst but God’s kingdom had survived. In fact long after Rome was destroyed the Church of Christ continued to grow and to prosper. We continue to cling to the promises of God in our uncertain times. We don’t know what calamities lie ahead, but we can be certain that in Christ there is refuge and hope.

Thought for the Day: What disasters are on the horizon in our world?

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

“And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you.” vs. 12

Paul wrote words of encouragement to the new believers in Thessaloniki, urging them to continue in faith and not worry about the future. He included some practical advice about living in Christ and told them that not even death could separate them from the Lord. He has been astounded by the love he saw while living among them and makes that love the central theme of his letter. While he has definite opinions about doctrinal issues he believes that love is the most important attribute of any faith community. And we agree! There is nothing that fills our hearts more completely than the unconditional love and affection we experience in our congregations. Love not only pulls us into a community of faith, love keeps us there. And it’s not just being a part of a tight-knit exclusive religious clique! Paul tells us that the love which defines Christian community is for all people, not just those sitting in the pew with us from one Sunday to the next. Love keeps us looking outward and forces us out of our comfort zones and into the world. It’s the deep caring that Jesus showed in his ministry to the least and the lost. Love drives us to embrace the strangers who show up in worship and welcome them home. A congregation where love abounds is the kingdom of heaven on earth!

Thought for the Day: How is love demonstrated in my community of faith?

1 Thessalonians 3:9-10

“How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you?” Vs. 9

Paul had paused for a time in Thessaloniki on his second missionary journey, proclaimed the gospel, and had promptly been run out of town. Later on he wondered about those who had received his message and sent Timothy back to check on them. When Timothy returned with good news of their faith and love, Paul was overjoyed and promptly sent them a letter of thanksgiving. That letter, written in about 50 A.D. is the oldest book of our New Testament. Paul was so excited to hear that his work had been fruitful. There had been so much persecution and he had been afraid his enemies had been successful in undermining his message. We can understand his joy…it does feel good to know that the faith we love so much has taken root in others. That’s how the church has grown…one generation passing the gospel on to the next. It’s a fragile enterprise…and sometimes we wonder if our faith will have children. There are so many competing influences in the lives of those we love and when we hear that our faith is being embraced by children and grandchildren it gives enormous joy. Somehow it’s a validation of all that we’ve held dear…our witness has not been in vain. The Christ lives on! Thanks be to God!

Thought for the Day: How has my faith influenced others?

Psalm 25:5-10

“Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!” vs. 7

All of us have a backstory! And as we meet new people in the course of our lives we often will fill them in on what has gone before. It’s an important and helpful step in building a relationship. Some parts of that story are easy…we can gladly share where we were born or where we went to school. We can tell about our families and hobbies…that kind of information can often be fun to talk about. But there’s usually a limit to what we say…there’s private stuff in each of our lives that we like to keep to ourselves. There are even some things that not one other person knows about…and we really would prefer to keep it that way. Often we’d like to just forget the painful or humiliating events of our past, even when they’ve been the moments that largely define who we have become. The psalmist had been thinking about such things too. There were words and actions from the days of his youth that continued to make him feel guilty…and, even though he can’t forget them, he prays that God would. And that’s exactly what God does! God remembers our sins no more! This truth continues to be at the core of the gospel. No matter what it is that we’ve done God looks us with deep and profound love. Our record is clean. We may not be able to forget, but God does! Thanks be to God!

Thought for the Day: What parts of my past am I reluctant to share?

Psalm 25:1-5

“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.” vs 4

Most people want to do good! No matter where we go around the globe, no matter what religion people espouse, there is a general desire to do what is right. Even people with no faith at all want to lead decent lives. That’s just the way God has wired us. But it’s not that easy. As all of us know, the circumstances of life present daily challenges and decisions are not clear-cut…often our choices are destructive. And then there are those demons that constantly tempt us to act in our own self-interest or in ways that are hurtful to others…their influences are seductive and treacherous, even for the well-intentioned. No wonder the psalmist pleaded for instruction from the Lord. It isn’t that he didn’t know the rules. The commandments and the law were well-known in his time. But like us he needed more and longed for clear direction in the nuances of daily living. Each day holds countless possibilities for us…each moment brings an opportunity for another choice. We wonder what to say or what to do. And how will our words and actions be received? Will we be a help or a hindrance to those we love? And so we pray, “Lord, teach us your paths. Give us your wisdom.” Will we always then do the right thing? Probably not…but often we will. And in those moments we will give praise and thanks to God!

Thought for the Day: A time when I’ve said or done exactly the right thing!