May 20, 2017Choosing Trust Daily ReadingJohn 14:27-29Psalm 66:8-20This week’s sermon text: James 4:1-12 Field Notes“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you…Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (v. 27). How many times have you heard these words of Jesus quoted at a funeral? I…

May 19, 2017Encouragement in the Storm Daily ReadingActs 27:13-38Psalm 66:8-20This week’s sermon text: James 4:1-12 Field NotesIn today’s reading, Paul is a prisoner of the Roman government and being transferred by ship to Rome, where he will stand trial. Apparently, it’s winter and not a favorable time for sailing, but the Roman centurion is determined…

May 18, 2017Relentless Blessing Daily ReadingGenesis 6:5-22Psalm 66:8-20This week’s sermon text: James 4:1-12 Field NotesThe story of Noah’s ark is among the most well known of all Bible stories. It figures prominently in Western historical imagination and even in our own popular culture. Think of all the children’s picture books and toys that tell the…

May 17, 2017Freedom or Slavery? Daily ReadingJohn 8:31-38Psalm 102:1-17This week’s sermon text: James 4:1-12 Field NotesTruth. Freedom. Sin. Slavery. Jesus lays it out clearly in our reading for today. Living daily according to Jesus’ words allows us to know the truth about life and that truth is the way to freedom. Conversely, rejecting God’s truth…

May 16, 2017A Bird’s Eye View Daily ReadingProverbs 3:5-12Psalm 102:1-17This week’s sermon text: James 4:1-12 Field NotesToday’s passage from Proverbs is well known and well loved by many. It emphasizes that God sees the big picture of our lives. He knows the gifts he’s given us; he created our personalities and temperaments; he understands us…

May 15, 2017The Roundabout Way Daily ReadingExodus 13:17-22Psalm 102:1-17This week’s sermon text: James 4:1-12 Field Notes When God liberated the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt he led them into a new land where they could put down roots and establish a new home. But he didn’t take them there immediately. Our reading for today…

May 13, 2017 The Misunderstood Jesus Daily ReadingJohn 8:48-59Psalm 100This week’s sermon text: James 3:1-12 Field NotesJesus was often misunderstood in his own time. Unfortunately we sometimes still misunderstand who he is and what he came to do. We misunderstand Jesus when we think he only came to save the “good church-going people like us.”…

May 12, 2017 An Unlikely Messenger Daily ReadingActs 7:1-16Psalm 31:1-5This week’s sermon text: James 3:1-12 Field NotesIf we read further on from today’s scripture, we know that Stephen’s speech in front of the religious leaders was not ultimately successful. Stephen would end up being stoned to death for his testimony of Christ. But Stephen’s speech…