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IS FREE JUST LOOSE? -- Galatians 4:21-5:1a -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object:a wristwatch or a pocket watch on a chain.
GOD'S THICK SYRUP -- Titus 3:4-7 -- Wesley T. Runk -- 1976
Object:some very thick syrup that you would use on waffles or pancakes.
Gordon Glove And Henry Hand -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a glove on a stick
A Man With A Hard Name To Remember -- Acts 1:12-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: symbol of Jude
You Can't Hide The Light -- John 1:1-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a box with a hole in one end and a blanket that will shut out the light attached to t
The Last Is First -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a circle of children holding hands
Rest -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: In Christ there is rest from weariness.
Parts Working Smoothly -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-21, 26-27 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: automobile parts (an be borrowed from car dealer)
Filled Up With God -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large glass of water and a clear straw
The Sealed Secret -- Colossians 1:21-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large envelope with a wax seal
A Paper Bag Is Worth A Lot -- Matthew 8:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a paper bag and a bunch of fruit - a dozen apples or oranges or anything that a child
Jesus Helps Us See Better -- Hebrews 12:18-24 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pair of eyeglasses
A Second Choice -- Acts 1:21-26 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: symbol of Matthias
Gum! -- Luke 24:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use at Easter)
The Welcome Mat -- 3 John 5 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a welcome mat
Bill And Bert Bell -- Romans 8:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two bells, only one of them having a clapper
Be Nice -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To teach the children courtesy and hospitality.
When A Child ... -- 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a coloring book, a novel, a toy car, a set of car keys
The Day The Winds Came -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Wesley T. Runk
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have ever been caught in a big wind?
Jesus Our Parachute -- Colossians 1:13-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a parachute (tie some strings to a handkerchief and attach a weight)
A Big Problem -- Luke 12:49-53 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a blackboard, some chalk, and a division problem
Turn Around! -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a framed picture with the back showing
A Time For Giving -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Christmas)
The Day Jesus Cooked -- John 21:1-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some charcoal and a loaf of bread
A Different Kind Of King -- Luke 23:35-43 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a cup of vinegar

Christian

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SermonStudio

A Strong Man -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
1. Text
Time Travel -- Mark 1:12-15 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
The Spirit hurled Jesus into the desert.
Noah And The Ark And Other True Stories -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How do we interpret the improbable sounding stories in our Old Testament?
Is It Time To Modernize The Gospel? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Are the teachings of Jesus relevant to every age or do they need updating for
The Christian And False Besmirchment -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Christians should be extraordinarily careful not to judge others on flimsy and
The Day That God Changed His Mind -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How do we account for the differences in the biblical teachings about God?
We Need To Talk -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: It is necessary for Christians to sit down together and discuss controversial
Have You Hugged Your God Today? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What does it mean to love God and do we?
Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2005
Theme For The DayGod's call requires a receptive listener.
The Miracle Seed -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2005
1. Text
The Aliens Are Puzzled -- John 10:11-16 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
The aliens didn't come to conquer the earth. They came just to survive.
Touch Me, Turn Me On, And Burn Me Down -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What part do, and should, emotions play in our faith experiences?
If You Can't Say Something Nice ... -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Constructive criticism is necessary and helpful, and we need to learn how to g
Religion That Will Scare You To Death -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Is there still fear associated with some religion and should there be?
Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Jonah 3:1-5, 10 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Mark 1:14-20
Bread To Eat -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2005
1. Text
Burying The Seeds -- John 12:20-33 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
She sat on the ground and watched the grass grow. The long green stalks were not good to eat.
Becoming A Tricky Old Dog -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: It is never too late for us to grow and change.
Let Me Tell You How To Vote -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Should our Christian faith dictate how we should cast our votes?
Drive-Thru-Window Church -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: For some churches and for some church members, a quick and convenient Sunday m
Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Deuteronomy 18:15-20 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Mark 1:21-28
Eat The Bread -- John 6:51-58 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2005
1. Text
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
How Vulgar Can We Be? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: What are the limits of acceptable vulgarity for the Christian?
Oh, One More Thing -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: A sermon summarizing the overview of Christian theology or the pastor's key co

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Set Apart At Christmas -- Romans 1:1-7 -- John N. Brittain -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
I am so old that I can actually remember when there was a difference between the number of "shopping
The Proof Is In The Pudding -- Exodus 17:1-7 -- David Kalas -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2007
It is an incongruous scene: a multitude in the desert.
Holding On To Christmas -- Zephaniah 3:14-17, Luke 2:15-20 -- William Powell Tuck -- 2007
Since I was a small boy, one of my most memorable experiences at Christmastime has been listening to
Forty Days And Forever -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- Tony S. Everett -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
Here's a story that many church members have been telling for a while.
No Partiality -- Acts 10:34-43 -- John N. Brittain -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2007
You may be looking at the most fortunate person on the face of the earth. Let me explain.
Righteous! -- Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31) -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2007
Perhaps some of you are old enough to remember one of the most popular musical groups of the mid 196
Having Fun With The Great Commission -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2007
I find it interesting that today as we commemorate the Trinity doctrine, the church assigns the Bibl
A Little Theology At Christmas -- Titus 2:11-14 -- John N. Brittain -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2007
Scholars who study such things are quick to tell anyone who will listen that Christmas is much overr
Appointment With Thunder -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 -- David Kalas -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2007
If you're like me, then you've spent your whole life in the church.
Ruining The Christmas Spirit -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
This morning is the first Sunday of Advent, and therefore the first Sunday of the church year.
Sleeping Through The Alarm -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
I might as well get this off my chest. I have an abiding dislike for alarm clocks.
Caught In The Middle -- 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2007
It has become very popular to talk about how stressed out we are because we (both individually and c
In Spite Of Evidence To The Contrary -- Romans 4:13-25 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2007
The scriptures talk about "faith" in many different ways.
With A Firm Foundation, Application Is Second Nature -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2007
Practice makes perfect. If you do these things for Jesus, the Lord will bless you.
Not What You Expected -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- John N. Brittain -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2007
Some years ago, my wife and I took a group of students on a short-term mission trip to Belize, the o
A Change Of Mind -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2007
While it has been suggested that idle hands are the playthings of the devil -- the same may be true
Hard Words To Hear At Christmas -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2007
We've gathered here today on the second Sunday of Advent to continue to prepare ourselves for the co
Putting The Genie Back In The Bottle ... -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
When our twins were quite young -- infants really -- I remember a scene that played out on our livin
Small-Minded Christians In A Big World -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2007
How familiar Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1 sound!
Boast In Our Suffering -- Romans 5:1-8 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2007
The phone rings in the middle of the night.
Sick People Like Us Will Always Need The (Divine) Doctor -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2007
Jesus spent a lot of his time hanging around undesirable folks, not with "good" people like us.
The Vastness Of Relationships -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- John N. Brittain -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2007
At this time of year, the Christmas and Epiphany seasons, various preachers, teachers, and Sunday sc
Show Me What's Real -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2007
Have you ever found yourself in a position or place where you would rather not be?
The Way Things Are -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
The other day I stumbled onto a Discovery Channel show about underwater archaeology (not basket weav
Fido's Dilemma -- Romans 6:1b-11 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
Fido is in the dirt gnawing on a bone. It is dry, brittle, depleted of marrow and moisture.

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Worship "Worship is not performance -- it is participation." (Robert Webber)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
In this cold and lifeless world no one has so deep and strong a love except that which is found in a
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Giving
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spirit-filled prayer is the best safeguard against backsliding.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Service
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The philosopher, Immanuel Kant, said that the dove might consider air resistance a problem, somethin
Niceties Don't Sell -- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Constance Berg -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2001
During the time of the Christian church in Corinth, a trance--like state testified to the fact that
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Ego
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Real leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary determination molded by the Spirit.
Is It Too Late? -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2001
Courtney worried for her daughter.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Mother's Day
Candlelight At Advent -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
The church year is dictated not by a fiscal or chronological calendar, but a religious calendar that
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Being a friend of God is the essence of holiness.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A mother's praise has outstanding effects upon children.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Leadership
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Commitment
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Worship
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"A man never sees all that his mother has been to him until it's too late to let her know that he se
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Glory
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit will fortify the soul for everyday spiritual battles.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Service
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Somebody's mother once said, "If you're wondering when middle age begins -- watch out, it's begun al
Doing The Right Thing -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2001
Len and Jeanne are the epitome of "good parents" according to their four sons, who keep in close con
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Ego
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
We may not be able to direct the wind of the Spirit, but we can adjust the sails to catch the wind.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Come, Ye Thankful People -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For Thanksgiving
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18, Psalm 23 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipFrom 1 John 3:16-24.Leader:
Theme: What I Want -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 34:18-19)
Other Services Of Anointing -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
In Times Of Emergency
NULL -- Malachi 3:10 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.
First Sunday in Advent -- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.) Date: _________________________
Celebrate The Trinity -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Readings For Trinity Sunday
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Psalm 22:25-31 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipBased on 1 John 4:7-21. Leader: Love -- what is love?
Theme: It Don't Get No Better -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 45:6-7)
Historic Anointing Services -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
From An 1887 Church Manual
NULL -- Matthew 2:11 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed dow
First Sunday in Advent -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Robert S. Jarboe -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
(Distribute this sheet to the readers.)Date: _________________________
In Search Of Love -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Hymn Service Of Words On Love For Valentine's Day Or Family Day
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17, Psalm 98 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Theme: Wisdom. Real. -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 125:1-5) One:
Theme: Embarrassed Enough To Finally Listen? -- Proverbs 1:20-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 19:1-2, 7-9, 14) One:
A Hymn For Anointing -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
To the tune Hyfrydol ("Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus")
NULL -- Matthew 5:7 -- Leon Collier -- 2005
Minister: "Blessed are the merciful,
The Way To The Manger -- Mary Lu Warstler -- 2005
A Service Of Hymns And Choral Readings For Christmas Eve
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19, Psalm 1 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipFrom Psalm 1:1-3 (The Message)Leader:
Connectedness -- Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:17-23 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe worship the Christ who promises to be with us always.
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Psalm 133, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
HymnsO Christ, The Healer, We Have Come (NCH175, CBH379, UM265, PH380)
Come Into The Ark -- Genesis 6:11-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2004
Call To WorshipCome into the ark, it's raining outside.
Ancient Ruins Rebuilt -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 58:10-11)
Palm Sunday -- John 12:12-19 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe welcome Jesus to Jerusalem - and into our sanctuary.

Worship Service

Youth Resources

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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29 – Sermons
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Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
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32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
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31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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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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