Gentleness December 19, 2018 DAILY READING Matthew 12:15-21Psalm 139:13-18This weekend’s reading: Micah 5:2-5 FIELD NOTES At a former job, before going into full-time vocational ministry, I had a boss who carried himself with a gentle spirit.  He would greet everyone by their first name as he made his way through the office.  He would lead…

December 18, 2018 DAILY READING Galatians 4:21-5:1Psalm 139:13-18This weekend’s reading: Micah 5:2-5 FIELD NOTES One of my favorite stories is that of Jim Elliot. Jim Elliot, along with 4 other missionaries, was killed by the very tribesmen he was attempting to evangelize in the jungles of Ecuador. While that part of the story is harrowing in…

December 17, 2018 DAILY READING Revelation 14:12-20Psalm 139:13-18This weekend’s reading: Micah 5:2-5 FIELD NOTES One thing I have never been good at is the mile run.  Or any run if we are being honest.  Growing up, playing various sports, I could manage short bursts but anything more than 400 yards at a time would kill…

December 15, 2018 DAILY READING Luke 7:18-30This weekend’s reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20 FIELD NOTES “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”At that very time, Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses, and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who…

December 14, 2018 DAILY READING Luke 2:8-11This weekend’s reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20 FIELD NOTES This morning thinking about people I love.  All I want for Christmas is time.  Time to spend with those people…time to remember…time to enjoy and laugh and shed a few tears.  There is nothing so important to me as their presence in…

December 13, 2018 THIS WEEKEND’S READING Zephaniah 3:14-20 FIELD NOTES A Reading from a sermon of Bernard of Clairvaux [1090-1153; Benedictine who founded the Cistercian Order] “…something superlative was needed in the beginning if the majesty of God was to deign to come down from such a height, for a dwelling that was so unworthy…

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…