Relentless Blessing
September 17, 2020 DAILY READING Psalm 66:8-20 Genesis 6:5-22 FIELD NOTES The 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 story of the animals…
Read MoreFreedom or Slavery?
September 16, 2020 DAILY READING Psalm 102:1-17 John 8:31-38 FIELD NOTES Truth. 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 and choosing to go…
Read MoreA Bird’s Eye View
September 15, 2020 DAILY READING Psalm 102:1-17 Proverbs 3:5-12 FIELD NOTES Today’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 better than we understand ourselves. So when…
Read MoreThe Roundabout Way
September 14, 2020 DAILY READING Psalm 102:1-17 Exodus 13:17-22 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 says in v. 18 that…
Read MoreThe Persistence of Prayer
This week’s preacher: Dr. Davis Chappell. We continue our series, Teach Us to Pray, on the prayer life of Jesus. This series is the first in our year-long focus on intentional discipleship called “Walking with Jesus.” Learn how you can be more intentional in your walk with Jesus at bumc.net/journey. Our Scripture reading: Luke 18:1-8
Read MoreThe Misunderstood Jesus
September 12, 2020 DAILY READING Psalm 100 John 8:48-59 This week’s sermon text: James 3:1-12 FIELD NOTES Jesus 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…
Read MoreAn Unlikely Messenger
September 11, 2020 DAILY READING Psalm 31:1-5 Acts 7:1-16 This week’s sermon text: James 3:1-12 FIELD NOTES If 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…
Read MoreCriticism
September 10, 2020 DAILY READING Psalm 31:1-5 Acts 6:8-15 This week’s sermon text: James 3:1-12 FIELD NOTES It hurts to be falsely accused. It hurts when others attribute false motives for actions we feel are justified and needed. It hurts because our intentions might be pure, but we just can’t control what others might say…
Read MoreThe Boldness of a Mother’s Love
September 9, 2020 DAILY READING Psalm 100 Matthew 20:17-28 This week’s sermon text: James 3:1-12 FIELD NOTES Today’s scripture reminds us of the remarkable love of a mother. These two sons of Zebedee, for whatever reason, don’t ask Jesus for a place of prominence. But their mother will! She begs Jesus for her sons to…
Read MoreA Formula for Faith
September 8, 2020 DAILY READING Psalm 100 Hebrews 13:20-21 This week’s sermon text: James 3:1-12 FIELD NOTES Today’s scripture passage is a benediction, a closing statement of God’s grace for believers. But in this powerful closing statement of Hebrews, we also receive a succinct formula for God’s salvation of all people. The formula starts with…
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