Out of the Chaos
Inspiration for living outside of the chaos.
Tag: encouragement
Daily Reads 12.28.2019
Today would have been my mom and dad’s 68th wedding anniversary. My dad passed from this life into his eternal home in September of 2009. I still miss him and his stubborn ways. But one thing that lives on is his commitment to family and faith. I cannot thank him enough for his stubbornness in …
Daily Reads 12.27.2019
Henri J.M. Nouwen wrote a beautiful book entitled “Life of the Beloved.” A short and valuable read, it explores the possibility of spiritual living in a secular world. During Advent, I read Nouwen’s Advent devotional. The entry for Day 21 was entitled, “Belovedness Belongs to All.” I was challenged to see not only myself, but …
Daily Reads 12.25.2019
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city …
Daily Reads 12.23.2019
Day 23 of Advent: Read: Luke 23 The reading today feels dark and devoid of hope. Jesus is put on trial with the entire religious community yelling for his crucifixion. The scoundrel, Barrabas, is released instead. Can the world get much darker than this? The One who ignited hope, who proclaimed the Good News, who …
Daily Reads 12.21.2019
Advent Day 21: Read: Luke 21 Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory! Luke 21:27 Advent: the arrival of a notable person or event We wait, not for a tiny baby to be born, but for the victorious Jesus to return with power and great glory. …
Daily Reads 12.19.2019
Advent Day 19: Read: Luke 19 Is what you see in the mirror an accurate reflection of who you are? This chapter begins with Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus. He is a tax collector, despised by other Jews because he worked for the Romans. Jesus goes to his house for dinner anyway. The Pharisees and religious …
Daily Reads 12.18.2019
Advent Day 18: Read: Luke 18 Persistence: firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition The reading today is all about persistence. I admit that I am tempted to give up when opposition hits. I draw conclusions like the fox in Aesop’s fable The Fox and the Grapes. …
Daily Reads 12.17.2019
Advent Day 17: Read: Luke 17 In reading this chapter, it’s difficult to get past the first ten verses without pausing to think. Mostly because if there is one place we universally have difficulty, it is in extending radical forgiveness. Not only does Jesus want us to practice prodigal love with one another, he also …
Daily Reads 12.14.2019
Advent Day 14: Read: Luke 14 In my Advent reading today, I read Richard Rohr’s daily meditation in “Preparing for Christmas: Daily Meditations for Advent”. He talked about the difference between managing and receiving life. Spiritual wealth does not come as a result of merit, organization, influence or position. We grow spiritually by receiving. It …
Daily Reads 12.12.2019
Advent Day 12: Read: Luke 12 As I reflect on this chapter, the overwhelming question that comes to mind is this: On whom or what do I depend? Where do I turn when life is chaotic? Jesus challenges his listeners to consider the trajectory of their lives. Dependence on self and what I can accomplish …
Out of the Chaos 