Monday meditations are brief, practical reflections on a scripture. They’re meant to help you start your week on a thoughtful, positive note.
MONDAY MEDITATION: What Makes Us Human? (September 18)
“I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.” — John 13:34-35 I just watched a fascinating documentary on Netflix titled, “Unknown: Cave of Bones” (you can watch the trailer here). Archaeologists explore…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Wake-Up Calls (September 11)
“But what goes out of the mouth comes from the heart. And that’s what contaminates a person in God’s sight.” — Matthew 15:18 Have you ever said something that revealed, unintentionally, what was in your heart? I will confess that one time, decades ago, I told a gay joke among fellow pastors. It was a joke…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Jail Time (September 4)
Most of the brothers and sisters have had more confidence through the Lord to speak the word boldly and bravely because of my jail time. — Philippians 1:14 The older we get, the easier it becomes to have self-pity. Bad things happen and we respond with the eternal, “Why me?” Paul, though, had a different…
MONDAY MEDITATION: If Only He Had Asked Questions (August 28)
Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” When they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. — Genesis 4:8 The famous story of Cain being upset that his offering wasn’t accepted by God but his brother’s was sets the tone for the strife we see throughout…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: “Just Keep Trusting” (August 21)
But Jesus overheard their report and said to the synagogue leader, “Don’t be afraid; just keep trusting.” — Mark 5:36 If you read Mark 5:21-43, you get a clear picture of both Jesus’ compassion as well as faith. The synagogue leader had come to Jesus asking him to heal his daughter. However, word came that…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: The Changing Jesus (August 14)
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples didn’t realize it was Jesus. — John 21:4 One of the strange things about the Resurrection is why people who knew Jesus didn’t recognize him. There was something different about him. I’ve come to realize, though, that the problem might have been that…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: The Discipline of Gratitude (August 7)
Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 We’d all be happier people if we could “give thanks in every situation.” When Paul wrote this, he had a lot not to give thanks for. He was rejected by society because of his beliefs. He had a…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Sheer Awe (July 31)
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from heaven! Praise God on the heights! — Psalm 146:1 Psalms 145-150 close the Bible’s songbook on a high note. They are pure praise. One of the underlying foundations for that praise is a reflection on just how awe-inspiring God is because of the awe-inspiring creation all around us.…
MONDAY MEDITATION: “We” Not “Me” (July 24)
Jesus died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with him. So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already. — 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 I ran across a story that helps keep our priorities aligned with those of Jesus. Remember the old…
MONDAY MEDITATION: The Best Hearing (July 17)
Lord, listen closely to me and answer me, because I am poor and in need. (Psalm 86:1) Listen closely to my prayer, Lord; pay close attention to the sound of my requests for mercy. (Psalm 86:6) When our children were babies, I was astounded at my wife’s acute hearing. Deep into the night she could…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: You’ll See Him When You Love Him (July 10)
Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabbouni.” (John 20:16) The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” (John 21:7) John’s Gospel is dotted with weird, mysterious details. Here’s one that we see in the Resurrection. Mary Magdalene lingers at the empty tomb on Easter morning,…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: A Surprising Up-Side (July 3)
Happy are you when people insult you and harass you and speak all kinds of bad and false things about you, all because of me. — Matthew 5:11 Throughout my years in pastoral ministry, I never cared for the occasional time when I received one of “those” emails, letters, or phone calls. Someone was upset…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Why Did She Stay? (June 26)
Those who heard him went away, one by one, beginning with the elders. Finally, only Jesus and the woman were left in the middle of the crowd. — John 8:9 One of the ways to let the Bible speak is simply to be curious and ask questions about the things you read. It opens up…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: How To Pick Your Politician (June 19)
The Lord God proclaims: Enough, princes of Israel! Turn aside from violence and oppression. Establish justice and righteousness. — Ezekiel 45:15 When Ezekiel prophesied these words, his country had been obliterated by the Babylonians. He looked past the destruction and saw a vision of a redeemed nation. There would be sacred space in the middle…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Entering the Picture (June 12)
“Happy are people who show mercy, because they will receive mercy.” — Matthew 5:7 Whenever I turn on my laptop, a beautiful nature scene greets me. It can be from any place around the world, such as a waterfall in Africa or a medieval castle in Ireland. Whatever the setting, it elicits my inner voice:…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: When the World Seems Crazy (June 5)
Look at the birds in the sky. — Matthew 6:26a This was one of those days when someone should have said, “Don’t read today’s headlines.” Those days, unfortunately, seem to be coming around more often. Another mass shooting. Dire predictions about the economy. Racist acts of violence. Missiles in Ukraine. And you know additional headlines that…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Change Is Better Than Perfection (May 29)
God saw everything he had made: it was supremely good. — Genesis 1:31a The first creation story simply ends with God calling everything supremely good. I used to read it from the perspective of the second creation story, with Adam/Eve/The Fall. It’s like things were perfect, then we messed it up. That’s not right. It…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Original Sin? (May 15)
What are human beings that you think about them; what are human beings that you pay attention to them?You’ve made them only slightly less than divine, crowning them with glory and grandeur. — Psalm 8:4-5 The “original sin” idea is found in the mythic tale of Adam and Eve disobeying God and eating the forbidden fruit.…
MONDAY MEDITATION: A Sure Sign of Grace (May 8)
But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. — Romans 5:8 (NRSV) Have you ever had the moment when you look back on something you said or did earlier in life and asked yourself, “What was I thinking?” Unfortunately, I can think of several instances. There were careless words and actions of…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Kindness–Your Super Power (May 1)
You know about Jesus of Nazareth, whom God anointed with the Holy Spirit and endowed with power. Jesus traveled around doing good and healing everyone oppressed by the devil because God was with him. — Acts 10:38 Have you ever noticed that, regardless of human hostilities, there’s one thing that transcends and heals? It’s simply being kind to…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Three Tips about Reading the Bible (April 24)
Remind them of these things and warn them in the sight of God not to engage in battles over words that aren’t helpful and only destroy those who hear them. – 2 Timothy 2:14 Not only can the Bible be confusing, but it can be used to justify things that are truly cringe-worthy. When you give people a book that’s called…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Keep Me Out of Your Way (April 17)
John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone throwing demons out in your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t following us.” — Mark 9:38 Why did John say that to Jesus? Did he assume that, because Jesus had chosen him, other people weren’t chosen? Did he think that he had a…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: The Unexpected Value of Grace (April 10)
Then the older son was furious and didn’t want to enter in, but his father came out and begged him. — Luke 15:28 The unexpected encounter with grace is life transforming, such as when the young (“prodigal”) son returns home and discovers unconditional acceptance–and a party–when he meets his dad. But grace can also be transforming…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: The Psychedelic Jesus (April 3)
Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. — Luke 24:31 This may sound strange, but I’m fascinated by psychedelic drugs. It must be the repressed hippie in me. I’m fascinated by how they alter perceptions of reality in people. When they’ve been administered in medical and therapeutic sessions, patients have often been helped. The…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Savior or Superman? (March 27)
The crowds in front of him and behind him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” — Matthew 21:9 “Hosanna” is a derivation of two words. “Yasha,” meaning “save,” and “na,” meaning now. Put them together, and you hear the crowd on…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Shaking Up the Present (March 20)
When they came up out of the water, the Lord’s Spirit suddenly took Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. Philip found himself in Azotus. He traveled through that area, preaching the good news in all the cities until he reached Caesarea. — Acts 8:39-40 A great deal of…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Letting Jesus Applaud (March 13)
If you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift at the altar and go. First make things right with your brother or sister. — Matthew 5:23-24 “Revenge fantasies” is a genre of movies that features an over-the-top bad guy getting a really…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: The Companion Church (March 6)
Forget about deciding what’s right for each other. Here’s what you need to be concerned about: that you don’t get in the way of someone else, making life more difficult than it already is. — Romans 14:13 (The Message) When Paul wrote “forget about deciding what’s right for each other,” he was addressing Christians who…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: A Humble Role Model (February 27)
“Here’s my recommendation in this case: Distance yourselves from these men. Let them go! If their plan or activity is of human origin, it will end in ruin. If it originates with God, you won’t be able to stop them. Instead, you would actually find yourselves fighting God!” — Acts 5:38-39 These words were spoken by…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: A Measure of Life (February 20)
You return people to dust, saying, “Go back, humans.” — Psalm 90:3 I was reading an old sermon of mine on the eternal question of why we suffer. In it, I ran across a poem written by Ken Brewer, a man dying of pancreatic cancer. I measure my life in family who speak through tears, who serve me…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Thee, Thou, Thine (February 13)
As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal daughter of Saul looked out of the window, and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart. — 2 Samuel 6:13 The God-culture I grew up in didn’t take the divine name too lightly.…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: The Fifth Dentist (February 6)
Don’t you have eyes? Why can’t you see? Don’t you have ears? Why can’t you hear? Don’t you remember? — Mark 8:18 Scientist and author Paul Wallace once commented on a popular advertisement from a few years ago: “Have you seen that commercial for a sugarless gum, the one where ‘4 out of 5 dentists recommend…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: The Bible’s Unsung Hero (January 30)
But Esau ran to meet him, threw his arms around his neck, kissed him, and they wept. — Genesis 33:4 Know anyone named Esau? I don’t. But there are a lot of Jacobs around. This is totally unfair. One of the most dysfunctional families in the Bible is that of parents Isaac/Rebekah and sons Esau/Jacob.…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: A Blonde Virgin Mary (January 23)
Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character. — 2 Timothy 3:16 My home church in Poplar Bluff was putting on a Christmas pageant. I was asked to narrate it. As a teenager deeply involved in church, and planning on entering the ministry, I was…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Be Sure to Add Justice (January 16)
All will sit underneath their own grapevines, under their own fig trees. There will be no one to terrify them; for the mouth of the Lord of heavenly forces has spoken. — Micah 4:4 I was reading Micah 4 one day and read about beating swords into plows and spears into pruning hooks. Where had I heard that…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Chosen Blindness, Chosen Sight (January 9)
“The eye is the lamp of the body. Therefore, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how terrible that darkness will be!” — Matthew 6:22-23 One of the…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Fear and Dread or Joy and Hope? (January 2)
“Now the one who had received one valuable coin came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man. You harvest grain where you haven’t sown. You gather crops where you haven’t spread seed. So I was afraid. And I hid my valuable coin in the ground. Here, you have what’s yours.’” — Matthew…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: What We Learn from a Grocery Store (December 26)
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against things like this. — Galatians 5:22-23 There’s something eerie in the grocery store I shop at. I’m turning a corner at the end of an aisle, usually looking for something that’s hidden several rows over,…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: A Simple Definition of Faith (December 19)
Then Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” Then the angel left her. — Luke 1:38 Here’s a story I found somewhere that gets to the heart of what believing in God really means. A Bible translator in India was working to translate the New Testament into one of…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: The Point of Christianity (December 12)
I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest. — John 10:10 During college years I was part of a strongly evangelical group on campus. We studied strategies on how to help save other students from all their sinning. One strategy suggested that we build rapport with…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: “You have heard it said…” (December 5)
“You have heard it said…but I say to you…” — Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 31-32 There were 613 religious laws in Jesus’ day. The legal experts (“lawyers”), rabbis, priests, and groups like the Pharisees and Sadduccees really enjoyed debating them. What constituted work on the sabbath? What made you clean or unclean? Along with such debating…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Just How Much Do We Love Jesus? (November 28)
He asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was sad that Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” He replied, “Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” — John 21:17 I think the true test of our discipleship is…
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A Guided Thanksgiving Meditation
It’s a blessing that this country has ordained a holiday centered on giving thanks. In an era when we are too easily drawn to fear and anxiety, taking stock of what has been given us is soul medicine. Here’s a three-part guide for this holiday. First: Be mindful of the gifts you have. Psalm 95:1-2…
MONDAY MEDITATION: Tools for Redemption (November 21)
Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Should I forgive as many as seven times?” Jesus said, “Not just seven times, but rather as many as seventy-seven times. — Matthew 18:21-22 If Hollywood followed Jesus’ teachings about forgiveness and reconciliation, we’d have a…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: A Different Take on Salt (November 14)
“You are the salt of the earth.” — Matthew 5:13 When Jesus said this, he was referring to salt’s tastiness. Who could eat a baked potato without it? But there’s another use for salt that also applies. If a piece breaks off from an ice sculpture, the artist will apply salt to the broken areas…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Running or Lifting Weights? (November 7)
Elijah was terrified. He got up and ran for his life. He arrived at Beer-sheba in Judah and left his assistant there. — 1 Kings 19:3 I’ve always associated the prophet Elijah with a tough-guy character. Pick any hyper-masculine Hollywood actor–maybe Liam Neeson or Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson–and you have Elijah. So, it is odd…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: The Difficult Art of Staying Awake (October 31)
Elijah opened his eyes and saw flatbread baked on glowing coals and a jar of water right by his head. He ate and drank, and then went back to sleep. — 1 Kings 19:6 If an angel tapped me on the shoulder, pointed to a freshly-divinely baked breakfast, and told me to enjoy it, there…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: A Different Angle on Baptism (October 24)
When Jesus was baptized, he immediately came up out of the water. Heaven was opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and resting on him…The the Spirit led Jesus up into the wilderness so that the devil might tempt him. — Matthew 3:16, 4:1 There’s a popular…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Tomorrow? (October 17)
Therefore, stop worrying about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. — Matthew 6:34 I’ve always been a bit puzzled by the last part of this verse. The first part is something that we hear preached to us all the time. Today is all we have, so let’s make the…
MONDAY MEDITATION: Where Were They? (October 10)
On the next Sabbath, almost everyone in the city gathered to hear the Lord’s word. — Acts 13:44 Whenever Paul visited a town, he went first to the local synagogue. When a Scripture passage was read, he would expound on it, showing how it related in some way to Jesus. Once, when he’d finished, everyone…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: “Here’s a Question for You” (October 3)
Jesus said to the legal experts and Pharisees, “Here’s a question for you: Is it legal on the sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” — Luke 6:9 The religious leaders in Jesus’ day loved to debate. They’d sift through all the religious laws in Scripture and…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Around the Campfire (September 26)
When he sent them away, he went up onto a mountain by himself to pray. Evening came and he was alone. — Matthew 14:23 I have a theory that if you grew up on a farm, you probably don’t have a strong affinity for camping. If you’ve been out in the natural world all day, why would you…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: “We’ve Never Seen Anything Like This!” (September 19)
Jesus raised him up, and right away he picked up his mat and walked out in front of everybody. They were all amazed and praised God, saying, “We’ve never seen anything like this!”– Mark 2:12 When Jesus healed a paralyzed man, whose friends had lowered through a roof to him, the crowd’s reaction wasn’t just…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Being Holy as Being Humble (September 12)
Remember the Sabbath day and treat it as holy. – Exodus 20:8 What does being holy mean? Sometimes it’s defined in negative terms. The old “holiness” movement conveyed that if you didn’t play cards, drink, and go to movies, you were approaching a holy life. It’s also been defined as something non-human. Some of the…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Facing Your Sacred Place (September 5)
Now [Daniel’s] upper room had open windows that faced Jerusalem. Daniel knelt down, prayed, and praised his God three times that day, just like he always did. – Daniel 6:10 The chapel at Manchester UMC was built in the 1850’s. I always enjoyed stopping by and sitting a bit from time to time. Although through…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Remember That You Were a Slave (August 29)
Remember that you were a slave in Egypt, but the Lord your God brought you out of there with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. – Deuteronomy 5:15 This is part of Deuteronomy’s version of the fourth commandment, about keeping the Sabbath. In it, Moses has just told the Israelites to make sure all…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Knowing When to “Sabbat” (August 22)
On the seventh day God rested from all the work he had done. — Genesis 2:2 All the times I’ve read this ending to the first creation story, I never asked myself a very logical question. If God is almighty, all-powerful, omnipotent, omniscient…etc….then WHY DID GOD NEED TO REST? After all, the psalmist knew this…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: The Jesus Reel (August 15)
Jesus did many other things as well. If all of them were recorded, I imagine the world itself wouldn’t have enough room for the scrolls that would be written. – John 21:25 I have, unfortunately, discovered an effective time-waster. I’m cruising down my Facebook page and up pops a chain of short videos. They range…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Gratitude and Vision (August 8)
Moses issued a command that was proclaimed throughout the camp: “Every man and woman should stop making gift offerings for the sanctuary project.” So the people stopped bringing anything more because what they had already brought was more than enough to do all the work. – Exodus 36:6-7 What an interesting dilemma Moses had. The…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: He Knew Human Nature (August 1)
But Jesus didn’t trust them, for he knew mankind to the core. No one needed to tell him how changeable human nature is! – John 2:24-25 (The Living Bible) Who Jesus didn’t trust were the people enamored by his miracles. He suspected they were seeking a new source of entertainment. What would be more entertaining…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: “Don’t You Care?” (July 25)
But Jesus was in the rear of the boat, sleeping on a pillow. They woke him up and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re drowning?” – Mark 4:38 Well, that seems like an appropriate question. If my boat is taking in water and going to sink, and I see a guy sleeping, I’d think…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: The Graduate Course in Discipleship (July 18)
“Return home and tell the story of what God has done for you.” — Luke 8:39 This is what Jesus told the man he had just healed from insanity. He had been a violent, crazy person who now calmly sat at Jesus’ feet, “fully dressed and completely sane,” listening to him. As Christ was about…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: If Jesus Sat Down Beside You (July 11)
He found in the temple those who were selling cattle, sheep, and doves, as well as those involved in exchanging currency sitting there. He made a whip from ropes and chased them all out… — John 2:14-15 One Sunday morning a man whose appearance resembled our image of Jesus—long brown hair, white robe, sandals—showed up at…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: July 4th from a Jesus Perspective
“How terrible it will be for you, legal experts and Pharisees! Hypocrites! You travel over sea and land to make one convert. But when they’ve been converted, they become twice the child of hell you are.” — Matthew 23:15 Jesus didn’t mince words, did he? That’s one of the many things I love him for…and…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Jesus’ Grammatical Mistake (June 27)
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. – Matthew 6:11-12 Jesus could have followed “bread” with a totally new sentence beginning with “Forgive.” That would have been grammatically correct, because every grammar teacher knows you don’t begin a sentence with a conjunction. But Jesus…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: The Light Is On (June 20)
“I go to prepare a place for you…” – John 14:2 (NRSV) Whenever I need to go to a happy place, my mind wanders back decades to one evening on the farm. It’s late spring, just after sunset. I’m in the johnboat on the small lake down the hill from our house. Deep crimson and…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Ten or Two Commandments? (June 13)
All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands. – Matthew 22:40 When Jesus said we had only two commandments to worry about, I thought that was a license to let grace triumph over legalism. Love God and love your neighbor. Period. That means there are asterisks we can put after some of…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: A Matter of Perspective (June 6)
God’s purpose is now to show the rulers and powers in the heavens the many different varieties of his wisdom through the church. –Ephesians 3:10 What’s not to like about flying? Endless lines. Baggage fees. High ticket prices. Cramped seats. Rude passengers. Canceled flights. Lost luggage. Have I missed anything? Yet, the complaints don’t quite seem…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: A Pastoral Death-Wish (May 30)
First of all, when you meet together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and I partly believe it. – 1 Corinthians 11:18 Paul sounds as if he’s surprised there were divisions within the Corinthian church. There are divisions within any church, ancient or modern. People have different backgrounds, ages, expectations, political…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: “While We Were (Are) Sinners” (May 23)
But God shows his love for us, because while we were still sinners Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8 As I reflect on my life, I don’t always like what I see. Mistakes made in choices, conversations, relationships, actions. I look back and ask, “What was I thinking?” I hadn’t awakened one morning and said, “Let’s see how I…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: To See Yourself, Look for God (May 16)
Then he called a little child over to sit among the disciples. — Matthew 18:2 It’s easy to go through life without ever thinking about who it is you’re going through it with. Who are you? Why do you say, do, and think the way you do? Why do you surprise yourself in how you…
Continue Reading MONDAY MEDITATION: To See Yourself, Look for God (May 16)
MONDAY MEDITATION: In “Every” Situation? (May 9)
Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Really? I can think of a million situations where giving thanks is the last thing I want to do. Pandemics. Invasions. Accidents. Death. Prejudice. Discrimination…And we’re just getting warmed up. Yet, Paul is speaking from his…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: “To See What Would Happen” (May 2)
She put [her baby son Moses] in the basket and set the basket among the reeds at the riverbank. The baby’s older sister stood watch nearby to see what would happen to him. – Exodus 2:3b-4 History shows how evil seems to be genetic in humanity. Just look at Pharaoh, who ordered the killing of male…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Terrified, Afraid, and Peaceful (April 25)
Jesus himself stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” They were terrified and afraid. They thought they were seeing a ghost. – Luke 24:36-37 What an interesting description of how the disciples felt when the risen Jesus suddenly appeared to them in a room: “terrified and afraid.” I’d never thought much about why Luke put…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Master of the World (April 18)
“In the world you have distress. But be encouraged! I have conquered the world.” – John 16:33 The church I retired from has a magnificent organ. Whenever I looked at its console, I felt I was looking at the cockpit of a 747. It was daunting to a musically inept person such as myself. But our organist had no such qualms.…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: From Stranger to Guest to Host (April 11)
While they were discussing these things, Jesus himself arrived and joined them on their journey. They were prevented from recognizing him. – Luke 24:15 The story of the encounter with Jesus on the Emmaus Road describes clearly the excitement that lies at the heart of discipleship. We start by welcoming the stranger. Two grieving disciples encounter…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: The Better Question to Ask (April 4)
As Jesus continued down the road, a man ran up, knelt before him, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to obtain eternal life?” – Mark 10:17 This famous passage of a rich man asking Jesus about eternal life is found in Matthew and Luke as well. Mark’s version, though, adds a couple of…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Loving Like God (March 28)
And there was a voice from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I find happiness.” – Luke 3:22 When the Father blessed Jesus at his baptism with these words, I knew I’d heard them before. It was when my little boy, while we were walking, put his small hand in…
Continue Reading MONDAY MEDITATION: Loving Like God (March 28)
MONDAY MEDITATION: Selfie-Sin (March 21)
Everything they do, they do to be noticed by others. – Matthew 23:5a Taking selfies challenges me. I struggle making sure the camera is facing the right way while looking up into it because I’ve been told that’s the best angle. Regardless, my selfies usually look as if I’m wondering if I’m taking the shot…
MONDAY MEDITATION: Light Through Dark (March 14)
If I said, “The darkness will definitely hide me; the light will become night around me,” even then the darkness isn’t too dark for you…because darkness is the same as light to you! – Psalm 139:11-12 The default setting on the dial of my soul is getting out of dark times as quickly as possible.…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Learning from the Dying (March 7)
Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 During a Thanksgiving Eve service, I played a video titled, “The Thanksgiving Chair.” It’s a short clip (you can find it here on YouTube) where a man, in varying scenes, stops to sit in a chair and express…
Continue Reading MONDAY MEDITATION: Learning from the Dying (March 7)
MONDAY MEDITATION: Seven Days Aren’t Enough (February 28)
Once you have collected the food and drink you need, perform the Festival of Booths for seven days. Celebrate your festival: you, your sons, your daughters, your male and female servants, the Levites, the immigrants, the orphans, and the widows who live in your cities. – Deuteronomy 16:13-14 There are three main Jewish festivals outlined in…
Continue Reading MONDAY MEDITATION: Seven Days Aren’t Enough (February 28)
MONDAY MEDITATION: The Strength of Vulnerability (February 21)
A dead man was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When he saw her, the Lord had compassion for her and said, “Don’t cry.” – Luke 7:12b-13 The times that made me question my pastoral calling were when people faced…
Continue Reading MONDAY MEDITATION: The Strength of Vulnerability (February 21)
MONDAY MEDITATION: Proving the New Testament (February 14)
But Jesus turned and spoke sternly to them. – Luke 9:55 A key to believing in Jesus is trusting the writers of the New Testament. Of the many books and debates over its authenticity, there’s one simple fact that points to its truthfulness: The disciples are portrayed as thick-headed, ambitious, prejudiced, quick-tempered, selfish, and cowardly.…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: The Gospel According to Jim Carrey (February 7)
After calling the crowd together with his disciples, Jesus said to them, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me….Why would people gain the whole world but lose their lives?” – Mark 8:34,36b You never know when or where the wisdom of Jesus will pop…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Barbequing in the Winter (January 31)
If you live on the basis of selfishness, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the actions of the body, you will live. – Romans 8:13 United Methodist Bishop Robert Schnase is from Texas. When he was assigned to Missouri, it was a weather-shock to him. The sub-freezing…
Continue Reading MONDAY MEDITATION: Barbequing in the Winter (January 31)
MONDAY MEDITATION: “Where Did That Come From?” (January 24)
The Lord disciplines whomever he loves, and he punishes every son or daughter whom he accepts. – Hebrews 12:6 Throughout my years in ministry, there would be people who seemed to stand out because of their character, conviction, compassion, and courage—the 4 “c’s”. And occasionally one of these saints would say something, or forward something on…
Continue Reading MONDAY MEDITATION: “Where Did That Come From?” (January 24)
MONDAY MEDITATION: Love, Family Style (January 17)
A certain man, Lazarus, was ill. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha…So the sisters sent word to Jesus, saying, “Lord, the one whom you love is ill.” – John 11:1, 3 Mary and her sister Martha had an interesting relationship. In Luke, these two sisters, who were so different…
Continue Reading MONDAY MEDITATION: Love, Family Style (January 17)
MONDAY MEDITATION: No Free Grace (January 10)
“His master called the first servant and said, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you appealed to me. Shouldn’t you also have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’” — Matthew 18:32-33 How you receive a gift reveals your heart. It shows if you’re a taker or…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Loving Poorly (January 3)
Forgive us for the ways we have wronged you, just as we also forgive those who have wronged us. – Matthew 6:12 Father Henri Nouwen wrote, “Forgiveness is the name of love practiced among people who love poorly. The hard truth is that all people love poorly.” (From his You Are the Beloved) How do we love poorly?…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: A Christmas Prayer (December 27)
I hope this finds each of you in the midst of a sacred and joyful Christmas season, blessed by the love of Jesus and of the special people in your life. I ran across this Christmas prayer and wanted to share it with you. I don’t know who wrote it, but I found it very…
Continue Reading MONDAY MEDITATION: A Christmas Prayer (December 27)
MONDAY MEDITATION: Another Reason Behind Christmas (December 20)
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned. – Isaiah 9:2 In all the sweetness of Christmas, which we should enjoy, we should also remember what an incredibly powerful statement the birth of Christ makes. When Isaiah used the phrase “pitch-dark land,” he…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: “Why Do You Bother With Us?” (December 13)
I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry,Moon and stars mounted in their settings. Then I look at my micro-self and wonder,Why do you bother with us? Why take a second look our way? – Psalm 8:3-4 (The Message) Why “take a second look our way,” indeed? We humans have a default setting of…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: You Always Start from the Heart (December 6)
A Samaritan, who was on a journey, came to where the man was. But when he saw him, he was moved with compassion. The Samaritan went to him and bandaged his wounds… – Luke 10:33-34a In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus got right to the heart of the matter. What you believe is totally irrelevant…
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Monday Meditation: Pharaoh’s Voice (November 29)
The Egyptians enslaved the Israelites. They made their lives miserable with hard labor, making mortar and bricks, doing field work, and by forcing them to do all kinds of other cruel work. – Exodus 1:13-14 The late theologian Marcus Borg said in a lecture, “There’s a ‘mental Pharaoh’ that each of us hears.” “Mental Pharaoh.” How…
Continue Reading Monday Meditation: Pharaoh’s Voice (November 29)
MONDAY MEDITATION: The Disappearing Jesus (November 22)
Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?” – Luke 24:31-32 I don’t want Jesus to disappear, and I’m sure you don’t, either. In…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Dropping the Staff (November 15)
The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you didn’t trust me to show my holiness before the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land that I am giving them.” – Numbers 20:12 You’ll find a really weird story in Numbers 20:1-13. The complaining Israelites are thirsty as they wander in the wilderness. Moses takes…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Life Starts in the Grave (November 8)
So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived! – 2 Corinthians 5:17 During a worship team meeting, we were brainstorming about a theme for Easter. Someone suggested butterflies. My inner arrogance kicked in, and I thought to myself, “Great. So…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: Living the Dream (November 1)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. – Revelation 21:1 Sometimes I think the Good News comes down to this: You are now free to live God’s dream on earth. Jesus outlined it in the Sermon on the Mount. What does a…
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MONDAY MEDITATION: If the Bible Was Only One Verse (October 25)
He responded, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” – Luke 10:27 As I’ve lived with the Bible for decades, one fundamental truth has made itself clear: How we interpret the Bible reflects who we are at the time we’re interpreting it. For example, as a teenage Christian I…
Continue Reading MONDAY MEDITATION: If the Bible Was Only One Verse (October 25)