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Prissy Plant -- John 9:1-41 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an attractive artificial plant
Say One Thing And Do Another -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: The difference between saying and doing.
He Makes The Bad Good -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a good example, such as a picture that shows a person before and after he has lost we
How To Settle An Argument -- Acts 15:22a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
A Place Of Light -- Revelation 21:9-11, 22-27 (22:1-5) -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a night light
Watch Out! He's Coming! -- Mark 13:33-37 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: the pose of someone on a sheep--keeping watch, with binoculars
They Recognized Him -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To teach that we need God's assistance to truly see.
Where Is God? -- Galatians 2:20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a walnut or any nut that has an outer shell that comes off easily
The Doctor For Sin -- Matthew 9:9-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a thermometer, a heating pad, and a bad cough
It Isn't Fair -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Acceptance of the inequities in life.
Be A Good Thermometer -- 2 Thessalonians 1:9-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a thermometer
Sticking Up For God -- Acts 13:8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Hosanna! -- Matthew 21:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Happy Easter! -- Mark 16:1-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a gravestone marker (or a picture of one)
Erasers Are For Mistakes -- John 20:19-31 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: After the resurrection, pronouncing forgiveness on others is the first responsibilit
God Can Even Use Garbage -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some sacks of garbage and some clip clothespins
Combination Locks And Freedom -- John 8:31-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a combination lock
How Many Times? -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: There is no limit to forgiveness.
People Who Are Like Popcorn -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bowl or bag of popcorn
God's Hero -- Acts 11:27-12:3a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a sword
Railroad Crossing -- Revelation 21:6a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a railroad crossing sign
Signs Of The Kingdom -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some signs that note only one mile from your town like "Boston, 1 Mile" and a sign th
Do Not Be Afraid -- John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Easter transformation: The disciples and the women went from the fear of an empty to
Look To The Lord -- 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two different kinds of medicine and a heavy pan
Who Can Fill You Up? Jesus! -- John 7:37-39 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bucket of cold water, a dipper, and some small cups

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SermonStudio

Twentieth-Century Evaluation -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"They were very decent people, their only monument being a concrete road and 1,000 lost golf balls."
A Kiss Of Mercy -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The well-known outstanding Christian layman and U.S.
Third Sunday in Lent -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Israel is underway in this story, as the church is underway. Israel's story is our story.
Israel's Most Wanted -- Matthew 26:47-56 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
(Author's note: The format of this sermon is a role play, imitating America's Most Wanted.)
Pocketbook Protection -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A pastor preached a sermon on that text in Ephesians 6:13-18 (NRSV), where there is a listing of the
The Sower -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2004
1. Text
That Sunday School Class Teacher -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"Pastor," he had said, "I think I should be teaching that Sunday school class."
Pastor On Skates -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A wealthy woman entered Heaven, and Saint Peter produced a bicycle for her to ride on the golden str
He Gave His Lunch -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
One of the great stories of the Holy Bible is the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000.
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 1:8-2:10 (C)
A $10,000 Reward! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some years ago in Los Angeles, California, a Brinks armored truck used to transport money dropped a
First Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
We sometimes wonder what the world is coming to these days, and when we look at present conditions,
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 9:1--4 (C); Isaiah 8:23-9:3 (RC)
Humility -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A French monk bemoaned the fact that his monastic order was not as famous as the Jesuits for their s
The Meaning Of Advent -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
Advent, a season of four Sundays, opens the church year.
Proper 28 -- Judges 4:1-7, Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2004
It is somewhat of a mystery as to why this one text from Judges is inserted into the lectionary at t
Wahlstrom's Wonder -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Some yeas ago, a man by the name of Wahlstrom made a machine that got news media attention.
A Lesson In Mediocrity -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A man had a bushel of early apples, the kind that spoil easily.
Fourth Sunday in Lent -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
This story forms the beginning of the narrative of David's rise to power that is found in 1 Samuel 1
Do You Know Him? -- Matthew 26:69-75 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me." Such is the rhyme we learned in
Poor/Rich Boy -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The late Albert Schweitzer was a famous medical missionary to Africa, as well as a musician and theo
Weeds And Wheat -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
1. Text
That Wedding Ring -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The wedding party had proceeded down the center aisle of Epworth United Methodist Church, Lima, Ohio
Patience, Dear! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Husband shouting at wife: "For the last time, are you ready to go?"
Highways To Happiness -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A self respect that bears an honest name;A mind content, a conscience free from blame:

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

A Real Test Of Faith -- Romans 3:21-26; 5:1-11, Isaiah 53:2-6, Job 19:23-27 -- Joe Barone, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a Christian suicideA Real Test Of Faith
The Good News Of Christ -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news....
Cured Cripples And Crabby Critics -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
Have you ever been crippled by something that happened to you?
The Kindness Of Strangers -- 1 Kings 17:8-24 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
In 1994, a 37-year-old man by the name of Mike McIntyre decided to confront his fears and the shaky
A Gift For A Friend -- Ephesians 2:1-10 -- Stanley C. Sneeringer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a church member who died following a lengthy illness
Building A Victorious Life -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Gary L. Carver -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2006
J.
It All Begins With Prayer -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
Imagine you only have a short time to prepare your successor in ministry.
Touching Jesus -- Luke 24:36-40 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a country womanTouching Jesus
Death Saddens Us -- John 3:16, Psalm 90 -- Mark Ellingsen, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an elderly shut-inDeath Saddens Us
The Prodigal Father -- Romans 8:14-17 -- John Jamison -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
It wasn't their first fight. Like most fathers and sons they had their disagreements.
The God Of Infinite Reach -- Psalm 139 -- Phil Barnhart, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a warm, compassionate personThe God Of Infinite Reach
You Can't Undo Appomattox -- So Let's Get On With It! -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
There are some things that once begun, cannot be undone.
Only The Lonely -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
There are three words I hope you will take home from church today.
When Desire Goes Bad -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
Nathan, a boy I read about recently, is seven years old.
Do You Hear What I Hear? -- Luke 2:20 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a hearing-impaired personDo You Hear What I Hear?
Back To The Future -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Gary L. Carver -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
The experience in the ninth chapter of Luke is called "The Transfiguration Experience of our Lord Je
Developing A Glad Attitude -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
It always amazes me when I read about a sports figure who decides to hold out for more money.
A Simple But Profound Faith -- Matthew 11:25-30, 2 Timothy 2:8-13 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a quiet, faithful personA Simple But Profound Faith
God's Promises, Promises! -- John 14:2-3 -- John R. Brokhoff, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A funeral meditationGod's Promises, Promises!
Boast Of That! -- Romans 5:1-5 -- John Jamison -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
He had been looking forward to Sunday afternoon all week.
A Conquered Enemy -- 1 Corinthians 15:26 -- W. George Easson, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a 62-year-old manA Conquered Enemy
When Arlington National Cemetery Is Full -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
The honored dead from our fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq have created a problem for Arlington Nati
Counting The Cost Of Discipleship -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
The best thing to say to a pastor after you hear a sermon that moves you is not, "That was a good se
As Seen From The Solitary Broom Tree -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
I'm not sure when the term "burn out" ceased being only a description of what happened to a campfire
There With Jesus -- 2 Peter 1:16-18 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person crippled in mind and bodyThere With Jesus

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Blessing
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness "Holiness apart from Christlikeness is hollowness." (E. Stanley Jones)
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Trials "Afflictions color your life, but you choose the color." (John Maxwell)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
I believe that the angels speak in soft tones when they speak the name of "Mother."
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Effective service to God is accomplished through a holiness lifestyle.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Faith
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children." (William Makepeace Thackeray
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The distinctives of holiness include: a separation from sin, a dedication to God, a call to service.
The Love Of Being A Christian -- John 1:29-42 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2001
Bob Bohn was serving in Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Saigon, Vietnam, in 1971.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Caution
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holy Spirit
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Triumph
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Smiles break out when mother comes.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Service to God cannot be offered in a dirty container.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Family Love
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Prayer
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The sweetest face in all the world to me, Set in a frame of shining golden hair, With eyes whose la
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Pardon is not enough; we want sanctification.
A Time To Rest, A Time For Renewal -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2001
Stan needed rest, but there was no letting up.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Celebrate
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Homemaker
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Unity
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Some children were asked if they knew anyone who was always good.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The Holy Spirit makes us more aware of our lack of holiness to stimulate us to deeper yearning and

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Day Of Thanksgiving -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2003
Theme: Gratitude For All The Lord Has GivenCall To Worship
Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2003
First Lesson: Exodus 34:29-35 Theme: Moses Speaks With The Lord
Celebrating The Lord's Day -- Luke 1:46b-55 -- David M. Oliver -- 2003
Opening SentenceLuke 1:46-48, The Message
Proper 22 -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2003
Theme: Sin Causes SufferingCall To Worship
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2003
Theme: God Does Not Forsake His PeopleCall To Worship
Holy Trinity -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2003
Theme: In Praise Of WisdomCall To Worship
Proper 23 -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2003
Theme: Beware Of False ProphetsCall To Worship
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Joy Of The Lord Is Your StrengthCall To Worship
Christmas Eve/Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2003
Theme: The Kingdom ComesCall To WorshipLeader: A Child is born to us!
The New Covenant -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
First Lesson: Jeremiah 31:27-34 Theme: The New CovenantCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Call Of JeremiahCall To Worship
First Sunday After Christmas/The Holy Family -- 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:41-52 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2003
Theme: The Boy SamuelCall To WorshipLeader: Praise the Lord, all peoples.
Teach With All Patience -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5Theme: Teach With All Patience
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2003
Theme: Who Will Be The Lord's Messenger?Call To Worship
Second Sunday After Christmas -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Has Saved His PeopleCall To Worship
God Hears Our Prayers -- Luke 18:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2003
Gospel Lesson: Luke 18:1-8Theme: God Hears Our PrayersCall To Worship
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Searches The HeartCall To Worship
Litany For Advent And Christmas Candle Lighting -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2003
LitanyFirst Sunday Of Advent(Light the first candle)
Proper 25 -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Lord Is Among UsCall To Worship
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2003
Theme: Joseph Reconciled With His BrothersCall To Worship
Do You Hear What I Hear? -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 2003
ContentsWorship BulletinChristmas ProgramLeader's Helps
Proper 26 -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2003
Theme: Why Doesn't God Intervene Now?Call To Worship
Eighth Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 55:10-13, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, Luke 6:39-49 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Word Of The Lord Lasts ForeverCall To Worship
Christmas Wonder -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2003
ContentsIntroductionFirst Sunday Of Advent: New Friends
Proper 27 -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2003
Theme: Do Not Be Discouraged -- The Lord Is With YouCall To Worship

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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