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A Great Partnership -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: salt and pepper shakers
Let God's Light Shine -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a light bulb, washable black paint, a small paintbrush, and a bucket of water to wash
Friends And Favors -- Philemon 8-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Saved In The Nick Of Time -- Matthew 2:13-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some stones, clubs, swords, and knives
Ten Broken Pencils -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: ten pencils with broken points and one pencil sharpener
Joining The Team -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some baseball team caps - all of them with the same letter team logo
Better Than A Million--Dollar Policy -- Matthew 9:35-10:7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a life insurance policy
Worship, Work, Rest, And Play -- John 4:5-42 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To teach how worship fits into our lives. Key verses: 19--24.
Eric Eraser -- Luke 9:18-24 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a well--worn rubber eraser
Paul Meets A Celebrity -- Acts 25:23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Time Is Running Out -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a new bar of soap and a very used bar of soap
You're A Teacher -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To help the children see themselves as teachers of the Gospel.
The Armor Of God -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a football uniform with all the equipment
Do The Dishes? -- 1 Peter 4:13-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: dirty dishes
Special -- Philemon 7-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some ordinary coins and some collector's coins
Homework Is A Duty -- Luke 17:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some homework papers
The Ladder And The Sponge -- Matthew 27:45-49 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a picture of a ladder and a sponge
The Funnel Of God -- John 16:12-15 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a funnel
Children All Are We -- John 3:1-17 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: What it means to be born again.
Learning To Forgive A Lot -- Luke 7:36-50 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a small bag of potatoes and a twenty--pound bag of potatoes
Compassion -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a nurse's ID badge (borrowed from a nurse)
The Right Side -- Acts 24:1-27 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: things with two sides but only one of them is usable, such as a dinner plate, an umbr
Believing In Jesus -- 1 Corinthians 1:22-25 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a carpenter's sawhorse
Listen To Jesus -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Many voices compete for our attention. We must listen primarily to Christ.
Do Not Open! -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The value of patience.

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Second Springs -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the 1930s, I lived in Sugar Grove, Fairfield County, Ohio.
Give Them Christ -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In a letter from the publicity office of Tennessee Ernie Ford, shortly before he passed to eternal l
Most Madly In Love? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was reported that a famous football star, class of 2002, had fallen in love with a beautiful girl
Ascension -- Jeff Wedge -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Share
Second Sunday after Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2004
Jeremiah 31 is a part of what has been known as the Little Book of Comfort that is made up of chapte
The Urgency Of Our Mission -- Mark 16:9-20 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
The ending of Mark has posed interesting problems for Bible scholars and students throughout the age
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
With this text, there now occurs a long gap of time in the biblical history of Israel.
Proper 8 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 22:1--14 (C)
Giving Up, In Lent -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
During Lent, a certain man and his wife decided to give up drinking.
Support Your Local Church -- Matthew 17:24-27 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
This chapter will prove that fishing is the sport officially endorsed by Jesus the Son of God.
Second Sunday after Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
This is the second of the Servant Songs found in the prophecies of Second Isaiah, from the sixth cen
Corpus Christi Roman Catholic -- Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 6:51-58 -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 8:2--3, 14--16
There's A Man On The Cross -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
When the Chicago Temple United Methodist Church was built, they placed on top of it one of the highe
Old Age -- Browning -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Robert Browning wrote:Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be!
Whose Birthday? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was gift unwrapping time on Christmas morning, and Grandma asked her little granddaughter if she
Seed Investments -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Dr.
God Bless America -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A late nineteenth century Jewish immigrant, from western Siberia to the U.S., was the universally we
Mother's Driving -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A school teacher was discussing highway safety and advised the children that once they started cross
Spirit's Coming -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Jeff Wedge -- 2004
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
Wicked Tenants -- Matthew 21:33-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2004
1. Text
Feeding The 5,000 -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Jeff Wedge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself.
Wedding Banquet -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2004
1. Text
We Are Witnesses -- Luke 24:44 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
As we examined the Great Commissions in Matthew and Mark, we noted how each version matches the styl
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Jeremiah 15:15-21 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
Moses, who was raised in the palace of the Pharaoh, has had to flee Egypt, because it has become kno
Proper 9 -- Genesis 24:34-38, Romans 7:15-25a -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
Proper 9 (C, E)14th Sunday In Ordinary Time (RC)Seventh Sunday After Pentecost

Sacrament

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SermonStudio

Dead, Deified, Or Different? -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- All Saints Day - A -- 2006
Blest are the lowly; they shall inherit the land.
Lifting Up The Lowly -- Luke 1:52-53 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a sixteen-year-old girlLifting Up The Lowly
Priceless -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
The Island of Rodriguez in the Pacific Ocean, not that far from Zanzibar, has mainly managed to stay
Nearer To God Than Me -- Philippians 4:10-14 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a model ChristianNearer To God Than Me
God Will Prevail -- John 6:40 -- Mark Ellingsen, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a family manGod Will Prevail
Advent: The Call To Holiness -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- John T. Ball -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Anytime we center on First Thessalonians in our devotional reading or in a study group or read a pas
Be Reconciled -- To Christ And Others -- 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
The train clanked and rattled down the tracks one lazy summer afternoon as I traveled from Kyoto to
Sowing And Reaping -- Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16 -- John Jamison -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
These words certainly sound like a threat, don't they? You will reap what you sow!
Compassion Can Do More Than You May Think -- Luke 7:11-17 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
A teacher was fond of asking students in his counseling classes this question: "What can you know ab
Those We Have Hurt Will Be Healed -- 1 Corinthians 15:17-22 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr., Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a sexual abuserThose We Have Hurt Will Be Healed
Mary's Magnificat -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Tom M. Garrison -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Christmas songs have a way of staying with us from childhood.
Living The Vision -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
In most congregational settings, the name Habakkuk does not bring people to their feet.
Reward Or Responsibility? -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
Then Jesus said to the disciples, "There was a wealthy person who had a manager of his possession
Sleep, Child, In Peace -- John 11:28-36 -- William E. Labarr, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young girl whose death involved drugs
The Easter Era -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
Most of us probably enjoy taking part in Easter rituals both here at church and at home.
A Living Sacrifice -- Romans 12:1-12 -- Lawrence Ruegg, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a seventy-year-old womanA Living Sacrifice
Our Dwelling Place In All Generations -- Psalm 90 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person with little discernible religious belief
Advent: A Wider Context -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- John T. Ball -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
The congregation at the Macedonian city of Philippi was the first church established by Paul in Euro
All Is New In Christ -- Philippians 3:4b-14 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Running as fast as his feet would carry him, Androclus raced into the forest.
Something To Whistle About -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- John Jamison -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
It was back in the days when the railroad was the most common mode of transportation.
The Extravagance Of Love -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
If there was anything Jesus despised, it was stinginess, especially the holding back of oneself.
The Real Thing -- Romans 8:37-39 -- Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a shabby, unpolished characterThe Real Thing
Bethlehem: Where Extremes Meet -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Tom M. Garrison -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Every year at this particular season, I am amazed all over again at the impact that the old, old sto
Building The Temple Of God -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9 -- John W. Clarke -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2006
Haggai is what has been labeled as the first of the restoration prophets, and he has no recorded his
Total Living In Christ -- Deuteronomy 8:11-20 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
In Lutheran churches and many other denominations across the world, today is the celebration of Chri

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Country
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Obedience
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit was not given to you to make you rich, famous, or spectacular, but to equip you for
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Alcohol
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Life
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gossip
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God's Spirit wants to empower you for service -- Today!
"Jesus Is Not In A Shed, Mom!" -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2001
I - along with other parents around the world - have learned so much about faith from the casual com
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Eternal
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's love is the steadfast devotion to her children.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A beautiful stained-glass window in New York state has the inscription, "To a sainted mother." Let t
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit is the positive presence of Jesus.
Reformed Thinking -- John 8:31-36 -- Constance Berg -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Tom doesn't like black people.
Baptism By Spit -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Constance Berg -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2001
"Jan wasn't baptized by the spirit, she was baptized by spit," went the joke.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's righteousness is her beauty in its best light.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Stress And Pain
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual truth is conveyed with the Holy Spirit's help to anyone willing to listen.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Creativity
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Parenthood
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Just as the fluid in the eye keeps the dirt out of the eyes, so the constant cleansing presence of
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Problems "The man who has no problems is out of the game." (Elbert Hubbard)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Love
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Gossip
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness unto the Lord is more than a thought ... it is a lifestyle.
Bitterness Will Get You Nowhere -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2001
Some people cannot communicate unless they are complaining. It's irritating, isn't it?

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SermonStudio

Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
HymnsHail To The Lord's Anointed (LBW87, CBH185, NCH104, UM203)
No Fair -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Will We Let Little Children Lead Us? -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 11:6)
God's Family -- Ephesians 3:14-19, John 17:6-19 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipIn worship this morning we are homing.
Songs Of The Season/Advent -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Micah 5:2-5a -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come ready to receive what God shall give.
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
HymnsAwake My Soul, Stretch Every Nerve (NCH491, CBH609)
First Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
HymnsSleepers Wake (PH17, UM720, LBW31)
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
HymnsLord Jesus, Think On Me (LBW309, PH301, CBH526)
At The Crossroads -- Genesis 28:10-91a, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (from Genesis 28:16-17)
Here Is Your God -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 35:3-4)
Hospitality -- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
Spirit Of Truth -- John 14:8-17 (25-27), Romans 8:14-17 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipCome, Holy Spirit, come!Come with wind and fire!
Proper 4 -- Genesis 6:19-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
HymnsMy Hope Is Built On Nothing Less (UM368, PH379, NCH403, CBH343)
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
HymnsLo, How A Rose E'er Blooming (UM216, PH48, CBH211, NCH127)
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, Psalm 119:33-40, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
HymnsO Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High (LBW88, PH83, NCH209, UM267)
The Deceiver Deceive -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 105:8-11)
What A Sign! -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 7:11 and 14)
Living Stones -- 1 Peter 2:4-6, Matthew 16:13-20 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
Spiritual Gifts/One Body -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come here as people of many talents;
Proper 5 -- Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:1-12, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2004
HymnsMy Hope Is Built On Nothing Less (UM368, PH379, NCH403, CBH343)
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146:5-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
HymnsLo, How A Rose E'er Blooming (UM216, PH48, NCH211, NCH127)
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, Psalm 131, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2004
HymnsJesus, Priceless Treasure (LBW457, 458, PH365, CBH595, NCH480, UM532)
Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Genesis 32:22-31Theme: Out Of Joint
More Than You Can Count -- Revelation 7:9-17, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Losing Equals Living -- Mark 8:31-35, Proverbs 1:20-33 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come - to praise God for life.

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Elena Delhagen
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Quantisha Mason-Doll
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For May 5, 2024:
  • Longing for Belonging by Dean Feldmeyer — “A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love and be loved and to belong.” — Brene Brown
  • Second Thoughts: Is Blood Thicker Than Water? by Elena Delhagen based on 1 John 5:1-6 and Acts 10:44-48.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
It was a dark and stormy night. Lightning flashed and thunder crashed. Suddenly, Kimberly, our middle daughter, was standing next to our bed, sobbing in fear. My wife held and comforted her for a few minutes, and then I led her back to the room she shared with her older sister Kristyn. I tucked her tightly into the sandwich of her sheets and blankets, snugging things up for extra safety.
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 10:44-48

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: Pieces you might use, like dice, a spinner, a ball, or any other “unusual” things you might find. I used a beanbag, a shoe, and a piece of paper.

* * *

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (v. 12-13)

You have heard the saying “We are not called to be successful; we are called to be faithful.” Jesus’ invitation to “follow me” is an invitation to faithfulness. That might be described by the old-fashioned word “fidelity.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Do you love anyone enough to offer them your last Rolo? According to the advert, Rolos are so incredibly delicious that nobody could be that selfless. Those who consider offering their last Rolo to someone they love, snatch it back at the last moment and keep it for themselves.

Or you might of course, love Terry's chocolate orange, and feel it's something which would be good to share. But at the last moment, like cuddly Dawn French, you'd say, "No, it's mine, not Terry's, it's all mine!"

SermonStudio

Schuyler Rhodes
Anyone who has made a long road trip with children singing "99 Bottles Of Beer On The Wall" can support the notion of "singing a new song." Children love the repetition of singing the same song over and over. Parents or youth group leaders who have been in this situation can identify with the need to sing a new song.
Nancy Kraft
Are you in love with God? In 1 John, the author has a lot to say about the love of God and the way that love changes our lives. We love because God first loved us. God's love fills us to overflowing so that it flows through us to other people. Annie Dillard said that we catch grace like a man filling a cup underneath a waterfall.1 That's the way we receive God's love. But there can be a problem for us when we put a lid on our cups and the water can't get inside. We're closing our hearts off to the love of God.

Harry N. Huxhold
A remarkable feature of Dwight D. Eisenhower's memoirs is the composure with which he greeted crises. He titled his autobiography At Ease, an appropriate description for not only his retirement, but the manner in which he appeared to be on top of life. Colleagues, of course, could recall how excited he could get in revealing his impatience with mediocrity and the failures of the people in his command. However, what was impressive was the way he took control in the European theater in World War II with no fear for his own life and great confidence in the Allied offensive.
E. Carver Mcgriff
Charles Wesley began one of the Methodist Church's favorite hymns with this line: "Come Holy Ghost, Our Hearts Inspire." Of course, tradition now uses the alternate term, "Holy Spirit." Wesley called it the "fountain of life and love." And so it is. Once we experience the Holy Spirit, we know it is exactly that: the source of life and love. The giving of that Spirit into the lives of us all is the point of this passage.

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