July 7, 2021

Repent

July 7, 2021

DAILY READING

Matthew 11:20-24

Psalm 47

Isaiah 51:1-3

Psalm 119:161-168

Jeremiah 18:1-11

FIELD NOTES

One person held the four key positions at a church I pastored.  He told me that God had provided many miracles for his family and him during the previous three years.  

After we had that meaningful conversation, I arrived to the church.  He disappeared for three months.  Why did this key leader and recipient of blessings disappear?

When I saw him, I asked, “We miss you? Are you O.K.?”  He answered, “Everything is fine. I just don’t need God right now.”  I was speechless.

I imagine Jesus’ astonishment at the response of the people in Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum to his miracles because they received the most (Matthew 11:20-24).  What?  After all I’ve done for you and you still don’t follow me?  Jesus, their source of grace and love, denounced them for they did not change their ways. 

Our Brentwood community is blessed!  However, within fifteen minutes driving radius of BUMC, only 19.6% of people consider it’s important to worship, and only 12.9% say faith is important. We are so blessed, yet worship and faith are merely options for most.

Out of gratitude for Christ’s love and grace, may we all help each other turn toward Jesus, the source of everything in our life.  

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

  • When I look at how I spend my time, how much of the time does my living reflect my faith?
  • How are my priorities reflecting my gratitude to God for the blessings I’ve received?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

  • In what ways are we showing our thanks to Jesus for the blessings we have?
  • Are there other ways we can live our faith as a way to say “thank you” to Jesus?

PRAYER GUIDE

Lord Jesus, you give us so many blessings.  You give us life and each other.  Yet, there is a tendency for us to drift from you. Please help us to never take you for granted.  Lord Jesus, when we do drift from you, please help us turn back to you.  In your gracious name I pray.  Amen.