Read Together UMCNA

Rev. Roger Short walks us through this week's readings, which remind us that the Lamb is the Shepherd.

Becky Walker focuses on Isaiah 55, where we are reminded that God's ways are higher than our ways.

Rev. Josh Hickman finds significance in the metaphors Jesus used in this week's Gospel lesson.

Mike Stedham reminds us that the practice of giving something up for Lent relates to the temptation of Christ in the wilderness.

Rev. Leslie Williams points out that one of the lessons of the Transfiguration story is that the order in which we do things has meaning.

Rev. Steve West notes that in a story of unhealthy family dynamics, Joseph is able to see the bigger picture.

Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield tells us about a time Jesus turned things upside down.

How can we face the problems we face in today's world? Rev Dale Clem shares some ideas.

Rev. Robbins Sims invites us to listen—to others and especially to what God is saying to us.

Every week, we hear the Scripture read and the Word proclaimed. Rev. Donna Godwin asks, "Are we really listening?"

Does your faith bring you joy and delight? Rev. John Fleischauer reminds us that it should.

In the most difficult of days, Rev. Donna Godwin reminds us, loving each other is the main thing.

Rev. Steve West identifies three core values of the early church that the world found offensive and encourages us to relentlessly live into them.

One of the things about reading Acts, says Stephanie Sparks, is that it allows us to see the continuing work of the Holy Spirit.

Rev. Dale Clem discusses some of the themes found in the Gospel of John.

Rev. Dr. Bill Morgan talks about the "then and now" statements we find in the book of Matthew.

The prophets who told of dire consequences long ago are also speaking to us, says Rev. Eric Bagwell. Are we listening?

As we journey together, Rev. John Baldwin reminds us to be intentional and considerate as we share the gifts God has given each of us.

Reading the prophets is a reminder that people don't always listen to God's messages. Still, says Rev. Delaney Holloway, we must speak when God calls us to.

Rev. Donna Godwin points out that reading Lamentations reminds us that it's OK to be brutally honest with God.

Psalm 112 reminds Rev. Tony Campbell of taking pleasure in reading and studying Scripture.

Rev. Kaite Allred points out that sometimes the smallest acts of love and compassion are helpful in ways we can't imagine.

Rev. Christy Noren-Hentz talks about the context of the book of Isaiah, then hones in on responding to injustice.

Stephanie Sparks shares that reading favorite, familiar Scripture—even when you realize you have changed since you last read it and still find meaning in it—is a balm for the soul.

Reading Scripture brings us life and joy—but sometimes makes us cringe. Rev. Dorothy Ann Webster addresses some cringe-worthy passages in this week's reading.

A lesson from this week's readings shared by Rev. Emily Freeman Penfield is this: just because we can doesn't mean we should.

No matter what we're going through, no, matter what's going on in the world, God is always at work. That's the message Rev. Wayne Hicks shares from Psalm 75.

Lessons of patience and commitment for Elijah are also lessons for us, Rev. Patsy Carlberg reminds us.

Kerry McShea and three of Ford's Chapel UMC youth discuss Psalm 66.

Rev Steve West sees this week's readings as a move from  hostility to a new home to a new hope.

Rev. Abi Carlisle-Wilke finds examples of prevenient grace in this week's reading.

Life seems unfair sometimes, says Andy Rickles. Psalm 49 reminds us to build up things of eternal and not earthly value.

Joey Butler discusses the themes in the Psalms we read this week.

Old Testament verses can be hard to read. Rev. Dorothy Ann Webster reminds us that these words are not the final words.

Sabbath, as we read about in Exodus, is a pattern of living the requires one to depend completely on God. It was radical then, says Rev. Marian Royston, and it's radical now.

Fear drives us to make some bad decisions, says Rev. Megan Barber, and sometimes our actions bring about the very thing we fear.

Kerry McShea and her son Seth talk about how we can impact the next generation.

Rev. Steve West explores the family dynamics and themes of anxiety, forgiveness and reconciliation passed through the generations.

Do you ever think about your inheritance and all the family drama that might be attached? We can be grateful, says Stephanie Sparks, that God is our true inheritance.

Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett welcomes readers to the 2024 Read Together initiative and reminds us why it's important to read daily.

Rev. Terry Goodman reminds us that God is still at work in the world and in our lives. Are you listening?

Haleigh Davis and Whitney Winston ponder the Scripture from Isaiah in this week's Lectionary reading list, and wonder—are we letting this passage be a guiding light for our actions?

No matter what is causing darkness in our lives, says Rev. Leah Burns, Advent hope is for everyone.

Where is Jesus amidst the chaos of Christmas? As we're searching, Rev. Jane Taylor says, we should stop and remember that he is already here.

Rev. Sarah Slack reminds us to look for Jesus in others and treat them as we would treat him.

We know time is in God's hands, but sometimes in the busy-ness of life we forget. Renni Morris reminds us in this week's episode.

Carolyn Kidd reminds us of the responsibility we all have to keep the stories of the Bible alive for the generations that follow.

Kerry McShea asks us to remember our mentors on the faith journey, and to pay it forward whenever we can.

Our eyes are opened to new ways of seeing things every time we read familiar Scripture, says Stephanie Sparks.

Rev. Ron Schultz reminds us that Jesus calls us to love above all else.

Kerry McShea found this week's reading list filled with reminders of who God is, and believes we can use this information to be the Body of Christ.