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Hosea 11:1-11

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Learn and Live -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2022
There are lessons to be learned at all levels of life.
Giving Our Full Allegiance To God -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
Today’s scriptures talk about what it means to love God and follow Christ.
Reasonable Expectations -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2016
Reasonable expectations -- they’re implicit in these scripture texts.
A matter of values -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
So much of the matter of living the Christian life comes down to a matter of values.
The dangers of idolatry -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Gary Thompson, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2010
Idolatry comes in many forms. An idol is, of course, anything we put before God.
Feast of fools -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2007
In Harvey Cox's book, Feast of Fools, he described the yearly medieval
"Up" is not the only heavenly direction -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Mark J. Molldrem -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2001
Annual meetings, whether for a business corporation, a nonprofit agency, or a local congregation, us
Focus -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1998
A couple years ago there was a fad involving optical illusions called "Magic Eye" pictures.

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Learn and Live -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2022
There are lessons to be learned at all levels of life.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

God Is Not A Man -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
For August 4, 2019:
Living In A Selfie Culture -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary texts have a great deal to say about the misplaced priorities of contemporary
Walking The Walk -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The overriding theme in this week’s lectionary texts is one of divine disappointment.
The Bucket List Vs. The Gutter List -- Luke 12:13-21, Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2010
This week's texts from Colossians and Luke call us to live in a Christ-like manner -- and both Paul
It's Not The Economy, Stupid -- Luke 12:13-21, Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Roger Lovette -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C
Introducing the Texts

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 13 / Pentecost 11 / Ordinary Time 18 -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2009
When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermons Illustrations for Proper 13 | OT 18 (2022) -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2022
Hosea 11:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 13 | OT 18 (2019) -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
Hosea 11:1-11
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 13 | OT 18 (2016) -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, R. Robert Cueni, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2016
Hosea 11:1-11
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 13 | OT 18 (2013) -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Ron Love, Mark J. Molldrem, Bob Ove, Scott A. Bryte, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
Hosea 11:1-11
In the comic strip... -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
In the comic strip Frank & Ernest, those two motley characters are sitting behind a build
When people reach their teens... -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Scott A. Bryte -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
When people reach their teens, their twenties, and beyond, they often complain that their parents st
NULL -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Timothy Smith -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2010
Several years ago Jackie was traveling with her two young children to visit her parents who lived an
NULL -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2010
Fred Rogers was invited to be the baccalaureate speaker for Boston University's class of 1992.
NULL -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Craig Kelly -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2010
One of the most traumatic experiences a family can have is when a child runs away.
NULL -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2010
IllustrationsHosea 11:1-11
Believers have tried on many... -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2007
Believers have tried on many images for God, from "rock" to "judge" to "builder" to
In the movie, As Good... -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2007
In the movie, As Good As It Gets, Simon Bishop gets viciously beaten by a
The teenagers who live in... -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2007
The teenagers who live in the rehabilitation center know they are there because they
He was an eminent surgeon... -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2007
He was an eminent surgeon. I called on his stately home one evening raising funds for the
Mom? Judith's heart skipped a... -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1995
"Mom?" Judith's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the voice on the line.
The great Quaker mystic Rufus... -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1995
The great Quaker mystic Rufus Jones tells the following story.
After all I've been through... -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1995
After all I've been through with that kid, I ought to just strangle him.
A few years ago, the... -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1995
A few years ago, the national news was focused on a couple living in Ann Arbor, Michigan, who had ra
There is a tremendous power... -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C
There is a tremendous power in seeing a complete reversal of an earlier decision.

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Sermons Illustrations for Proper 13 | OT 18 (2022) -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2022
Hosea 11:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43

The Immediate Word

God Is Not A Man -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
For August 4, 2019:
Living In A Selfie Culture -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary texts have a great deal to say about the misplaced priorities of contemporary
Walking The Walk -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The overriding theme in this week’s lectionary texts is one of divine disappointment.
The Bucket List Vs. The Gutter List -- Luke 12:13-21, Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2010
This week's texts from Colossians and Luke call us to live in a Christ-like manner -- and both Paul
It's Not The Economy, Stupid -- Luke 12:13-21, Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Roger Lovette -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C
Introducing the Texts

Prayer

SermonStudio

PROPER 20 -- Hosea 11:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1985
CALL TO WORSHIP

Preaching

The Immediate Word

God Is Not A Man -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
For August 4, 2019:
Living In A Selfie Culture -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary texts have a great deal to say about the misplaced priorities of contemporary
Walking The Walk -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The overriding theme in this week’s lectionary texts is one of divine disappointment.
The Bucket List Vs. The Gutter List -- Luke 12:13-21, Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2010
This week's texts from Colossians and Luke call us to live in a Christ-like manner -- and both Paul
It's Not The Economy, Stupid -- Luke 12:13-21, Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Roger Lovette -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C
Introducing the Texts

SermonStudio

Proper 13/Pentecost 11/Ordinary Time 18 -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
Theme For The Day
Proper 13 -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
Few passages in the Old Testament are more important than this one, because it sets forth central un
Proper 13 -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
Seasonal ThemeJesus' acts of compassion and teaching ministry.
Proper 13 -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Hosea 11:1-11 (C)
Proper 20 -- Hosea 11:1-11, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 20 -- Hosea 11:1-11, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1991
The Church Year Theological Clue
Proper 20 -- Hosea 11:1-11, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Perry H. Biddle, Jr. -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1988
Comments on the Lessons
Proper 20 -- Hosea 11:1-11, Amos 8:4-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-8, Luke 16:1-13 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1985
The LessonsHosea 11:1-11

Sermon

The Immediate Word

God Is Not A Man -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
For August 4, 2019:
Living In A Selfie Culture -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary texts have a great deal to say about the misplaced priorities of contemporary
Walking The Walk -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The overriding theme in this week’s lectionary texts is one of divine disappointment.
The Bucket List Vs. The Gutter List -- Luke 12:13-21, Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2010
This week's texts from Colossians and Luke call us to live in a Christ-like manner -- and both Paul
It's Not The Economy, Stupid -- Luke 12:13-21, Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Roger Lovette -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C
Introducing the Texts

SermonStudio

Parenting -- Not For The Faint Of Heart -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Chrysanne Timm -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2009
Parenting is not, I repeat, not for the faint of heart.
A Father's Heart Cry -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Lee Ann Dunlap -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
Steven and LaDonna had been married nearly ten years before they were finally able to conceive a muc
Know Yourself And Know God -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
Is the life you lead one for which you want to be remembered?
Do You Know? -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- John W. Wurster -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2000
" 'It was I who taught Ephraim how to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I
The Soft-touch God -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- R. Keith Hammer -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 1991
Every parent who has children approaching or into the early teenage years knows that the day of reck

Stories

StoryShare

Searching For God, Finding Oneself -- Luke 12:13-21, Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Sandra Herrmann, Argile Smith -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2022
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
The Way Jesus Would Have Told It -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- David O. Bales -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
Contents “The Way Jesus Would Have Told It” by David O. Bales
The Rich Fool -- Luke 12:13-21, Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- John Fitzgerald -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2016
Contents "The Rich Fool" by John FitzgeraldThe Rich Fool
Putting On Christ -- Luke 12:13-21, Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Peter Andrew Smith, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
Contents"Putting on Christ" by Peter Andrew Smith
I Remember -- Luke 12:13-21, Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- C. David Mckirachan, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2010
Contents"I Remember" by C. David McKirachan
Let The Redeemed Say So -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C
A Story to Live By Let the Redeemed Say So

Worship

The Immediate Word

God Is Not A Man -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Bethany Peerbolte, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2019
For August 4, 2019:
Living In A Selfie Culture -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2016
This week’s lectionary texts have a great deal to say about the misplaced priorities of contemporary
Walking The Walk -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The overriding theme in this week’s lectionary texts is one of divine disappointment.
The Bucket List Vs. The Gutter List -- Luke 12:13-21, Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2010
This week's texts from Colossians and Luke call us to live in a Christ-like manner -- and both Paul
It's Not The Economy, Stupid -- Luke 12:13-21, Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Roger Lovette -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C
Introducing the Texts

SermonStudio

Proper 13 / Ordinary Time 18 / Pentecost 11 -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Julia Ross Strope -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2009
Zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem.
Proper 13/Ordinary Time 18 -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Hosea 11:1-11Theme: All My Compassion Is Aroused
Proper 13 -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2003
Theme: God's Love For His PeopleCall To Worship
Bent On Healing -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2000
Call To Worship
Justice tempered with compassion -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 1997
First Lesson: Hosea 11:1-11 Theme: Justice tempered with compassion
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and more...
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30 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
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New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to become distracted. While the argument typically requires a focus on the how, we may lose sight of the what. And so, for just a moment, let me invite us to think for a moment about what God created.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 8:26-40
As a local church pastor, I was often asked if I would baptize a child whose family were not members of the church. Some churches rebelled against this, but I remember this scripture — the hunger for understanding and inclusion of the Eunuch and Philp’s response — to teach and share and baptize in the name of our God. How could we turn anyone away from the rite of baptism?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree. “After that windstorm, I assumed this tree was as good as gone.”

“We just needed to give the branches time to heal and come back,” Michael replied.

 “I know, but so many of them were battered and broken I figured that it couldn’t recover. Now though it looks just like it did before the storm.” Rolf paused. “Do you think it will bear any fruit this summer?”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A live plant that produces fruit, and a broken branch from that plant. I used a tomato plant from a local greenhouse. Ideally, find a plant with blossoms or small fruit already growing. If you use a different kind of fruit-producing plant, just change the script to fit.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Elena Delhagen
Dean Feldmeyer
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For April 28, 2024:
  • On The Way To Gaza by Chris Keating based on Acts 8:26-40. On the way to Gaza, Philip discovers the startling ways the Spirit of God moves across borders, boundaries, customs, and traditions.
  • Second Thoughts: Abiding by Katy Stenta based on John 15:1-8.
  • Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin, Tom Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let us absorb from the vine all the nourishment we need.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our branches become cut off from the vine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our branches are withered.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to produce good fruit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses 23-31. The lectionary psalms generally illuminate the week's First Lesson, which in this case is about the covenant initiated by God with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17. The nine verses from this psalm, while not inappropriate, nonetheless leave us looking for an obvious connection with the First Lesson.

John S. Smylie
I think some people are natural-born gardeners. Our Lord grew up in a society that was familiar with agriculture. The images that he used to explain the ways of his Father in heaven are familiar to his audience. Growing up, my closest experience to agriculture was living in, "the Garden State." Most people, when they pass through New Jersey, are surprised to see that expression on the license plates of vehicles registered in New Jersey. Most folks traveling through New Jersey experience the megalopolis, the corridor between New York City and Washington DC.
Ron Lavin
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient. A member of his church told the pastor about this old man who was an acquaintance. "He's not a believer, but he is really in need," the church member said. "I met him at the county home for the elderly. He's a lonely old man with no family and no money."

Paul E. Robinson
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and again. Of course you or I might have other words to describe love, depending on our situation.

Love. "I love you." "I love to play golf." "I just love pistachio lush!" "It's tough to love some people." "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Love.

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