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Worship

SermonStudio

O My Good Shepherd -- Psalm 23 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
1. O my Good Shepherd, O Lord of my soul, Keep me forever beneath your control.
Praise The Lord, Great God Above -- Psalm 22:24-30 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
1. Praise the Lord, great God above. Praise God for his deeds of love.
To You, O God, I Come -- Psalm 111 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2008
1. To you, O God, I come in great thanksgiving.
God Our Creator (God Of All Glory) -- Psalm 29 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2008
1. God, our Creator, source of all strength,
Let Us Watch And Wait With Jesus -- Psalm 33:12-22 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2008
1. Let us watch and wait for Jesus, To fulfill his promise fair,
Creator God, We Praise Your Name -- Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2008
1. Creator God, we praise your name. How awesome are the works you do!
God Has Done Great Things -- Psalm 126 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2008
Refrain God has done great things for us, In which we all rejoice.
The Reign Of Christ Is Here -- Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2008
1. The reign of Christ is here! Good Christian friends, draw near.
Oh, To God Alone Be Glory -- 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2008
1. Oh, to God alone be glory, for his tender, loving care.
How Peaceful The Family With Whom The Lord Dwells -- Psalm 127 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2008
1. How peaceful the family with whom the Lord dwells. Security marks his control.

Drama

SermonStudio

Jesus And Lazarus -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Thomas Jesus Martha Mary
Jesus And Blind Bartimaeus -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Man 1 Bartimaeus Man 2 Man 3
Jesus' Parable Of The Good Samaritan -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Teacher (male) Jesus Robber Merchant
Jesus And The Mother Of James And John -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Mother James John Jesus
Jesus Calls Peter -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Peter Andrew
Jesus Preaches In Nazareth -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Man 2 Man 1 Woman Jesus
Jesus Heals The Daughter Of Jairus -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jairus Jesus Peter Woman 1
Jesus Heals A Woman In The Crowd -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Peter Woman 1 Woman 2 Jairus
Jesus' Parable Of The Four Soils -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Jesus Peter Soil 1 Soil 2
Jesus And John The Baptist -- Robert Lakey -- 2006
Characters Narrator Woman John Rabbi Pharisee

Sermon

SermonStudio

Reflections of a Healthy Church -- Luke 24:44-53 -- John W. Clarke -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2011
Ascension Day is a good time for the Christian community to assess where it has been and where it is
Expectations and a Cross -- Mark 8:31-38 -- John W. Clarke -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
These verses from Mark's gospel are a call to commitment, a call to sacrifice, and a call to give up
Love Actually -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2011
A young man visiting a very small town in Virginia struck up a conversation with an older gentleman
From the Courtroom to the Cross -- A King's Journey -- John 18:1--19:42 -- John W. Clarke -- Good Friday - B -- 2011
John records more details of the crucial events of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus than any other
Cleaning the Temple -- Cleansing Our Lives -- John 2:13-22 -- John W. Clarke -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2011
Having heard the gospel this morning let me introduce a word from Paul when he said to the church in
Should We Doubt Thomas? -- John 20:19-31 -- John W. Clarke -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
John's gospel has traced the development of unbelief, which culminated in Jesus' enemies crucifying
The Gardens of Life -- John 20:1-18 -- John W. Clarke -- Easter Day - B -- 2011
I look forward to spring and I guess that we all do especially when we have had a hard winter.
What Is the Point? -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- John W. Clarke -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
What is the purpose of the church? Why was it established?
The One that Got Away -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Stephen M. Crotts -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2011
And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good
A Time Between Time -- John 17:6-19 -- John W. Clarke -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2011
Today is the last in the season of Eastertide.

Children's sermon

SermonStudio

Wisdom From Proverbs -- 3 -- Proverbs 9:10 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
A wise person watches what he or she says.
Wisdom From Proverbs -- 1 -- Proverbs 9:10a -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
God is awake, loving, and caring.
Palm Sunday -- Luke 19:28-40 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
Let us praise Jesus, our Savior. Scripture: Luke 19:36-40
God Is Our Headlight -- John 14:5 -- 2006
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going.
The Bible Can Be A Map -- John 14:6 -- 2006
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.
Jesus Feeds Five Thousand -- 2 -- John 6:5-13 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
We are partners with God. Scripture: John 6:5-13
Nothing Separates Us From Jesus' Love -- Romans 8:35 -- 2006
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Labor Day -- Proverbs 6:6-8 -- Julia E. Bland -- 2006
When we work or play, we do it in a way that pleases Jesus.
Our Season -- Ecclesiastes 3:1 -- 2006
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
We Are Waiting -- Psalm 130:5-6 -- 2006
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord, more than

Preaching

SermonStudio

Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany / Eighth Sunday In Ordinary Time -- Isaiah 49:8-16a, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34 -- Carlos Wilton -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 15 / Pentecost 13 / Ordinary Time 20 -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
All Saints -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Carlos Wilton -- All Saints Day - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day The saints in heaven glory in an eternal sabbath.
Proper 25 / Pentecost 23 / Ordinary Time 30 -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Resurrection Of Our Lord / Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Carlos Wilton -- Easter Day - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord / Last Sunday After The Epiphany -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Carlos Wilton -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Faith gives us power for living.
Christ The King / Proper 29 -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Carlos Wilton -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day At its deepest level, God's judgment is all about love.
Proper 18 / Pentecost 16 / Ordinary Time 23 -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Carlos Wilton -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day Thanksgiving is not about entitlement.
Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Carlos Wilton -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day

Worship Service

Stories

SermonStudio

Jesus Christ, Superstar -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2008
"Jesus Christ, Superstar" is about as good a description as we can come up with as we read the text.
Peace In The Midst Of The Storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2008
Suppose for a few minutes that you are one of them.
Flattening Fences -- Ephesians 3:14-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2008
In 1983, in the tiny, rural town of Liberty Hill, South Carolina, this true story took place.1 Liber
Sex, Sex, And More Sex -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2008
Depending on who happened to publish your edition of the Bible, the heading on the page that contain
Ephphatha ... Be Opened -- Mark 7:24-37 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2008
Our text introduces us to a remarkable woman. She is courageous. She is clever. She is cool.
A New Year's Resolution -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2008
Good instructions.
The Day God Voted -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2008
Are you ready to vote? These days it seems as if that were a perpetual question.
Being A Christian "Survivor" -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2008
Survivor -- after all these years on television, you are familiar with the concept -- castawa
Welcoming Jesus -- Mark 9:30-37 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2008
Kids -- munchkins -- rug rats -- ragamuffins -- you have to love them. Jesus obviously did.
Beating Babel -- Acts 2:1-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2008
Once upon a time, in the dim and distant past, a little Jewish child asked, "Mommy, Daddy, why do pe

Prayer

SermonStudio

Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Savior, you reveal yourself in the most surprising ways.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We thank you, God, for open doors.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Creator, we understand the role that winter plays in the growth cycle.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Lord and Creator, we thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Eternal Spirit, sometimes it is nearly impossible to believe that you are interested in each one of
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
When we were children, God, time passed so slowly.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes, God, the problems confronting us seem insurmountable.
Sundays after Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We are not always sure how to pray, Eternal Spirit.
Epiphany -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes, our God, we try to imagine what our world would be like if your Son had never come.
Sundays after Epiphany -- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
We thank you, God our Sustainer, for the prayer ministry of our church.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
Take these deeds, both this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthe
Proper 21 / Pentecost 19 / Ordinary Time 26 -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2009
Take these deeds, both this sealed deed of purchase and this open deed, and put them in an earthe
Proper 20 / Pentecost 18 / Ordinary Time 25 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2009
For the hurt of my poor people I am hurt, I mourn, and dismay has taken hold of me.
Proper 19 / Pentecost 17 / Ordinary Time 24 -- Psalm 14 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2009
Fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." -- Psalm 14:1a
Proper 19 / Pentecost 17 / Ordinary Time 24 -- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2009
But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overfl
Proper 19 / Pentecost 17 / Ordinary Time 24 -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2009
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.
Advent 1 -- Psalm 25:1-10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2009
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. -- Psalm 25:1
Proper 20 / Pentecost 18 / Ordinary Time 25 -- Psalm 79:1-9 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2009
We have become a taunt to our neighbors, mocked and derided by those around us.
Proper 20 / Pentecost 18 / Ordinary Time 25 -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2009
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made

Poems

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

SermonStudio

Your Glory -- Matthew 6:13b -- Ron Lavin -- 1993
Does prayer really work?
Martin Luther And The Beginning Of The Reformation -- David J. Monge -- 1993
Luther's Early Years
The Word Of God As Law And Gospel -- David J. Monge -- 1993
The Law Kills, The Gospel Gives Life
Justification By Faith -- David J. Monge -- 1993
"Uncertainty is the most miserable thing in the world."
The Theology Of The Cross -- David J. Monge -- 1993
"A theologian of glory calls evil good and good evil.
What Is The Church? -- David J. Monge -- 1993
The Word Of God
Fiat Iustitia (Let There Be Justice) -- David J. Monge -- 1993
The Struggle For Human Righteousness
What Difference Does It Make? -- David J. Monge -- 1993
The stories narrated by the Bible are thousands of years old.
Who Cares About Theology? -- David J. Monge -- 1993
Theology Is The Church's Responsibility

Youth Resources

Monologues

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

SermonStudio

Baldness -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
God made a few perfect heads, the rest he covered with hair.
Banking -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
A package of $100 bills was missing at the bank. The staff
Banquets -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
What is a banquet? It is an affair where persons all dressed-
Baptism -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The gambler had been converted in a revival meeting and was
Baptists -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Some years ago I was speaking in Columbia, South Carolina, at
Bible -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The Sunday school teacher had just finished a detailed account
Bragging -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Bragging may not bring happiness, but did you ever see a man,
Bumper Stickers -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
While there are many bumper stickers appearing today which are
Bureaucracy -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Leo Aikman reports that when the Lord told Moses he was to
Camel -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Three camels tried to get on board Noah's Ark. He stopped them

Faith Development

Bible Study

SermonStudio

Jesus And Family Life -- Matthew 19:14 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
Mama, just look at me one minute as though you really saw me ...
Would Jesus Allow Divorce Today? -- Matthew 6:14 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
The experience of falling in love probably must have as one of its characteristics the illusion t
What About Homosexuality? -- Luke 6:21b -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
Do good and stop talking. -- Motto of the Waldensians in a small church in Italy
Is There Life After We Die? -- John 6:47 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- 1999
To live is to risk dying. I'm ready for it.
No Orphans -- Robert G. Tuttle -- 1998
I am a child of God. You are a child of God. That's what "Our Father" means.
The Door Of Perception -- Robert G. Tuttle -- 1998
Jesus, gazing into the heart of reality, prayed, "Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy n
Who's In Charge? -- Robert G. Tuttle -- 1998
The night is dark. I am on my knees praying.
In The School Of Babylon -- Robert G. Tuttle -- 1998
Some time ago I listened to Dr. Van B. Dunn speaking to a group of ministers at Duke University.
God Provides Day By Day -- Robert G. Tuttle -- 1998
Jesus taught us to pray: "Give us this day our daily bread." And he does give it.
Can I Ever Be Forgiven? -- Robert G. Tuttle -- 1998
The call came out of the darkness at three o'clock in the morning.

Children's Resources

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

SermonStudio

Some to honor and some to dishonor -- 2 Timothy 2:20 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Some to honor and some to dishonor
Sour grapes -- Ezekiel 18:2 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Sour grapes Location: Ezekiel 18:2
Spare the rod and spoil the child -- Proverbs 13:24 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Spare the rod and spoil the child
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak -- Matthew 26:41 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak
Stick out your tongue -- Isaiah 57:4 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Stick out your tongue Location: Isaiah 57:4 (NRSV)
Stiffnecked -- Acts 7:51 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Stiffnecked Location: Acts 7:51
A still small voice -- 1 Kings 19:11-12 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A still small voice Location: 1 Kings 19:11-12
The straight and narrow -- Matthew 7:13-14 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: The straight and narrow Location: Matthew 7:13-14
Strain at a gnat and swallow a camel -- Matthew 23:24 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Strain at a gnat and swallow a camel
A stumbling block -- Ezekiel 3:20 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A stumbling block Location: Ezekiel 3:20

Christian Life

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Christian Faith

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Alyssa Spradlin
For November 1, 2026:

CSSPlus

Wesley T. Runk
The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Good morning boys and girls. Does anyone here remember someone saying, “I am the greatest?” I remember hearing it many times by a prize fighter named Ali. Does anyone here remember Muhammed Ali? He used to say a lot of things and he was a very good boxer. He told everyone that he saw that he was “the greatest of all time.” Wow! Not many people say those kind of things about themselves.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sandra Herrmann
What is a saint?

According to the Roman Catholic church, a saint is a holy person who has been elevated by God to heaven, there to pray for those of us who need their help. There is a three-step process: the request by those who knew the person in life, and who attest to their holiness; a witness by at least two people that they asked the candidate to pray for them and their prayer was granted in a miraculous way; and an investigation by the Vatican into all this evidence. The declaration is made by the pope.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the people how they could be blessed by God and experience God's kingdom. In our worship today let us explore the Sermon on the Mount.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm full of pride instead of being poor in spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm overbearing and pushy, instead of being meek.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes I'm not exactly pure in heart.
Lord, have mercy.

Reading:

StoryShare

John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
John S. Smylie
Keith Hewitt
Bryan Meadows
Frank Ramirez
Contents
What's Up This Week
"The Fifth Gospel" by John Smylie
"The Burden" by Keith Hewitt
"Up Stream" by Bryan Meadows
"A Magical Little Poem" by Frank Ramirez


What's Up This Week
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17
Keith Hewitt
Larry Winebrenner
Peter Andrew Smith
Constance Berg
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"New Leadership" by Sandra Herrmann
"Lost" by Keith Hewitt
"Three Paths for the End of October" by Larry Winebrenner
"Ahmad's Final Lesson" by Larry Winebrenner
"Freedom to Live" by Peter Andrew Smith
"The Fullness of Life" by Constance Berg


* * * * * * * *


New Leadership
by Sandra Herrmann
Joshua 3:7-17

SermonStudio

Mary S. Lautensleger
"Surprise! You're adopted!" If you were to hear those words from a trusted relative, surprise would be an understatement, I'm sure. Total shock would probably be more descriptive terminology for your emotional state as you examined the official court record and your original birth certificate. "Adopted" does describe each of us though, because we have been adopted by God into God's family. How do we know? The Bible tells us so.
James L. Killen, Jr.
When we put together the collection of things that we can believe, we need to ask a question about the person in the middle of the inquiry. What can we believe about ourselves? We don't often ask that question but it is a very important one. Some people are oppressed by low self-esteem. Others are led astray by exaggerated images of themselves. It is important to get a realistic understanding of who we are -- and of who we can be. The Bible has something to say on the subject that may surprise you. Are you ready? Hold on to your hat. The Bible says you were created and called to be saints.
Argile Smith
At an office meeting, Ben got the official news that he would become the manager of one of the most influential departments in the company. His colleagues admired him because of his tireless work, and they respected him as a dependable person in whom they could place their trust. They were glad when they found out that he had gotten the promotion. In order to celebrate the news with him, they bought him a gift. Well, it was actually more like a gag-gift, the kind that he would place on his shelf and chuckle over every time he saw it.
Joseph M. Freeman
Maybe both the best and the worst of us in humanity are far better preachers than we are doers and deliverers of what we preach and teach. And maybe maturity has everything to do with our genuine willingness to bring a greater congruity between our esteemed words and those actions compatible with, not contradictory of, those words. Jesus, fully divine and fully human, loved and valued not just the right deeds, but also the right motives and attitudes.
Mary Sue Dehmlow Dreier
Commotion At The Communion Rail

Tommy didn't budge.

When everyone else got up to leave the communion rail, he stayed kneeling. His folded hands were perched on the rail, and his little head was bowed so far down that his forehead was squinched against his thumb knuckles. His eyes were closed hopefully, as if he were waiting for a big present.
Charles L. Aaron, Jr.
As the movie Contact opens, the audience sees a precocious girl named Eleanor learning how to use a ham radio. Nicknamed "Sparks" by her father, she has reached a man in Florida, and is excited that her radio lets her speak with someone so far away. In a later scene she asks her father wistfully if she can call her deceased mother on the radio. He responds sadly that no antenna is big enough.
George L. Murphy
You know that old saying, "Be careful what you wish for, because it might come true"? We see examples of that again and again in life. During the war in Iraq, Hampton Sides, a journalist who had been slated to be "embedded" with one of our frontline Marine battalions, gave an interview on NRP (National Public Radio). At almost the last possible moment, Sides decided not to go with the Marines, but instead to report from Central Command in Qatar.
Richard C. Brand
It seems fair to say that the saints of the Lord have always shown us what it is to be worthy of God. It is why we remember them and rejoice for them. They have shown us what a life worthy of God might look like. To talk about the saints, we may talk about Kagawa in Japan, about Mother Teresa, about Bishop Tutu and Nelson Mandela, about D. T. Niles in India, and about Saint Patrick in Ireland. To know the stories of Dorothy Day in New York City and Oscar Romero in Latin America is to have examples of what it means to lead lives worthy of the God who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
Amy C. Schifrin
Martha Shonkwiler
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