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David O. Bales

David Bales was a Presbyterian pastor for 33 years. He is a graduate of San Francisco Theological Seminary. In addition to his ministry he also has taught college: World Religions, Ethics, Biblical Hebrew and Biblical Greek (lately at College of Idaho, Caldwell). He has been a freelance writer for Stephen Ministries. His sermons and articles have appeared in Interpretation, Lectionary Homiletics, Preaching the Great Texts and other publications. For a year he wrote the online column "In The Original: Insights from Greek and Hebrew for the Lectionary Passages." His books include: Gospel Subplots: Story Sermons of God's Grace, Toward Easter and Beyond, Scenes of Glory: Subplots of God's Long Story, and To the Cross and Beyond and Beyond: Cycle A Sermons for Lent and Easter. Dave has been a writer for the CSS online subscription, StoryShare, for five years. He can be reached at dobales.com.

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StoryShare

Everything is Possible with God -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:46b-55 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Contents “Everything is Possible with God” by Peter Andrew Smith
Second Chance -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14 -- David O. Bales -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Contents "Second Chance" by David O. Bales
The Spirit's Guidance -- John 16:12-15, Romans 5:1-5 -- David O. Bales -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2019
Contents “The Spirit’s Guidance” by David O. Bales
Further Visions To Follow -- John 1:43-51, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- David O. Bales, John Fitzgerald -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2018
Contents "Further Visions To Follow" by David O. Bales
Visiting Asaph -- Mark 9:2-9, 2 Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-6 -- David O. Bales, Keith Hewitt -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2018
Contents "Visiting Asaph" by David O. Bales
The Way To God -- Matthew 5:13-20, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Psalm 112:1-9 (10) -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
Contents"The Way to God" by Peter Andrew Smith
New Beginnings For A New Year -- Matthew 25:31-46, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Psalm 8 -- David O. Bales, Terry Cain, Wayne Brouwer, John E. Sumwalt -- New Year's Day - A -- 2006
Contents What's Up This Week

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Further Visions To Follow -- John 1:43-51, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- David O. Bales, John Fitzgerald -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2018
Contents "Further Visions To Follow" by David O. Bales

Emphasis Preaching Journal

2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21, 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- David O. Bales, Dennis A. Becker, Mary S. Lautensleger, Timothy Smith, Leah Thompson, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2009
2 Samuel 11:1-15
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | OT 22 (2009) -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, James 1:17-27, Song of Solomon 2:8-13 -- David O. Bales, Dennis A. Becker, Mary S. Lautensleger, Timothy Smith, Leah Thompson, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2009
1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2009) -- John 6:51-58, Ephesians 5:15-20, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- David O. Bales, Dennis A. Becker, Mary S. Lautensleger, Timothy Smith, Leah Thompson, Carlos Wilton -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2009
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 16 | OT 21 (2009) -- John 6:56-69, Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Leah Thompson, Carlos Wilton, David O. Bales, Dennis A. Becker, Mary S. Lautensleger, Timothy Smith -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2009
1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 14 | OT 19 (2009) -- John 6:35, 41-51, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2 -- Leah Thompson, Carlos Wilton, David O. Bales, Dennis A. Becker, Mary S. Lautensleger, Timothy Smith -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2009
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 12 | OT 17 (2009) -- John 6:24-35, Ephesians 4:1-16, 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a -- Mary S. Lautensleger, Leah Thompson, Carlos Wilton, David O. Bales, Dennis A. Becker, Timothy Smith -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2009
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a

Sermon

SermonStudio

The Bridge at Sychar -- John 4:5-42 -- David O. Bales -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
A great deal of the Bible is quite understandable by itself.
Seeing Jesus -- John 9:1-41 -- David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
Josiah Harlan was the first American to enter Afghanistan.
Where Is Jesus? -- John 11:1-45 -- David O. Bales -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
For the last few years our family has visited The Dalles, Oregon, for Memorial Day to be with my wif
Remembering Jesus -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- David O. Bales -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2010
The novel The Ugly American is based upon facts of how Americans related to people in Southea
Putting the World Back Together -- John 20:1-18 -- David O. Bales -- Easter Day - A -- 2010
It's too soon after the murder to mention the names of the people involved; so, the following names
He's Back -- John 20:19-31 -- David O. Bales -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
Most Christians know about the Holy Spirit's power granted one morning in Jerusalem seven weeks afte
On the Road with Jesus -- Luke 24:13-35 -- David O. Bales -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
Larry McMurtry's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Lonesome Dove is about a cattle drive from Texa
The Door of the Cross -- John 10:1-10 -- David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
Last summer my wife and I enjoyed visiting our friends Dick and Mary in Montana.
Duuuh! -- John 14:15-21 -- David O. Bales -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
If you've been around the Christian faith for a while, you've noticed how people pick what they like
He Ascended into Heaven -- Luke 24:44-53 -- David O. Bales -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2010
After John Glenn was the first American astronaut to orbit the earth, he met with the Soviet astrona
Jesus' Prayer: The Pause in the Battle -- John 17:1-11 -- David O. Bales -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
In 1936, near the beginning of the Spanish Civil War one horrible center of fighting was the Alcázar
Looking Down on God -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- David O. Bales -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2010
One of the most interesting accounts of a creative and surprising story was of a father and his thre
The Right Reason -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- David O. Bales -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2010
Two mornings a week I drive from Ontario, Oregon, to Caldwell, Idaho, to teach at College of Idaho.
Nicodemus: A Young Old Man -- John 3:1-17 -- David O. Bales -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
Sermon Note: This story sermon is best read with a "special" voice reserved for the scripture
Suffered under (Saint) Pontius Pilate -- John 18:1--19:42 -- David O. Bales -- Good Friday - A -- 2010
Christians Sunday by Sunday announce our collective memory of Pontius Pilate: "Suffered under Pontiu
Praying in Jesus' Name -- John 14:1-14 -- David O. Bales -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2010
It's good to be with you in worship. I appreciate the invitation to preach.
Jesus Tempted in Us -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- David O. Bales -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
It's good to be here with you.
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.
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
Surprises -- 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 -- David O. Bales -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2007
You hope for good surprises, but many of life's surprises are the bad kind.
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
Spiritual Resuscitation -- Romans 8:6-11 -- David O. Bales -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
One spring when I was about ten, I was home alone after school.
Humility: We Know It When We See It -- Philippians 2:5-11 -- David O. Bales -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2007
In 1860, Abraham Lincoln won the Illinois Republican Presidential nomination in this way: Lincoln's

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The Bridge at Sychar -- John 4:5-42 -- David O. Bales -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2010
A great deal of the Bible is quite understandable by itself.
Remembering Jesus -- Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- David O. Bales -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2010
The novel The Ugly American is based upon facts of how Americans related to people in Southea

Stories

StoryShare

Where Have All The Churches Gone? -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- John S. Smylie, David O. Bales -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2022
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Follow The Star -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Psalm 29 -- David E. Leininger, David O. Bales, Terry Cain, Rick McCracken-Bennett, Frank R. Fisher -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally published in 2007.Contents
X Games -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32 -- John S. Smylie, David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Note: This installment was originally posted in 2007.Contents
Justice and Grace -- Mark 10:2-16, Genesis 2:18-24, Psalm 8 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2021
Contents“Justice and Grace” by Peter Andrew Smith
Full-Throated Joy? -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Jeremiah 31:7-9, Psalm 126 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2021
Contents“Full-Throated Joy?” by David O. Bales
Giving Everything -- Mark 12:38-44, 1 Kings 17:8-16, Psalm 146 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2021
Contents“Giving Everything” by Peter Andrew Smith
The Feast Awaits -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2021
Contents“The Feast Awaits” by Peter Andrew Smith
Where Is The Church? -- Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Terry Cain, David O. Bales -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2021
Note: This was originally published in 2006.Contents
Cave Arrest -- Revelation 21:1-6a, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith -- New Year's Day - B -- 2021
Contents “Cave Arrest” by David O. Bales
Receiving Grace -- Mark 1:4-11, Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2021
Contents “Receiving Grace” by Peter Andrew Smith
Something New In Old Capernaum -- Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Psalm 111 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2021
Contents“Something New In Old Capernaum” by David O. Bales
The Faith of Giving -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2021
Contents“The Faith of Giving” by Peter Andrew Smith
Forty Years Later -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17, John 2:13-22 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Contents“Forty Years Later” by David O. Bales
Mindful of Christ -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2021
Contents“Mindful of Christ” by Peter Andrew Smith
Despite Unreliable Witnesses -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Mark 16:1-8 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith -- Easter Day - B -- 2021
Contents“Despite Unreliable Witnesses” by David O. Bales
Trusting in God -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, Psalm 23 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Contents“Trusting in God” by Peter Andrew Smith
Not the Hour or the Day -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2021
Contents“Not the Hour or the Day” by Peter Andrew Smith
One King Dead, Another King Eternal -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, Psalm 29 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2021
Contents“One King Dead, Another King Eternal” by David O. Bales
A David and Goliath Story -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2021
Contents “A David and Goliath Story” by Peter Andrew Smith
Through Michal's Two Windows -- Ephesians 1:3-14, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Psalm 24 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2021
Contents“Through Michal’s Two Windows” by David O. Bales
Seeing Your Sin -- 2 Samuel 11-26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2021
Contents“Seeing Your Sin” by Peter Andrew Smith
Longing For The Smallest Hint Of God’s Presence -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, Psalm 84 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2021
Contents“Longing For The Smallest Hint of God” by David O. Bales
Understanding Jesus -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2021
Contents “Understanding Jesus” by David O. Bales

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Justice and Grace -- Mark 10:2-16, Genesis 2:18-24, Psalm 8 -- Peter Andrew Smith, David O. Bales -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2021
Contents“Justice and Grace” by Peter Andrew Smith
Despite Unreliable Witnesses -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Mark 16:1-8 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith -- Easter Day - B -- 2021
Contents“Despite Unreliable Witnesses” by David O. Bales
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...

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The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
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Katy Stenta
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For September 21, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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