Forward Day By Day – March 30, 2019

Saturday, March 30, 2019

Psalm 136 recounts the history of God’s care for the children of Israel, from the creation of all that is to deliverance from slavery in Egypt to defeat of enemies, all punctuated by this refrain: “For his mercy endures for ever.” How might we pray this...

Forward Day By Day – March 29, 2019

Friday, March 29, 2019

“I don’t get it!” This response is rarely a genuine request for a more complete explanation but rather is code for, “I don’t like what you’re saying, and I don’t want to hear it.” This is how Jesus’….(View this reading and more resources for prayer at Daily...

Forward Day By Day – March 28, 2019

Thursday, March 28, 2019

On the wall by my computer is a plaque that says, “Speak the truth but leave immediately thereafter.” Speaking the truth surely buys Jesus serious trouble. As soon as he tells the crowds following him that the truth will make them free, they insist they ….(View...

Forward Day By Day – March 27, 2019

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Walking in darkness is, at best, challenging, and at worst, dangerous. After my husband retired and I was still working, I’d get up in the dark, try not to wake him, and pull clothes out of the closet, hoping I hadn’t grabbed the purple skirt and the red...

Forward Day By Day – March 26, 2019

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

We find it convenient to dismiss Jesus. He is just not from the right place. Maybe he’s a person of color. Maybe he speaks another language, or comes from another denomination or tradition, or lives on the street. Maybe he’s a she, transgender, or gender-neutral....

Forward Day By Day – March 25, 2019

Monday, March 25, 2019

The youth group was presenting an improvisational retelling of the Annunciation. Gabriel, with thick glasses and a big grin, strode into the chancel, where Mary sat. “Hi, Mary—I’m the Angel Gabriel, and I came to tell you that God loves you.”….(View this reading...

Forward Day By Day – March 24, 2019

Sunday, March 24, 2019

God will never give you more than you can handle. This platitude is enshrined on cards, posters, and social media. When I see it, I want to scream. I don’t believe that God gives us more than we can handle—evil does that. God does not prevent the testing. Instead, God...

Forward Day By Day – March 23, 2019

Saturday, March 23, 2019

The Internet has spawned a “You’re Doing It Wrong” cottage industry: “The Five Foods You Should Never Eat,” “The 10 Items in Your Cupboard You Need to Throw Away,” or “Seven Ways You Are Sabotaging Your Relationship.” And that’s before we even get to posts on what’s...

Forward Day By Day – March 22, 2019

Friday, March 22, 2019

Palestine, in the centuries when the Bible was being written, was full of shepherds, and sheep were important. They provided milk, meat, wool, and even the parchment on which the words of God could be written. But sheep are not very bright, requiring...

Forward Day By Day – March 21, 2019

Thursday, March 21, 2019

When I was a junior in high school, my grandfather died, and my grandmother came to live with us. By the time I left for college, I decided I did not like old people. Now I am one. My husband and I are in relatively….(View this reading and more resources for...

Forward Day By Day – March 20, 2019

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Do you want to be made well? Of course! Or is Jesus asking this man something even deeper and more crucial? The sick man has been sitting near the pool every day for thirty-eight years, with no one to help him into the water. Has he not asked? Has h….(View this...

Forward Day By Day – March 19, 2019

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

“My Father’s house…” For 12 years this boy has been at my side in the carpenter shop, my hands guiding his. I had almost forgotten the angels, the stable, the strange visitors, the terror of escaping Herod’s soldiers, and the journey to Egypt…and th….(View...

Forward Day By Day – March 18, 2019

Monday, March 18, 2019

Life is a group project. I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing without family, friends, teachers, and mentors. Where would I be without strangers who have grown and harvested my food, kept me healthy, built the house I live in, and invented the computer on which I write...