Psalm 145:10-13

“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.” vs. 3

The psalmist was aware of the kingdom of God, and knew that it would persist forever. It’s also likely that he was aware that the Lord’s dominion was unlike anything humans could put together or even imagine. When Jesus came away from his baptism, burning with the fire of the Spirit, his mission was to give flesh and form to that already existing realm. “The kingdom of God is at hand,” he announced, “open your eyes and see the Lord’s gracious presence.” Put simply, that’s the same message that the faithful have always had for our wandering world. “Open your eyes and see what is already at your fingertips. Open your hearts and embrace the love!” It’s when we learn to be fully present in the moment, when we say to God, “Here, I am,” that we can begin to realize that here is where God is. And that Presence is never going to go away! As the psalmist says, it will endure through all generations. It’s astounding that some can live through most of their lives with absolutely no sense of that Divine Presence. No wonder peace eludes so many! And what a blessing it is when eyes are finally opened and we can see what the Lord is doing in us, through us, and around us.

Thought for the Day: What does it mean to “live in the moment”?

2 Kings 4:42-44

“A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing food from the first fruits to the man of God: twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. Elisha said, ‘Give it to the people and let them eat.’” vs. 42

This little story from the life of Elisha that was passed on in the Hebrew scriptures reminds us of the feeding of the 5000, a story from the ministry of Jesus that was included in each of the gospels. They’re the kind of stories that make us wonder. How is it possible that a few loaves could be multiplied to feed so many? And it is an astounding miracle! But it’s really more than that! Here in concrete terms we are reminded that it is the responsibility of the people of God to care for those who are hungry. Elisha could have simply received the food and used it for himself and his household, but instead he says, “Give the first fruits offering to the people and let them eat.” Over the last decades it has become commonplace in our congregations to take up offerings for the hungry on a regular basis, and it’s doubtful there is any more pleasing way for us to use the gifts of the people. Even though the creation is good and the earth is able to produce more than enough food for all, for one reason or another, millions are going hungry. Thank God for those who have a passion for getting food to the places where it is needed the most!

Thought for the Day: How do I channel my offerings for the hungry?

Mark 6:53-56

“When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.” vss. 54-55

Mark reports that wherever Jesus went he was besieged by crowds of people, who were not so much concerned about the kingdom of God, as they were the prospect of healing, either for themselves or for their loved ones. And that’s still the way it is! No matter who we are, we care deeply about sickness and healing. All of us have long prayer lists, and the majority of those who get on the lists are afflicted with some disease, and we pray fervently for their healing and well-being. It’s more important than wealth or riches! Indeed many would gladly sacrifice their wealth if it meant that a loved one could get better. It’s doubtful that all those who were touched by Jesus remained free from their disease. Illness hangs on and is incredibly resilient to even our modern treatments and cures. Sometimes when we think it’s gone, it can suddenly return with a vengeance. But still we keep praying and bringing names to Jesus. We continue laying on our hands and hoping for a miracle–because that’s what we do in the community of faith. We hang together, bringing our deepest hopes and fears to our Lord. We are addicted to life–and believers never give up!

Thought for the Day: Why do I keep praying for the sick?

Mark 6:30-34

“As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.” vs. 34

The disciples had been busy with their mission and when they returned, Jesus invited them to go with him to a deserted place where they could get some rest. The problem is that they went by boat, and on the Sea of Galilee everyone could see exactly where they were headed. So all the people who had been so excited about their ministry set off by land and arrived at about the same time. Jesus’ reaction is telling. He doesn’t get angry or try to send them away–he saw them for what they were, sheep without a shepherd, and he had compassion on them. That’s how it always was for Jesus. When he saw people who were hurting, no matter who they were, his heart went out to them, and brought a healing touch and life-giving teachings. There are many congregations who do all they can to continue that spirit refreshing ministry of Jesus. Their first words to the weak and heavy laden are laden with warmth and acceptance. They provide food for the hungry, rest for the weary, and good news of new life for everyone. They are a welcome contrast to those churches who pride themselves on their harsh and judgmental critique of the vulnerable and broken. Their message of condemnation isn’t anything close to that of Jesus!

Thought for the Day: Why do some believers become so mean-spirited?

Ephesians 2:14-22

“In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.”

Vss. 21-22

Paul tells his readers that both Gentiles and Jews make up the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ himself as the cornerstone. More than that, this structure is growing into a holy temple, the dwelling place of the Eternal God on earth. So rather than competing with one another for holiness trophies, the call of all believers is to grow together spiritually into the tangible presence of God. Think of it! In Christ, we are the ever-evolving, ever-loving evidence of God’s existence! Now that could be, and often is, just a bunch of pious sounding words, but it can also be a description of our life-time mission and purpose. Called and nurtured by the Holy Spirit, large numbers of people are involving themselves in sacrificial loving and service on behalf of the hurting and the helpless. It really is a wonderful way to live. There’s no thought of retirement from God’s service–it’s the sort of work we can do until the day we draw our last breaths. And all who have encountered us in life will have been touched by the kiss of God’s lips! What a way to go!

Thought for the Day: What are my daily mission tasks?

Ephesians 2:11-13

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” vs. 13

Paul wanted the Gentiles to know that the old game was over. The sacrificial love of Jesus had transcended all the game playing that religious people love to engage in. There would no longer be circumcised and uncircumcised or insiders and outsiders.  All would be one–all would be winners! It’s still hard for people to put aside those old notions of winners and losers when it comes to faith. Even though we should have known better, theologians and church leaders have wasted enormous time and energy choosing up sides and making up new rules for believers. We shut down communion tables, refused to pray with each other, and condemned losers to hell, all because we thought life was a game, and only winners got to go to heaven. How good it is when we finally begin to realize that we are all on the same team, and that we have an infinite purpose in this world. We don’t have to score more runs, rack up more souls for Jesus, or even get more members for our churches. We are called to love the unlovable, welcome outsiders, bring healing to the broken, share our bread with the hungry, and bring joy to the hearts of all we encounter. Our planet is facing enormous challenges, but if we can learn to play together well, we will make a difference.

Thought for the Day: What happens when we stop playing games?

Psalm 123

“Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt. Our soul has had more than its fill of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud.” vss. 3-4

When we are children we discover that we live in a hierarchical system, and it isn’t long before we figure out our place in that hierarchy. It probably starts in the family and then gets solidified in school experiences, but by the time we’re adults we generally have a good idea of where we stand. We’re always hoping that we can advance in the pecking order of our group, but sometimes we don’t find our place until we’ve been knocked down a peg or two. It’s hard to live in that sort of system, especially if we believe, rightly or wrongly, that we’re among the bottom dwellers. Our psalmist was definitely praying from that perspective–and he was tired of the scorn and the contempt he felt at the hands of the wealthy and proud. While we might identify with the psalmist’s feeling and prayer, this should never be the experience of those who are in a community of faith that is based on the teachings of Jesus. No one of us deserves more honor than any other, and blessed are those congregations where society’s misfits are lifted up and given their due respect and honor. 

Thought for the Day: Where am I in the social hierarchy of my community?

Jeremiah 23:3-6

“In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’” vs. 6

It’s unlikely that Jeremiah was thinking of anyone other than a new king as he preached to the Israelites, but he did have a definite idea about what this king should be like. It would be someone from the house of David, a righteous ruler who would restore glory to the land. And he even gives this new shepherd a name: “The Lord is our righteousness.” And it’s in that name that we see Jeremiah’s great insight. Whether he knew it or not, that suggested name directs us beyond politics or royal families to the real source of hope for humanity. We get so caught up in looking to candidates or parties as the key to restoration and renewal that we forget that the real power in the universe is the Unseen Mystery who is the Lord of all Life and the Source of all Love. There’s no reason for any of our congregations or pastors to get all caught up in the political charades that dominate the daily news cycle and that vie for our attention. We have been called to be the hands and feet of God in our world, and that will be our calling no matter who wins the upcoming elections. We are the Body of Christ!

Thought for the Day: What difference do elections make?

Jeremiah 23:1-2

“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord.” vs. 1

As far as Jeremiah was concerned those called to be shepherds over Israel had failed dismally in their responsibilities. Instead of caring for the sheep of the Lord’s pasture they had instead destroyed and scattered them, and by the time Jeremiah’s ministry was winding down, the largest portion of God’s people were living in exile. And it was the kings who were culpable! Their thirst for power and wealth had done them in–new leaders would have to be raised up for Israel, and Jeremiah assured the people that God would not let them down. New shepherds would come and this time they would be different. As we look back to what actually happened after the time of Jeremiah, we’d be hard-pressed to identify just who those good shepherds might have been, at least that’s the case if we’re talking about human leaders. So often that’s the way it is with those who aspire to be kings or dictators or presidents. There’s just something about political power that breeds corruption. Again and again leaders, however they rise to the top, prove inadequate at everything except self-aggrandizement and self-enrichment. They may start out with good intentions and make wonderful promises, but before long there’s an erosion of values, and the flock is destroyed and scattered. Blessed are those who have met the Good Shepherd and have heard him call their name.

Thought for the Day: Why do people need leaders anyway?

Mark 6:21-29

“Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her.” vss. 25-26

According to Mark, Herod was fascinated by John and likely knew him to be a man of integrity, someone who spoke the truth no matter what the circumstances. Yet when crunch time came, Herod chose expediency over all else. He foolishly kept a silly oath to a dancer who pleased him, and killed a prophet of God! Of course Herod wasn’t the first politician to sacrifice integrity to curry favor with a beautiful woman and he certainly wasn’t the last. Power has enormous corrupting influence and even decent folks who enter the political fray can surprise us with their willing acceptance of lying as an accepted form of behavior. When confronted with their lies some simply shrug their shoulders and say, “That’s just how politics is.” And what’s even more disturbing is that so many adopt a pious veneer to obscure their underhandedness. So is it possible to ever trust those who become political leaders? Of course! Politicians are no different than we are! We’re all broken and in need of healing. And when political leaders repent and receive healing forgiveness, their deeds of power can turn into amazing acts of service!

Thought for the Day: Who are some political leaders with integrity?