Presence as Love
May 2, 2020 DAILY READING Psalm 23 A psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters,3 he refreshes my soul.He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[a]I will fear no evil, for you are with me;your rod and…
Read MoreSubmission as Love
May 1, 2020 DAILY READING 1 Peter 2:13-17 FIELD NOTES This passage has been debated countless times, with good reason probably. One truth that shines through regardless of how people twist it to control others—there is love in submission. When we put the needs of others above our own, that is a form of submission. That is…
Read MoreLiving Examples
April 30, 2020 DAILY READING 1 Peter 2:9-12 FIELD NOTES Often times, one of the best ways we love our neighbors, or coworkers, and especially our family, is by the example we set. As parents, we try to set a loving example for our children. As an employee, we try to set an example of someone who…
Read MoreLove Reveals Truth
April 29, 2020 DAILY READING John 21:1-14 FIELD NOTES I can remember many times in my life when love was shown to me by someone, and it opened my eyes to a truth unknown to me up until that point. But the most memorable was during a mission trip to Bayou La Batre, Alabama. We were…
Read MorePure Spiritual Milk
April 28, 2020 DAILY READING 1 Peter 2:1-3 FIELD NOTES Looking at today’s scripture, I see these things we are supposed to rid ourselves of—Hate, malice, deceit, hypocrisy—it sounds like all of the things that are OPPOSITE of love. So what is that “pure spiritual milk,” but the Love of God. The first fruit of…
Read MoreEaster During a Global Pandemic: Part Three
Rev. Dr. Davis Chappell and Rev. Allison Gossett discuss the final question in a series of questions about Easter during a global pandemic. Today’s question: “What does resurrection and hope mean for a people experiencing deep loss: the loss of loved ones, the loss of normalcy, the loss of community, the loss of jobs, etc.?”…
Read MoreLove in Unexpected Places
April 27, 2020 DAILY READING 1 Peter 1:23-25 FIELD NOTES I was talking to a friend recently about encountering the majesty of God in the outdoors. I asked him why the outdoors affect him so much. He said when you look in scripture, you see verse after verse about how much God loves creation—how God pays attention…
Read MoreThe Fruit of Love
This sermon is a part of our series on the Fruit of Spirit! Each week, we’ll explore a different fruit and how its wisdom can be applied to our lives. Over the next 9 weeks, as we consider each of the fruits of the Spirit, we are inviting you to join us in embodying these…
Read MoreWhat Shall We Return?
April 25, 2020 DAILY READING Psalm 116:12-19 FIELD NOTES In my first (and hopefully only) experience of a pandemic, here are some of my learnings: Each day is different, even within the monotony. Some days I feel tremendous joy and gratitude for extra time with my family and nowhere to go. Some days I feel…
Read MoreGood Choices
April 24, 2020 DAILY READING 1 Peter 1:13-16 FIELD NOTES We have a children’s book in our home that was given to my daughter at her baptism. It’s the story of Jesus’ own baptism by John. There’s a line in the book said by John as he preaches to the people. He says, “Ask God…
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