2 Corinthians 5:14-17

“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” vs. 17

One of the reasons for Paul’s confidence was his belief that Jesus’ resurrection was also his resurrection. His future life in the Lord was his present reality. He already had received what would one day be his. In fact, he says that’s the way it is for all who are in Christ. We are a new creation–everything has become new. That conviction has huge implications for the way we regard our fellow pilgrims on the journey. Believe it or not, we are Christ to them and they are Christ to us, and Christ’s love binds us to one another for better or for worse. We don’t serve an invisible God abiding in the remote reaches of heavenly glory. Our God is as visible as our Christ-filled next door neighbor and as close to us as that friendly usher at church. In fact, everywhere we turn as we live in Christ, we encounter the Christ who lived in the flesh in Nazareth. And together we are God’s fresh start, a new creation that is poised to transform the world. And we are making a difference! In us the broken find healing and the lonely experience love. In us people are getting a taste of the new life that can never be taken away and that will persist for us all into eternity!

Thought for the Day: What does all this mean for daily living?

2 Corinthians 5:6-10

“So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord—for we walk by faith, not by sight.” vss. 6-7

Paul told the people in the Corinth house church that when he died he would be at home with the Lord. He’s not alone in expressing that sentiment. In fact there are many among us who believe the same thing. Like Paul they have lived in their bodies for a lifetime, and some are quite comfortable with that life. They enjoy it and would prefer that it would last forever. Of course we know that this isn’t possible–there will be an ending to our life in the flesh. Now some people, those who believe only what they see, tell us that beyond this life, there is nothing. They say, “When you are dead, you’re dead, and that’s it!” But those who are in Christ Jesus disagree. Like Paul, because they live by faith and not by sight, they are confident that life in Christ continues, and one day they will have a new home. That type of confidence is amazing, and because it doesn’t depend on sight, it sustains us through every kind of trial and tribulation. Now it’s true that through most of our years we don’t give much thought to what might be coming next. But when our bodies falter, and we lose a step or two, what a blessing it is when confidence comes to visit…and stays.

Thought for the Day: What’s my confidence level?

Psalm 92:11-15

“The righteous flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon… In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap…” vss. 12, 14

This psalmist had seen first hand that the righteous flourish in the community of faith. Their obedience and reverence for the Lord brought encouragement to all the believers. In their presence good works were obvious and they never stopped growing, but more than that, and this is what really astounded him, in old age they still produced fruit! In fact, they were always green and full of sap! We still see folks like that hanging around in the house of the Lord–they’re like ageless wonders. Because there is no mandatory retirement in the church, they can keep on serving as long as they are able. They might not move as quickly, but their minds are clear and they’re certainly full of sap! What a blessing it is when men and women hang around our congregations after their children are grown and gone off to other places. Too often when kids finish confirmation, their parents disappear too! But really, that’s just when most of us are coming into our prime. And often we have more than seven decades left to use in the Lord’s service! Week after week we are able to serve and love in the name of Jesus. There is an abundance of things to do! And if we’re full of sap, that’s all the better! 

Thought for the Day: What does it mean to be “full of sap?”

Psalm 92:1-4

“For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.” vs. 4

The word “glad” breathes happiness and pleasure. It’s a word we use when we have nothing but good feelings in our hearts and life is full. Sometimes gladness comes on behalf of others, those moments when a friend shares news with us that has them smiling, and we let them know how happy we are for them. At other times we wake up in the morning and there’s just something about the day that’s special, the way the sun peeks through the cracks of the bedroom curtain, or the cooing of doves in the cool moments before the blast of heat that hits just before 10 in the Arizona desert. It’s absolutely wonderful when gladness visits and goodness and mercy poke their heads in to say “hello”. The psalmist believed that his gladness had come from the Lord’s work, and it’s hard for us to disagree. Even when our minds are worn down by the cares of the world we can’t help but see signs of God’s grace in the wonder of creation. This place in the universe where we make our home is nothing short of spectacular, and the way all things are bound together in an intricate web of perfection makes us sing for joy. Wow, how great it is to be alive in this place at this time! It’s the best that could ever be–and it can’t help but make us glad!

Thought for the Day: What makes me glad?

Ezekiel 17:22-24

“Thus says the Lord God: I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of a cedar; I will set it out. I will break off a tender one from the topmost of its young twigs; I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain.” vs. 22

Ezekiel knew the sorry saga of Babylon’s siege of Jerusalem. He was familiar with the king’s futile attempt to make a treaty with Egypt. He’d likely been part of that long march into captivity, and now had been called to bring the word of the Lord to the exiled Jewish community. In these verses the prophet acknowledges that the nation had been destroyed but that God still had a plan for the people. Their salvation would not come through foreign treaties but by direct restoration through the Lord God. A twig from a cedar will be planted on a high and lofty mountain and it will blossom and flourish. God’s plan would not be subverted by human folly! This and similar metaphors have sustained the faithful through countless regime changes and nationalistic catastrophes through the centuries. We’ve been hearing the voices of doom for many decades now. There are many who fear that cherished institutions are on the verge of destruction. Some even wonder if our own country can survive the pressures of fragmenting forces. Ezekiel promises that when human efforts fail, the Lord will bring restoration and that’s a word of grace to hang on to in every age. The future is not all up to us!

Thought for the Day: What institutions are being threatened?

Mark 3:31-35

“And looking at those who sat around him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.’” vss. 34-35

Humans are communal creatures. While there are some persons who prefer to live in isolation, their numbers are few. Most folks love their connections with others and suffer from loneliness when separated. Birth provides us with our first experience of community and it’s a huge blessing when family can provide reliable relationships that can last for a lifetime. But sometimes, too often in fact, families are plagued by estrangements on multiple levels–divorce, alienation, addictions can all work to undermine the unity and security that we crave. We learn from the gospel of Mark that Jesus too, at least at the beginning of his ministry, had issues with his mother and brothers. In response to his family’s concerns, Jesus told his disciples that they were his family, that they were his brother and sister and mother. Many in our time know exactly what he was talking about. It’s not unusual to discover that our closest confidantes and companions are to be found in our faith community. These are the ones we can count on in moments of suffering. These are the people who bring the connections that feed our souls. Oh, we still have our birth families, and there’ll always be some degree of closeness there, but it’s the folks at church who become family when crunch time comes.

Thought for the Day: Who is my family?

Mark 3:20-30

“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” vss. 24-25

Abraham Lincoln quoted this verse when he launched his campaign in 1858 as the Republican candidate for the United States Senate from Illinois. These words opened his speech and were a direct reference to the impending division of the United States that had been triggered by a massive controversy over slavery. Some read these verses today with a sense of chill. There is currently a deep division in our country surrounding the political rhetoric that has come to dominate conversations not only on the national level but even within our congregations. Some are even saying that another civil war is on the horizon, with some sadly even looking forward to the prospect. While there is no single issue driving the controversy, the divisions are real and devastating. Jesus knew what could happen when such conflicts continued to fester, and warned his listeners of the consequences. His words contain a timeless truth, and it is the special responsibility of his followers in these times to put aside the pointless and malicious accusations and assertions that threaten the unity of our country. We have much more serious things to worry about than this intolerable wrangling being sparked by small-minded and slanderous politicians of every shape and kind. Some masquerade as Christians, but their words are evidence of their treasonous hearts!

Thought for the Day: Why are we so angry?

2 Corinthians 4:17-5:1

“…we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.” vs. 18

In recent years, some scientists, after generations of observations and calculations, have concluded that there is more to reality than meets the eye. While that notion may seem strange to secularists, it’s no surprise to people of faith, and was very familiar to the apostle Paul. Everything that he counted as important in his life could not be seen by human eyes. For generations believers have clung to this basic truth: beyond and within all the “stuff” of the universe, God is! And more than that, every creature of land, sky, and sea, including humans, is more than what we see. Everything that exists contains the essence of the Creator; all is sacred! What a difference this makes in our approach to self and to others as we live, love, and work in this world. No longer will we be able to discount and marginalize those who are different. No longer will we be able to carelessly ravage the environment. No longer will we thoughtlessly disparage people with contrary political beliefs. Since we too are the dwelling place of God and the temple of the Holy Spirit we will take care of our minds and bodies. That which was made in the image of the Divine has intrinsic holiness and deserves our daily love and attention. And if we look really closely we will even catch a glimpse of God!

Thought for the Day: Where do I most often glimpse God?

2 Corinthians 4:13-16

“So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.” vs. 16

Even as the apostle Paul grew older and became more aware of his physical limitations he never once told the Corinthians that he was staying away from carbs, counting his steps, or going to the gym for strength training. But he does tell them that his inner nature was being renewed day by day. There’s wisdom in his words that we could learn to take to heart. We live in a time when there is almost an obsession with the aging process and what it does to our bodies. There are even some who say that the physical decline that comes with the passing years can be reversed! The truth is that no matter how well we eat or exercise, our bodies are not going to last forever. This doesn’t mean that we should be careless about our eating or exercising. Those things do make a difference and can add quality to our golden years. But how much better it is to focus on renewing our spirits with regular prayer, contemplation, and worship. That way, even when our bodies fail us, we can live with joy and peace in our hearts, and as we draw our final breaths, we will be content. We will have lived well, and besides, with Paul, we know that the best is yet to come!

Thought for the Day: Am I living well?

2 Corinthians 4:13-16

“So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.” vs. 16

Even as the apostle Paul grew older and became more aware of his physical limitations he never once told the Corinthians that he was staying away from carbs, counting his steps, or going to the gym for strength training. But he does tell them that his inner nature was being renewed day by day. There’s wisdom in his words that we could learn to take to heart. We live in a time when there is almost an obsession with the aging process and what it does to our bodies. There are even some who say that the physical decline that comes with the passing years can be reversed! The truth is that no matter how well we eat or exercise, our bodies are not going to last forever. This doesn’t mean that we should be careless about our eating or exercising. Those things do make a difference and can add quality to our golden years. But how much better it is to focus on renewing our spirits with regular prayer, contemplation, and worship. That way, even when our bodies fail us, we can live with joy and peace in our hearts, and as we draw our final breaths, we will be content. We will have lived well, and besides, with Paul, we know that the best is yet to come!

Thought for the Day: Am I living well?