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Have A Good Marriage -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a clock
How To Be A Christian -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some boards, nails and hammers, and screws and screwdrivers
Open Ears -- Acts 7:55-60 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some ear muffs, cotton, ear plugs
Preparing The Tree -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Making preparations in our personal lives for Christ's coming.
I Am The Beginning And The End -- Revelation 1:4b-8 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a stepladder
Walking On Water -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: When we are scared, we should have faith in God.
Share What You Have -- 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an ice cube tray with removable dividers and a pitcher of water
The Woman At The Well -- John 4:4-42 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
In The Power Of His Name -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bottle of shampoo
Piggyback Riders -- 1 Thessalonians 2:8-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: have children choose partners to give each other piggyback rides; sweeper, dust rags,
Advice From Gamaliel -- Acts 5:17-42 -- Wesley T. Runk
The Certificate And The Gift -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a gift certificate and an actual present
God's Good Worker -- Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-2a, 51-60 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some big stones
Children, Get Ready! -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Christmas reminds us to "produce fruit in keeping with repentance."
Important Keys -- Revelation 1:9-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large keyring with two keys
We Divide; He Multiplies -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To convey the compassion and power of Christ.
Changing In The Spirit -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a heating pad
School -- John 5:39 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a sign resembling a road sign with "School" printed on it
Beloved Of God -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a hidden tape recording that can be played, telling the children how much they are lo
The Sponge -- Colossians 3:1-4 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Easter)
Healing The Lame Man -- Acts 4:1-23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a glass of water, a flat surface, and a sponge to mop it up
Can You Tie Your Own Shoes? -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Our dependence upon God. Key verses: 37--41.
Never Divided -- Jude 19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a piece of fence
The Big Influence Of Small Things -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: To teach that even though the Kingdom seems inconsequential it has ultimate i
The Treasure Inside -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a coffee can filled with jewelry and money

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SermonStudio

Guilt And Responsibility -- John 18:28-38 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Who killed Jesus? You may think the answer is relatively easy, but there are some complications.
Six Pieces Or Eight Pieces? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A guy was ordering a pizza by telephone, when the man on the phone asked: "How shall we cut the pizz
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 14:19--31 (C)
One-liners From Notable People -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
C1. "He is no fool who gives that which he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose." J
Third Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
This passage has many affinities with the prophecies of Second Isaiah (Isaiah 40-55), and it has oft
Ignition Blinds -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The fellow was a school dropout who worked as a mechanic in a garage.
Overview: In A Nutshell -- William H. Shepherd -- 2004
Preaching without a net involves the mastery of the five acts of traditional rhetoric (see Ch
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 58:1--9a (9b--12) (C); Isaiah 58:7--10 (RC)
What A Dream! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Camp Wesley, located six miles north of Bellefontaine, Ohio, was originally the site of a government
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 35:1-10 (C, E), Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 (RC)
The First Sunday School -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Robert Raikes was no fatalist.
Redemption -- A Drop Of Water -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Do you remember in your childhood looking up and trying to understand the clouds?
Statue Honoring A Prison Convict -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Yes, it is in Crestline, California, and it is a composite figure with eyes of an Oriental, nose of
Hours And Wages -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
1. Text
How Did The Apostles Of Jesus Die? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Matthew -- slain by the sword in a city of Ethiopia.
Maundy/Holy Thursday -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2004
The Gospels tell us that on the night that he was betrayed, our Lord first celebrated the Passover w
Green Wood And Dry Trees -- Luke 23:26-31 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
They led Jesus out to be crucified, down the road now known as the Via Dolorosa.
Super Religious -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The story is being told that Billy Graham, Oral Roberts, and Bob Schuller were to be received into h
Proper 20 -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 16:2--15 (C)
Town Called Knockemstiff -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Yes, it's a little town in the southwestern part of Ross County, Ohio.
Fourth Sunday in Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
"O that thou wouldst rend the heavens and come down" (Isaiah 64:1).
Is God Left-handed? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"God is left-handed," the little child told her preacher.
Sample Sermon Manuscripts -- William H. Shepherd -- 2004
Preaching cannot be taught in the abstract, but only in the doing.
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Deuteronomy 30:15--20 (C)
What If The Christian Faith Was Gone? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
There is a vital principle presented to us in a book by Henry Rogers; years ago he wrote The Ecli

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

You Can't Undo Appomattox -- So Let's Get On With It! -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
There are some things that once begun, cannot be undone.
The Prodigal Father -- Romans 8:14-17 -- John Jamison -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2006
It wasn't their first fight. Like most fathers and sons they had their disagreements.
The God Of Infinite Reach -- Psalm 139 -- Phil Barnhart, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a warm, compassionate personThe God Of Infinite Reach
Only The Lonely -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2006
There are three words I hope you will take home from church today.
When Desire Goes Bad -- 1 Kings 21:1-21a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
Nathan, a boy I read about recently, is seven years old.
Do You Hear What I Hear? -- Luke 2:20 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a hearing-impaired personDo You Hear What I Hear?
Back To The Future -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Gary L. Carver -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
The experience in the ninth chapter of Luke is called "The Transfiguration Experience of our Lord Je
Developing A Glad Attitude -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
It always amazes me when I read about a sports figure who decides to hold out for more money.
A Simple But Profound Faith -- Matthew 11:25-30, 2 Timothy 2:8-13 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a quiet, faithful personA Simple But Profound Faith
God's Promises, Promises! -- John 14:2-3 -- John R. Brokhoff, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A funeral meditationGod's Promises, Promises!
When Arlington National Cemetery Is Full -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
The honored dead from our fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq have created a problem for Arlington Nati
Boast Of That! -- Romans 5:1-5 -- John Jamison -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
He had been looking forward to Sunday afternoon all week.
A Conquered Enemy -- 1 Corinthians 15:26 -- W. George Easson, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a 62-year-old manA Conquered Enemy
Counting The Cost Of Discipleship -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2006
The best thing to say to a pastor after you hear a sermon that moves you is not, "That was a good se
As Seen From The Solitary Broom Tree -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
I'm not sure when the term "burn out" ceased being only a description of what happened to a campfire
There With Jesus -- 2 Peter 1:16-18 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person crippled in mind and bodyThere With Jesus
The Hard Sell -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Our blessed Lord presses the issue. Do you or do you not want to be my disciple?
The Promise That Won't Be Broken -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Clayton A. Lord Jr. -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
Paul was sitting in prison with every reason to be discouraged.
Faithful To The End -- John 14:1-6 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a good and caring manFaithful To The End
The Wonder Of Immortality -- 1 Thessalonians 4, Revelation 21 -- W. Norman Macfarlane, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A sermon on death preached at a regular Sunday service
When Truth Comes Via An Invalid Argument -- 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 -- John T. Ball -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2006
Sometimes truth comes to us by way of an invalid argument or perspective.
The Dream -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- John Jamison -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
It was an October Monday morning.
God's Love Is Deep -- John 14:2-7 -- Alan R. Lindberg, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a young motherGod's Love Is Deep
Only The Lost And The Least -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
A woman approached her pastor with a question: "Where is the lost and found department in our church
The Smell Of Bread -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
One of the most popular television shows ever was M*A*S*H, which ran for eleven seasons, from

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Strength From Adversity -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2000
When Beth was a student nurse during World War II, she was chubby.
Linny -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Myra started nursing school at the tender age of 33.
Twice Forgiven -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2000
Robby was changing the channel on the radio when he came to the intersection.
Expect Nothing In Return -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2000
Regina Jennings worked as a custodian at West Virginia University College of Law for fifteen years.
Even In Death, Life Is Celebrated -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- Constance Berg -- All Saints Day - C -- 2000
Our son, Andrew, was born on November 1, All Saints' Day.
Don't Thank Me, Thank God! -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2000
When Jill was five, she began to have headaches. The headaches were so severe she would throw up.
Martha's Incredible (In)Sight -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Constance Berg -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2000
My dear friend, Martha, is blind. She wasn't always blind.
Open Our Minds, Lord -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Constance Berg -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
Mr.
Be Slaves To One Another -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2000
Roberta's mother looked like she was going to have a heart attack as she listened.
A Prayer For Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Constance Berg -- Good Friday - C -- 2000
Our Father:We listen to the crossUpon which your Son did die for us.
Mrs. Smedes' Prayer Chair -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Constance Berg -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2000
The Reverend Dr.
Never Underestimate A Dishwasher -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2000
My back was killing me. I must have been standing there for hours. I checked the clock on the wall.
God Will Be With Us -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Cindy was on the brink of despair. Her hours at work were getting longer and longer.
Baptism -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Constance Berg -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2000
Andrew was just a little baby when he was baptized.
Set Free Through Grace -- John 8:31-36 -- Constance Berg -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2000
A seal, known as Martin Luther's Seal, is a world-wide symbol for many Lutherans.
There Is Still Time -- Philippians 3:17--4:1 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Karen hates church. She feels it's a place where people are brainwashed.
Follow The Leader -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Constance Berg -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2000
I admit I like it when people are articulate.
Giving And Taking Thanks -- John 6:25-35 -- Constance Berg -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2000
Carla's back ached, her wedding ring wouldn't go on her finger, and her baby was kicking like crazy.
A Word About Fig Trees -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
Fig trees are one of the most important plants in the Bible as they are mentioned over sixty times.
Easter Cookies? -- John 20:1-18, Luke 24:1-12 -- Constance Berg -- Easter Day - C -- 2000
Usually we celebrate Easter with chocolate bunnies and sugared chicks, dyed eggs or flower crosses.
The Dead Tree -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Constance Berg -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2000
That tree seemed out of place.
Food Is Love -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
My mother is a very caring person who loves to feed people.
Heartfelt Prayers And A Doubting Doctor -- John 20:19-31 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Timmy's heart had a small hole in it.
Adagio -- Romans 5:1-5 -- Constance Berg -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2000
He could barely lift his head from his chest. Oh, but how the music moved him. Adagio. Slow.
Fragrant Plant Water -- John 12:1-8 -- Constance Berg -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
When Peter was four years old, his mother received a very special present: a costly bottle of perfum

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
Theme: The AscensionCall To Worship
Proper 15 -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Luke 12:49-56 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
Theme: The Price Of Evil DeedsCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
Theme: A Call To RepentanceCall To Worship
I Am Too Young -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
First Lesson: Jeremiah 1:4-10 Theme: "I Am Too Young"
Baptism Of Our Lord (Epiphany 1) -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2003
Theme: "Do Not Be Afraid, I Am With You"Call To Worship
Listen To God -- Hebrews 12:18-29 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
Call To Worship
Christ The King -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2003
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us praise the Lord, our God!
Healing On The Sabbath -- Luke 13:10-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
Gospel Lesson: Luke 13:10-17Theme: Healing On The Sabbath
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Easter Day - C -- 2003
Theme: Celebrate The Lord's VictoryCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Advent WreathWe come with many fears and anxieties.
Second Sunday After Christmas -- John 1:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Unison Call To Worship (John 1:1-14)
God's Dynasty Continues Forever -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
The Holy Spirit Is Available To All -- Acts 10:44-48 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Sing for joy to the Lord, all the earth;
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2002
Advent WreathWe bring our fears into your revealing light.
Proper 15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 146)All: Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
Christmas Eve/Christmas Day -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Advent Wreath
The Spirit Brings Life -- Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: O Lord, how manifold are your works.
Good News About Jesus Brings Joy -- Acts 8:26-40 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
People: The Lord is king and he rules the nations.
The Lord Gathers All His People -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Hear the word of the Lord, O nations,
Proper 17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipAll: Lord, we come together, restless in our pews.
First Sunday After Christmas -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Passion Sunday -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2002
First Lesson: Isaiah 50:4-9a Theme: Trusting The Lord Call To Worship
No Other Name -- Acts 4:5-12 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Trust in the Lord and seek his presence.
The Coming King -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
Proper 10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (from Psalm 78:23-29)

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 10 | OT 15 | Pentecost 5
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 11 | OT 16 | Pentecost 6
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 12 | OT 17 | Pentecost 7
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

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: You may present this message as a simple story, or have the children act it out as a role-play. I will show the role-play version, but you can ignore the acting pieces and just tell the story if you prefer.

Note: For the role-play version, you will need to select two girls and one boy to play the roles. You might also have a broom and a dust rag if you want to.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For July 20, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52
Amos proclaims the word from God that punishes the people. The people are to be punished for their lack of faith, for their focus on practicing deceit, betraying honesty to their neighbors, and being impatient for the time after the Sabbath when they can focus on profit and selling their crops and wares. Oh, my! What a terrible message for people. You have been unfaithful so I will punish you. And then in the psalm, God is proclaimed to be the olive tree, that which brings blessing.
David Kalas
I have tried to find different ways of saying it so that my children don’t tire of hearing it. But the basic principle remains the same, and my kids have heard it a ton. “First things first.” They ask if they can do this or they start to do that, and I will endeavor to redirect them, saying, “Why don’t we make sure we’re doing first things first!”

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. (v. 24)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
One of Martha's earliest memories was of her little sister Mary singing and dancing in the middle of an admiring crowd of friends. Mary had always been a dancer, from the time she could walk. Privately, Martha thought she'd always been something of a show-off and ought to go on the stage, for Mary loved an audience.

SermonStudio

John E. Sumwalt
Jeanne Jones
Several years ago, before we moved to Wisconsin, I was an honorary nanny for our pastor's son, Jonathan. I took care of him from the time he was able to walk until our pastor moved, when Jonathan was about five. We had wonderful times together. One time, when I was at their house, and we had been doing some spiritual direction together, Pastor Michael asked me if I knew the name of my guardian angel.
James Evans
We are not surprised when we learn about crooks and robbers boasting about "mischief done against the godly" or "plotting destruction" all day long. The image we have in our minds about who "bad" people are, and how they conduct themselves, make such accusations completely plausible. We are less inclined to believe such things about leaders, especially respected leaders among us. We have difficulty believing someone with wealth and power would deliberately plot to do someone else harm.
Arley K. Fadness
Today's gospel from Luke 10 follows the parable of the good Samaritan. Luke positions the good Samaritan and the Mary-Martha story back to back for good reason. The parable and the story are examples of the Great Commandment "to love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself." The good Samaritan parable illustrates "love to neighbor," whereas the Mary-Martha story illustrates "love to God."
Kirk R. Webster
In the early 1990s, Wesley Nunley of Dallas completed a project he had dreamed of for decades. "I tell you, this could be a big thing," he explained. Wes then walked out to a concrete octagon in the middle of his backyard. With a beaming smile, arms raised up in excitement, the energetic retiree said, "This welcomes the UFO to land, which has never been done before."
John W. Wurster
It was the best of times. A time of prosperity and confidence, a time of relative peace, a time when most everything looked pretty good, a time when most everyone felt pretty good. It was a time maybe not unlike our own time.
H. Burnham Kirkland
Words Of Assurance
Our God is both wise and caring: afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.

Pastoral Prayer
God, we bow before you this morning, knowing that you hear every prayer. We know that in all of Creation, you are the source of life. You are the one who set the light swirling between the galaxies. The breath of your Spirit pulses through all life. You have even become flesh among us. We praise you, Lord, that in all your wonder, you have not forgotten us.

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