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Just The Right Time -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some ears of corn
The Key Ring That Unites Us -- Romans 6:2b-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a round key ring with a lot of keys and one large key
Things Change -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a series of school pictures of the same child (or children) showing the change in the
Share Your Crayons -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: If we give our life to God, he will give life back to us.
What Is Your Treasure? -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pocket knife, a baseball glove, and a doll
A Time For Giving -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Christmas)
Turn Around! -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a framed picture with the back showing
Walking The Walk -- 2 John 6 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some exercise equipment like a jump rope or a barbell
Are You Who You Say You Are? -- John 20:19-31 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a driver's license, Social Security card, or an identification bracelet
No Energy Crisis With God -- 1 Corinthians 12:3-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a can of oil, a can of gasoline, a plastic hairbrush
Who Cleans You Up? -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a mop, a bucket, and a silver candlestick
A Man Who Changed His Mind -- Mark 3:13-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: none
Missing The Bull's Eye -- Romans 7:15-25a -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some darts and a dart board
Make A List For God -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a shopping list
Travel Light -- Matthew 9:35-10:8 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Christian missionaries should travel light, free of excess items.
What Do You Do With The Leftover Jelly Beans? -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a large bag of jelly beans
Sunday's Special Breakfast -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some orange juice, toast, and cereal
The Constitution Of Our Faith -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a constitution (United States, state, or local government) and slips of paper for eac
Doing What God Wants -- 1 John 5:1-6 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a list of chores, like doing the dishes, setting the table, caring for the pets, clea
An Empty Box -- John 20:1-2, 11-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a new, empty crayon box
Stumbling Blocks -- 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: things that might be on the floor in a typical child's room before it is cleaned: clo
Jesus Is Coming -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for use in Advent)
Why Is Sunday Special? -- Mark 2:23-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some aspirin or some other kind of pill or capsule
Target Practice -- Romans 3:21-25a, 27-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some rubber bands, candy to pass out to the children
God Is Like A One--A--Day -- Philippians 4:10-13, 19-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some vitamins

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SermonStudio

Oh, One More Thing -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: A sermon summarizing the overview of Christian theology or the pastor's key co
I Am Christ's Body -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
I Am Christ's Body 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Life's Most Pressing Question -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: From all that Jesus said, it may be that nothing is as important as how we tre
Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Mark 1:40-45 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 2 Kings 5:1-14 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Mark 1:40-45
When Christianity Becomes A Waste Of Time -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Good Christian stewardship demands an efficient use of our time and talents.
The Signal -- Ephesians 3:7-12 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
The Signal Ephesians 3:7-12
Why Hasn't Jesus Offended You? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Do we understand and agree with all of Jesus' teachings?
Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 -- Isaiah 43:18-25, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 43:18-25 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 Mark 2:1-12
When Worlds Collide: Sacred And Secular -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How does our faith relate to the rest of our lives, including the interaction
Superhero: Sort Of A Sequel -- Hebrews 12:1-2 -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
Superhero: Sort Of A Sequel Hebrews 12:1-2
If It Isn't In The Bible, It Should Be -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: We need a method of drawing answers from scripture to address a wide variety o
First Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Theme For The Day
Imagine That! -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Allow some exciting creativity into your faith world.
Real Faith And Fictional Worlds -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
(An edited version of this essay was published as "Religion in Science Fiction" in Forum Letter 27.5
Reasons Not To Go To Church -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: If we are to be evangelists and help others find a meaningful life within our
Second Sunday in Lent -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 Romans 4:13-25 Mark 8:31-38
You Thought It Couldn't Get Any Worse -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: How to deal with depression.
First Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Carlos Wilton -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 64:1-9 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37
The Matrix And The Gospel -- George L. Murphy -- 2005
(This is a modified version of an essay that was originally published as part of The Immediate Wo
Religion In A Disposable Culture -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Has the over-indulgent nature of our rich and abundant culture carried over in
Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 -- Hosea 2:14-20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:13-22 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B -- 2005
Revised Common Hosea 2:14-20 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 Mark 2:13-22
Some Things You Don't Want To Know -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Knowledge brings responsibility.
Second Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2005
Revised Common Isaiah 40:1-11 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8
Did Jesus Really Yell At A Tree? -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: As Christians are we the worker bees or the drones?
Too Heavenly Minded To Be Any Earthly Good -- Terry Cain -- 2005
Purpose Statement: Is it possible to be too religious?

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

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.
Choosing To Love -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
The popular notion in our society is that the best way to choose a marriage partner is to wait until
John The (Reluctant) Baptizer -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2007
Many pastors and church boards have a policy against flash photography during any worship service, e
Living On The Edge -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
The long journey was finally nearing its conclusion.
When You're Free (In Christ), Sacrifice Is No Burden! -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2007
It takes a lot to be a Christian; you have to make your share of sacrifices.
Hidden In Plain Sight -- 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2007
I had a much-loved professor in seminary who confessed to some of us over coffee one day that he fre
Freedom And Slavery -- Romans 6:12-23 -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2007
Freedom is the defining value of American culture.
A Man Of The Moment -- Genesis 25:19-34 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2007
Do you remember the movie 1988 movie, Twins?
Who's Who? -- John 1:29-42 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2007
The first chapter of John bears some similarity to the pilot episode of a television series.
Hearts On Fire -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
Writer, Anne Lamott, tells of her struggle in getting her teenage son, Sam, to go to church with her
If Your Sense Of Purpose Ever Becomes A Burden, Remember Your Value -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2007
Do you ever wish you counted for something, that you had value?
A Disconcerting Sight -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2007
I once had a student whose dad was a pilot for a major airline who told me this true story.
Seeing God Work For Good -- Romans 8:26-39 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
A wicked wind tore through our coats.
Will It Last? -- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2007
A quarter-century ago, the little college at which I worked offered a scholarship for one year of st
Righting Wrong -- Romans 9:1-5 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2007
To Jim it seemed like an opportunity to right decades of wrongs.
The Ladder From Our House -- Genesis 28:10-19a -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2007
There is a wonderful story about a city mayor.
Letting Go Of Our Nets -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2007
Did they have any idea what they were getting themselves into?
The Victory Is Ours -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Timothy J. Smith -- All Saints Day - A -- 2007
All Saints provides an opportunity to remember and give thanks for all the believers who have lived
Why We Need The Pledge Of Allegiance -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2007
When I was in high school, a new music teacher came to town.
By Whose Standards? -- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 -- John N. Brittain -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
As the current century dawned, Time magazine placed Einstein on the front cover as the Person
A Truly Universal Operating System -- Romans 14:1-12 -- Larry Lange -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2007
Once upon a time, in a garage in the ancient city of Rome, a man developed a computer operating syst
Captive Free! -- Romans 7:15-25a -- Steven E. Albertin -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2007
Have you ever felt "trapped between a rock and a hard place"?
Those Who Most Need A Blessing -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2007
Can a child pass up a tasty marshmallow? A researcher who wanted to know set up an experiment.
Forward March -- Joshua 3:7-17 -- Timothy J. Smith -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2007
It was truly a day of new beginnings as the people prepared to make the long-anticipated entry into

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

The Debate Over Paying Social Security -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2001
A group of farmers refused to pay taxes.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Ego
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Motivation
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Commitment
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
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Create good memories for your children along with good habits.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The standard by which we test God is how Holy He is.
A Great Prophet And A Great Dad -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
John the Baptist was the real thing, a great prophet.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Leadership
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"Heaven is at the feet of mothers." (Roebuck)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"If you would reform the world from its errors and vices, begin by enlisting the mothers." (C.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Today's prepared spirit determines tomorrow's achievement in life.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Serving
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Most mothers resemble what Robert Louis Stevenson says about quiet minds, that they "cannot be perpl
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"While the title to eternal life is given to us in our justification, the Lord leads us into the pos
Being Neighborly -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2001
Bea is 81, but you would never know it looking at her.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Encouragement
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Nation
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Commitment
The Reluctant Follower -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2001
I wonder what Matthew felt like when Jesus said, "Follow me." Was it suprising? Was it scary?
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"In everything set them an example by doing what is good." (Titus 2:7 NIV)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A holy person finds God at the center of the storm.
Angels Among Us -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2001
Books and magazines are filled with people's encounters with "angels": people who give selflessly, p
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Leadership

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Costly Grace -- Luke 14:25-35, Philemon 1:1-21 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod's love is a costly love.
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany -- Deuteronomy 30:15-2, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 30:15-2
Palm Sunday -- John 12:12-19 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe welcome Jesus to Jerusalem - and into our sanctuary.
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
HymnsIn Egypt Under Pharaoh (NCH574)
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2004
HymnsChild Of Blessing, Child Of Promise (PH498, UM611, NCH325, CBH620)
Honest Abe And Sarai -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2004
Call To Worship
Dancing With God -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 11-19 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThere is joy, joy, joy, joy ...
Just Due Charity -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-1, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Peace -- John 14:23-29, 2 Corinthians 4:13-18 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod offers us peace as a gift.
Proper 17 -- Exodus 3:1-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
HymnsWhen Israel Was In Egypt's Land (NCH572, UM448, CBH164, PH334)
Christ The King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 100, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
Hymns
Desert Story -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 86:16-17)
Deafness/Hearing -- Mark 7:31-37, Isaiah 35:4-7a -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipLet us open our eyes -
A String On God's Finger -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 49:13-16a)
Power -- John 6:56-69 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipGod of power and might,God of love and mercy,
Proper 18 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 149, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2004
HymnsWake, Awake, For Night Is Flying (UM720, NCH112, PH17)
Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Easter Day - A -- 2004
HymnsThine (Yours) Is the Glory (NCH253, PH122, CBH269)
Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Genesis 22:1-14 Theme: Letting GoCall To Worship
Depth Of Devotion -- Mark 7:1-9, 14-15, 21-23 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe are not here for show.
The Light Is Still Shining -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 60:1)
Pruning -- John 15:1-8 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come to worship Jesus the Christ.
Proper 19 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm 114, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
HymnsLord, Speak To Me (UM463, NCH531, PH426)
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, Psalm 16, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsI Danced In The Morning (UM261, PH 302)
An Arranged Marriage -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 45:6-7)
Dwelling Place -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14, 17 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 7 | OT 12 | Pentecost 2
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 8 | OT 13 | Pentecost 3
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 9 | OT 14 | Pentecost 4
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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John Jamison
Object: This message includes a hand motion you will teach the children. To make the motion, just raise your two hands up about shoulder high, with your palms facing away from you. It looks like something you would to tell someone to stop moving. When you show the children the motion, ask them to do it with you to help them remember it better.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! This story is a short one, so let’s get started!

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
George Reed
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
For June 29, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Robert Frost is famous, if for nothing else, for his poem “The Road Not Taken.” In it he reflects:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 and Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20
Martin Luther once wrote of God’s power. He said, “But the power of God cannot be so determined and measured, for it is uncircumscribed and immeasurable, beyond and above all that is or may be. On the other hand, it must be essentially present at all places, even in the tiniest tree leaf.”  Luther is contemplating the incredible, awesome glory and power of God.

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
Kenny walked past the open church doors and paused at the corner to look back the unusual sight. He shrugged and headed into the neighborhood coffee shop. “Can I have a black coffee please?”

“Sure, hon.” Marge put a cup in front of him and filled it with coffee. “How are things today?”

“You know what they say- ‘same old, same old.’” Kenny pointed in the direction he had just walked. “I thought that church down the street was closed.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
I recently read a harrowing trilogy of books by Dave Pelzer. As a child, Dave Pelzer was extremely seriously abused by his mother, and the books are accounts of his experiences and his subsequent life.

When he was around twelve, Dave Pelzer was taken away from his mother and his family, out of his abusive situation and into care. He tells how he used to wake each day unable to believe that today he wouldn't get hurt, that he was free to be himself without fear of terrifying reprisals and bizarre punishment.

SermonStudio

Robert G. Beckstrand
I keep the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices,
my body also rests secure.
For you do not give me up to Sheol ...
You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
-- Psalm 16:8-10a, 11

Theme: Intimations of immortality

Outline
1-4 -- The marks of the believer: God is the source of his well-being.
Constance Berg
Roberta's mother looked like she was going to have a heart attack as she listened. Others present at the wedding rehearsal looked shocked at what the pastor was saying to the couple. "... I want you to be forewarned that I am going to talk about slavery and being obedient to another." Roberta was quiet. Serge looked worried. They had known Pastor Gallante their whole lives. What was he up to?
Schuyler Rhodes
It's one thing to talk the talk. Everyone knows people who are good at rhetoric. From coworkers to politicians to preachers and back again most people have heard so much talk that few are listening anymore. Indeed, the cultural landscape in which so many people are planted is one cacophonous wall of noise. Nothing but talk.
Stan Purdum
One of the most popular television shows ever was M*A*S*H, which ran for eleven seasons, from 1972-1983. If you didn't see it when it was originally on network television, you've probably seen it in reruns on cable stations. The show was about life in a mobile Army surgical hospital during the Korean War, and the reoccurring characters included the surgeons. One of those surgeons, named Charles Emerson Winchester III, was a pompous, upper-class doctor from Boston who had been drafted into the medical corps.
Stephen M. Crotts
Try this experiment. Turn your radio on. Now dial it to your favorite station. Next, turn the dial just a wee bit more, so that you're still getting the signal, but a lot of static is coming through also.

What's the point? Just as a radio dial must be committed 100 percent to the station to do its job, so must we commit ourselves to Jesus Christ. Yet many of us try to have it both ways. We want to tune into God, yet we also want the world. We want to walk in truth, yet we do not want to discourage temptation entirely. So we get both the music and static.

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