Advent Day 13: Read: Luke 13 In 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the city of New Orleans with vengeance. Wreaking havoc and displacing thousands of people, activity in the city screeched to a halt. Chaos ensued. In the weeks that followed, there were many good people with good intentions who speculated why God allowed a hurricane …
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 …
Advent Day 11: Read: Luke 11 Jesus was invited to the house of a Pharisee for dinner. Some of those in attendance were also religious teachers. A Pharisee was one part of the Jewish population who emphasized following the law to the most minute detail often forgetting about the intention of the law in the …
Advent Day 10: Read: Luke 10 (or at least verses 38-42) This chapter concludes with Jesus’ visit to the home of Martha and Mary. It appears that Martha was the one who extended the invitation to Jesus and his disciples to come and eat in her home. When Jesus arrived, Martha busied herself preparing the …
Advent Day 6: Read: Luke 6 This is a powerhouse chapter! But I am limiting myself to one observation, so this is it! Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will …
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted… Isaiah 61:1 Advent – Day 5: Read: Luke 5 Today I became reaquainted with the term “compassion fatigue.” It is what happens when you spend a large portion of …
Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He will delight in obeying the Lord. Isaiah 11:1-3a …
Today I read an Advent challenge; something that will prepare my heart for Christmas and the celebration of this magical season. Beginning today, read one chapter of the gospel of Luke every day. There are twenty-four chapters, so you will finish the day before Christmas with a fresh and deeper understanding of the reason why …
There are times when I feel anxious about life. The future looks difficult and uncertain. Today is riddled with despair. Despair about the “what ifs.” And I don’t even always realize they are there. It’s like bugs on a hot summer day – buzzing around, making noise, distracting me. Read: 2 Timothy 1:8; 2:1, 7 …
Will I focus on what makes me different from another or what we hold in common? It makes all the difference in the world.