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My children and I have...

Illustration
Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
My children and I have different taste in music. Because I didn't like their music, I felt that I should at least expose them to something other than rock and roll. Thus, we worked out an arrangement. I would listen to their music if they would listen to some of mine. I gave them a variety of music, including the soundtracks from Les Miserables and The Phantom of The Opera. When I gave them this music I made a cutting remark, saying, "This music tells a beautiful story, unlike rock and roll which just praises drugs, sex and violence." But my children defended their music.
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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Object: The object of the lesson is a gesture you will teach the children.

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Jesus warned against with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God. Through our worship today let us pledge ourselves to seek our treasure only in God.

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Jesus, sometimes we envy others because of all they possess.
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For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.... Let those who are wise give heed to these things, and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.
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How do you focus on something unseen? How can we set our minds on that which we can't touch, or taste, or verify scientifically? Most practical people want proof. Abstract propositions are difficult to get our arms around, especially if they are from another time and place.
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This story begins with gift -- with blessed gift -- with miraculous, blessed giftedness. And I will even tell you now the theme of the story: if you keep your eye on the giftedness of everything, then you yourself can be a gift, you can be a giver, rather than a hoarder.
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