Rev. Timothy D. Speicher

First Church of the Brethren, Reading PA

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

New International Version (NIV)

“God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.” Genesis 1:31a (NRSV)

  Our created world is good, not “perfect, without flaw.”   It is your

       responsibility and mine to bring our world to completeness and

       fulfillment.  Made in God’s image, we have response-ability!

“So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done...” Genesis 2:3 (NRSV-NIV)

The fullness of life is realized in its cycles.  We all need a break from regular routine to continue life’s journey – daily, weekly and annually.

“but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.” Genesis 2:17 (NRSV)

       When we use our knowledge against others, judging them on our

       understanding of good and evil, we then become dead to the Spirit of

       God.

Jacob “dreamed that there was a ladder set up on earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.” Genesis 28:12 (NRSV)

The pathway of prayer is a two-way street.  Be open to listening to God as well as praying to God in your quiet times.

“Moses’ father-in-law said to him, ‘What you are doing is not good.  You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people with you.  For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.’” Exodus 18:17-18 (NRSV)

       We are challenged to share our burdens before we “burn out.”

       Sometimes it is the last person we want to listen to who helps us

       realize our need to change our methods and delegate our duties.

“When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien.  The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:33-34 (NRSV)

       Sound familiar?   Jesus lifted up this concept from the Torah as part of

       the great commandment to love God.    Now – what don’t we

       understand about the treatment of immigrants?

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (NRSV)

       This familiar “priestly benediction” is found in that part of the Torah

       known mostly for its statistics and reports.   This is a golden nugget in

       the mundane activities of life.

 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…” Deuteronomy 6:5 (NRSV)

       We honor God when we take of ourselves and our bodies!

“You shall love the Lord your God… with all your soul…” Deuteronomy 6:5 (NRSV)

       We honor God’s Spirit when we nurture our own spirit!   Take time to

       care for yourself today.

“You shall love the Lord your God… with all your strength…”                                                                  Deuteronomy 6:5 (NRSV-NIV)

We honor God when we use all our resources appropriately – our time, our talent and our treasure.

“See, I have set before today – life and prosperity, death and adversity.  Choose life so that you and your descendents may live.”

                                           Deuteronomy 30:15, 19b (NRSV)

       Every day we make our choices.    May your decisions be for the life-

       giving, enriching options.

“I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NRSV)

May your mantra be: “There is nothing that will happen today that

God and I cannot handle together.”

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look upon his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” I Samuel 16:7

       You don’t really judge a person by their appearance, do you?   Indeed,

       the moment we hear another speak from the heart, we know them,

       despite their outward appearance.

“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind…able to discern between good and evil.” I Kings 3:9 (NRSV)

Doing good is not always a clear choice.  Seek the wisdom to understand (i.e., discern) your choices in the multitude of life’s options.

“Then the Lord said to Elijah, ‘Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram.’”

                                                           I Kings 19:15 (NRSV)

       The presence of God calls us to face our troubles when we might

       prefer to run and hide.  Only when we return to the wilderness of our

       problems, do we have the opportunity to take action and make a

       positive difference.

“Yours, O Lord, are the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heavens and on the earth is yours; yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.”  I Chronicles 29:11 (NRSV)

       So this is where the added conclusion of “The Lord’s Prayer” comes

       from!  Protestants, “now you know the rest of the story.”

“…the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (NRSV)

       The strength of your spirit is not attained by brute force.  The daily

       disciplines of prayer, reading and reflection are your exercises for

       your endurance.

“If you remain silent at this time…you…will perish.  Who knows? Perhaps you have come…for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14 (NRSV-NIV)

To guarantee that evil will prevail today is for good people to do nothing.  Commit yourself to working for good today.

“…for You are with me…” Psalm 23:4 (NRSV)

The central and most important message in this beloved psalm is the presence of God in ALL our experiences in life.  May this also be the central reality of your faith – knowing the blessing of God’s presence, Emmanuel – God with us, today.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Psalm 23:6 (NRSV)

The reward of faithful living is to be pursued by God’s love and kindness.  May your day be an enriching one today.

“Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5 (NRSV-NIV)

Darkness is always a hard time to endure.  The light of a new day is a refreshing splash of life.

“Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.” Psalm 85:10

The special feeling which marks this season is a picture worth keeping before you everyday.

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful…”   Proverbs 15:13a (NIV)

       “One is only happy in proportion as he makes others feel happy.”

              - Milton S. Hershey

“See! The winter is past… the season of singing has come.” The Song of Solomon 2:11, 12 (NIV)

Rejoice in the cycle of life!  Celebrate the green growth that is sprouting out of winter’s bareness.

“They shall beat swords into plowshares, spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war any more.” Isaiah 2:4

The vision of the prophet is the proclamation of “peace on earth” which the angels sang at the birth of Jesus.

 “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord…” Isaiah 6:1 (NRSV)

Sometimes a beloved or beneficial part of our life has to die before we realize a greater joy or blessed fulfillment of our life’s journey.

“And I said, ‘Woe is me!  I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips.’” Isaiah 6:5a (NRSV)

       May our woes be turned into joys with the help of:

              Words

              Of

              Encouragement

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send?  And I said, Here am I, send me!”  Isaiah 6:8 (NRSV)

Let us not be afraid to step forward and do our part in fulfilling the work of God’s Kingdom.

“Comfort my people says your God.  Every valley shall be lifted up.”

Isaiah 40:1, 4a

Preparing the way of God into your heart is one antidote to being melancholy and down.   May your spirit be raised in your low moments.

“Speak tenderly…and every mountain and hill shall be made low.”

Isaiah 40:2, 4b

Preparing the way of God into your heart helps one deal with life’s obstacles.   May your spirit be empowered to remove hardships without harming others.

“Prepare the way of the Lord.  The uneven ground shall become level and the rough places shall become a plain.”  Isaiah 40:3, 4

A straight highway for God in your life helps you smooth out the

rough places along your journey.   May your days be less “bumpy.”

“Every valley shall be lifted up…” Isaiah 40:4a (NRSV)

Preparing the way of God into your heart is one antidote when you are melancholy and down.   May your spirit be raised up from the low moments in your life.

“…and every mountain and hill be made low…” Isaiah 40:4b (NRSV)

Preparing the way of God into your heart is one resource you can draw upon to deal with life’s obstacles.   May your spirit be empowered to remove obstructions in your life’s journey.

“…the uneven ground shall become level and the rough places shall become a plain.”       Isaiah 40:4cd (NRSV)

Preparing the way of God into your heart is one way you can smooth        out the rough places along you life journey.   May your day be less

“bumpy.”

“Thus says the Lord, Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old.” Isaiah 43:16, 18 (NIV)

       We honor “the good old days” when we live our best today.

“…and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters never fail.”  Isaiah 58:8 (NRSV)

Faithful and effective living is like the lushest garden of flowers and vegetables!   Happy hoeing!

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”  Lamentations 3:22-23 (NRSV)

         One of our most powerful hymns of faith takes its wonderful

       affirmation out of a book which describes a most despairing time.  

       Now this is devotion!

 “And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 (NRSV)

Grant me the courage to change things I can (do justice), accept things I cannot (love mercy), and wisdom to know the difference (walk humbly).

“Wise men came, asking, Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?”   Matthew 2:1-2

The first words attributed to humans in the New Testament were men asking for directions!   Be as wise in keeping true to your goals.

 The wise men came, “asking, Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?”   Matthew 2:2 (NRSV)

The first words in the New Testament attributed to human voices were men asking for directions!   We seek help, too, when we are confused on our life journey.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 (NRSV)

Avoiding conflict does not bring positive change.  Creatively and lovingly facing our challenges results in “making peace.”

“Let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NRSV)

       When we might be ready to only use our God-given gifts in secret, let

       us remember we are called to let them shine!   The attention we get is

       for God, the goodness of life.

“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of…the law, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20 (NRSV-NIV)

       Our laws are the minimum that is required to do good, not the

       maximum.

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48 (NRSV)

God is motivated by love.  When we live our lives out of love, we also become complete (i.e. perfect)

“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others.” Matthew 6:5 (NRSV)

       When we might be tempted to show off our religion and misuse it to

       let people know how religious we are, we best be looking for a closet!

“For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:30 (NRSV)

       There is nothing that will happen today that you and God cannot

       handle together!

“Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.” Matthew 14:19 (NRSV)

       Even Jesus had table manners.  Before “digging in,” he said a prayer

       of blessing and then began to pass the food around so that all were

       served before he began to eat!

“But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Matthew 24:36

The expectation of faith is no reason to stop living today.  True faith is confident that whenever the time comes, you will be found faithful.

“Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”    Matthew 24:42

       Be alert to life’s wonders.  Be actively living with love and hope. 

Do not stand as if elevator doors to heaven will open.

 “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make God’s paths straight.” Mark 1:3

At the very moment of feeling lost, wandering in wilderness, prepare the way for God into your situation.

 “In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.” Mark 1:35 (NIV)

       Even Jesus took time to step away from life’s busy-ness to have some

       quiet moments of solitude and meditation.  Take some time each day

       yourself, in addition to this moment you read the Daily Thought.

“Then he said to them: The Sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27 (NRSV)

A weekly day of rest is part of the Ten Commandments.  It is to be truly a day of rest and renewal, not another day of dashing around in our hectic pursuits.

“As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him.  But Jesus refused, and said to him, ‘Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy God has shown you.” Mark 5:18-19 (NRSV)

       This story reminds us that we are not to be tag-alongs, clinging to the

       apron strings of Jesus.  Your life’s experiences are yours to tell to

       your community.   Your mission field includes “your own backyard.”

 “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:31 (NIV)

       As natural as it is to watch out for yourself, so shall you do for others,

       but don’t just do for others and neglect to take care of yourself.

“…to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:79

What a gift to be such a blessing to others.  May we be led in the ways of peace which give light to those living on the periphery of life.

 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace, goodwill among people!”  Luke 2:14

Let the whole cosmos be filled with a universal wholeness of God’s

love and fulfillment.

“But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.”

Luke 2:19

Memories of good times with loved ones and friends are special elements of life’s meaningful journey.

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 (NIV)

Every day is your opportunity to make good memories!  Appreciate life’s simple and special gifts – even another person’s smile.

“Then turning toward the woman, Jesus said to Simon the Pharisee, ‘Do you see this woman?  I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair.’” Luke 7:44 (NRSV)

       Hospitality is a basic social element of life.   The challenge is to not

       take it for granted or consider it unnecessary.  

“But the Lord answered her: Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things.” Luke 10:41 (NRSV)

Don’t let the little tasks of each day overwhelm your number one priority – a loving life of fulfilling relationships.

“The kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:21 (NIV)

       If God seems far away from you today, ask yourself – Who moved?

“If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace!” Luke 19:42 (NRSV)

Our scattered priorities of life encourage anxiety and worry!  Reflect on the needful things that are truly important for your fulfillment.

“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

God’s presence is never more alive than when we live as if God were one of us.

“So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:22 (NIV)

Tears are okay when we are sad.  Still, we also carry on with life and honor the memory of those for whom we grieve.

“Why do you stand looking up toward heaven?” Acts 1:11 (NRSV)

Sometimes we need to snap out of our staring at the past and pick up the pieces to keep on living for today and tomorrow.

“If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Romans 12:18 (NRSV)

There is a lot we can do individually to control our tempers and seek the best in all our relationships.

“May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus.”  Romans 15:5

       “Peace on Earth” starts with your relationships.  Pay it forward – pass

it on -- do your part in fulfilling the gift of love which God has for all

people.

“Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7

Immanuel, God with us, is never more alive than when we allow

God’s Spirit of love in us to be present to each other.

 “And I will show you a still more excellent way.” I Corinthians 12:31 (NRSV)

Even if we think we know it all, can say it all, do it all and be it all, we are still nothing without love.

“And I will show you a still more excellent way.”   I Corinthians 12:31b (NRSV)

       Of all the spiritual gifts we have to enjoy, the most important gift is

       love.   It is this universal gift by which all our other individual gifts

       are to be guided.

“If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”   I Corinthians 13:1 (NRSV)

       Even when we are confident enough to know what to say at any given

       moment, Love is the monitor of our pride when we might gloat over

       our ability to “say it all.”

“And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge…but do not have love, I am nothing.”   I Corinthians 13:2a (NRSV)

Even if we “know it all,” it is love that enables our knowledge to       become the wisdom of God’s kingdom. 

“And if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”   I Corinthians 13:2b (NRSV)

Even if we “believe it all” and have the greatest confidence and trust, only love gives us the Spirit of God’s kingdom. 

“If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”   I Corinthians 13:3 (NRSV)

       The motivation for service is the value of the soul.  When we only

       share with others or become martyrs for a cause just for our own

       reward of good feelings we end up with nothing.

 “Love is patient; love is kind.” I Corinthians 13:4 (NRSV)

To be calm inside (patient with yourself) in the midst of a busy life enables you to be kind outside (to others).

“Love is not envious…”  I Corinthians 13:4 (NRSV)

       Self Test #1:  I am not jealous when others receive more attention

       than I do.  I do not pout.  I am not threatened by the abilities and

       accomplishments of others.  

“Love is not…boastful…”  I Corinthians 13:4 (NRSV)

       Self Test #2:  I do not need to impress others about my own abilities

       and accomplishments.   I do not hog the conversation, bragging or

       exaggerating the facts about myself.

“Love is not…arrogant…”  I Corinthians 13:4 (NRSV)

       Self Test #3:  I do not hold an inflated view of my own opinion.  I am

       not so proud that I have to be coaxed or pampered to do my part.  I am

       not conceited.

“Love is not…rude.”  I Corinthians 13:5 (NRSV)

       Self Test #4:  I am not nasty or ill-mannered.  I am not cruel or

       sarcastic.  Instead,       I am polite, courteous and gracious to others.

“Love does not insist on its own way.”  I Corinthians 13:5 (NRSV)

       Self Test #5:  I am self-seeking or selfish.  I do not make others fit

       into my mold.  I do not expect others to only follow my interests. 

       I am not possessive of those I love.  I do not insist on my own way.

“Love is not irritable…”  I Corinthians 13:5 (NRSV)

       Self Test #6:  I am not easily angered or cranky.  I do not get

       defensive or super-sensitive.   I am not easily hurt by the slightest

       little thing.  I am not offended by an oversight by others.

“Love is not resentful…”  I Corinthians 13:5 (NRSV)

       Self Test #7:  I do not keep a record of wrongs.  I do not “keep score”

       of my hurts.  I do not have to retaliate or get back at others.   I do not

       gossip about others.

“Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing…”  I Corinthians 13:6 (NRSV)

       Self Test #8:  I do not gloat over other people’s mistakes.  I do not

       delight in other people being proven wrong. I do not take pleasure in

       reminding others of their        faults.  I do not say “I told you so.” 

“Love rejoices in the truth.”  I Corinthians 13:6 (NRSV)

         Self Test #9:  I am glad when right and fairness prevails, no matter

       who gets the credit.  I am happy when honesty and understanding are

       expressed between myself and others.  I try to overcome bad with

       good.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

Our faith from the past and hope for tomorrow revolve around how we live today’s gift – the present – with the most excellent quality – love!

“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law.”                                                                Galatians 6:2 (NRSV)

       Helping others in their times of need is what faithful and effective

       living is all about.  Sharing in the heavy aspects of life, not trying to

       avoid, suppress or ignore feelings, is the gift of family, friendship and

       community.

“And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you determine what is best.” 

                                                                   Philippians 1:9-10

The gift of “love received” is passed on when we are generous with our love in thoughtfully wise ways.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice!”       Philippians 4:4

The joy we share in this special holiday season is an important element of faithful living everyday.

 “Let your gentleness be known to everyone.  The Lord is near.”

                                                                      Philippians 4:5

       Being nice is not to be saved for certain people.  In your excitement

       for the Lord’s arrival, show yourself truly as one of God’s people.

“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6

Prayer is a wonderful friend to keep us focused honestly on our needs while keeping control of our emotions.

 “How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you?”  I Thessalonians 3:9

We keep the spirit of thanksgiving alive as we nurture the excitement

for living in gratitude!  

“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.” I Thessalonians 3:12

       May your holiday season be a celebration of family, friends, and

       serving others.  Treasure the true expressions of God’s love

“See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all.” I Thessalonians 5:15

       This is the call to life in the faithful community of God’s people.

“Rejoice always.”  I Thessalonians 5:16

To nurture the gift of joy bears the blessing of this fruit of the Spirit and guards your soul from becoming overwhelmed with despair.

“Pray continually.” I Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)

Developing the habit of prayer is like regular use of your turn signal.  When you really need it, it will be most readily accessible.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”                                                I Thessalonians 5:18

The greatest gift we can offer the Lord is the attitude of appreciation.  Saying “Thank you,” takes an edge off our preoccupations with life’s struggles.

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times, in all ways.  The Lord be with all of you.”                       II Thessalonians 3:16 (NRSV)

       This is our blessing: “Go now with God, for you cannot go where God

       is not.”

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your

grandmother Lois  and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you.”                                                 II Timothy 1:5 (NRSV)

God doesn’t have any “grandchildren.”   We are all God’s children!   When our faith is alive, it is ours, not our parents’ or our grandparents’.

“All these people will still living by faith when they died.  They did not receive the things promised; they only… welcomed them from a distance.” Hebrews 11:13 (NIV)

It is well to remember, in this age of instant gratification, that the most meaningful things in life are found in life-long journey.

“Be patient until the coming of the Lord.  The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.”   James 5:7

What a wonderful example of faith in this agricultural story!  Like

children waiting for Christmas to open presents, so are believers to

trust God’s timing.

“For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil.” I Peter 3:17 (NRSV)

God doesn’t plan bad things to happen to good people.  When we face hardships, may we be pursuing what is good, not what causes harm.

“Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found…at peace…and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.” 

                                                          2 Peter 3:14, 15a

This time called Advent includes the theme of patience before Christmas.  May you have the grace of peaceful patience throughout this holiday season.

 “We are writing these things so that our/your joy may be complete.”

                                                           I John 1:4 (NRSV)

Sharing the special things of life with others is the best way to promote the good feelings that help us all endure the daily grind!

 “We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.”

                                                            I John 1:4 (NRSV)

       When we share the meaningful and exciting parts of our lives,

       everyone is fulfilled.

“God is light.” “I am the light of the world.” “You are the light of the world.”                         I John 1:5; John 8:12; Matthew 5:14 (NRSV)

       Made in God’s image, we are partners with Jesus.   Let’s shine!

“Perfect love casts out fear.” I John 4:18 (NRSV)

The opposite of love is fear, not hate.  Hatred expresses fear and misunderstanding.  An attitude of love helps to resolve problems, and reduce antagonism.

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