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In 1993, mountaineer Greg Mortenson failed to climb K2...

Illustration
Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Mark 7:24-37
Mark J. Molldrem
In 1993, mountaineer Greg Mortenson failed to climb K2, second-highest mountain on earth, located on the Pakistan-China border in the Himalayas, referred to as the rooftop of the world. In his best-selling book Three Cups of Tea, he writes how on his descent, having become separated from his climbing party, he stumbled into a remote village that extended great hospitality to him. They were open to his presence and he was open to their kindness, which nursed him back to health. The problem is that this story is not true.
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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Call to Worship:

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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Jesus, sometimes we desire all that money can buy.
Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

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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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Kirk R. Webster
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.
Thomas A. Renquist
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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" 'It was I who taught Ephraim how to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them' (11:3). They did not know me. Do you?

" 'I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.' (1:4). But they did not know me. Do you?

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