"Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp." -- Psalm 147:7

These days it seems that harp players are in short supply.  Nonetheless, music continues to thrive as the key mood-setter to any gathering or event one attends.  If you've been to a sporting event lately, you've likely heard up-beat, thumping music that awakens your senses and charges you up.  If you've been to a wedding or funeral, the music in the service might be more reflective.  If you've been to a party with dancing, that's a whole different beat altogether.  Point is, music is a gift from God which we are instructed to use in our giving thanks to God.  So even if you don't have a harp, play something... even if it's the radio.  Make it up-lifting and positive so it reflects the tone of thanksgiving and gladness... perhaps you can even make it a fandango ;-)

Readings:  Zechariah 12:1-13:9; Revelation 19:1-21; Psalm 147:1-20; Proverbs 31:1-7

"For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife." -- Proverbs 30:33

In this season, we pray for "peace on earth, goodwill to all"... Christmas day might be past, but our call to be the light of Christ in this world does not end.  Let's not be party to causing division, dissension, and strife in this world.  Let's instead raise the banner of peace and move ever forward.

Readings:  Zechariah 10:1-11:17; Revelation 18:1-24; Psalm 146:1-10; Proverbs 30:33

"The Lord is near to all who call on him." -- Psalm 145:18

"Where is God" you ask?  Call on him.  He is nearer than you think.  Where is the air?  You can't see it, and you can't live without it, but you don't check to see if it's there before you breathe it in.  Call on him.  He is nearer than you think.  When you doubt, when you wonder, when you can hear no reply to your call, he is there.  Call again.  Do not walk this earth unaware of the presence of God.  Know the fullness of life by walking with him wakefully.

Readings:  Zechariah 9:1-17; Revelation 17:1-18; Psalm 145:1-21; Proverbs 30:32

"Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace. Our barns will be filled with every kind of provision. Our sheep will increase by thousands, by tens of thousands in our fields; our oxen will draw heavy loads. There will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets. Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the Lord." -- Psalm 144:12-15

JOY to the world the LORD has come!

Readings:  Zechariah 8:1-23; Revelation 16:1-21; Psalm 144:1-15; Proverbs 30:29-31

"This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.'" -- Zechariah 7:9-10

How long will we rebel against God's instruction?  On this holy day and holy night, remember this Advent Hymn.   Readings:  Zechariah 6:1-7:14; Revelation 15:1-8; Psalm 143:1-12; Proverbs 30:24-28

O Come O Come Emmanuel

by John Mason Neale

O come, O come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free

Thine own from Satan's tyranny

From depths of Hell Thy people save

And give them victory o'er the grave

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,

And open wide our heavenly home;

Make safe the way that leads on high,

And close the path to misery.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,

Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,

In ancient times did'st give the Law,

In cloud, and majesty and awe.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

"When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who knows my way." -- Psalm 142:3a

There are times in our life when we have done all we can do.  We find ourselves depleted of mental, emotional, and spiritual energy.  We find ourselves running on empty, and we are lost as to how and in which direction to take our next step.  But there is a next step.  When you can't see it, trust and know that God has one for you.  If you need to, take a period of rest in order to discern God's desire.  Through prayer and supplication, your way will be made known to you.  Don't act with haste in your exhaustion, as it could lead to regret.  

Readings:  Zechariah 4:1-5:11; Revelation 14:1-20; Psalm 142:1-7; Proverbs 30:21-23

"Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." -- Psalm 141:3

Consider for a moment the number of fights that would not have occurred in the world had harsh and hasty words not been said.  Think how many relationships might still be intact if words had not been let loose.  Once we say something, it cannot be unsaid.  So when you are stressed, tired, or otherwise compromised in your patience and tolerance, pray extra hard that God guard your lips and keep your words aligned with his spirit.

Readings:  Zechariah 2:1-3:10; Revelation 13:1b-18; Psalm 141:1-10; Proverbs 30:18-20