Archive for December 2018

December 12, 2018 DAILY READING Luke 1:26-45This weekend’s reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20 FIELD NOTESIn Reflections for Advent and Christmas: Waiting in Joyful Hope 2009-2010 Robert Morneau writes“One senses a close; intimate relationship between Mary and Elizabeth…one element is common vision.  Mary and Elizabeth were both women of faith. God’s presence in their lives was not some…

December 11, 2018 DAILY READING Luke 1:13-25 (Elizabeth)Luke 1:26-38 (Mary)Luke 1:39-56 (Elizabeth And Mary)This weekend’s reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20 FIELD NOTESContinuing in Silence And Other Surprising Invitations Of Advent [2012], Enuma Okoro writes “In truly stunning fashion, God orchestrates Mary and Elizabeth’s pregnancies six months apart.  It is a testament to God’s provision that each woman…

December 10, 2018 DAILY READING Luke 1:5-25This weekend’s reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20 FIELD NOTES In Silence And Other Surprising Invitations Of Advent [2012], Enuma Okoro focuses her devotional guide on the story of the priest, Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth. This elderly couple had no children, a shameful ‘lack’ in their culture.  Okoro describes these passages…

December 8, 2018   DAILY READING Luke 9:1-6This weekend’s reading: Malachi 3:1-4 One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. “Take nothing for your journey,” he…

December 7, 2018 DAILY READING Philippians 1:20-26This weekend’s reading: Malachi 3:1-4 FIELD NOTES Have you ever been ashamed of your Christian faith? I remember in college, I was an active leader in our campus ministry.  I was known around campus as an active leader in this ministry.  I enjoyed being known this way.  I wasn’t ashamed.…

December 6, 2018   DAILY READING Malachi: 3:5-12This weekend’s reading: Malachi 3:1-4 FIELD NOTES What do we need to repent of today?  Pray about this.  And repent. PRAYER Lord, show us our faults, that we may turn away from them and seek your forgiveness.  Amen. 

December 5, 2018 DAILY READING Luke 11:29-32This weekend’s reading: Malachi 3:1-4 FIELD NOTES My brother is hardheaded.  Do you have a hardheaded family member?  Someone so dense, they consistently do things that harm them just out of spite?  That’s my brother.   When we were younger, he would often back talk our mom to the point…

December 4, 2018 DAILY READING Revelation 22:12-16This weekend’s reading: Malachi 3:1-4 FIELD NOTES I wanted to include the entire scene here for context, but I wanted to focus on one line in the above text.  In 15, Jesus is listing those outside of his kingdom.  In this translation, we end with the phrase, “and all who love…

December 3, 2018 DAILY READING Psalm 90This weekend’s reading: Malachi 3:1-4 FIELD NOTES Today, let us practice the ancient art of Lectio Divina.  If you are using the Field Guide in your small groups, this is even better.  First, read the Psalm.  Done?  Good.  Read it again.  And again.  Get it into your bones. Next, meditate on it.  This doesn’t have…