December 8, 2017 DAILY READING Jeremiah 1:4-10 This weekend’s reading: Isaiah 40:1-11 FIELD NOTESLast Christmas, I had just given birth to our daughter, Iris. She was the cutest and most perfect little nugget I had ever seen. Holding her in my arms as I heard the Christmas story and passages like this one in Jeremiah…

December 7, 2017 DAILY READING Psalm 85:8-13 This weekend’s reading: Isaiah 40:1-11 FIELD NOTESI can remember when I was little being so excited for Santa to come that I couldn’t fall asleep. My little brother and I would always sleep in the same bed and we would stay up almost all night trying to guess…

December 6, 2017 DAILY READING Luke 21:34-38 This weekend’s reading: Isaiah 40:1-11 FIELD NOTESThis passage in Luke comes as a command after Jesus tells a parable about trees. He says, “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is…

December 5, 2017 DAILY READING Micah 4:6-13 This weekend’s reading: Isaiah 40:1-11 FIELD NOTESI often wonder what the world would be like if the Kingdom of God finally fully reigned. If the season of Advent is all about anticipating a Savior, I wonder what we anticipate as the Kingdom of God fully come. Is it…

December 4, 2017 DAILY READING Micah 4:1-5 This weekend’s reading: Isaiah 40:1-11 FIELD NOTESThis week marks the start of Advent, the season of anticipation and preparation for the birth of Christ. During this season, we remember the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for, and need of, forgiveness, salvation and a…

Saturday, December 2, 2017 Daily Reading Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Micah 2:1-13 ***Matthew 24:15-31 Field NotesSome of our readings during this week have pointed to the end of times or to the second coming of the Son of Man. I’m not certain I focus much on either of those things happening. That doesn’t mean that I…

Friday, December 1, 2017 Daily Reading Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Zechariah 14:1-9 ***1 Thessalonians 4:1-18 Field NotesI will forego paraphrasing the text from Thessalonians. Eugene Peterson has done a fine job. As you read from the Message, think how, really, not much has changed. We are human, after all! ***”One final word, friends. We ask you—urge…

Thursday, November 30, 2017 Daily Readings Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 ***Zechariah 13:1-9 Revelation 14:6-13 Field NotesThe time for confession has arrived! And here it is…I am reading today’s scripture with a hopeful heart…my eyes avoiding the references to brokenness, pain, sin and destruction. I want to think of myself as being a part of the cloud…

Wednesday, November 29, 2017 Daily Readings Psalm 117 Jeremiah 31:1-6 Luke 1:1-4 Field NotesOur discipleship is most active and vibrant when we ask: “Who would God invite me to be in this particular set of circumstances? What is the very best I can do in his name, right now?” Luke answers those questions beautifully in…