August 17, 2018 DAILY READING Psalm 1111 Kings 1:28-48Romans 16:17-20This weekend’s reading: Genesis 3:1-13 FIELD NOTES David decides to abdicate and place Solomon on the throne, giving thanks to God that he can see this son reign in his place. In the US we have little use for a monarchy, but still, we are fascinated…

August 16, 2018 DAILY READING Psalm 1111 Kings 1:1-30Acts 6:8-15This weekend’s reading: Genesis 3:1-13 FIELD NOTES As old King David’s story continues, we meet an obscure character and possible answer to a Trivia question: Who is Abishag? Her job description is unusual, but David’s struggle to keep warm is understandable to anyone who has cared…

August 15, 2018 DAILY READING Psalm 572 Samuel 19:1-18John 6:35-40This weekend’s reading: Genesis 3:1-13 FIELD NOTES In 2 Samuel 19, we see David’s leadership abilities. First, he listens to advisors and weighs their counsel. In this case Joab speaks quite bluntly to him about his attitude and his need to reconcile the people—even the rebels—in…

August 14, 2018 DAILY READING Psalm 572 Samuel 18:19-332 Peter 3:14-18This weekend’s reading: Genesis 3:1-13 FIELD NOTES Continuing King David’s story, we see him immobilized by the death of Absalom in battle as his rebellion is put down. David’s subjects rally round him, and his troops are waiting to be honored for the victory, but…

August 13, 2018 DAILY READING Psalm 572 Samuel 15:13-31Ephesians 5:1-14This weekend’s reading: Genesis 3:1-13 FIELD NOTES One benefit of using the Daily Lectionary is reading Scripture that we don’t often hear or we’ve forgotten. Today’s readings from 2 Samuel 19 and Ephesians 5 are good examples. We remember David’s story mostly from his triumphs, but…

August 11, 2018 DAILY READING Genesis 1:26-31Psalm 8This weekend’s reading: Genesis 1:26-31 FIELD NOTES Several years ago, a child with a handicapping condition learned from God through his church that God had not stopped creating him.  Inspired by this, he created a choir of children with handicapping conditions.  When it came time for him to…

August 10, 2018 DAILY READING Genesis 1:26-31Psalm 8This weekend’s reading: Genesis 1:26-31 FIELD NOTES If God loves us, why do bad things happen to us? In a mirror, you see an image of you. It is only an image.  God created us in God’s image, yet we are not God, only images.  The difference: the image…

August 9, 2018 DAILY READING Genesis 1:26-31Psalm 8This weekend’s reading: Genesis 1:26-31 FIELD NOTES After Ryan’s birth at 10:30 p.m. to two of our church members, several of us, waiting in the hallway, celebrated and then went home.  About 3 a.m. the NICU head nurse, who was also a church member, called me to the hospital…

August 8, 2018 DAILY READING Genesis 1:26-31Psalm 8This weekend’s reading: Genesis 1:26-31 FIELD NOTES Ever said something that was interpreted the opposite of what you meant?  In his first speech to the Poland people, President Jimmy Carter said, “I am so glad to meet you, my friends.”  In Polish, the interpreter said, “I love you…