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To punish myself I just...

Illustration
Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A
Romans 7:15-25a
To punish myself I just turned around and counted the number of books on weight control that I have in my personal library. Twenty-one books that tell me how to control my weight. For my own health's sake and my own peace of mind, I have read them all cover to cover. Yet I battle the problem year in and year out. This has been a good year. I have lost thirty pounds I never needed to put on in the first place. I love a good steak. But I also love good desserts and lots of vegetables. And a salad and lots of coffee and tea. And an occasional candy bar and pretzels.
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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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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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