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Acts 1:1-11

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Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

When Jesus Prays -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35, Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Nazish Naseem, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A, Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2026
For May 17, 2026:
Whatever Happened to Justus? -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19, Psalm 1, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Katy Stenta -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For May 16, 2021: W
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- John 5:1-9, Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Here Or There? -- Luke 24:44-53, John 17:6-19, Acts 1:15-26, Acts 1:1-11 -- George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2012
This Sunday offers a choice for those who follow the lectionary -- some congregations will observe A
The Joy Conundrum -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
On the final Sunday preceding Pentecost, many congregations will be observing Ascension Sunday, usin
American Individualism And Christian Community:contradiction, Compromise, Or Challenge? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Carter Shelley -- Ascension of the Lord - B
Dear Fellow Preacher,
Clouded Vision -- Acts 1:1-11, Acts 16:16-34 -- David E. Leininger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
There is an ancient apocryphal story about Jesus' arrival at the Pearly Gates following the As

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He was lifted up -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Ascension of the Lord - B
Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a special balloon with me this morning.

Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The Heavenly Power and Cosmic Presence of Christ -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2025
Acts 1:1-11
The Heavenly Power and Cosmic Presence of Christ -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2024
The lessons for this Festival of Ascension all testify to the heavenly power and cosmic presence of
What the Heavenly Power and Cosmic Presence of Christ Mean for Us Today -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2023
All the lessons and the Festival of Ascension testify to the heavenly power and cosmic presence of C
Jesus Rules! -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2001
Up and Away -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2021
The resurrection of Jesus takes center stage, rightfully so, in the church calendar.
Strategic Moves -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2020
There is something wonderfully paradoxical about the Christian church.
Let The Reign Begin -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2019
The Reign of Christ has begun, even though it may not be immediately apparent to the world at large.
A community of joy -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2016
The feast of the Ascension is the ideal time for us to discuss the role of the Church in the world t
A community of joy -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2015

Free Access

The Heavenly Power and Cosmic Presence of Christ -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2025
Acts 1:1-11

Illustration

The Immediate Word

When Jesus Prays -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35, Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Nazish Naseem, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A, Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2026
For May 17, 2026:
Whatever Happened to Justus? -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19, Psalm 1, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Katy Stenta -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For May 16, 2021: W

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2025) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2025
Acts 1:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2024) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2024
Acts 1:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2023) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2023
Acts 1:1-11
Sermon illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2022) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2022
Acts 1:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2021) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2021
Acts 1:1-11

StoryShare

Defying Gravity -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2024
When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of thei
Into Thin Air -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2023
According to Acts 1:9, as the disciples watched, Jesus “…was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of
Looking in the Right Place -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2022
Will stood in line at the cafeteria oblivious to the smells and noise and activity of the other stud

Worship

The Immediate Word

When Jesus Prays -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35, Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Nazish Naseem, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A, Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2026
For May 17, 2026:
Whatever Happened to Justus? -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19, Psalm 1, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Katy Stenta -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For May 16, 2021: W
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- John 5:1-9, Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Here Or There? -- Luke 24:44-53, John 17:6-19, Acts 1:15-26, Acts 1:1-11 -- George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2012
This Sunday offers a choice for those who follow the lectionary -- some congregations will observe A
The Joy Conundrum -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
On the final Sunday preceding Pentecost, many congregations will be observing Ascension Sunday, usin

SermonStudio

The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 47 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
Our lives end in the middle of the story.
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 47 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
Service Notes
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2007
Call To Worship One: We gather in this holy place, some empty, some filled,
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 1:1-11 Theme: View From A Height

Sermon

The Immediate Word

When Jesus Prays -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35, Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Nazish Naseem, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A, Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2026
For May 17, 2026:
Whatever Happened to Justus? -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19, Psalm 1, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Katy Stenta -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For May 16, 2021: W
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- John 5:1-9, Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Here Or There? -- Luke 24:44-53, John 17:6-19, Acts 1:15-26, Acts 1:1-11 -- George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2012
This Sunday offers a choice for those who follow the lectionary -- some congregations will observe A
The Joy Conundrum -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
On the final Sunday preceding Pentecost, many congregations will be observing Ascension Sunday, usin

SermonStudio

Stargazing, Naval Gazing, and Other Waiting Games -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Tony S. Everett -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2010
Hurry up and wait! Hurry up and wait!
A Stupid Question -- Acts 1:1-11 -- David Kalas -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
Generous teachers sometimes assure their students that there is no such thing as a stupid question.
Life's Greatest Tension: Despair vs. Hope -- Acts 1:1-11 -- David H. Webb -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2009
Today is Ascension Sunday.
Ascension Answers -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Ken Lentz -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2008
Many folks, especially preachers, don't know what to make of Luke's accounts (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:

Preaching

The Immediate Word

When Jesus Prays -- John 17:1-11, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35, Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Nazish Naseem, Thomas Willadsen, Katy Stenta, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A, Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2026
For May 17, 2026:
Whatever Happened to Justus? -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19, Psalm 1, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, George Reed, Bethany Peerbolte, Katy Stenta -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
For May 16, 2021: W
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- John 5:1-9, Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Here Or There? -- Luke 24:44-53, John 17:6-19, Acts 1:15-26, Acts 1:1-11 -- George Reed, Ron Love, Mary Austin -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2012
This Sunday offers a choice for those who follow the lectionary -- some congregations will observe A
The Joy Conundrum -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23, Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2011
On the final Sunday preceding Pentecost, many congregations will be observing Ascension Sunday, usin

SermonStudio

Ascension of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen -- 2011
Theme of the Day The heavenly power and cosmic presence of Christ.
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
The Bread Of Heaven -- Acts 1:1-11 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
"This could be kind of embarrassing!" she thought as she looked at the computer screen and read the

Stories

StoryShare

Defying Gravity -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2024
When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of thei
Into Thin Air -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2023
According to Acts 1:9, as the disciples watched, Jesus “…was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of
Looking in the Right Place -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Peter Andrew Smith -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2022
Will stood in line at the cafeteria oblivious to the smells and noise and activity of the other stud
Not the Hour or the Day -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2021
Contents“Not the Hour or the Day” by Peter Andrew Smith
Left Behind -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53 -- Keith Hewitt, Peter Andrew Smith -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2020
Contents “Left Behind” by Keith Hewitt
Waiting On the Promises -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 47 -- Keith Hewitt, David O. Bales -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2019
Contents “Waiting On the Promises” by Keith Hewitt
On The Shoulders Of Giants -- The King James Translation Of The Bible -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 47 -- Frank Ramirez, John Fitzgerald -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2016
Contents
God Is Awesome -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 47 -- Keith Wagner -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2015
Contents "God is Awesome" by Keith Wagner
The Outer Limits -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 47 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2014
Contents "The Outer Limits" by C. David McKirachan

Free Access

Waiting On the Promises -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 47 -- Keith Hewitt, David O. Bales -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2019
Contents “Waiting On the Promises” by Keith Hewitt

Devotional

SermonStudio

The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
They asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" He replied,
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53, Psalm 47 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2008
Acts 1:1-11

Drama

SermonStudio

Gone, But Not Forgotten -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Jacqueline Sharer Robertson -- 2006
Making It Preach
Power -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 47 -- John A. Tenbrook -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1993
Thespian Theological Thoughts

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:

CSSPlus

Wesley T. Runk
The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Good morning boys and girls. Does anyone here remember someone saying, “I am the greatest?” I remember hearing it many times by a prize fighter named Ali. Does anyone here remember Muhammed Ali? He used to say a lot of things and he was a very good boxer. He told everyone that he saw that he was “the greatest of all time.” Wow! Not many people say those kind of things about themselves.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
What is a saint?

According to the Roman Catholic church, a saint is a holy person who has been elevated by God to heaven, there to pray for those of us who need their help. There is a three-step process: the request by those who knew the person in life, and who attest to their holiness; a witness by at least two people that they asked the candidate to pray for them and their prayer was granted in a miraculous way; and an investigation by the Vatican into all this evidence. The declaration is made by the pope.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17

SermonStudio

Mary S. Lautensleger
"Surprise! You're adopted!" If you were to hear those words from a trusted relative, surprise would be an understatement, I'm sure. Total shock would probably be more descriptive terminology for your emotional state as you examined the official court record and your original birth certificate. "Adopted" does describe each of us though, because we have been adopted by God into God's family. How do we know? The Bible tells us so.
James L. Killen, Jr.
When we put together the collection of things that we can believe, we need to ask a question about the person in the middle of the inquiry. What can we believe about ourselves? We don't often ask that question but it is a very important one. Some people are oppressed by low self-esteem. Others are led astray by exaggerated images of themselves. It is important to get a realistic understanding of who we are -- and of who we can be. The Bible has something to say on the subject that may surprise you. Are you ready? Hold on to your hat. The Bible says you were created and called to be saints.
Argile Smith
At an office meeting, Ben got the official news that he would become the manager of one of the most influential departments in the company. His colleagues admired him because of his tireless work, and they respected him as a dependable person in whom they could place their trust. They were glad when they found out that he had gotten the promotion. In order to celebrate the news with him, they bought him a gift. Well, it was actually more like a gag-gift, the kind that he would place on his shelf and chuckle over every time he saw it.
Joseph M. Freeman
Maybe both the best and the worst of us in humanity are far better preachers than we are doers and deliverers of what we preach and teach. And maybe maturity has everything to do with our genuine willingness to bring a greater congruity between our esteemed words and those actions compatible with, not contradictory of, those words. Jesus, fully divine and fully human, loved and valued not just the right deeds, but also the right motives and attitudes.
Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier
Commotion At The Communion Rail

Tommy didn't budge.

When everyone else got up to leave the communion rail, he stayed kneeling. His folded hands were perched on the rail, and his little head was bowed so far down that his forehead was squinched against his thumb knuckles. His eyes were closed hopefully, as if he were waiting for a big present.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
As the movie Contact opens, the audience sees a precocious girl named Eleanor learning how to use a ham radio. Nicknamed "Sparks" by her father, she has reached a man in Florida, and is excited that her radio lets her speak with someone so far away. In a later scene she asks her father wistfully if she can call her deceased mother on the radio. He responds sadly that no antenna is big enough.
George L. Murphy
You know that old saying, "Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true"? We see examples of that again and again in life. During the war in Iraq, Hampton Sides, a journalist who had been slated to be "embedded" with one of our frontline Marine battalions, gave an interview on NRP (National Public Radio). At almost the last possible moment, Sides decided not to go with the Marines, but instead to report from Central Command in Qatar.
Richard C. Brand
It seems fair to say that the saints of the Lord have always shown us what it is to be worthy of God. It is why we remember them and rejoice for them. They have shown us what a life worthy of God might look like. To talk about the saints, we may talk about Kagawa in Japan, about Mother Teresa, about Bishop Tutu and Nelson Mandela, about D. T. Niles in India, and about Saint Patrick in Ireland. To know the stories of Dorothy Day in New York City and Oscar Romero in Latin America is to have examples of what it means to lead lives worthy of the God who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
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