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.…

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…

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…

August 31, 2017 Daily ReadingPsalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45bExodus 2:23-24Psalm 26:1-8Jeremiah 14:13-18This week’s sermon text: Ephesians 5:1-6 Field NotesMichael Jordan retired as an NBA basketball player as a Chicago Bull in 1999. In 2001 he returned to the NBA as a Washington Wizard. The Wizards were a so-so team. Because of injuries, Jordan never returned to…

August 30, 2017 Daily ReadingsPsalm 8Exodus 2:15b-22Psalm 18:1-3, 20-32Isaiah 28:14-22This week’s sermon text: Matthew 26:6-13 Field NotesMy wife called, “I don’t know whether to be happy or sad? A car dealership just called about a church member who bought us a car.” Because this church member was manic-depressive, I asked the dealer to delay finalizing…

August 29, 2017 Daily ReadingPsalm 8Exodus 2:11-15aRomans 11:33-36Psalm 18:1-3, 20-32Deuteronomy 32:18-20, 28-39This week’s sermon text:  Romans 11:33-36 Field NotesHow can God be a jealous God? Isn’t jealousy sinful? When we feel human jealousy, it is usually because someone has something we want, something we wish we had. We become the center of the issue. The…