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DAILY READING Luke 4:1-13 We’re all familiar with the pre-flight safety routine – the one that instructs passengers to put on their oxygen mask first before assisting children or other passengers. This demonstration reflects the values of the world. We are often told to take care of ourselves first – make sure your wants, needs, and desires are…

DAILY READING Luke 4:1-13 Wilderness  When the Wilderness overcomes you, and covers you over like the darkness of a polar winter  You will be by yourself, but not alone.  For in the solitude, under the thick cover of the blinding absence of a warm sun,  A strange beast, clothed in luminous forces, will invade your inner…

DAILY READING Luke 4:1-13 You know when you’ve read a scripture numerous times, and then suddenly, you realize something you’ve not noticed before? Yes, it happens to me, too.  Jesus was led into the wilderness… BY the Holy Spirit, where He was then tempted for 40 days. Wow. In my very limited, human perspective, it might cause me to scratch my…

DAILY READING Psalm 116:1-5 1 I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;    he heard my cry for mercy.2 Because he turned his ear to me,    I will call on him as long as I live. 3 The cords of death entangled me,    the anguish of the grave came over me;    I was overcome by distress and sorrow.4 Then I called on the name of the Lord:    “Lord, save me!”…

DAILY READING Acts 7:35-60 FIELD NOTES Stephen, an early leader in the church and the first martyr for the Christian faith, was put on trial being accused of blasphemy. The religious authorities of the time claimed that he had both dishonored their temple and Old Testament law. For Stephen, the grace of God far outshined…

DAILY READING Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 FIELD NOTES Today’s Psalm focuses on God’s protection in the midst of danger. We are never guaranteed a world free from the threat of danger and violence, but we know that we can turn to our Lord whenever we face danger. No matter the dangers we face, or the intense…

DAILY READING Ecclesiastes 3:20; Psalm 30:5 FIELD NOTES Today, known as Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of Lent as we prepare for Easter. Just as we think of Advent preparing us for Christmas, the season of Lent prepares us for Easter. Think of both as times of preparation.   Today, we are called to remember…

DAILY READING Jonah 2:1-10 FIELD NOTES I have a greater appreciation for Jonah these days. I feel at times as though I am in the belly of the great fish, not knowing when or where I will be spit out.  Maybe you feel stuck in the belly as you live through the extended reality of…

DAILY READING Psalm 114 FIELD NOTES This psalm celebrates God’s wonders at the Exodus. It tells us that God is in the business of making impossible things possible: Splitting seas. Turning rocks into water. Releasing captives. Even raising people from the dead. When a family member of mine turned away from her faith, it was…