Archive for October 2018

October 11, 2018 DAILY READING Luke 6:46-49This weekend’s reading: Genesis 37:1-11 FIELD NOTES Jesus is very clear here: Following him means putting his words into practice.  I don’t think this is a power trip, however.  He has provided us with a way of living that leads to the Kingdom of God.  Loving God, our neighbor, even…

October 10, 2018 DAILY READING Matthew 18:21-22This weekend’s reading: Genesis 37:1-11 FIELD NOTES Who are we to withhold forgiveness?  Is there a limit to the things we can, or should, forgive? The dictionary defines forgiveness as such:verb (used with object),  for·gave, for·giv·en, for·giv·ing. to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve. to give up all claim on account of; remit (a debt, obligation, etc.). to grant pardon to (a person). to cease to feel resentment against:to forgive one’s enemies. to cancel an indebtedness or liability of: to forgive the interest owed on a loan.  Are there people you need to forgive?  I…

October 9, 2018 DAILY READING Matthew 9:32-34This weekend’s reading: Genesis 37:1-11 FIELD NOTES I love the line found in the NIV, where it says, “Nothing like this had ever been seen in Israel.”  Think about that.  Think about the history of Israel.  They’ve seen some stuff.  They’ve seen God deliver them time and again from the…

October 8, 2018 DAILY READING Psalm 112This weekend’s reading: Genesis 37:1-11 FIELD NOTES Praise the Eternal!    How blessed are those who revere the Eternal,    who turn from evil and take great pleasure in His commandments.Their children will be a powerful force upon the earth;    this generation that does what is right in God’s eyes will be blessed.His house will be stocked with wealth and riches,    and…

October 6, 2018 THIS WEEKEND’S READINGGenesis 25:21-34 FIELD NOTES Today, just simply let this be your prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.Where there is hatred, let me sow love;where there is injury, pardon;where there is doubt, faith;where there is despair, hope;where there is darkness, light;where there is sadness, joy.O Divine Master, grant that…

October 5, 2018 DAILY READING Romans 8:1-11This weekend’s reading: Genesis 25:21-34 FIELD NOTES Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by…

October 4, 2018 DAILY READING Job 2:11-13This weekend’s reading: Genesis 25:21-34 FIELD NOTES This is such a small part of Job’s story, but it may be my favorite.  Why?  Because to me, it gives one of the greatest examples of how to help share in someone else’s suffering.  Of course, they blow it almost immediately…

October 3, 2018 DAILY READING Matthew 18:6-9This weekend’s reading: Genesis 27:1-29 FIELD NOTES Does anyone remember the song, “What If I Stumble?” by DC Talk?  This was an older song by an older Christian music group, back in the 90’s.  Regardless, on the album, the song opens with a quote from the renowned author, Brennan Manning.…

October 2, 2018 DAILY READING 1 John 2:18-25This weekend’s reading: Genesis 27:1-29 FIELD NOTES There is a lot of anti-Christ talk out there these days.  When people tell you that a certain group of people are worth less than others, that is anti-Christ. When they demonize those who believe differently, that is anti-Christ. When people speak out…