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Live In The Light -- John 3:14-21 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a burglar's disguise and a sack for "loot"
Can You Tie Your Own Shoes? -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Our dependence upon God. Key verses: 37--41.
Bringing People To God -- Acts 3:1-16 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a digital camera and things that go together: letters, numbers, salt and pepper shake
Good Guys And Bad Guys -- Jude 4 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a bandana to tie around your neck and face
Lord Of Light And Life -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-28 -- Wesley T. Runk
(Appropriate for Easter)Object: two buckets of water
Parable Of The Crabby Grass -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Encouragement to be wheat rather than tares.
You Have To Change The Inside -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-24 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a ballpoint pen out of ink, several empty pens that the cartridge can be put into, an
Your Roots -- Colossians 2:6-15 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: several plants at various stages of growth with their roots exposed
God's House Is Special -- John 2:13-22 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some items that appear to be for sale with prices marked on them
Now What Do We Do? -- John 2:1-11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Objects: some wine and some water in containers, to show the children
You Shall See Great Things -- John 1:43-51 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: an airplane model - the earliest model available - and a moon rocket
Happy Birthday, Church! -- Acts 2:1-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a big electric fan, with the sound increased by use of a microphone (if a fan is not
Imitating The Good -- 3 John 11 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: two drums and two drum sticks
Saying "Yes" To Jesus -- 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a red floor tile, a white floor tile, and a gray floor tile (you may use three of any
Dirty-hearted People -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Brett Blair, Tim Carpenter
Exegetical Aim: Growth takes place only in fertile, receptive people.
Make A Friend For Jesus -- Mark 6:7-13 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: a big walking stick
Telltale Fingernails -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Wesley T. Runk
Object: some fingernail clippings or any sign of some nervous habit

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SermonStudio

Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, Matthew 5:38-48 -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
THE LESSONS
Christmas Eve Day -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
Our Christmas celebrations are associated with light.
A Forrest Gump Story -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Saint Peter saw Forrest Gump, a familiar name in the movies, at the entrance to Heaven.
Three Men And A Savior -- Matthew 27:15-26 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Three men. Perhaps they were boyhood friends all their lives. Perhaps they hooked up as adults.
Ring Those Bells! -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
It was springtime in 1799, when Napoleon laid siege on the city of Feldkirk, Austria.
What One Man Can Do -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The Roman Catholic monk, Polemicus, dared to oppose gladiatorial death in the Coliseum of Rome.
A True Christian -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
In the Armenian-Turkish War in Europe early in the twentieth century, an Armenian nurse discovered o
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
THE LESSONS
Two Sons -- Matthew 21:28-32 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
1. Text
The Secret of Preaching Without a Net -- William H. Shepherd -- 2004
Prepare like crazy, so that you areoverprepared.
Accountability -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
"What kind of a place would this place be,If everyone in it were just like me?"
The Fool Who Signed His Name -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Years ago, Reverend Henry Ward Beecher said he received a letter of criticism, and the last page had
That Bag Of Cookies -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The other day a businessman reported to an airport, purchased his ticket, and was checked through ca
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Good Friday - A -- 2004
For centuries, the Christian Church has regarded this fourth Servant Song in Second Isaiah as a prop
Proper 21 -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 17:1--7 (C)
Brotherhood -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
I sought my soul, my soul I could not see.I sought my God, my God eluded me.
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- John R. Brokhoff -- 2004
THE LESSONS
Christmas Day -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
"My way is hid from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God" (Isaiah 40:27).
Is Punctuation Important? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
What did Shakespeare say?"Woman, without her man, is nothing!"
Any Last Words? -- Mark 15:34, 39, Luke 23:46 -- Robert D. Prescott-Ezickson -- 2004
Famous last words. You can tell a lot about a person by his last words.
Another Mystery Story -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
A night watchman heard that his boss was going away on a long trip.
What's Missing? -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
The newspaper reported that a new post office was built in a certain town, and the day was set for i
About Fishing -- Don R. Yocom -- 2004
Sitting still and fishing makes no person great;
All Saints' Sunday -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- John R. Brokhoff -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Revelation 7:9--17 (C); Revelation 7:2--4, 9--12 (RC)
Nativity -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Jeff Wedge -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way.

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

Heimgang -- John 14:1-4 -- Mark J. Molldrem, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a person who died from cancerHeimgang
Incarnation In Nashville -- Isaiah 9:5-7 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to Mary.
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
A Multitude Of Thoughts -- Psalm 139:1-18 -- Stan Purdum, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a faithful manA Multitude Of Thoughts
Fade To Black -- James 1:10-11 -- Wayne Brouwer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A thought pieceFade To BlackJames 1:10-11
No Intimidation -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Boldness is necessary to accomplish ministry, especially that which is prophetic and points to judgm
Itchy Ears -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
As usual, the epistle is a little more graphic than we can quite grasp.
A True, Modern Parable -- Romans 7:21--8:2 -- Charles L. Koester, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a 44-year-old man who was the pastor's best friend
We're On Our Way, Baby -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:3 -- John T. Ball -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
Today is the Sunday when we celebrate the Transfiguration of Jesus, a moment in his ministry when up
My Earlier Life -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- John Jamison -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism.
By The Sweat Of His Brow -- Genesis 3:19 -- Gary W. Fehring, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a working man who died from diabetes
Behind The Brocade -- Isaiah 9:2b, 5-7 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- 2006
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.
A Puzzling Parable With A Sharp Point -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
A young boy used to describe foods like spinach by saying, "I hate it." His wise mother responded, "
Washing In Old Jordan -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
I know a man who has a severe back injury and lives with constant pain.
Passages -- Stan Purdum, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For an elderly, faithful womanPassages
Restless Realism -- James 4:9 -- Wayne Brouwer, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
A thought pieceRestless RealismJames 4:9
More Time -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Donald Charles Lacy -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Who can speak of "justice" in any long-standing and helpful way?
Flying Coach To Nirvana -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Donna E. Schaper -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
A good friend of mine, Bob Frederickson, is writing a travel book called Flying Coach To Nirvana.
Ash Wednesday -- C. David Hogsett -- 2006
For a while, as a child, my family lived over the hardware store that my father owned.
Teacher Wit A Pen -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 4 -- Lawrence H. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a 57-year-old who died shortly after the birth of her first grandson
Last Piece Of The Puzzle -- Mark 13:24-37, Isaiah 64:1-9 -- Michael D. Wuchter -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2006
Advent is the time of waiting, of wishing, and of wanting an intervention.
Shoots Of Tomorrow -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Mary S. Lautensleger -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
In the parable of The Giving Tree, a young boy would gather his favorite tree's leaves on mil
Welcome, Rich And Poor -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Ron Lavin -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
Can you name some disillusioned people you've met in life?
The Sign Of God -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
Most of us have wrestled with questions like these at one time or another:

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Who Am I? -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Constance Berg -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2000
Who am I,That I should haveYour coming revealed to me?I am poor,
Put Your Net On The Other Side -- John 21:1-19 -- Constance Berg -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
When Beth was a teenager, she lived on the streets.
Cleansing Feet; Cleansing Soul -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Constance Berg -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2000
Matthew and Mary Beth were at a trade show.
Twelve-Year-Old Wisdom -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Constance Berg -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C -- 2000
Twelve years on earth isn't much time. Many people who live today reach eighty years of age.
Sheep Crossing -- John 10:22-30 -- Constance Berg -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Chuck laughed as he told the story. He had been on a trip to the Netherlands on business.
The Bread Of Life -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Luke 23:1-49 -- Constance Berg -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2000
Belinda and Karen were on the altar guild the day before Palm Sunday.
We Are God's Temple -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Constance Berg -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2000
Karny runs. She runs marathons. She runs races. She runs for fun.
Love One Another: Love Jacob -- John 13:31-35 -- Constance Berg -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
Jacob can be so annoying. He talks loudly during Sunday School.
A Fire Of Change -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Constance Berg -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2000
The Panorama Fire in Southern California burned out of control.
Terry's Taxi -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2000
Terry is a taxi driver in Dallas, Texas.
Sabbath At Mt. Carmel -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2000
The cabins at Mt. Carmel Bible Retreat are small.
Newspaper Prayers -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2000
I was at a Bible study on prayer when the leader handed each of us a section of the newspaper.
Success -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2000
She didn't want to go to the reunion.
Merle's Treasure -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2000
Merle Kvamme called three times before I could return her call the next day.
Jesus, The Messiah; Jesus, The Crisis -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
Cecilia knew she was having trouble with her pregnancy when the doctor called and asked her and her
The Business Of Healing -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2000
The temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed but every city still had a synagogue.
A Place Of Honor -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2000
Stan's grandfather started a machine repair business that became successful: it had a steady stream
The Cost Of The Kingdom -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2000
"Brooke, are you aware of the demands that will be placed on you? Can you handle them?
The Wedding Ring -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2000
I was in great pain.
Too Old To Work? -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
Carol was too old to be out of work and too young to be on Social Security.
Prison -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2000
We lived only about six miles from church, but we had to pass a maximum security prison on our way.
Insights -- Noel Francisco -- 1999
The classes never did turn out as I would have liked.
Discipleship -- 1999
Mother Teresa of India said, "Unless life is lived for others, it is not worthwhile." That is the ca
Inclusiveness -- 1999
"Springing up on Pentecost and Calvary, the church flows through the ages like a river, that same ri
Alert -- 1999
The Dow Chemical Company in Pittsburg, California, had a leak of chlorine gas when a gasket broke in

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

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.
Proper 9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
A New Covenant -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: Create pure hearts in us, O God,
Transfiguration Sunday -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2002
First Lesson: 2 Kings 2:1-12 Theme: The Lord's Spirit Stays With Us
Proper 11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipWomen: God of time, the moments are yours.
The Power Of Faith In The Risen Christ -- Acts 3:12-19 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: O God, answer us when we pray.
Last Sunday After The Epiphany -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipRight: The Light has been shining.
Proper 13 -- Ephesians 6:10-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Ephesians 6:10-18)
When We Lose Patience -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Who Will Go? -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2002
The Holy TrinityFirst Lesson: Isaiah 6:1-8Theme: Who Will Go?
Proper 12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Proverbs 9:1-6)
The Blessedness Of Unity -- Acts 4:32-35 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Holy Trinity Sunday -- Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 6:1-8)
Proper 5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Lamentations 3:19-26)
The Ten Commandments -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The law of the Lord is perfect; it gives new strength.
The Call To Leadership -- 1 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipLeader: The Lord is greatPeople: and is to be highly praised.
Proper 16 -- Ephesians 6:10-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Ephesians 6:10-18)
God Has No Favorites -- Acts 10:34-43 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Easter Day - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Hope For The Future -- Samuel 23:1-7 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Proper 6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 123)
God's Covenant With Abraham -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2002
Call To WorshipCome, let us worship the God of Abraham and our God, too.
A New Covenant -- Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Proper 14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 119:105-112)
The Mercy Of God -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2002
Call To Worship
Proper 7 -- Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2002
Call To Worship (based on Ephesians 1:3-14)

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
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
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

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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