Harder Still
September 7, 2017 Daily ReadingExodus 9:1-11This weekend’s scripture: Romans 5:1-11 Field NotesCan you imagine what Pharaoh must have been feeling in the midst of the story of Moses and the Exodus? In our passage, we see just one of the many plagues God unleashes on the Egyptian people for the sake of freeing the Israelites.…
Read MoreA House Divided
September 6, 2017 Daily ReadingMatthew 12:22-32This weekend’s scripture: Romans 5:1-11 Field NotesWe’ve all heard the cliché, “A house divided cannot stand.” Often we use this phrase to call for unity. Here, Jesus is talking to the Pharisees, defending against their claims that he performs his miracles under the power of Beelzebul, the prince of Demons.…
Read MoreGod’s Workmanship
September 5, 2017 Daily ReadingPsalm 83:1-4This weekend’s scripture: Romans 5:1-11 Field NotesWho is against God? It sounds harsh to say. We want to believe everyone is God’s(and indeed God created and loves all of his children), but some of us actively disobey, and even seek to destroy the Kingdom of God. These people sow hate…
Read MoreGod is Silent?
September 4, 2017 Daily ReadingPsalm 83:1-4This weekend’s scripture: Romans 5:1-11 Field NotesIn times of great strife, we often wonder, “Where is God? Why is God silent?” So often in times of trouble, we struggle with what we perceive to be the silence of God. The Psalmist here begs for God to come to the defense.…
Read MoreA Follow Up Question
A Difficult Choice: Forgiveness or Bondage
Discovering Our Common Humanity
Jesus Heals
September 2, 2017 Daily ReadingsPsalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45bExodus 4:1-9Psalm 26:1-8Jeremiah 15:10-14This week’s sermon text: Matthew 8:14-17 Field NotesIn the Bible, there are essentially five ways God provides healing. Jesus provides instant healing as in the case of today’s scripture. With his simple touch, he healed Peter’s mother-in-law. Jesus creates the conditions where healing takes place…
Read MoreScandalous Forgiveness
Power of Praise
September 1, 2017 Daily ReadingExodus 3:16-252 Thessalonians 2:7-12Psalm 26:1-8Jeremiah 15:1-92 Thessalonians 2:7-12This week’s sermon text: Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b Field NotesDo you ever have trouble sleeping? One night I tossed and turned as I mulled over an issue. It had me down for half of the next day! I could not shake it. Then I…
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