DECEMBER 2016 Scripture Meditations

12.1.16       Daniel 12:3 MSG

‘Men and women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies. And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever.

          I find it a God-Moment that the scriptures for the past two days have been about God-Light, stars, and letting our light shine.  Annika’s confirmation present arrived in the mail the day before with her sermonette on finding the LIGHT, and her poster illustrating the light.  It has only served to reinforce the message!  And stars are always fun to draw!

          I designed the prayer image a little differently today, but in coloring the words seemed to stand out more than usual! 

God…help me to shine your light in our world of darkness.  Amen.   

12.2.16       Psalm 35:23 GNT
 Rouse yourself, O Lord, and defend me;
    rise up, my God, and plead my cause.

          Poor David!  He constantly sang his songs of lament and pleas for help!  But the good news is that David KNEW where his help came from – from the ONE God.  Does God defend us today?  Probably in more subtle ways that we can ever imagine.  We don’t need to rouse God however, we more likely need to rouse our recognition of God at work! 

Thank you, God, for your behind-the-scenes action as my defender.  Amen.  

12.3.16       Colossians 1:13 GNT

He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son..

          Rescued.  Saved from the dark.  Safe in the arms of Jesus.  Once, and over and over again.  Everytime we need it and everytime we perhaps don’t deserve it.  There is a baptism song with the lines, “we are rescued, we are saved…”  There is a Christmas card I remember from years ago with the lines ‘Out of Darkness Into Light’.  Throw me the life-saver, God, and hopefully I’ll be wise enough to grab on! 

Thank you, God, for my rescue through Christ.  Amen.   

12.4.16       Matthew 5:14 MSG

You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.

     

     I have been waiting eagerly all week for today’s passage, because I love Eugene Peterson’s translation for this passage: God-colors!  It brings to mind my love of color, tie-dye, tolerance for diversity, rainbows, and beauty all into one!  God-Colors isn’t just God-Light, it is God in ALL God’s many forms and beings.  It reminds us that to ‘shine with the light’ doesn’t have to be just one form or way, but by using our individual gifts and creativity. 

Let my light shine, Lord, with the hues you have gifted to me.  Amen. 

12.5.16       Ephesians 5:4 Voice 

Don’t swear or spurt nonsense. Don’t make harsh jokes or clown around. Make proper use of your words, and offer them thankfully in praise.  (Make Thanksgiving your dialect.  MSG)

          “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”  But words CAN and DO hurt.  Often we don’t even realize the pain of our words, especially those tossed casually or thoughtlessly without regard.  Our sarcasm, our ‘just kidding’ or jokes, our gossip – all can be sources of pain.  I like the way The Message ends the passage:  Make Thanksgiving your dialect.  Is my dialect one that builds others up rather than down?

Guard my lips, O God, and let praise and encouragement flow freely.  Amen.  

12.6.16       John 8:12 MSG

Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness.

          “I am the Light of the World” Jesus said.  There is no darkness if we keep our focus on that Light.  But notice….it is light for the WORLD.  Not just one part of the world, not just for the good people or the successful people.  The Light is available for ALL!  To have the light simply means turning to face the light and following. 

God of Light…Thank you for your presence.  Amen. 

12.7.16       1 Peter 2:9 Voice

But you are a chosen people, set aside to be a royal order of priests, a holy nation, God’s own; so that you may proclaim the wondrous acts of the One who called you out of inky darkness into shimmering light.

          This is a passage of scripture that was part of the ‘Holy’ Lenten series!  I remember the ‘called to be a holy nation’.  But why are we chosen? To PROCLAIM!  To share the good news of a world in light rather than dark.  And this verse gets really descriptive with INKY darkness and SHIMMERING light.  Shimmering light implies light that is active and moving.  Proclaiming and serving are actions of our faith, results of our Life in the Light. 

God of Light…you call us to action in spreading light to the dark corners. Amen.  

12.8.16       Psalm 112:4  GNT

Light shines in the darkness for good people,
    for those who are merciful, kind, and just.

         I like to think that the Light shines and is available for those who struggle or don’t believe, for those who aren’t just or merciful or ‘good’.  But some allow their sins to cover up the Light, they allow their lack of faith to smother the Light.  Hence, they live in the darkness.  Goodness, or acts of mercy and kindness, brings in the Light. The important point is that the Light is available and waiting for ALL.

God of Light…may each act of kindness brighten the light of your love. Amen.   

12.9.16       John 3:20-21 MSG/GNT

 God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. They do not want their evil deeds to be shown up.

          People ran from the light.  They didn’t want their sins exposed.  For the light does reveal things that can hide in the dark.  But the light also brings love and joy, and that is worth the pain of having our unworthiness shown.  Do I run?  Do I allow the dark to cover up my pain?  Or am I living in the light.

God of Light….Help me to live in the light openly.  Amen. 

12.10.16     2 Corinthians 6:14 GNT

Do not try to work together as equals with unbelievers, for it cannot be done. How can right and wrong be partners? How can light and darkness live together?

          At first glance, my impression of this passage is…WAIT!  Jesus mingled with the sinners all the time.  But there is a difference between walking among-serving-helping and partnering.  The key word here is equals.  It is difficult for a marriage to truly work when both partners don’t have similar goals and beliefs. Can it be done?  Perhaps with plenty of God-Intervention!  But Paul is warning the Corinthians about establishing equal relationships with non-believers. 

          However, I look at the last line – How can light and darkness live together? – It sounds so poetic.  Yet, tomorrow’s verse reputes it! The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.  God-Light is stronger and more powerful than the darkness! 

          Saturday morning and I’m rambling. The light of the snow has been falling, covering up the drab and brown vestiges of fall.  It is beautiful outside and the sidewalks are calling to me! 

God of Light…May I partner with your Light and Love.  Amen.  

12.11.16     John 1:5 GNT

 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.

          There is light in the darkness.  Jesus.  You. Me.  We all hold the Light of God’s Love.  We all have a responsibility to shine, to share that light.  No matter how dark the circumstances, no matter how dismal or threatening the situation – God’s Light can and will prevail….but only if we all do our part and let our flame burn.  Today the kids are singing ‘This Little Light of Mine I’m Gonna Let It Shine’.  The song is old, but the message holds firm. 

God of Light….I’m gonna let it shine.  Amen.  

12.12.16     Psalm 69:18 MSG

Come close, God; get me out of here.
Rescue me from this deathtrap.

          Once again, the ‘come closer, God' request.  God is closer than we think!(to quote the title of John Ortberg’s book!) We are the ones with the problem!  Perhaps the psalmist should have written, ‘Help me acknowledge your presence, God, because then I might not be in this mess!’   OR ‘God, I haven’t been listening to you very well, but I’m listening now!  Help!’  That means the focus is on OUR lack of acknowledgment to God.  It just might make the difference. 

Help me to come close to your abiding Love, O God.  Amen.  

12.13.16     Deuteronomy 24:19 Voice

When you’re harvesting your field, if you forget a sheaf, don’t go back out into the field to get it. Let the foreigners, orphans, and widows take it.

          We don’t NEED everything last thing we have been given.  We have been blessed abundantly so we can GIVE abundantly.  Hoarders end up very unhappy people, very self-centered people.  I am enjoying immensely our sense of retirement because we ARE blessed, and can give however we wish – both in terms of time and money.  And perhaps, we don’t need to leave just the ‘gleanings’ of the field to the less fortunate.  Perhaps, it can be our best as well, because in so doing, we are giving our BEST to God. 

God of abundant gifts, when I harvest my fields of blessings, may I generously return a portion in your name.  Amen.  

12.14.16     Psalm 69:30 GNT

I will praise God with a song;
    I will proclaim his greatness by giving him thanks.

          Praise God with song!  Perhaps I can practice tonight with Sabine and Katya for Sunday….in song!!  Hallelujah!  Otherwise, it shall be a snowy song day! 

May my voice always erupt in a song of praise to you, O God.  Amen. 

12.15.16     Hebrews 2:17 Voice

He had to become as human as His sisters and brothers so that when the time came, He could become a merciful and faithful high priest of God, called to reconcile a sinful people.

          God became human.  He came to us in a form we could recognize and to which we could relate.  He became one of us with feelings, hurts and pains, joys and sorrows.  God in Jesus remained human right up through the crucifixion, suffering and dying.  For us.  For you and for me.  Because of this, how can we ever say that God is distant and far away? 

          My niece just had a baby.  When I think of little Danielle, I see innocence and vulnerability.  That’s how God came to us – as a tiny, needful baby.  Wow. 

God of all creation….thank you for appearing in a way we could all understand.  Amen.  

12.16.16     Hebrew 2:18 Voice

Since He has also been tested by suffering, He can help us when we are tested.

          Jesus understands suffering.  Suffering as a human feels suffering.  Somehow, knowing this and knowing how the story all plays out makes our complaints and trials a little less major.  If we use Jesus as our guide, our comfort, we can endure just about anything.  Testing can be painful, but ultimately we usually grow in faith and in our relationship with God through it. 

          I am thinking of all my friends with cancer at this moment.  Cancer brings sufferings.  Cancer tests us.  But how people respond to that testing is somewhat different based on their relationship with the Lord.  I find those friends that lean on God happier and more content (if that can be used with cancer?) than those who are fighting the disease and God.  What part do I have in serving as God’s hands and feet in relieving the suffering of others?

Keep my faith strong and my focus on you, God, when trials come my way.  Amen.

12.17.16     Psalm 69:5-6 GNT

My sins, O God, are not hidden from you;
    you know how foolish I have been.

          Nothing is hidden from God.  Nothing.  We think we can hide, but we can not.  God knows our faults, but God celebrates our blessings.  God knows us inside and out, probably better than we know ourselves.  God knows what is best for us when we do not.  Might God be disappointed sometimes with our foolish decisions? Absolutely, but that doesn’t mean God loves us any less. 

I bare my soul to you, O God, knowing nothing is hidden.  Amen.  

12.18.16     Galatians 1:3-4 Voice

May the grace and peace of God the Father and the Lord Jesus the Anointed live in you;

          Live in you.  This is the only translation of the three I check that used this phrase.  The rest blessed us, but this version demands action on our part as well.  If something is alive in us, results should happen, our actions should reveal that life.  This scripture is part of Peter’s introduction to the people of Galatia.

Indwelling God, may my daily thoughts and deeds reveal your presence alive in me.  Amen.   

12.19.16     Galatians 4:4-5 GNT

But when the right time finally came, God sent his own Son. He came as the son of a human mother and lived under the Jewish Law, to redeem those who were under the Law, so that we might become God's children.

          I think of my sons.  Would I be willing, if God, to sacrifice one of them for the sake of my creation?  Would I send Jed to a foreign planet, knowing he would be killed, if it would redeem that world?  Would I sacrifice Luke to a non-receptive land to disrupt and preach love?  What about all the moms and dads that send their sons and daughters off to war?  I love my boys.  Not sure I could do it.

Granted, our relationships here on earth are on a very human level, but that’s the level to which God came in order than we could understand.  That’s the very personal way God came – as one of us. So we might become children of God as well. 

Thank you, God, for the incredible gift of Jesus. Amen.   

12.20.16     Matthew 2:6 MSG

It’s you, Bethlehem, in Judah’s land,
    no longer bringing up the rear.
From you will come the leader
    who will shepherd-rule my people, my Israel.”

          Bethlehem.  A sleepy little town on the outskirts of Jerusalem.  Jesus.  An illegitimate baby born to insignificant parents – outsiders.  Refugees seeking shelter.  The Bible can go on and on listing the times that God has chosen the lowly to do God’s work.  When we dismiss those we perceive to be ‘below us’, are we missing the chance to see God in them?  Yes. 

          As for ourselves, when we think we aren’t ‘smart enough, good enough, humble enough, rich enough’ or whatever else ‘enough’, we can think twice.  That isn’t how God tends to work.  He will seek those without enough and provide.  That tiny baby did ok.  The little town of Bethlehem did ok as well.  And so can we. 

From the lowly, God, you build your Kingdom of Heaven.  Amen. 

12.21.16      Romans 15:12 GNT

And again, Isaiah says,
“A descendant of Jesse will appear;
    he will come to rule the Gentiles,
    and they will put their hope in him.”

          When I read all the scripture of prophecy in the Old Testament, it affirms two things: 1. God has a plan; a very old and long range plan; and  2. God works on a very expansive time frame; much different from the seconds and minutes of human time.   For God to decree throughout the prophets that a son of Jesse would come to rule hundreds of years later, God must have already known that the people would falter, they would NEED such an appearance as Christ.  And God knew how and when he would execute such plan.  Perhaps God time takes so long because God is working through ordinary, flawed people.  We don’t always react and respond the way God hopes.  How often does God have to resort to Plan B, or Plan C??  Makes you wonder! 

Knowing you act in the greatest of love, God, we delight to watch your plans unfold.  Amen.  

12.22.16      1 Timothy 6:18 GNT

Command them [the wealthy] to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share with others.

          Those who have must share generous with those who do not.  I like the phrase to be rich in good works, to be rich in kindness, to be rich in generosity.  One of the blessings of abundance is the ability to share.  Good thoughts around this Season of Sharing, a season of giving gifts.  Are we giving to just others with abundance also, or are we sharing with those who can really use the help?

God of blessings….may we be rich in our generosity.  Amen.   

12.23.16      John 1:1  Voice

Before time itself was measured, the Voice was speaking.  The Voice was and is God. 

          This Gospel begins, not with the birth of Jesus, but the beginning of time, the Creation story, the stirrings of God in our midst.  Most Bible versions translate this as ‘the Word’.  I found the description at the beginning of this chapter from the VOICE translation very interesting:

John’s use of logos is unique and has often been rendered as “Word.” While this is a useful translation, even a casual understanding demonstrates that “Word” reflects only part of its meaning. Most readers will interpret “word” as a unit of language—a combination of sounds generally spoken but also written—that carries meaning. To understand what John means, readers need something more than their cultural understanding of “word”; they need a new way of thinking about it. This is why we have chosen to offer another rendering, an interpretive, poetic translation, of what may be one of the most theologically loaded words in Scripture.

Since logos essentially refers to the act of speaking or bringing thoughts to expression, we have decided to use the word “voice” to capture that reality. John declares that truth has culminated in the person of Jesus. No single word captures the complete meaning of logos, but “voice” has a number of advantages. 

First, “voice” manifests the act of speaking. Voice is that which is spoken and that which is heard; it comes on both sides of any communication event, bridging the gap between sender and receiver. John intends that in Jesus God is speaking and revealing Himself to the world. 

Second, a voice is distinct and personal. We can distinguish people from one another simply by their voices. In John 10 Jesus describes the fact that the sheep hear the voice of the shepherd when he calls and they follow, but they refuse to follow a stranger because they do not know his voice (John 10:1-5). John desires that we know Jesus as the Son of God and believe in Him personally as the Good Shepherd.

     Third, “voice” is dynamic in that it reflects the robust and powerful activity of a living God. It is historical in that any act of speaking comes to expression and takes place in the real world as a “voice” calling, demanding a response. It challenges any notion that the Christian faith can be reduced to rules, propositions, or doctrines that can be merely believed or dismissed and not lived out in our lives. Since in Jesus God is speaking and revealing Himself to the world, and since in Jesus we hear the Voice of God, then this new reality changes everything so we, too, must change.  (The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.)

God, may we listen for and respond to your VOICE.  Amen.  

12.24.16      John 3:16 GNT

For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.

     

     This must be the most quoted verse of New Testament scripture, perhaps all scripture.  It is the essence of the Bible:  God loves.  God loves us deeply and completely.  Everything God does is for the sake of love.  How, in this Christmas season of love and sharing, can we reflect that same love for each other?  A love without barriers, restrictions, or parameters.  Boundless, unconditional love.  God love. 

May our gratitude be as boundless as your love, O God.  Amen.  

12.25.16      John 1:14 MSG

The Word became flesh and blood,
    and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
    the one-of-a-kind glory,
    like Father, like Son glory.

          God has moved into the neighborhood.  God next door, one with us, one in us.  God-Glory working with us, taking out the trash with us, living and breathing.  Merry Christmas! 

Thank you, God, for coming to us in such a real manner.  Amen.  

12.26.16      John 3:17 MSG

God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.

          God wants us to live in relationship with God.  God loves us and while love disciplines, love ultimately simply wants to love.  Love wants what is best and full and complete.  And there we are – wrapped in a love that desperately wants the wrongs righted, sins forgiven, and justice and equality to rule.  No finger pointing, simply justice. 

Teach us, O God, how to make things right in our troubled world.  Use us.  Amen.  

12.27.16      2 Corinthians 9:10 MSG

 [God] gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.

          God gives so we can give.  Our giving enriches our lives beyond measure in ways we don’t always realize at the time.  We can give of our material wealth, but we can also give of our time and our talents.  We can give prayers and praise.  We can give away with the confidence and trust that God will continue to provide. (This is the hard part…that trusting part!)  What might I give away today?

May I give abundantly, God, with the trust that you will provide.  Amen.  

12.28.16      Romans 16:25, 27 GNT

Let us give glory to God!  …. To the only God, who alone is all-wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever! Amen.

          Glory to God!  Glory through Jesus Christ!  May we NEVER forget from where our blessings come.  May we remember to give thanks and praise where due.  God works in such mysterious and inconceivable ways….all we can do is give glory in amazement and wonder. 

All praise and glory to the God of all creation!  Amen.

12.29.16      James 3:16 MSG

Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.

          My first thought when I read this scripture was that it sounds like what happened to the USA during the recent elections.  Everyone at each other’s throat, trying to glorify or nullify shortcomings to look better than the other.  In actuality, neither was a great choice.  But the nation has spoken and we can only hope that the good in people will pull together rather than tear apart. 

God of unity and love, may we build one another up in compassion and service.  Amen.  

12.30.16      Isaiah 42:9 (GNT and Voice)

 Look here, what’s done is done and gone.
        The now is new, and there’s hope in the not-yet.
    I will tell you what’s to come, even before the events are brand-new.

     

     The now is new and there’s hope.  What a great thought to begin each day.  What’s done is done and gone, we begin again with hope and assurance that God is with us and at work in and through us.  The now is new.  There is a great deal of optimism in that short phrase.  Perhaps I need to take this attitude with our new government!  I shall continue to pray for our new leadership, not with the ‘praying for my enemies’ concept, but with the ‘now is new’ and HOPE!!  Good thoughts to end the year! 

God of Hope…. May we greet each day with a fresh sense of anticipation.  Amen.  

12.31.16      Revelation 1:8 Voice

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the very beginning and the very end, the One who is, the One who was, and the One who is coming: the All Powerful.

          Tonight is the Omega of 2016 with the Alpha of 2017 arriving at midnight.  The end of one year and the beginning of the next.  Yet we have no such repeating Alpha and Omega with God’s time.  God IS.  Beginning, Ending, and In-Between.  God WAS, IS, and WILL BE.  No doubts about it.  The only real question is for us as humanity:  Do we honor, respect, and acknowledge the God present and at work in our world?  Do we have a relationship with our God? 

          It is a time for new resolutions and changes perhaps in how we live our lives.  Where does God fit into those resolutions? 

Alpha-Omega God,…May I begin and end each day of the new year in conversation with you.  Amen. 

NOVEMBER 2016 SCRIPTURE MEDITATIONS

11.1.16        Exodus 20:2-3 Voice

 I am the Eternal your God…. You are not to serve any other gods before Me.

Well, of course, I serve no other Gods….or do I?  What about the god of time, the god of selfishness, the god of materialism?  How often do I recognize and serve those gods??  How often do I do MY will instead of God’s? 

Today is All Saints Day or El Dia de Los Muertos, the Spanish Day of the Dead.  It is a day to remember and honor our ancestors, family and friends, that have passed on before us.  A day to remember with traditions.  We celebrated All Saints Day last Sunday.  I brought pippernutters to coffee hour in remembrance of my dad.  I can honor my father in my service to ONE God while pushing all those non-gods off the plate.

Eternal God…may I serve ONLY you.  Amen.  

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What smell are you grateful for today?

The smell of cardamom.  In celebration of All Saints Day at church I made pippernutters in honor of my father.  The Danish treat is a stable of holiday tradition in our family, passed on from my dad’s Scandanavian heritage.  

11.2.16     
1 John 1:9 MSG

 If we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.

          Confession is a prelude to forgiveness.  But if we don’t acknowledge, it is hard to amend. We can’t confession that which we don’t admit to, specifically.  That is the hardest part of my daily efforts this year.  I have a space for confession, my ‘spanks’ (part of the Thanks-Planks-Spanks), but it is often blank.  I have trouble coming up with individual actions in which I was wrong.  Generalities abound, times of pride or materialism, selfishness or hurtful words.  Times we perhaps hurt groups of people.  But if we can confess to those moments of individual wrong, then we can also ask forgiveness of those we have wronged.  Such action can improve relationships – both with one another AND with God.

          The cleansing part of this verse is God’s ability to wipe clean our sins, time and again. 

Redeeming God…may my confessions open my heart to the wholeness of relationships built on loving forgiveness.  Amen.  

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What technology are you grateful for?  Cell phones, social media, and the ability to connect with family and friends in ways unheard of in the past.  

11.3.16        Luke 11:10 Voice

All who keep asking will receive, all who keep seeking will find, and doors will open to those who keep knocking.

          Ask. Seek. Open. Find. We can’t find unless we ask, unless we open the door.  But part of God’s secret is in giving us what we NEED, not necessarily that for which we ask. 

          I am reusing a scribble from 3 weeks ago based on this Luke scripture.  Today was a 500+ mile travel day, so little time to draw!  We were blessed today with clear skies, a beautiful sunrise AND sunset, and smooth travels! 

God of openings…may I have the courage to ask, to seek, and to open the door to your love and presence.  Amen.  

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What color are you grateful for?

The color turquoise.  It reminds me of ocean waters, clear skies, cleansing, and sacred stones.  It is a color of nature, a Creation Color. 

11.4.16        Deuteronomy 8:18 MSG

Remember that God, your God, gave you the strength to produce all this wealth so as to confirm the covenant that he promised to your ancestors—as it is today.

          November is the season of gratitude and thanksgiving.  I have added a daily prompt from a Gratitude Calendar for the month.  We can express our gratitude to one another, but ultimately, all thanks belongs to God and God alone.  God is the source of all our wealth and blessings; blessings that include material wealth, but also the wealth of friends, family, and relationships.  We can say thanks and then ask, what are doing with our riches in accordance to God’s desires? 

Lord… May I use the richness of your blessings to serve others in love.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What food are you grateful for?  Fruits and vegetables!  Dark Chocolate!  More food than I should! 

11.5.16        Acts 15:35 Voice

Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, where they teamed with many others to teach and preach the message of the Lord.

Today a local confirmed the middle peak in the 'gap' is Heaven's Peak.
Sunset is from Thursday night! 

          Teamed.  That is the key word I pulled out of this scripture passage.  When we team together, we can accomplish so much more than working alone.  When we team up, we can exchange ideas, we can encourage one another, we can do so much more.  Habitat forces us to team together to build a house.  We team up with local volunteers, homeowners, skilled contractors, and community donors to provide decent, affordable housing.  I like working with a team.  I like what we can do.

God of us all… Help us to work together as a team to do your will.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT:  What sound are you grateful for?  The sound of genuine laughter; of people enjoying one another; of the ability to see the humor in situations and events.   

11.6.16        James 1:12 GNT

Happy are those who remain faithful under trials, because when they succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love him.

          We tend to think of trials as something bad, some sin we are being punished for, but sometimes trials and difficult times come because God is using them to mold us into a better person, to work through us in ways we just can’t see or understand.  And if we can keep the faith, trying to see God’s hand at work despite the pain or inconvenience, if we can remain thankful and rejoice in God, we can not only endure, but serve through it all. 
          When Genia wrote of her exchanges with others during her stays in the hospital, I couldn’t help but think that God is working through her.  And that knowledge, that smile, that laughter, strengthens ALL of us to face what God has in mind for us.  Genia WILL receive her reward, for she has indeed remained faithful. 

Had to draw today's prayers from the Gratitude Prompt!  

Incomprehensible God… Help us to keep the faith through the difficult times, knowing you are at work in and through us.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What in nature are you grateful for?  A tough question to answer, but I expect there are three things in nature that thrill me most.  First, sunrise and sunset – the spectacular flow of color across the sky, the transparency and transitory nature.  Second, snowy mountain peaks set against a deep blue sky.  Third, wildflowers.  I love coming upon wildflower meadows carpeted in a rainbow of colors.  I love the minute nature of alpine wildflowers growing against all odds.  

11.7.16        Titus 2:13 Voice

Watch for His return; expect the blessed hope we all will share when our great God and Savior, Jesus the Anointed, appears again.

Two hidden references in today's picture:  the tie-dye heart necklace I
received Saturday from a young Habitat recipient and acorns and oak
leaves in 'memory' of my father.  (It was a game we played!)

          I’m not one who spends a great deal of time reflecting on the Second Coming of Christ.  I think God is more concerned with what we are doing right now, here on earth, to further His kingdom.  So the ‘watch for His return’ might not trigger much, but to live with hope rings true for me.  So much in our world is cause for despair.  Hope is what we need to live by, expecting the best, and doing our part to make that best happen. 

God of hope… May we live in expectation and joy, doing our part to bring about your Kingdom.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What memory are you grateful for? 

As I look at my computer, I see tomorrow’s scripture which reads the ‘memory of one who lived with integrity brings joy…’  which makes me look back at my father.  He was a man of integrity and his memory continues to come back to me at regular intervals.

11.8.16        Proverbs 10:7 Voice

The memory of one who lived with integrity brings joy,
    but the legacy of a wrongdoer will rot away.

          Nothing like a good proverb to state the obvious!  But those who act with malice are forgotten, while those who live a life of value and service are remembered far beyond their accomplishments.  One of the questions Pastor Katy often asks older people is ‘For what do you wish to be remembered?’  It is a good question.  What would I want said about me at my memorial service?  What memory would I like people to have?  What am I doing to earn that memory?  

God… Help me live a life that brings a smile to the face of those who remember me.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What book are you grateful for? 

I suppose the Bible would be the obvious, expected answer.  But I would also list a tiny volume of my father’s, Altars Under the Sky, as a book I treasure.  This collection of scripture, poetry, and prose celebrating God in Creation brings back memories of backpacking trips during my youth, quality time with my father, and experiences in the wild that I carry with me always.  

11.9.16        Job 37:5 GNT

At God's command amazing things happen,
    wonderful things that we can't understand.

          I am not getting around to writing my thoughts until evening and today has been a day of emotional highs and lows.  When I read the words AMAZING and WONDERFUL in this scripture, I have difficulty equating it to our lows early today.  An AMAZING and WONDERFUL young life is ended and our group is grieving.  The dedication celebration scheduled for this afternoon was postponed – probably until after we are gone.  Homeowners families were stunned.  Perhaps the line ‘we can’t understand’ rings true.

          And yet, at the end of the day, a surprise visit that brought us a joy to equal our grief.  Our adoptive niece and her boyfriend, roadtripping down from Fairbanks to LA, found us at the job site!  They did some heavy duty sleuthing to find us, and were ecstatic with their AMAZING success!  So were we!  As we were done for the day (and with the dedication postponed) we were able to take them out for an early dinner meal before sending them on their way toward Yellowstone.  They will drive late tonight, but I doubt they will get that far!  A WONDERFUL thing that only God can command! 

God…we cannot understand, but we know you are in control.  Amen.
 

GRATITUDE PROMPT:  What place are you most grateful for? Home.  Wherever home may be for that time and place.  Home is usually where my family is, a place seeped in memories and relationships.  Home is secure and safe.  Home is being loved and treasured.   

11.10.16      Isaiah 44:3 GNT

“I will give water to the thirsty land
    and make streams flow on the dry ground.
I will pour out my spirit on your children
    and my blessing on your descendants.”

          Our Habitat group needed the life giving waters of God’s spirit today.  Rick and I predominantly worked with the Americorp kids and we made great progress on the painting, plus taking down ALL the scaffolding. But the cloud of Katy's death hangs over the whole group.  A pastor from one of the local churches came during lunch, along with Habitat staff and homeowners, to lead the group in an impromptu service for Katy.  Blessings for a parched land.  Living water. 

Thank you, God, for the living waters that cleanse our parched souls.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What taste are you grateful for?  It doesn’t really “taste”, but nothing satisfies more than a glass of cold, pure water when thirsty.  I wrote this BEFORE I realized what today’s scripture was – but it sure seems to be appropriate!  Water to a thirsty land – that is a taste to treasure! 

11.11.16      2 Corinthians 2:14b Voice

…Through us He spreads the beautiful fragrance of His knowledge to every corner of the earth.

          The key words here are the first two – THROUGH US.  God could do this alone, for God is capable of untold miracles.  But God doesn’t.  He uses us.  Through US he spreads his word and will.  We have a job to do!  God is counting on our action.

          I have been numb to draw this week, but finally this morning decided I needed to at least fill in a labyrinth prayer.    

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What holiday are you grateful for? Christmas is so seeped in family and tradition that I would still have to say it is my favorite holiday.  As a family we have tried to concentrate more on gifts of time, gifts on behalf of others, a simplicity of celebration that focuses on the birth of Christ. 

11.12.16      Romans 8:37 Voice

But no matter what comes, we will always taste victory through Him who loved us.

          A travel day.  We left Kalispell early in a thick fog.  Nothing inspirational of a vibrant sunrise to send us on our way….just the hope that the fog would lift as we left the lake valley.  And it did. 

          Important phrase?  No matter what comes, through Christ we can be victorious.  Good words to remember in the wake of a contentious election and surrounding the doubts of our newly elected leader. 

Lord, may we lean on your love….no matter what comes.  Amen. 

  

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What texture are you grateful for?  Fuzzy. Soft. Cuddly. 

11.13.16      2 Timothy 1:3 MSG

Every time I say your name in prayer—which is practically all the time—I thank God for you…

          Every time I write Genia’s name in prayer….which is every day…I thank God for her spirit, her courage, and her inspiration. And I will continue to write her name…every day.  I will continue to write MANY names, knowing that God is hearing my unique offerings, that God is in control.  We may not understand, but we believe, we have faith in God. 

          But more than simply pray, I need to act on those prayers.  What can I do to ease the situation, to comfort, to support?  What can I DO to be a ray of sunshine in a dark place?   
Lord, ... help me not only thank, but act on my thanks.  Amen.  

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What abilities are you grateful for? 

I thank God for a creative mind, for the ability to see possibilities and ideas in a wild assortment of places.  I am grateful to be able to put some of these ideas into shape and form.  

11.14.16      2 Thessalonians 1:3 MSG

We thank God for you….Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. 

          Thank God.  Love God.  Love each other.  Nuf said.

Thank you, God, for your love. May we share it always.  Amen.

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What sight are you grateful for TODAY?  Abundance of friends as we walked into Barleys….the three couples we were meeting, but also other friends we encountered. 

11.15.16      Romans 15:1 MSG

Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status.

          I really like the second half of this verse.  We are given abundance, physical health, stamina – not to vacation endlessly or recreate always – but to serve others.  That’s a responsibility that goes along with the blessing.  Not always convenient, not always easy or clean, but ALWAYS necessary. 

God, may I use my gifts to serve with a humble heart.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What season are you grateful for? I enjoy living where I can experience ALL four seasons of the year, each with their own beauty and gifts.  Spring is a time of rebirth and newness; summer abundance; fall colors and a reminder of the transitory nature of life; winter a season of silence and reflection, purity of winter snows.

11.16.16      Philippians 1:20 GNT

 My deep desire and hope is that I shall never fail in my duty, but that at all times, and especially right now, I shall be full of courage, so that with my whole being I shall bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.

    

      Full of courage, to bring honor to Christ.  What a challenge.  It is so easy to fall back into what is convenient, simple, not risky.  Something clean that relieves our guilt of not doing ‘something’! 

          What is my ‘especially right now’ to which I need to attend?  Who is hurting?  What action can I take?  How can I put my ‘gotta do right now so it is really important’ aside and focus on what God is asking me to do? 

Lord of love… Help me put aside my fears and have the courage to act in your name.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What about your body are you most grateful?  My senses – sight and hearing, smell and touch – that allow me to delight in the beauty of God’s creation in multiple ways.  

11.17.16      2 Timothy 1:12 MSG

 I couldn’t be more sure of my ground—the One I’ve trusted in can take care of what he’s trusted me to do right to the end.

          Playing catchup.  Rick and I left early this morning to drive to Bandon for a Thanksgiving stay with my mom on the Oregon coast.  All this driving, all this back and forth here and there – I have to just trust that God knows the big picture.  God will take care of us in all our efforts everywhere. No prayer picture today.  :(

Thank you, God, for your constant presence.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What knowledge are you grateful for?  Knowledge?  I can’t answer this in terms of facts and figures – they are so readily available in a Google search.  I guess the knowledge I would be thankful for is the wisdom of trusting God, the knowledge of God’s presence and care. 

11.18.16      Psalm 97:12 GNT

Remember what the holy God has done and give thanks to him!

          This seems like a great scripture for next Thursday on Thanksgiving!  It is good to remember and be grateful!  The other night I couldn’t sleep, so I tried the old ABC prayers, only this time instead of going through a list of intercessory prayers, I began to craft a series of ABC blessings – things to be thankful FOR!  I will base today’s picture on such, but this will be a list to continue and add to each day between now and Thanksgiving!  (Actually, today’s picture has ONE blessing and ONE intercessory prayer for each letter of the alphabet!)

God of blessings…. We give you thanks for ALL your holy gifts.  Amen. 

         

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What piece of art are you grateful for?   I’m not sure I can even begin to narrow the list down to ONE piece of art!  So many masterpieces of multiple mediums – sculpture and painting.  I guess to reflect recently I would say I am grateful for the recycled sculptures of Washed Ashore.  Through their mission to take beach garbage and turn it into art, they are cleaning the beaches AND educating the public about our oceans and the environment.  

11.19.16      Psalm 68:3 MSG

When the righteous see God in action
    they’ll laugh, they’ll sing,
        they’ll laugh and sing for joy.

          “When we see God in action…” – we have to be LOOKING for God!  And then yes, it is a cause for celebration!  If we look, we will find, because God is at work in the tiniest of details and moments in our lives.  Sarah finding us in Kalispell – that was God in action.  The youth’s impromptu filling of the pulpit was God at work.  A chance encounter with an former PYG – not a coincidence.  Finding God in the little stuff brings joy to our day and laughter to our hearts. 

God…remind us to seek, for we will rejoice when we find!  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What touch are you grateful for TODAY?  The touch of loved ones.  The gentle caress that says, ‘I’m here for you.  I care about you.’  Each touch is like a soft reminder of God as well.  

11.20.16      2 Corinthians 5:21 MSG

 God put the wrong on him [Christ] who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God.

          The Hebrew people called it the sacrificial lamb.  Bring an offering to God as a sacrifice in repentence, seeking God’s forgiveness.  God made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us – his only Son.  Once, for all.  In our current culture, we sometimes interpret this as Once, for me.  Not people who disagree with me or believe differently.  Not people who look darker or lighter or who talk ‘funny’. Once, for ALL.  That’s the message.  

          So….what does it look like to be ‘put right with God’?  The forgiveness and grace is there, but we must accept it and acknowledge it.  We must seek the relationship that bestows the overflowing love that comes out of such acceptance.  So often we open the door a tiny crack and say thanks for a little forgiveness, but we fail to fling wide the door of grace and REALLY LIVE. 

God of Grace….May I open wide the door to a right relationship with you.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: Who in your life are you grateful for? My parents and Rick.  When I taught school, I saw what can easily happen when parents are disengaged from their children, when values are not taught, and expectations are low.  My parents were a gift from God. Rick popped into my life when I wondered if I would ever meet someone, would ever date much.  Rick was a gift from God. 

RAINBOW RIVERS, WATERS OF LIFE. 

          Yesterday we were blessed with a myriad of rainbows stretching across the sky.  Double rainbows. Escape artist rainbows that appear, then disappear, then appear again. Rainbows ending in the rocks.  Rainbows dipping into the ocean.  Last night, thunder rolled and lightning flashed.  The rain pelted against the windows of Mom’s house.  This morning, the Bible Study class discussed Revelation and the River of Life, the river of abundance and plenty, the leaves for the healing of the nations.  When I walked the beach today, I saw sunshine and white clouds in one direction, black stormy skies and rainfall in another.  I walked with a light rain on my back and rays of sun on my face.  I watched the water of the seas surge to the sand and end in a frothy foam that danced in the wind with a tenuous hold on the shore before cutting loose and skipping across the sand in tiny snowballs of bubbles.  I witnessed a family, huddled together and silent, as they released a loved one to the sea, the high tide carrying the ashes into the cleansing waters of new life. It was a holy moment.   Rainbows Rivers – We are blessed over and over by the Living Waters of God.  

11.21.16      Psalm 90:14 GNT

Fill us each morning with your constant love,
    so that we may sing and be glad all our life.

          Fill us up, God, with your blessings and love for another day.  Kinda like taking a cup of God-coffee!  And our response?  Joyful and grateful praise!  The sun is rising, the sky is tinged with pink, and a new day is open wide before me.  What will I do with it?  In what way can I be a part of God’s love? 

Fill me, God, with your unending and abundant love.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What song are you most grateful for?  I’ve seen this prompt coming and I’m still working on it!  Some favorite hymns?  How Great Thou Art and Sweet Hour of Prayer.  I love Unchained Melody and Edelweis (Sound of Music).  The song Desperado has special meaning for Rick and me.  So many good songs from so many different venues!  

11.22.16      Romans 16:27 MSG

 All our praise is focused through Jesus on this incomparably wise God! Yes!

       

   Walking on the beach seems to produce praise without any prompting.  (My goodness, that phrase sounds like I am back to my ABC Writes and the letter P!)  But when the breeze blows in my face, I hear the waves crashing and the piercing cries of the seagulls, the sunshine (or rainshine!), reflections of the clouds on the sand….all of it brings a song to my lips and gratitude to my heart.  It is a stormy morning as I gaze out over the western waters, but there is a faint glow of pink on the ocean horizon, telling me that in the east the sun is rising.  A new day to glorify God, Son, and Spirit!  Amen! 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What story are you grateful for? Family stories, childhood tales (Dr. Suess!), nature stories….most of all, perhaps?  The story of God’s son.  The story of ultimate love.  

11.23.16      1 Thessalonians 5:16

Be cheerful no matter what. (MSG)  Celebrate always. (Voice)  Be joyful always. (GNT)

          This is one of my favorite verses – so much so that I have written 3 different translations.  Cheerful!  Celebrate! Joy!  Find the good in everything!  Seek the positive.  My mom was bemoaning her lack of energy the other day, complaining that she sleeps so much.  I said to her, “Just make sure you do something fun, something positive, every day!  Don’t worry if you sleep the rest of the time!”  Our attitude controls so much of our perceptions.  We can handle the difficulties of life much more if we can meet them face on with a smile. 

God of all,  may I come to you with a smile on my face and joy in my heart.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What tradition are you grateful for?  Since it is Thanksgiving time, the tradition I am most grateful for at the moment is the gathering of families for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The opportunity to renew relationships and bonds.  

11.24.16      Psalm 69:30 GNT

I will praise God with a song;
  

  I will proclaim his greatness by giving him thanks.

I will simply add to my abundant thanks with notes and comments from last nights Thanksgiving service message, based on the nine lepers who did NOT return to give thanks! 

• Where are the other nine? Am I one of them?  Were they ungrateful? Probably not, but they did not express their gratitude.
• Do we say thanks only when convenient, easy, or on the ‘day’ set aside for such?
• Gratitude is an incubator of faith.
• If you don’t exercise gratitude, your spiritual muscles atrophy.
• Believing something is rightfully yours is a good way to sabotage your gratitude.
• SNARES to gratitude: Apathy, Complacency, Entitlement (ACE)

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What challenge are you grateful for? Habitat for Humanity work has provided a great challenge and a chance to learn new skills while helping others. 

11.25.16      1 Samuel 12:24 GNT

Obey the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. Remember the great things God has done for you.

In this season of giving thanks… it is important to also reflect on the great things God has done in our lives; to look back over the year and thank God for innumerable blessings. We should think back over the years to stop and ponder the incredible gifts we have been granted – both personal and communal.  In hindsight we realize how truly active God has been in both the big events and the small.  Remember…and serve. 

God…May my remembrance encourage my faithful service.  Amen.   

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What skill or talent do you have that you are grateful for? I am grateful for my musical skills, my artistic skills, and my organizational skills.  

11.26.16      Colossians 4:2 MSG

Stay alert.  Keep your eyes wide open in gratitude.

          I just love this passage for the visual image of EYES WIDE OPEN.  But what does it mean to have eyes open in gratitude?  I think it means LOOKING for what God is giving us, recognizing God’s gifts, and then openly thanking God. It means seeing God at work and saying, ‘Thank you, God!!’   It means acting on our thanks.  My niece Jen posted a quote yesterday on Facebook  that conveys this well:  “Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them is the true measure of our thanksgiving.”  Are my eyes open?

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What friend/family member are you grateful for?  Just one?  I am grateful for Rick who sticks by me despite my flaws.  I am grateful to have spent Thanksgiving (or any major holiday) with my two sons, who drove a combined 20 hours to BE here in Bandon.  I am grateful for my Mom who daily shows how to live humbly and in faith.  I am grateful to my siblings who are all pitching in to keep Mom happy.  And the list could go on and on….

11.28.16      Psalm 34:18

If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; (MSG)  The Lord is near to those who are discouraged. (GNT)

          When life goes south, it isn’t because God has deserted us.  When we pass through difficult times, if we open our hearts past our own self-pity, we will find God is right beside us, in comfort and care.  But often we blame our troubles on God, we go the ‘if only God…’ route.

          We are hitting the road AGAIN today, only this time with Mom to take her back to Baker City for the holidays.  Praying for a smooth trip, and if things get rough, God in the backseat of the car as well!! 

God…May I feel your presence when the going gets tough.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What form of expression are you most grateful for?  Graphic images….the ability to illustrate, to make designs, to express myself in artistic visual ways.

11.29.16      Romans 15:4 Voice

You see, everything written in the days of old was recorded to give us instructions for living.

    

      Some people say the Bible is outdated, that there is nothing to be gained from it.  And there is some truth in taking single verses literally and without regard for the context and culture of the times.  But the advice and lessons to be found within those pages are definitely still applicable for today, over two thousand years later.  The words written will still ring true in another two thousand years, for they are basic tenets of building community and relationships, for getting along with one another, for putting our faith and trust in God. 

God…may I continue to learn from lessons found in your Word.  Amen. 

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What small item used daily are you grateful for? Laptop.  Smart phone.  Felt pens.  Pencils.  Erasers. 

11.30.16      Philippians 2:15 MSG & Voice

Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night…Shine like stars across the land.

          ‘This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine….’  So many stories and songs about Christ-Light, the Light of the World, the light in the darkness.  And in all, our mission is to carry that light, to shine with the light, to bring light to the people in shadows. 

          This translation makes me look up at the night sky and see the stars.  Each star illuminates a bit of the vast darkness of the universe.  As we venture further into space, we find more darkness, but also many more stars.  We can say the world today is dark, there is so much evil present.  But if we look, really look, we will see ‘points of light’ throughout – good people shining like stars. 

          At last Sundays Bible study, reference was made to the Bright Morning Star of Revelation.  I googled it to get more of a background.  Christ is the Bright Morning Star, the Venus of the early dawn, that signifies the greater LIGHT of the sun is about to shine.  Christ is announcing, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is near!’

God of light…may I shine like the stars in the dark shadows of my world.

GRATITUDE PROMPT: What small thing that happened today are you grateful for? Home.  I am grateful for my physical house, my emotional roots among family and friends in Baker City.  I guess this isn’t a small thing, but having been gone from HOME so much over the past 6 months, to face a SOLID MONTH to be home brings so much pleasure. And...related to HOME and the above SHINING STARS and SMALL things, I am grateful for Christmas Lights!  It was so exciting when Rick went out to flip the switch and all the white lights surrounding the house came on!  Stars of light!