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God Sees Right Through -- Hebrews 4:9-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a big piece of clear plastic used to cover many or all of the children
Jesus Is A Ladder To Us -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a ladder
It Really Happened Once Upon A Time -- 2 Peter 1:16-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a story book
Lazarus In A Box -- John 11:1-45 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Teach the power of God to raise the dead.
The Man Who Brought People To Jesus -- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pocket knife with many parts, such as a Swiss Army knife
Give Someone A Jesus-Hug -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a hug
You Are Jesus' Magnifying Glass -- John 17:20-26 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a magnifying glass
Jesus Clears The Clutter -- Philippians 3:8-14 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a lot of clutter: some books, puzzles, toys, balls and bat, a radio, and the funny pa
Hoe Jesus' Row -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a garden hoe
Goldie Belongs To Me -- Romans 1:1-7 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a pet dog, cat, or even a goldfish
We Are The Church -- Hebrews 3:1-6 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some bricks, wood, a miniature tent
Jesus And The Beggar -- Luke 18:31-43 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a cup or bag or something that a beggar might use for begging
A Daze Of Days -- 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Advent)
Your Name Is Important -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a baby book with a list of names
A Chocolate Disaster -- John 9:1-41 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Sometimes we can't see what we are doing wrong.
Of Backs And Cracks -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a string that could look like a crack in the sidewalk
Follow Me -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: fishing equipment
Stick Together For God -- John 17:11b-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some sticks or pencils held together with some string or rubber band
The Secret Of Wally Wheelbarrow -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a wheelbarrow
What A Change! -- Luke 9:28-36 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a very dusty mirror and some glass cleaner
Cold Water And Kindness -- Matthew 10:34-42 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: cups of cold water to be shared with all of the children
Jesus Was A Pioneer -- Hebrews 2:9-11 (12-18) -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an antique that would be representative of the pioneer period of our country, such a
Ten Broken Pencils -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: ten pencils with broken points and one pencil sharpener
Let God's Light Shine -- 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a light bulb, washable black paint, a small paintbrush, and a bucket of water to wash
Saved In The Nick Of Time -- Matthew 2:13-18 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some stones, clubs, swords, and knives

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SermonStudio

Who Am I? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
At a nice old folks home it was reported that the President of the United States had entered to visi
Consistently Persistent -- Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-8 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Jesus set an example of prayer that the disciples wanted to imitate and understand.
Four Things A Man Must Do -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Four things a man must learn to doIf he would make his record true:
The Story Of Ben Hur -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Two friends met at the Union Train Terminal in Indianapolis, Indiana, years ago.
Proper 6 -- Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 18:1--15 (C)
Like Swell-heads -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Two purebred dogs were walking daintily down the street. They met a big alley dog.
Proper 14 -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, 1 Kings 19:9-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
Here begins the collection of Joseph stories with which the rest of Genesis will be concerned.
Dimensions For Growth -- Luke 2:51-52 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Just as the details about Mary were sparse, the details about Jesus' growing up years are also very
Say, "Who Do You Love?" -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The Youth Fellowship of the Epworth United Methodist Church of Lima, Ohio, used to have an interesti
Preaching From Matthew's Gospel -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
1. Matthew Is Featured In Cycle A Of The New Lectionary
Resurrection -- John 20:1-18 -- Jeff Wedge -- 2004
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and
Epiphany of Our Lord -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2004
Isaiah 60-62 represents a sharp contrast with what has gone before in the preceding chapters of Thir
Music, A God-given Grace -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Have you ever thought what life would be like without music?
Freddie, The Flying Frog -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Freddie, the frog, had a bright idea.
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2004
Our text for this day is about forgetting and remembering.
Who Is In Heaven? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
We lived for four years in Delphos, Ohio, which is a predominately Roman Catholic town.
Count The Cost -- Luke 14:25-32 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
We see half-finished projects all the time.
Give Them Christ -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In a letter from the publicity office of Tennessee Ernie Ford, shortly before he passed to eternal l
The Vale Of Paradise -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Mrs.
Proper 7 -- Genesis 21:8-21, Romans 6:1b-11 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Genesis 21:8--21 (C)
Most Madly In Love? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was reported that a famous football star, class of 2002, had fallen in love with a beautiful girl
Proper 15 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
In Sunday schools and Bible studies, the Joseph stories are frequently used as moral lessons, and Jo
As You Are Going -- Matthew 28:18-20 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Second Springs -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the 1930s, I lived in Sugar Grove, Fairfield County, Ohio.
Christ The King -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Choosing A Master -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2007
It was supposed to have been fun. No one was supposed to have gotten hurt.
In The Balance -- Romans 5:12-19 -- David O. Bales -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
"He started it." You've probably heard that from the backseat or from a distant bedroom.
Reasons For Rejoicing -- Philippians 4:1-9 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2007
We Christians can disagree over some of the smallest, most ordinary things.
While It Was Still Dark -- John 20:1-18 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
March 7, 1961, was by all appearances an ordinary day.
Life's Purpose Is Often Hidden! -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2007
Life is a messy affair. Our purpose is often hidden.
Dressed For The Banquet -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2007
This is an ugly story -- and the better you understand it, the uglier it gets.
What Storms Blow Away -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- 2007
A friend once pastored a church with a beautiful building.
For Example -- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- David O. Bales -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
If you're going to study a subject or learn a profession, a good strategy is to investigate one of t
The World According To Paul -- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2007
Book clubs have become quite popular in recent years, largely due to Oprah Winfrey and her outstandi
The Best Send Off Ever -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
In the summer of 2004, I had the joy of traveling with Rosmarie Trapp on a five-day, whirlwind story
Ecological Politics -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2007
One of the greatest military campaigns ever conducted was the Persian invasion of Greece in 480 BC.
In Whose Likeness? -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2007
Okay, teacher, you think you're so smart — is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor?
Ash Wednesday -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- 2007
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot
Sneak Preview -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Charles L. Aaron, Jr. -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2007
How much do we miss when we don't really look?
Spiritual Judo -- Romans 5:1-11 -- David O. Bales -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Back in the old days, meaning before Computer Assisted Design (CAD), blueprints for a house were dra
Leaders Worthy Of Imitation -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
"Repent! Be saved!
Pentecost Diaries -- Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
The last time I spoke to Ken was on the phone a few weeks before he died.
Religious Balkanization -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2007
As a seminary intern in St. Louis, Missouri, I was part of a Jewish-Christian Dialogue group.
Test ... Test ... -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Chris Ewing -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2007
Sometimes things happen that push us back to our deepest questions and force us to answer.
Lent 1 -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Gregory L. Tolle -- 2007
When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to posses
Return To The Lord, Your God -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Lee Griess -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2007
Every once in a while a whimsical story makes the news.
Lighting Up Lent -- Ephesians 5:8-14 -- David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Can you recall a significant event that changed many things about you: maybe a natural disaster like
A Spiritual Re-formation -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2007
Elizabeth Strout's novel, Abide with Me, is set in a small town in Maine in the 1950s,
How To Stretch A Meal -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- John E. Sumwalt -- 2007
My mother's people, the Longs of Longfield House, County Tipperary, came from Ireland to southwest W
Like A Tree Planted -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
You have probably never thought seriously about tiptoeing through the treetops, but there is a place

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
It must have been a wise mother who said, "When we die, we leave behind us all we have and take with
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Envy "Everybody loves success, but they hate successful people." (John McEnroe)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Holiness is not a place to linger, but a pathway to walk.
The Wise And The Foolish Bridesmaids -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2001
Jacopo Tintoretto paints a stunning portrayal of The Parable of The Wise and The Foolish Virgins.
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Jesus put a great emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit and the necessary power and presence He of
Burying Or Multiplying Riches -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2001
In Jesus' day, it was rabbinical law that if you had a sure treasure, you could bury it for safekeep
Growing Up - It's A Scary Thought -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2001
My parents sacrificed so that my sister and I could go to college.
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A virtuous woman will have "her children arise and call her blessed." (Proverbs 31:28 NIV)
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"God the Spirit, Guide and Guardian, Wind-sped flame and hovering Dove, Breath of life and voice of
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Congress
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Life
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Spirit-filled Christian's theme is "ready to go, ready to stay, ready my place to fill."
A Prayer And A Blessing -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Constance Berg -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2001
Pastor Wallace was loved by many, many people.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Spiritual Life
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"A mother's love is indeed the golden link that binds youth to age; and he is still a child, however
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Accountability
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
God's People
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
"The power of the resurrection of Christ is the resident power of the Spirit.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Obedience "Partial obedience is total rebellion." (Anonymous)
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
No mother is so old as those who have outlived their enthusiasm for children.
Open Doors: Illustrations, Quotes, And Quips -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
Envy
Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
The Holy Spirit was not given to you to make you rich, famous, or spectacular, but to equip you for
Reformed Thinking -- John 8:31-36 -- Constance Berg -- Reformation Sunday - A -- 2001
Tom doesn't like black people.
"Jesus Is Not In A Shed, Mom!" -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2001
I - along with other parents around the world - have learned so much about faith from the casual com
Mom Is More Than A 3-Lettered Word -- Derl G. Keefer -- 2001
A beautiful stained-glass window in New York state has the inscription, "To a sainted mother." Let t

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 24 -- Exodus 33:12-23, Psalm 9, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2004
HymnsIn The Rifted Rock I'm Resting (CBH526)
Get A Map, Ask For Directions -- 1 Samuel 16:1-12, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Seventh Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2004
HymnsHail, O Festal Day (NCH262, UM324)
A Servant Cleansing -- John 13:1-9, Matthew 27:15-26 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipThough he was in the form of God ...
Friend -- John 15:9-17 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
All Our Ducks In A Row -- Genesis 1:1-2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Proper 25 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
HymnsO God, Our Help In Ages Past (CBH328, NCH25, UM117, LBW320, PH210)
Believe! -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Second Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2004
HymnsJesus, Priceless Treasure (LBW457, 458, PH365, NCH480, UM532, CBH595)
Sharing -- Luke 16:19-31 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipAs we gather, we acknowledge that we have indeed been blessed.
Garments -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come to be clothed as children of God.
A Great Light -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 9:2-7)
Proper 26 -- Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2004
HymnsAsk Me What Great Things I Know (NCH49, UM163, CBH337)
Fast Food -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Third Sunday After Epiphany -- Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2004
HymnsCanticle Of Light And Darkness (UM205)
Shepherd -- John 10:11-18 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to Worship
Giving/Greed -- Mark 12:41-44, Matthew 27:3-10 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe worship the one God, Creator and Sustainer of all:
Fire And Hail, Snow And Frost -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 63:7)
Proper 27 -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2004
HymnsHark! The Herald Angels Sing (NCH144, CBH201, UM240, PH31, 32)
Undoing Babel -- Acts 2:1-2, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39 -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Acts 2:21, Louis Segond 1910,
The Greatest Gift -- 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2004
Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8Theme: The Greatest Gift
Fourth Sunday After Epiphany -- Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2004
HymnsWhat Does The Lord Require (UM441, CBH409, PH405)
First Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Isaiah 2:1-5 Theme: Swords Into Plowshares
Songs Of The Season/Advent -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55), Micah 5:2-5a -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipWe come ready to receive what God shall give.
God's Family -- Ephesians 3:14-19, John 17:6-19 -- John H. Will -- 2004
Call to WorshipIn worship this morning we are homing.

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...

New & Featured This Week

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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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