Today’s Reading: Read 2 Samuel 5:11-25; 2 Samuel 6:12-15; I Chronicles 15:1-4; I Chronicles 16:8-36 What Do you remember learning about the Ark of the Covenant?  Make a list of everything your family remembers. God gave Moses specific instructions on how to build it and where to place it in the tabernacle (Exodus 25).  Then the Ark of the Covenant was where the presence of God rested, and the Israelites followed it as they crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land (Joshua 3-4). Later, we learn that the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant (I Samuel 4).   David ..read more

Today’s Reading: Read 2 Samuel 5:1-10; I Chronicles 11:3; I Chronicles 12:38-40; Psalm 133 It was finally time!  ALL of Israel decided it was time to anoint David as King.  David became the King of Israel.  The Israelites said, “The Lord also said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people, Israel, and you will be ruler over Israel.’” (v. 2) Finally, David became the King, and he led his people to work together to defend Israel.  In today’s reading, we read how David UNIFIED the people of Israel.  Unified is a big word, isn’t it?  It means being together or working as a ..read more

In our latest episode of Sermon Notes, we delve deep into the chronological Bible reading journey across all Brentwood campuses, currently centered on the narrative of 2 Samuel. As we explore the transformative period marked by King David’s ascension and the mournful demise of Saul, our host Jay Strother and guest Brian Ball unpack the complex dynamics of power, faith, and the divine orchestration visible in the lives of these pivotal biblical figures. The contrast between David’s heart for God and Saul’s tragic fall adeptly illustrates the eternal truths and lessons nestled within these anci ..read more

Today’s Reading: Read Psalm 92 Can you think of a special day that we celebrate when we thank God for all that He has done for us? Did you say Thanksgiving?  Such a good answer, but guess what?   We can take time every day to thank God for all that He does for us.  Stop right now and share with someone in your family something that you are thankful for.  As you read Psalm 92, what are some things David lists being thankful for?  Read the chapter out loud and every time you hear something that we should thank God for, clap your hands or shout, “Thank you, God!”&nbs ..read more

GOSPEL CONVERSATION OPPORTUNITY  In this week’s readings, we were reminded of the history of the Israelites.  What is your spiritual heritage?  Parents, spend some time this week sharing with your family how you came to know Christ and how God used different people in your life to point you to him.  Psalm 78:4 reminds us to “tell a future generation the praiseworthy acts of the Lord.”  Sharing how we came to know Him is definitely praiseworthy!  Click below for this weeks take home sheet! Weekly take home sheet April Memory Verse: If you confess with your mouth ..read more

Today’s Reading: Read Psalm 78 Today we’re going on a scavenger hunt.  Ever been on one?  We’re going to look at the list below and see if we can find each one of the things listed in our reading time.  Ready?  The Red Sea  Cloud By Day  Fire by Night  Water from rocks  Manna from heaven  Rebellion in the wilderness  The plagues in Egypt  The author of this Psalm reminded the Israelites of their story- of God’s story- of how God provided for them time and time again, even though they continued to disobey.  Remembering how God provid ..read more

Today’s Reading: Read Psalm 36 What is the tallest building you have ever seen?  What about the tallest mountain?  As a family, do some research and find out what the tallest mountain in the world is.  How tall is it?  While you’re looking, find out how deep the deepest part of the ocean is.  It’s hard to imagine something as tall as the highest mountain or as deep as the deepest part of the ocean, isn’t it?  How exciting to think that God’s faithful love and righteousness is also that big!  The author of Psalm 36 is King David.  From all that we have re ..read more

Today’s Reading: Read Psalm 84 Do you remember what we learned about Adam and Eve in Genesis 3?  (Go back and read it if you need a reminder!). Adam and Eve were able to walk with God and talk with God until they chose to sin.  That sin separated Adam and Eve (and us) from God.    Do you remember what we learned about God’s plan to be with His people even though there was sin that separated them?  (Read Exodus 25:1-22.)  God created a way for his presence to be with His chosen people by establishing the tabernacle- a place for His presence to dwell.  The ..read more

Today’s Reading: Read I Chronicles 1-6; Psalm 44:1-10, 17-18, 26 (Today’s reading from 1 Chronicles includes a long list of genealogy.  As a family, look at the verses and the names that are listed.  Look for Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Esau, Israel, Joseph)  Do you know the name of your great, great, great grandparents?  Do you know where they were born or what they did for a living?  Parents, share what you know about your heritage.  If you have a meaningful or humorous story about a grandparent or family member, take the time to share it with the family. Imagin ..read more

On this episode of Sermon Notes, Jay Strother and Brian Ball embark on an enlightening journey through the biblical narrative of David. The conversation delves into the themes of shepherding as a metaphor for leadership, the vital role of obedience to God’s word, and the divine selection that elevates David above Saul’s crumbling reign. They explore the complexities of David’s relationship with Jonathan, the embodiment of selfless, Christ-like friendship, and the spiritual discipline of Sabbath rest. Through the course of the discussion, the speakers challenge listeners to evaluate their desi ..read more