The Multiplier Effect
In my early years of ministry, I thought I had to do things myself because I was the one paid to do ministry. Eventually, I learned that I accomplished so much more when working with others.
Read MoreFields Ripe for Harvest
Jesus says that “…The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few…” (Luke 10:2)
Read MoreA Spacious Place
October 12, 2019 DAILY READINGS Psalm 66:1-12Jeremiah 28:1-17Luke 5:12-16This weekend’s scripture:Proverbs 29:17 FIELD NOTES Psalm 66 ends with this line: we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a spacious place. It’s a reference to Exodus 3:8 where God declares: I have come down to deliver my people from…
Read MoreCome and See
October 11, 2019 DAILY READINGS Psalm 66:1-12Jeremiah 27:1-222 Timothy 2:1-7This weekend’s scripture:Proverbs 29:17 FIELD NOTES In the first chapter of John’s Gospel (v39), two men spot Jesus and ask him where he is going. “Come and see”, Jesus replies. And they become some of Jesus’ first disciples. A few verses later (v46), one of those…
Read MoreMake a Joyful Noise
October 10, 2019 DAILY READINGS Psalm 66:1-12Jeremiah 25:1-142 Timothy 1:13-18This weekend’s scripture:Proverbs 29:17 FIELD NOTES This week so far: I went to the gym and cried out in pain. The line at the grocery store was forever long and I grumbled to myself. My wife told me her family was coming in and I rolled…
Read MoreRemember Your BUT
October 9, 2019 DAILY READINGS Psalm 137Lamentations 5:1-22Mark 11:12-14, 20-24This weekend’s scripture:Proverbs 29:17 FIELD NOTES Lamentations is a tough book to read. It is so emotionally raw, the grief is so transparent, the pain so honest, that it sometimes feels too voyeuristic and inappropriate to keep reading. Typically, we Americans are not used to reading…
Read MoreThe Conquered AND The Conquerors
October 8, 2019 DAILY READINGS Psalm 137Lamentations 2:13-221 John 5:1-5, 13-21This weekend’s scripture:Proverbs 29:17 FIELD NOTES A co-worker was sharing about her friend who used to check in with her by asking: who are you in scripture right now? Lost like Hagar in the desert? Successful like David over Goliath? Frustrated like Elijah after Mt…
Read MoreMature and Complete
October 7, 2019 DAILY READINGS Psalm 137Lamentations 1:16-22James 1:2-11This weekend’s scripture: Proverbs 29:17 FIELD NOTES My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature…
Read MoreSinging in the Checkout Lane
September 21, 2019 DAILY READINGS Psalm 79:1-9Jeremiah 8:14-17; 9:2-11Mark 12:41-44This weekend’s scripture:Proverbs 17:19-22 FIELD NOTES I spent time this summer in a peaceful mountain setting where Jeremiah was the name we gave the bullfrog who resides in our cattle guard. Reading from the Book of Jeremiah all week sets the scene for re-entry back into…
Read MoreNothing Can Separate Us from the Love of God in Christ Jesus
September 20, 2019 DAILY READINGS Psalm 79:1-9Jeremiah 8:1-13Romans 8:31-39This weekend’s scripture:Proverbs 17:19-22 FIELD NOTES Jeremiah saves the strongest rebuke for the leaders: they are all “greedy for gain”; they practice deceit; they have no shame—“they do not even know how to blush” (Jer 8:10, 12). The prophet’s concern is for God’s wounded people. The leaders…
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