Gift and Task: A Year of Daily Readings and Reflections

by Walter Brueggemann

The God whom we meet in Scripture is one who gives generous gifts in the wonder of creation, in the miracle of emancipation and reconciliation, and in the surprise of transformation. We are invited to receive those abundant gifts on a daily basis, with a posture of anticipation, awe, and gratitude. In response, we accept the worthy task of daily discipleship. Gift and Task is an original collection of 365 devotions by best-selling author Walter Brueggemann, providing the opportunity to consider in critical ways the cost and joy of discipleship. Perfect for daily use, this book begins with the First Sunday of Advent and provides insightful reflection and thought-provoking commentary on the Scriptures for each day of the year. Brueggemann guides disciples with wisdom and encouragement for our never-ending walk along God's challenging, grace-filled path throughout the Christian year.

Genres: Religion, Christianity

408 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2017

About the author

Walter Brueggemann was an American Christian scholar and theologian who is widely considered an influential Old Testament scholar. His work often focused on the Hebrew prophetic tradition and the sociopolitical imagination of the Church. He argued that the Church must provide a counter-narrative to the dominant forces of consumerism, militarism, and nationalism.

Reviews

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful and challenging. An important year-long read about what the church should actually be about in the world.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gift and Task
A Year of Daily Readings and Reflections
by Walter Brueggemann
Westminster John Knox Press
Christian , Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 01 Sep 2017   
I am reviewing a copy of Gift and Task through Westminster John Knox Press and Netgalley:
In this book/devotional we are reminded that the God we meet in Scripture is a giver. We are reminded that the Lord is generous.
We are also reminded that God wants piety but not false piety. The book reminds us too that God’s love is not unconditional, but he does love us so much he sent his son to die for us.
This devotional has 365 original reflections from well known and best selling author Walter Brueggmann. This devotional gives you the opportunity to consider in critical ways both the cost and joy of discipleship.
If you are looking for a good devotional that allows you to delve deeper into Faith and Discipleship.
I give Gift and Task five out of five stars
Happy Reading!

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked how Brueggemann approached the Bible passages using his two themes: the gifts God gives and the tasks God calls us to do. It's difficult to write a year-long devotional that stays fresh, and that's where I thought this volume fell down. By the second half of the year, I found Brueggeman's approach predictable. The initial impact of his writing had lost its freshness. I'd recommend reading sections over the course of several years to keep the challenges of Brueggeman's writing alive.

[Michelle Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gift and Task by Walter Brueggemann contains a year’s worth of readings based on the Scriptures. The readings in this book are short and perfect for reading on a daily basis. Like this author’s other writings, the selections are pretty simple, yet deeply profound. I highly recommend this book to anyone who seeks to explore God’s amazing gifts and what He requires in return. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the time spent in meditating on these.

Brueggemann once again opens scripture from a unique perspective that often leads to moments of insight into the meaning of being a disciple. Spend time with God with a guide who will help you see more clearly what being a child of God means.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best daily devotional books I've ever used and I've used many. I'll miss sharing my morning coffee with Walter Brueggemann. He has inspired me often into new ways of understanding these sacred texts.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent daily devotional book. Perfect way to start your day. I will return to this book again and again. Highly recommend!

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good devotional with some very thought provoking commentary

[Paul H. Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preferred reading

A superb book of devotions for the year. Well written, classic Bergmann. An old testament scholar that infused the new testament

[Russeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful.

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the run of the mill daily meditations.

[Sue Whitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

from Advent until Advent

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't stuck with a yearlong devotional in ages. Brueggamann's theology pushed my thinking and helped me see familiar Biblical passages in a fresh way.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t think of a devotional book to which I would give a higher recommendation. Scripture readings, brief commentary and prayer for each day of the year. The commentary is rich.