“O Lord, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow.” -- Psalm 144:3-4

In the giving and receiving of gifts on this Christmas Day, let’s remember that despite the stuff that’s passed back and forth, it’s the people around us who are the true gifts from God.  We are a people passing through time and space with one another.  We are fellow sojourners making our way toward a shared destination.  Along the way, let’s value each other, and thank God for the chance to know one another.  Merry Christmas Everyone!

Readings for Today:  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 7:8-10

I think Zechariah was on to something here.   Imagine a world in which this was a given-- that people didn't have to be told to administer justice and show mercy and compassion.  While we might not be able to change the population of the whole world overnight, it is possible to change our own behavior and way of thinking.  It starts with us, then we teach it to others.  Too often, we try to teach it to others before really learning it ourselves.

"Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name." -- Psalm 142:7a

Today, consider those things that cause you to feel stuck and imprisoned.  Of those, which are ones you can do nothing about?  These would be systemic in nature-- you can't do much about the fact that you live on earth, that you were born into your family, your race, your nationality.  Your age and permanent disability would be other examples.  And then what would be the things that you do have a choice about-- your job, your relationships, your lifestyle and habits?  Even the things that you feel you have no control over, you do have some power of choice in the way you respond to them.  What's keeping you from living the life you feel God's calling you to live?  If you dig long enough, you'll find the answer is usually "nothing".  God has freed you.  Now free yourself.

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

"Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies." -- Psalm 141:4

Consider the mistakes you've made in your life-- big ones, little ones, and those in between.  Now consider those mistakes that were more than mere oversights or accidents, but were intentional-- that were sin.  Now think how complicated life can get when we sin.  We hurt others, relationships are broken, we are led to hiding, lying, and isolating ourselves.  We feel shame and guilt.  It just gets in the way of the good things we're trying to do.  God hasn't created us for that kind of life.  Pray that he keep you on a path free of sin.  It's not worth it.  It makes life way more messy than it needs to be.

Today's readings:  Zechariah 2:1-3:10; Revelation 13:1b-18; Psalm 141:1-10; Proverbs 30:18-20

"I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy." -- Psalm 140:12

In reading this text, I am struck by two thoughts.  First, there should be none that are needy to the point of death.  We have enough resources to ensure that no one needs ever to starve to death because they can't buy food, and no one ever needs to freeze to death because they can't find clothing or shelter.  And yet, starvation and homelessness are still very real and unnecessary problems.  This is our work to do on behalf of God.

Second, the injustice the poor face today is starkly seen in the lack of societal voice and influence.  When politicians write laws to please their large campaign donors and lobbyists, the poor will never find political justice.  There's something systemically wrong and unjust in world politics today.  However, in Christ, money has no pull.  Our currency and influence in this context is faith, hope, and love.  'And the greatest of these is love' (1 Cor 13).  Remember to use the power God gives you faithfully.

Readings for today:  Zechariah 1:1-21; Revelation 12:1-13:1a; Psalm 140:1-13; Proverbs 30:17

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." -- Psalm 139:23-24

It would be good to read this whole Psalm (Psalm 139) over again today.  As you do, consider it in its whole form.  Attributed to David, what does this Psalm say about him (the writer)?  It paints a beautiful picture of God's omniscience and omnipresence... but there is more here than just being aware of God's power and abilities.  This writer longs for God as he understands him.  He seeks the way of God above all else.  Do you seek the way of God above all else in your life?  Take time to pray to God today using the words of this Psalm.

Today's Readings:  Haggai 1:1-2:23; Revelation 11:1-19; Psalm 139:1-24; Proverbs 30:15-16

"The Lord your God is with you, his is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." -- Zephaniah 3:17

How is it that with so many billions of people on this earth, we can sometimes feel utterly alone?  We move through space and time with so many others, and have people around us so much of the time, but even when we are by ourselves, we are not alone.  The beginning of this verse says "The Lord your God is with you"... when we walk with that knowledge, we can be assured and emboldened, for he is "mighty to save".  The trick is to remember that we walk in God's presence and it's on us to awaken to it.  Look around and identify where you see God today.