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Psalm 124

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Lines in the sand -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Timothy B. Cargal -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2021
Note: Originally published in 2003.
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.
Public enemy -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- David Kalas -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2006
If only he had understood his real enemy.
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

Worship

The Immediate Word

Genuine Faith -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 138 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2026
For August 23, 2026:
The Weaponization Of Prayer -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2024
For September 29, 2024:
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 Price of Admission -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2021
For September 26, 2021:
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:
Better than what? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Late Night With God -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle passage, James extols the power of faith -- and specifically of prayer -- to
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

Free Access

The Price of Admission -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2021
For September 26, 2021:
Better Than What? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Genuine Faith -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 138 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2026
For August 23, 2026:
The Weaponization Of Prayer -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2024
For September 29, 2024:
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 Price of Admission -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2021
For September 26, 2021:
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:
Better than what? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Late Night With God -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle passage, James extols the power of faith -- and specifically of prayer -- to
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

Free Access

The Price of Admission -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2021
For September 26, 2021:
Better Than What? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018

Stories

StoryShare

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
Family -- Mark 9:38-50, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Psalm 124 -- C. David Mckirachan, Lamar Massingill, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2012
Contents "Family" by C. David McKirachan
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
Blue Sky Thunder -- Mark 9:38-50, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Psalm 124 -- Keith Hewitt, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2009
Contents What's Up This Week "Blue Sky Thunder" by Keith Hewitt
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
Einstein's Youngest Student -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Contents
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"
Not Cheating The Taxman? -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Constance Berg, Charles Cammarata -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Contents What's Up This Week

SermonStudio

Help In The Name Of The Lord -- Psalm 124 -- Sandra Herrmann, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
In 1972, I had the opportunity to go to the Soviet Union and get educational credit for the adventur
A Narrow Escape -- Psalm 124 -- John E. Sumwalt, Judy Ziese -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 21 -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2008
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
Proper 16 / Pentecost 14 / OT 21 -- Psalm 124 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side ...
If It Had Not Been The LORD Who Was On Our Side ... -- Psalm 124 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when our enemies attacked us,

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Genuine Faith -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 138 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2026
For August 23, 2026:
The Weaponization Of Prayer -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2024
For September 29, 2024:
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 Price of Admission -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2021
For September 26, 2021:
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:
Better than what? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Late Night With God -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle passage, James extols the power of faith -- and specifically of prayer -- to
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

Free Access

The Price of Admission -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2021
For September 26, 2021:
Better Than What? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018

Illustration

The Immediate Word

Genuine Faith -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 138 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2026
For August 23, 2026:
The Weaponization Of Prayer -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2024
For September 29, 2024:
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 Price of Admission -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2021
For September 26, 2021:
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:
Better than what? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Late Night With God -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle passage, James extols the power of faith -- and specifically of prayer -- to

Free Access

The Price of Admission -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2021
For September 26, 2021:
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2018) -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
Better Than What? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Genuine Faith -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 138 -- Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2026
For August 23, 2026:
The Weaponization Of Prayer -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2024
For September 29, 2024:
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 Price of Admission -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2021
For September 26, 2021:
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:
Better than what? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Late Night With God -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Robin Lostetter, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2015
In this week’s epistle passage, James extols the power of faith -- and specifically of prayer -- to
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

Free Access

The Price of Admission -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50, Psalm 124 -- Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, George Reed, Quantisha Mason-Doll -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2021
For September 26, 2021:
Better Than What? -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018

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
Gathering
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
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120+ – Illustrations / Stories
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