Comments on: Flood of Mercy

By: Barbara Clark

Barbara Clark — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 05:49:01 +0000

Thanks, Bob Yoder, for the thoughtful introduction to the theme and sub-theme for this year’s reflections.
And thank you, Jodi Beyeler, for explaining why you began our Advent devotions this week rather than next. I am looking forward to what your team has for us this 2012 Advent season.

By: Jodi Beyeler

Jodi Beyeler — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 18:31:30 +0000

Good question Barb! You are right that Advent begins on Dec. 2, this coming Sunday. The reason that we begin our Advent devotions the Monday before is because they always relate to the coming Sunday’s lectionary. They are to prepare you for Sunday, rather than be looking back. If we waited to start until next Monday, we would lose Week 1 of Advent. — Goshen College devotions editor Jodi Beyeler

By: Mervyn Carapiet

Mervyn Carapiet — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:20:49 +0000

Dear Pastor Bob, Thank you so much for not leaving me out and for keeping me on your contact list. Your reflections and those of Goshen College are very enlightening and encouraging. I always look forward to them during the seasons of Advent and Lent. United in awaiting the Lord,
Mervyn Carapiet

By: Mary Jo Short

Mary Jo Short — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 01:27:20 +0000

The image of wading in God,s faithfulness is helpful to think about. Thanks, Bob. Looking forward to these devotionals.

By: Colin F

Colin F — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:37:38 +0000

I will pray for you Ruth. God shows us what really matters. Since 2005 I’ve seen my daughters lose their health, then me lose their health, lost my father, 3 part time jobs that i loved, then my wife’s health deteriorated. She was put out of the church we had served as missionaries for the previous 8 years, so we lost the fellowship and people we had invested in.Then i lost my mental health and after my wife divorced me. these last 3 years I’ve seen The Lord restore my health and has given me a job I love but I miss my wife terribly and she doesn’t allow me access to my daughters. But God is wonderful and I’ve come to know him and His love for me in a much deeper way.

By: Irma Mahone

Irma Mahone — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 19:54:43 +0000

This theme is exciting for me as my verse for the year has been Ezekial 47:9. “Wherever the river goes,…it will become fresh; and everything will live where the river goes.” I am looking forward to this year’s Advent devotionals.

By: Lorraine Murphy

Lorraine Murphy — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 18:22:24 +0000

This is very well presented. I plan to share it with my Chancel Choir and Hand Bell Choir at St. John ‘s United Methodist Church in Sarasota, Florida, in a short devotional this week as we prepare Advent and Christmas Eve music. So, the bottom line is this: You have given me a “flood of thoughts” for the start of Advent. Thank you!

By: Amy Murray

Amy Murray — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 17:19:47 +0000

Bob, you have done such a great job of kick starting this Advent season. I have been helping to plan our worship services at church and I have been struggling with the theme; “Flood Of Mercy.” But you have given me food for thought and a challenge as well. I am looking forward to all the Advent devotionals that are forthcoming.

By: Barbel Goertz

Barbel Goertz — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 15:06:07 +0000

Why the rush? 1. Advent Sunday is only next Sunday. Now even our churches start the Christmas season early .

By: Debbie Lackowitz

Debbie Lackowitz — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 14:35:50 +0000

After surviving ‘Sandy’ (I live in the northeast) Flood of Mercy is well, interesting! But the scriptural take on it is true. Water is both life-giving as well as a force to be reckoned with. Why does it beckon us so? On a beautiful summer day, the sounds of the water soothe. Even the smell of salt water beckons. The feel of the warm sand between toes. But when a storm engulfs us (as Sandy did)? OMG. It’s absolutely frightening. So yes, there’s the dichotomy. Life-giving and fearsome indeed. Let’s proceed…