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1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Community Memories -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- David Coffin -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2023
At first glance all three of today’s texts can seem intimidating for preachers who seek to be cultur
Witnesses -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2020
Abraham Kuyper served two terms as prime minister of the Netherlands in the early 20th century.
Servants -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
In Robert Bolt's play A Man for All Seasons, Sir Thomas More stands at a moral crossroads.
Law and life -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
God gives the law to the Israelites as a blessing and guidance for new life after generations of pro
Imitation Christianity -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- David Kalas -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2011
So much of what we human beings learn to do, we learn to do by imitation.
The trouble with religion -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1999
Speaking out against religion is as popular as ridiculing the American flag, motherhood, and apple p

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Jesus Gives the Job Description -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A, All Saints Day - A -- 2023
For November 1/5, 2023:
Swamp Cleaning 101 -- Matthew 23:1-12, Matthew 5:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- All Saints Day - A, Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Proper 26 (Matthew 23:1-12), Jesus shames the scribes and the Phar
For All The Saints -- Matthew 23:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Many congregations will be celebrating All Saints Sunday this week -- and in this installment of

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Neat and tidy -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2011
You are witnesses, and God also, how pure, upright, and blameless our conduct was toward you beli
Good job -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2008
We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the
Thank you -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel
The word of God -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A
Good morning! Today is a special Sunday for us. Can anybody
A life worthy of God -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you enjoy playing

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / OT 31 -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you h

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2023) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2023
Joshua 3:7-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2020) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2020
Joshua 3:7-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2017) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
Joshua 3:7-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2014) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove, Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Joshua 3:7-17
I have a Baptist pastor friend... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Bob Ove -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
I have a Baptist pastor friend who is so proud of the fact that he has a job on the side and gets no
Paul writes to the Thessalonians... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Derl G. Keefer -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Paul writes to the Thessalonians that he has been a messenger of encouragement to them and, in essen
In the popular game show To Tell the Truth... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Brian Hohmeier -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2011
In the popular game show To Tell the Truth, a celebrity panel would ask questions to a group
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2011) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2011
Joshua 3:7-17
The Johnsons owned a hardware store... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Leah Thompson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2011
The Johnsons owned a hardware store and they devoted their lives to their business -- tracking what
At local taverns, pubs, and bars... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Ron Love -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2011
At local taverns, pubs, and bars, people drank from pint and quart-sized containers.
In the movie, Forrest Gump... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2008
In the movie, Forrest Gump, Forrest has many amazing abilities but has an IQ of about seventy
Grandma and Grandpa worked hard... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2008
Grandma and Grandpa worked hard.
The apostle Paul models an... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2008
The apostle Paul models an excellent work ethic through making tents.
Joshua 3:7-17 There... -- Matthew 23:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Joshua 3:7-17 -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2008
Joshua 3:7-17
In 1940, a British officer... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1999
In 1940, a British officer on Dunkirk beach flashed to London a three-word message: "But if not." It
For you know that we... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1999
"For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, c
The apostle Paul speaks of... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1999
The apostle Paul speaks of honoring God with our lives in our lesson.
How can you stand there... -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 1999
"How can you stand there and talk about God?" sneered Jim.

The Immediate Word

Jesus Gives the Job Description -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A, All Saints Day - A -- 2023
For November 1/5, 2023:
Swamp Cleaning 101 -- Matthew 23:1-12, Matthew 5:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- All Saints Day - A, Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Proper 26 (Matthew 23:1-12), Jesus shames the scribes and the Phar
For All The Saints -- Matthew 23:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Many congregations will be celebrating All Saints Sunday this week -- and in this installment of

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Jesus Gives the Job Description -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A, All Saints Day - A -- 2023
For November 1/5, 2023:
Swamp Cleaning 101 -- Matthew 23:1-12, Matthew 5:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- All Saints Day - A, Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Proper 26 (Matthew 23:1-12), Jesus shames the scribes and the Phar
For All The Saints -- Matthew 23:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Many congregations will be celebrating All Saints Sunday this week -- and in this installment of

SermonStudio

Proper 26 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Matthew 23:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 43, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Theme of the DayThe marvelous things God's word does.
Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2010
Theme For The DayRole-models are important to us in our life of faith.
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 3:7--17 (C)
Proper 26, Pentecost 24, Ordinary Time 31 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 3:7-17 (C)
Warning against religious hypocrisy -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Joshua 3:7--17 (C)
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Joshua 3:7-17 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Jesus Gives the Job Description -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A, All Saints Day - A -- 2023
For November 1/5, 2023:
Swamp Cleaning 101 -- Matthew 23:1-12, Matthew 5:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- All Saints Day - A, Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Proper 26 (Matthew 23:1-12), Jesus shames the scribes and the Phar
For All The Saints -- Matthew 23:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Many congregations will be celebrating All Saints Sunday this week -- and in this installment of

SermonStudio

What Can We Believe about the Christian Life? -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- James L. Killen, Jr. -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2010
Paul frequently reminded the Thessalonians of the kind of life that he and his friends lived while t
Mentoring Matters -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
A man, a woman, a house, and a pitchfork.
Worthy Of God -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Richard C. Brand -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
It seems fair to say that the saints of the Lord have always shown us what it is to be worthy of God
Marks Of A Model Minister -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1997
Because he often banged his fists into people's faces, they called him Bam Bam.

The Village Shepherd

Priorities, Energy And Work -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A
When my father was dying. he started to give away all his possessions.

Stories

StoryShare

Incident In Jericho -- Matthew 23:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- David O. Bales -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
Contents "Incident In Jericho" by David O. Bales
Who Me? -- Matthew 23:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- C. David Mckirachan, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Contents"Who Me?" by C. David McKirachan
Lost -- Matthew 23:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Keith Hewitt, Larry Winebrenner, Peter Andrew Smith, Constance Berg, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A, All Saints Day - A -- 2011
Contents "New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann "Lost" by Keith Hewitt
The Fifth Gospel -- Matthew 23:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- John S. Smylie, Keith Hewitt, Bryan Meadows, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A, All Saints Day - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
The Reformer -- Matthew 23:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Jo Perry-Sumwalt, Bonnie Compton Hanson, Victor Shepherd, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2005
Contents What's Up This Week

Worship

The Immediate Word

Jesus Gives the Job Description -- Matthew 5:1-12, Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta, Elena Delhagen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A, All Saints Day - A -- 2023
For November 1/5, 2023:
Swamp Cleaning 101 -- Matthew 23:1-12, Matthew 5:1-12, Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- All Saints Day - A, Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
In the lectionary gospel text for Proper 26 (Matthew 23:1-12), Jesus shames the scribes and the Phar
For All The Saints -- Matthew 23:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2014
Many congregations will be celebrating All Saints Sunday this week -- and in this installment of

SermonStudio

Proper 26 / Ordinary Time 31 / Pentecost 23 -- Matthew 23:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Psalm 43 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
Prayer Of The Day
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: Some have come a great distance,
Taking The Plunge (What's An Ebenezer?) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
HymnsAsk Me What Great Things I Know (NCH49, UM163, CBH337)
Proper 26 -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2001
Theme: God's Work In UsCall To Worship
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1998
First Lesson: Joshua 3:7-17Theme: Miracles of Leadership Call To Worship
PROPER 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
UPCOMING WEEKS
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New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to become distracted. While the argument typically requires a focus on the how, we may lose sight of the what. And so, for just a moment, let me invite us to think for a moment about what God created.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 8:26-40
As a local church pastor, I was often asked if I would baptize a child whose family were not members of the church. Some churches rebelled against this, but I remember this scripture — the hunger for understanding and inclusion of the Eunuch and Philp’s response — to teach and share and baptize in the name of our God. How could we turn anyone away from the rite of baptism?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree. “After that windstorm, I assumed this tree was as good as gone.”

“We just needed to give the branches time to heal and come back,” Michael replied.

 “I know, but so many of them were battered and broken I figured that it couldn’t recover. Now though it looks just like it did before the storm.” Rolf paused. “Do you think it will bear any fruit this summer?”

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John Jamison
Object: A live plant that produces fruit, and a broken branch from that plant. I used a tomato plant from a local greenhouse. Ideally, find a plant with blossoms or small fruit already growing. If you use a different kind of fruit-producing plant, just change the script to fit.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Elena Delhagen
Dean Feldmeyer
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For April 28, 2024:
  • On The Way To Gaza by Chris Keating based on Acts 8:26-40. On the way to Gaza, Philip discovers the startling ways the Spirit of God moves across borders, boundaries, customs, and traditions.
  • Second Thoughts: Abiding by Katy Stenta based on John 15:1-8.
  • Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin, Tom Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let us absorb from the vine all the nourishment we need.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our branches become cut off from the vine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our branches are withered.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to produce good fruit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses 23-31. The lectionary psalms generally illuminate the week's First Lesson, which in this case is about the covenant initiated by God with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17. The nine verses from this psalm, while not inappropriate, nonetheless leave us looking for an obvious connection with the First Lesson.

John S. Smylie
I think some people are natural-born gardeners. Our Lord grew up in a society that was familiar with agriculture. The images that he used to explain the ways of his Father in heaven are familiar to his audience. Growing up, my closest experience to agriculture was living in, "the Garden State." Most people, when they pass through New Jersey, are surprised to see that expression on the license plates of vehicles registered in New Jersey. Most folks traveling through New Jersey experience the megalopolis, the corridor between New York City and Washington DC.
Ron Lavin
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient. A member of his church told the pastor about this old man who was an acquaintance. "He's not a believer, but he is really in need," the church member said. "I met him at the county home for the elderly. He's a lonely old man with no family and no money."

Paul E. Robinson
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and again. Of course you or I might have other words to describe love, depending on our situation.

Love. "I love you." "I love to play golf." "I just love pistachio lush!" "It's tough to love some people." "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Love.

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