Jill Duffield

Ask yourself: What do you thank God for? How do you see his influence in your everyday life? Oftentimes, God works through normal people like you and me to perform extraordinary deeds. Although it may not always seem that God is present in our lives, all we must do is look for the signs. Lectionary Reflections, Cycle C is the third of a three-part series which offers a faith-filled experience for readers that sometimes question not only the world around them, but also their faith. The questions included at the end of each chapter are thought-provoking and intriguing, bringing readers closer to God with each chapter. However insignificant they may seem at first glance, take the time to thoroughly read each question while reflecting on her commentary, and discover her dedication in bringing others closer to God, in mind and spirit. Jill Duffield has written these lectionary reflections to assist readers from all walks of faith to share God's word with others, carrying out his works in the world. This book is intended for preachers and lay persons alike, or even new converts who may have questions as they explore the Bible. If a passage or story seems unclear, Duffield has a detailed response on how to understand His word.

As Jesus told his disciples so many years ago, he tells his followers today to make use of and trust in prayer, not to lose heart even in the most challenging of times. Although prayer may seem an odd place to start amidst the suffering, injustice, pandemics, and other problems within our world today, without prayer we are more likely to give in, with no clear answers in sight. Many Christians understand that prayer is an intimate manner of talking to God, but prayer also strengthens our relationship with our Creator, allowing us to put our trust and faith in him. Without prayer, we turn away from God, and begin living a life on Earth that is unlike that of heaven. Jill Duffield uses The Upside Down, Backward Life of Disciples to address this and other uncertainties that Christians may come across when reading through Scripture, whether in church or otherwise. When living as a disciple of God, one must not compare themselves to others, but rather to be content with what they have. We must remind ourselves often that we brought nothing into this world, and we will take nothing out of it, as everything we have ultimately belongs to God. This book is intended for use by pastors preaching on a weekly basis but can be enjoyed by anyone who desires to learn more about the Christian faith. Whether you are a newcomer to the church or you have been attending since birth, Duffield provides the answers you need about how to grow closer to God by understanding the words in his Bible.

"Imagine if before we fired off that comment, posted that pithy, clever post, or took out our frustration on whoever happened to be in front of us, we asked ourselves: Does this build up or tear down? Is this kind? Am I speaking the truth in love? How does this act or word imitate God and show the love of Jesus Christ?" (171) How can we, as disciples of Jesus Christ, best imitate his life on Earth? Jill Duffield uses Lectionary Reflections: Year B to explain, through a variety of different situations, no matter what time of year. Whether we are feeling untethered to Jesus during Thanksgiving, or unsure how to perceive his death on Good Friday, Duffield is prepared to help us live the example of Christ each and every day. Lectionary Reflections, Cycle B is part of a three-part series, of which this is the second installment. After each biblical commentary, Duffield includes a set of questions, centered around readers thinking like disciples of Christ. However insignificant they may seem at first glance, take the time to thoroughly read each question while reflecting on her commentary, and discover her dedication to bring others closer to God, in mind and spirit. This book is intended for preachers and laypeople alike, or even new converts who may have questions as they explore the Bible. If a passage or story is seemingly unclear, Duffield has a detailed response on how to understand His word. Commentary Includes: "Cleansing of the Temple" (Third Sunday of Lent; John 2:13-22) "Palm Sunday and its Importance" (Palm/Passion Sunday; Mark 1:1-11) "How to Spread His Teachings" (Third Sunday of Easter; Luke 24:36b-48)

With Lectionary Reflections, Cycle A, readers will delight in the process of preparing to preach from the lectionary. While it is academically informed and theologically sound, this volume is notable in how it engenders a sense of playful, holy curiosity. Readers will get insightful commentary, ideas for a variety of ways to preach and teach the texts, and weekly questions and suggestions to get conversations going. Duffield's wit and palpable love for the Body of Christ will invigorate any pastor's sermon writing process. If you're preaching or teaching from the lectionary, this will be a go-to resource week after week. Jill Duffield holds an M. Div. degree from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia and a D. Min. degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas. She has pastored congregations in North Carolina and South Carolina. Jill won the James Solheim Award for Editorial Courage and the Award of Merit in Bible Reference for "Looking Into the Lectionary." She is the current editor and publisher of The Presbyterian Outlook and is married to Grant. They are the parents of three children.

Positive mentoring relationships are essential to the formation of strong Christian leaders. This simple truth is often held as self-evident, but why? How can theological and biblical insights inform mentoring relationships? And what do these vital relationships look like across a range of Christian experience? Opening multiple angles of vision on the practice of mentoring, Dean K. Thompson and D. Cameron Murchison have assembled an eminent group of scholars to reflect on these and other pressing questions. With contributions from twenty-one remarkable writers, this broad-ranging volume explores mentoring in biblical and theological perspective, within the context of diverse national and international communities, and across generations.