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Read Acts 10:34-43. In this passage, the phrase, “…anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him,” is catching my attention today. It seems to me that much of human strife and division comes as a response to the question of what is right. For some, what is right is anything that falls within the strict boundaries of a person’s own belief, lifestyle, and personal style of expression. Others might be open to the idea that there is “right-ness” to be found in alternate belief systems, lifestyles, and expressions.

Those who fall into the first category may view those in the second as wishy-washy or they may accuse the second group of having a “watered-down” faith. Conversely, those in the second category may think of the first group as being rigid, judgmental, or set in their ways.

Where do you find yourself? How can we appreciate those who land in a different place along the spectrum? How do scriptures such as these help in determining what is right? To what degree does Jesus’ command to love God, neighbor, and self, inform the way you decide what is right?

Today, think of a decision you need to make – maybe it is trivial or maybe it is monumental. In prayer, ask for God to inspire your decision towards what is best for you and for anyone affected by it.

 

Read Psalm 16. One of the reoccurring themes in the Psalms is that God’s path is the way to abundant life. In the 16th psalm, we see this theme played out once again, “I have no good apart from you”, “you show me the path of life”, “your presence is full of joy.” I believe this theme is repeated so many times in this and many of the psalms because we need to be reminded that true life comes from God. I often see myself reflected in verse 4, “those who choose another god multiply their sorrows.”

Almost daily, I run after other gods. Some of those gods are materialism, seeking power, trying to be an “insider”, seeking approval of others, being entertained, and countless others. Generally, though, all that running to these gods only leaves my heart full of sorrow. What other gods contend for your attention? What spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation, worship, singing, study, etc...do you use to refocus your mind and heart on the Lord? How do these practices lead you to abundant life?

In prayer, commit yourself to centering your attention, thoughts, words, and actions on the One True God.

 

Read 1 Peter 1:3-9. In writing on this passage, John Wesley said, “Living hope…implies true spiritual life, which revives the heart, and makes the soul lively and vigorous.” Maybe it is this living hope that keeps us on our feet when the weight of life threatens to knock us down.

What relationships, experiences, and practices revive your heart and make your soul lively and vigorous? How can you introduce these more heavily into your daily life – not only when things are difficult, but when things are going smoothly, in effect building up a surplus of hope? Think of someone who is going through a difficult time. How can you become a part of reviving and invigorating their hope? What small steps can you take?

Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the promise of life offered in the resurrection of Jesus and commit yourself to responding with an “indescribable and glorious joy.”

 

Read John 20:19-31. In Thomas, we see the pattern of Christian discipleship that is found throughout the gospel of John. One person encounters Jesus, then shares it with someone who expresses some doubt or hesitation. That person then has their own, direct, encounter with Jesus and becomes convinced about his identity. The stories of Jesus are passed along from person to person. Andrew tells Peter. Philip tells Nathanael. The Samaritan woman tells the townspeople. “Come and see,” they each say. In John, it is Mary who first shares the news of the resurrection. The other disciples don’t really buy it until they have their own experiences. They become convinced and then share it with Thomas.

Like the other disciples, Thomas doesn’t come to the fullest faith until he has his own experience. Now the story moves to us. Thomas makes his confession and, through this text, testifies to us. What will we do with his story? Will we be passively interested in hearing his story or will we actively engage with it, find ourselves in it, and identify our own story with Jesus?

Spend some time today crafting your testimony either in your mind or on paper. What would be important to include? How ready would you be to share it if the opportunity presented itself?

Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the many opportunities you have each day to testify to the abundant hope found in the resurrected Christ.