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…

August 7, 2018 DAILY READING Genesis 1:26-31Psalm 8This weekend’s reading: Genesis 1:26-31 FIELD NOTES Through forty-nine years of officiating weddings, one thing that usually happens is the father of the bride saying, “Isn’t she the most beautiful bride ever!”  How we value another person goes a long way in how beautiful the other appears to…

August 6, 2018 DAILY READING Genesis 1:26-31Psalm 8This weekend’s reading: Genesis 1:26-31 FIELD NOTES While eating with a church member and her friend, I discovered her friend was Elvis Presley’s mother.  Suddenly, my opinion of both ladies changed.  Knowing their connection to Elvis made the difference. While touring a museum, several guests did not think much…