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Exodus 1:8--2:10

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Which Leader Should We Follow? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023
Coaching is nothing without a team that responds.
Tables Turned -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
As plot devices go, tables turned depends on a radical change of perspective.
Mistaken identity -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
Appearances can be deceiving.
The power of names -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
"What's in a name?
Mistaken identity -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20, Psalm 124 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
Appearances can be deceiving.
God of the nonconformists -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20, Psalm 124 -- David Kalas -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2008
I should confess that I do not begin with a prejudice in favor of nonconformists. Some
Terror or trust -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2002
As of this writing, Secretary of State Colin Powell is in Israel, meeting with Israeli Prime Ministe
Good for you! -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1996
Today's English Version of the Bible suggests that Jesus' word to Peter, "Blessed are you, Simon so
People you can count on -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20, Psalm 124 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
Some years ago, a major research firm conducted a survey to determine what people would be willing t

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Birthing Hope -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023
For August 27, 2023:
The Last 16 Minutes! -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
For August 23, 2020:
Who... Who Are You? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
In the wake of the
Sparking Hope From Bricks Of Oppression / Facing The Monster ... Together -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
There’s been no shortage of big headlines this past week, from the stunning news of actor/comedia
What Will People Say? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
This past weekend's "straw poll" in Iowa -- complete with breathless coverage from the cable news ch

SermonStudio

Moses, The Baby -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Once upon a time there was an evil king who ordered that all boy Hebrew babies were to be killed.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 16 / Pentecost 14 / OT 21 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
... Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and more powerful than we.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 (2023) -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023
Exodus 1:8--2:10
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 (2020) -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
Exodus 1:8--2:10
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 (2017) -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
Exodus 1:8--2:10
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 (2014) -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Scott A. Bryte, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
Exodus 1:8--2:10
Avvakum was the founder... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Ron Love -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
Avvakum was the founder of what became known as Russia's Old Believers.
John Lennon said... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you're making all your plans." Who would have t
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 (2011) -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
Exodus 1:8--2:10
Gregory Knox Jones tells the story... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
Gregory Knox Jones tells the story of an unusual golf course in Calcutta, India.
One defining trend in the persecuted church today... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Craig Kelly -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
If there is one defining trend in the persecuted church today, it's that the more the church is pers
Years ago, the poet, Francis... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2008
Years ago, the poet, Francis Thompson, wrote one of the best-loved religious poems ever,
It's a wonder that Moses... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2008
It's a wonder that Moses lived at all.
Early in her pregnancy, Shelley... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2008
Early in her pregnancy, Shelley and Mark learned that their baby would have serious life-
Jack told his pastor this... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2008
Jack told his pastor this age-old lament: We tried to warn our daughter about Damon. But
Exodus 1:8--2:10br... -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2008
Exodus 1:8--2:10
When Ninevah needed to hear... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
When Ninevah needed to hear God's message, God called Jonah.
There are many tales in... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
There are many tales in the ancient world that are similar to Moses' early adventure in the reed bas
Anytime we believe what we... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
Anytime we believe what we read, or what others tell us, we are accepting the witness' testimony.
A beloved cultural artifact of... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
A beloved cultural artifact of the Adirondack region of New York is the Adirondack Guide Boat -- a s

The Immediate Word

Birthing Hope -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023
For August 27, 2023:
The Last 16 Minutes! -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
For August 23, 2020:
Who... Who Are You? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
In the wake of the
Sparking Hope From Bricks Of Oppression / Facing The Monster ... Together -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
There’s been no shortage of big headlines this past week, from the stunning news of actor/comedia
What Will People Say? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
This past weekend's "straw poll" in Iowa -- complete with breathless coverage from the cable news ch

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Birthing Hope -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023
For August 27, 2023:
The Last 16 Minutes! -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
For August 23, 2020:
Who... Who Are You? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
In the wake of the
Sparking Hope From Bricks Of Oppression / Facing The Monster ... Together -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
There’s been no shortage of big headlines this past week, from the stunning news of actor/comedia
What Will People Say? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
This past weekend's "straw poll" in Iowa -- complete with breathless coverage from the cable news ch

SermonStudio

Proper 16 / Ordinary Time 21 / Pentecost 12 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
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)
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
With this text, there now occurs a long gap of time in the biblical history of Israel.
Proper 16, Pentecost 14, Ordinary Time 21 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 1:8--2:10 (C)
Deliverance from bondage -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 1:8-2:10 (C)
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Exodus 1:8-2:10 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Birthing Hope -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023
For August 27, 2023:
The Last 16 Minutes! -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
For August 23, 2020:
Who... Who Are You? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
In the wake of the
Sparking Hope From Bricks Of Oppression / Facing The Monster ... Together -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
There’s been no shortage of big headlines this past week, from the stunning news of actor/comedia
What Will People Say? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
This past weekend's "straw poll" in Iowa -- complete with breathless coverage from the cable news ch

SermonStudio

Endless Line Of Blunder -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- David Kalas -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
Turn the page, and the story is suddenly different.
A Deliverer Is Born -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
The River Nile is the longest river in the world, snaking 4,160 miles from Burundi, Africa, to the M
Nothing Left But A Baby In A Basket -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Every head of a family would like to do everything possible to make life better for the next generat
Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are! -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Tempe Fussell, Curtis Fussell -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1998
Moses was a master of masquerade! He lived a good portion of his life in disguise.

The Village Shepherd

Potential -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
This is a year for babies in

Stories

StoryShare

Responsibilities! -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
Contents “Responsibilities!” by C. David McKirachan
Rock-Like Living -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Keith Wagner, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
Contents "Rock-Like Living" by Keith Wagner
Growing Up Adams -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124 -- Frank Ramirez, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
Contents"Growing Up Adams" by Frank Ramirez
Gilly, A Diligent Leader -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124 -- John E. Sumwalt, Sandra Herrmann, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
Contents"Gilly, a Diligent Leader" by John Sumwalt
It Was A Long Time Ago -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- David O. Bales, John E. Sumwalt, Craig Kelly -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "It was a Long Time Ago" by David O. Bales
Peter The Rock -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "When the Rock Cracks"

Worship

The Immediate Word

Birthing Hope -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023
For August 27, 2023:
The Last 16 Minutes! -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
For August 23, 2020:
Who... Who Are You? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
In the wake of the
Sparking Hope From Bricks Of Oppression / Facing The Monster ... Together -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
There’s been no shortage of big headlines this past week, from the stunning news of actor/comedia
What Will People Say? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
This past weekend's "straw poll" in Iowa -- complete with breathless coverage from the cable news ch

SermonStudio

Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: In a time of bitterness and pain,
God Remembers The People -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
HymnsIn Egypt Under Pharaoh (NCH574)
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Theme: Overcoming AdversityCall To Worship
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 1:8--2:10Theme: Unique TalentsCall To Worship
PROPER 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
30 – Sermons
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and more...
Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For September 21, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Well, it’s autumn, and by now the seeds we planted in the spring either took root and produced or else the weather, pests, rabbits, or our own laziness conspired to make this year’s garden less than a success. But at one point we had to get started and actually plant seeds for the future.

Jeremiah is looking back from the perspective of our spiritual well-being and laments than our spiritual harvest has all been for naught. He wonders if it is now too late for a recovery. Is there no healing, no balm in Gilead, to apply to our wounds?
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 and Psalm 79:1-9
In the spring as farmers and gardeners prepare to plant we are looking at a summer of possibilities. Hard work, to be sure, but also potential. What will happen? What will this season be like? At summer’s end there will be no more questions. We’ll know. Maybe it was a great season, and we have canned or frozen many vegetables. Maybe the farmers have brought in a bumper crop and they got a good price besides.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message will be based on a game you will play. See the note below.

NOTE: Ask three or more adults to come up and play the role of Simon for your group. Tell them to all speak at once, asking the children to do different things. The goal is to create a nice bit of confusion for the children to experience.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great!

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hey!” Annie waved at the woman standing next to the open doorway. “Can you come here?”

The woman made her way past the other nursing home residents and stood next to Annie’s wheelchair.

“What can I do for you?”

“You look familiar.” Annie squinted at her. “Do I know your name?”

“I’m Brenda.” The woman pointed at her name tag. “I work in the kitchen and sometimes help serve the meals when they are ready.”

“That’s right. I think we’ve met before.” Annie tapped her lips with her finger. “You have the nice smile.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.” In our worship today let us remember the little things in our lives and ask God to help us to be utterly faithful in them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we pretend that little sins don't matter.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we imagine that you don't notice little sins.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
This poignant prayer of lament and community grief gives expression to what it feels like to suffer as a person of faith. If we believe we are truly part of God's community, then the destruction of that community -- as was the case with Israel in 587 B.C. -- becomes a time for doubt, anger, and confusion. Furthermore, if we believe we are individual members of that community, our personal suffering also creates an opportunity for a crisis of faith: "Why didn't God protect me?" Of course, it does not take a national catastrophe to raise those sorts of questions.
Kirk R. Webster
If feedback is the breakfast of champions, perhaps we would do well to examine some of our prayer habits. If you have ever heard someone use The Just Really Prayer, you know exactly what problem we are talking about.

That prayer goes something like this, "Lord, we just really thank you for this day. We come before you and just really pray for mercy. We offer ourselves to you and just really ask that your will be done in our lives. Amen." I'm thankful this particular Just Really prayer was mercifully short, unlike the next example, The Good Guilt-Based Prayer.
John W. Wurster
Another season has come and gone. Promises that were made have not been fulfilled. Good intentions haven't yielded any tangible results. Dreams have not come true. High hopes have proven to be only wishful thinking. Nothing has really changed; nothing has really improved. The time keeps moving along, but we seem stuck in the same ruts. Old routines remain, prejudices persist, dullness and anxiety continue to be constant companions. Lingering in the air is that nagging sense that things aren't quite right, not as they could be, not as they should be.
R. Robert Cueni
In the scripture lesson for today Jesus tells a perplexing parable about a thoroughly dishonest employee who was praised for his dishonesty. In this story Jesus not only seems comfortable suggesting that it is acceptable to compromise with moral failings, but our Lord appears to commend his disciples to "go and do likewise." For centuries, preachers, commentators, and scholars have struggled to make sense of this outrageous tale.

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