Posts by jhumphries

December 4, 2017 DAILY READING Micah 4:1-5 This weekend’s reading: Isaiah 40:1-11 FIELD NOTESThis week marks the start of Advent, the season of anticipation and preparation for the birth of Christ. During this season, we remember the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for, and need of, forgiveness, salvation and a…

Saturday, December 2, 2017 Daily Reading Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Micah 2:1-13 ***Matthew 24:15-31 Field NotesSome of our readings during this week have pointed to the end of times or to the second coming of the Son of Man. I’m not certain I focus much on either of those things happening. That doesn’t mean that I…

Friday, December 1, 2017 Daily Reading Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Zechariah 14:1-9 ***1 Thessalonians 4:1-18 Field NotesI will forego paraphrasing the text from Thessalonians. Eugene Peterson has done a fine job. As you read from the Message, think how, really, not much has changed. We are human, after all! ***”One final word, friends. We ask you—urge…

Thursday, November 30, 2017 Daily Readings Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 ***Zechariah 13:1-9 Revelation 14:6-13 Field NotesThe time for confession has arrived! And here it is…I am reading today’s scripture with a hopeful heart…my eyes avoiding the references to brokenness, pain, sin and destruction. I want to think of myself as being a part of the cloud…

Wednesday, November 29, 2017 Daily Readings Psalm 117 Jeremiah 31:1-6 Luke 1:1-4 Field NotesOur discipleship is most active and vibrant when we ask: “Who would God invite me to be in this particular set of circumstances? What is the very best I can do in his name, right now?” Luke answers those questions beautifully in…

November 28, 2017 DAILY READING Psalm 117 Jeremiah 30:18-24 Revelation 22:8-21 This weekend’s reading: Isaiah 64:1-9 FIELD NOTESThe Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. Being…

November 27, 2017 DAILY READING Psalm 117 Jeremiah 30:1-17 Revelation 21:5-27 This weekend’s reading: Isaiah 64:1-9 FIELD NOTESAre you aware that we are experiencing ‘ordinary time’ in the church, the time set aside for celebrating our call to follow Jesus day by day as his disciples [Loyola Press]? Liturgically, the church year is ending. Advent,…

November 25, 2017 DAILY READING Acts 20:22-24 This weekend’s reading: Matthew 25:31-46 FIELD NOTESPaul is headed to Jerusalem for one last time. He is focused on his goal. He wants to finish his race “to testify to the good news of God’s grace.” Tomorrow is Christ the King Sunday. It is the last Sunday of…

November 24, 2017 DAILY READING John 3:16 2 Corinthians 5:21 This weekend’s reading: Matthew 25:31-46 FIELD NOTESToday is Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year. This is because businesses offer great deals in order to boost their need for profits. Jesus also died on a Black Friday. Because we are sinners, Jesus had…

November 23, 2017 DAILY READING Psalm 100 This weekend’s reading: Matthew 25:31-46 FIELD NOTESThis Psalm of Thanksgiving (Psalm 100) is a favorite psalm of many. So, which came first, the chicken or the egg? We do not know. Which comes first, feeling thankful or acting thankful? The medical world tells us that, if we want…