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Ron Love

Ronald H. Love was called into the ordained ministry from a career as a state trooper. He has served Methodist churches in rural, inner-city and suburban settings for 20 years, and also served for four years as an Army chaplain. Dr. Love has also been a corporate librarian for a Fortune 500 company and been a university professor for ten years, teaching history and theology. His writing experience includes denominational publications, magazine articles on religion, and a newspaper devotional column. He holds a bachelor's degree in sociology (Slippery Rock State College), master's degrees in library and information science (University of Pittsburgh), secondary education (Duquesne University), church history (Indiana University of Pennsylvania), and theology (Wesley Theological Seminary), as well as a doctorate in homiletics (Pittsburgh Theological Seminary). Dr. Love now resides in South Carolina.
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Commentary

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

The Well-Tuned Ear -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus tells us that he is the shepherd and gatekeeper for the sheep.
Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
Our Holy Calling -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2013
Many denominations will observe World Communion Sunday this week, celebrating the bonds that join Ch
The Day Of My Burial -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
As the Lenten season continues and Jesus makes his way toward Jerusalem, the lectionary readings ref
Sticks And Stones And... Shutdown -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
As the federal government shutdown
It All Seemed So Promising... -- Luke 19:28-40, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
On Palm Sunday we recall Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem astride a donkey, hailed by the g
All Deserted Me -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Luke 18:9-14 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2013
National attention is being focused on the small community of Maryville, Missouri, where a case
Resurrection -- Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
On Easter we celebrate Jesus' resurrection and his triumph over the bonds of death -- and that holds
As Good As It Gets -- Luke 6:20-31, Luke 19:1-10, Ephesians 1:11-23, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
Many congregations will celebrate the first Sunday in November as All Saints Sunday, using those
Whose Voice Are You Following? -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
What is it about Jesus that makes people behave so strangely?
As Good As It Gets -- Luke 6:20-31, Luke 19:1-10, Ephesians 1:11-23, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
Many congregations will celebrate the first Sunday in November as All Saints Sunday, using those
Shepherds Good And Bad -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
As this week's material was being prepared and posted, we learned of the distressing bombings in Bos
Better Than Chocolate Chip Cookies -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text brings us one of the most familiar passages in all of scripture -
When The Waters Roar And Foam -- Psalm 46, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
The typhoon that recently devastated the Philippines -- what some climate scientists are suggesti
Soft Targets -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The news last Monday afternoon was stunning.
What Must I Do To Be Saved? -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from Acts brings us the fascinating story of the imprisonment of Paul
The Biggest Christmas Gift -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new church year -- but since this Sunday is s
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- John 5:1-9, Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Heard And Understood -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2013
The account of Pentecost in the book of Acts is full of remarkable details that offer many direction
Advance To The Rear -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The Isaiah passage appointed by the lectionary for this coming Sunday tells us that “A shoot shal
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Sharing Wisdom's Delight In Creation -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2013
Update: After this week's Immediate Word installment was already assembled and
’tis The Season... -- Matthew 11:2-11, James 5:7-10, Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
In last week’s lectionary gospel reading John the Baptist talked about preparing the way of the L
Walking The Walk -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The overriding theme in this week’s lectionary texts is one of divine disappointment.
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Baptism of Our Lord (2017) -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2017
Isaiah 42:1-9
Sermon Illustrations For Passion Sunday (2017) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66 -- Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2017
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 (2017) -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
Genesis 29:15-28
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 5 (2017) -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 4 (2017) -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 (2017) -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Bob Ove, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2017
Exodus 32:1-14
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 (2017) -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2017
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 3 (2017) -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Exodus 17:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 (2017) -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2017
Exodus 33:12-23
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 2 (2017) -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Genesis 12:1-4a
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2017) -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2017
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 (2017) -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2017
Genesis 45:1-15
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 1 (2017) -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Bob Ove, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 (2017) -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
Exodus 1:8--2:10
Sermon Illustrations For Ash Wednesday (2017) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2017
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations For Transfiguration Sunday (2017) -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bob Ove -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2017
Exodus 24:12-18
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2017) -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
Exodus 3:1-15
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 7 (2017) -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2017) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bob Ove -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2017
Joshua 3:7-17
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 (2017) -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2017
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 (2017) -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Sermons Illustrations For Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 (2017) -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2017
Exodus 12:1-14
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 5 (2017) -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Ron Love, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bob Ove, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2017
Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)
Sermon Illustrations for All Saints Day (2017) -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bob Ove, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- All Saints Day - A -- 2017
Revelation 7:9-17
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 (2017) -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2017
Exodus 14:19-31

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
The Day Of My Burial -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
As the Lenten season continues and Jesus makes his way toward Jerusalem, the lectionary readings ref
Our Holy Calling -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2013
Many denominations will observe World Communion Sunday this week, celebrating the bonds that join Ch
It All Seemed So Promising... -- Luke 19:28-40, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
On Palm Sunday we recall Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem astride a donkey, hailed by the g
Sticks And Stones And... Shutdown -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
As the federal government shutdown
Resurrection -- Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
On Easter we celebrate Jesus' resurrection and his triumph over the bonds of death -- and that holds
All Deserted Me -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Luke 18:9-14 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2013
National attention is being focused on the small community of Maryville, Missouri, where a case
Whose Voice Are You Following? -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
What is it about Jesus that makes people behave so strangely?
As Good As It Gets -- Luke 6:20-31, Luke 19:1-10, Ephesians 1:11-23, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
Many congregations will celebrate the first Sunday in November as All Saints Sunday, using those
Better Than Chocolate Chip Cookies -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text brings us one of the most familiar passages in all of scripture -
Shepherds Good And Bad -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
As this week's material was being prepared and posted, we learned of the distressing bombings in Bos
As Good As It Gets -- Luke 6:20-31, Luke 19:1-10, Ephesians 1:11-23, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
Many congregations will celebrate the first Sunday in November as All Saints Sunday, using those
What Must I Do To Be Saved? -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from Acts brings us the fascinating story of the imprisonment of Paul
Soft Targets -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The news last Monday afternoon was stunning.
When The Waters Roar And Foam -- Psalm 46, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
The typhoon that recently devastated the Philippines -- what some climate scientists are suggesti
Heard And Understood -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2013
The account of Pentecost in the book of Acts is full of remarkable details that offer many direction
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- John 5:1-9, Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
The Biggest Christmas Gift -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new church year -- but since this Sunday is s
Sharing Wisdom's Delight In Creation -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2013
Update: After this week's Immediate Word installment was already assembled and
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Advance To The Rear -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The Isaiah passage appointed by the lectionary for this coming Sunday tells us that “A shoot shal
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that
Walking The Walk -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The overriding theme in this week’s lectionary texts is one of divine disappointment.
’tis The Season... -- Matthew 11:2-11, James 5:7-10, Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
In last week’s lectionary gospel reading John the Baptist talked about preparing the way of the L
Finding Words In Speechless Grief -- Luke 7:11-17, Galatians 1:11-24, 1 Kings 17:17-24, Psalm 146 -- Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary Old Testament and Gospel texts both contain accounts of the death of a widow'

Sermon

The Immediate Word

The Well-Tuned Ear -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus tells us that he is the shepherd and gatekeeper for the sheep.
Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
The Day Of My Burial -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
As the Lenten season continues and Jesus makes his way toward Jerusalem, the lectionary readings ref
Our Holy Calling -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2013
Many denominations will observe World Communion Sunday this week, celebrating the bonds that join Ch
It All Seemed So Promising... -- Luke 19:28-40, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
On Palm Sunday we recall Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem astride a donkey, hailed by the g
Sticks And Stones And... Shutdown -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
As the federal government shutdown
Resurrection -- Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
On Easter we celebrate Jesus' resurrection and his triumph over the bonds of death -- and that holds
All Deserted Me -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Luke 18:9-14 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2013
National attention is being focused on the small community of Maryville, Missouri, where a case
Whose Voice Are You Following? -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
What is it about Jesus that makes people behave so strangely?
As Good As It Gets -- Luke 6:20-31, Luke 19:1-10, Ephesians 1:11-23, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
Many congregations will celebrate the first Sunday in November as All Saints Sunday, using those
Better Than Chocolate Chip Cookies -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text brings us one of the most familiar passages in all of scripture -
Shepherds Good And Bad -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
As this week's material was being prepared and posted, we learned of the distressing bombings in Bos
As Good As It Gets -- Luke 6:20-31, Luke 19:1-10, Ephesians 1:11-23, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
Many congregations will celebrate the first Sunday in November as All Saints Sunday, using those
What Must I Do To Be Saved? -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from Acts brings us the fascinating story of the imprisonment of Paul
Soft Targets -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The news last Monday afternoon was stunning.
When The Waters Roar And Foam -- Psalm 46, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
The typhoon that recently devastated the Philippines -- what some climate scientists are suggesti
Heard And Understood -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2013
The account of Pentecost in the book of Acts is full of remarkable details that offer many direction
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- John 5:1-9, Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
The Biggest Christmas Gift -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new church year -- but since this Sunday is s
Sharing Wisdom's Delight In Creation -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2013
Update: After this week's Immediate Word installment was already assembled and
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Advance To The Rear -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The Isaiah passage appointed by the lectionary for this coming Sunday tells us that “A shoot shal
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that
Walking The Walk -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The overriding theme in this week’s lectionary texts is one of divine disappointment.
’tis The Season... -- Matthew 11:2-11, James 5:7-10, Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
In last week’s lectionary gospel reading John the Baptist talked about preparing the way of the L

Worship

The Immediate Word

The Well-Tuned Ear -- John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2014
In this week’s gospel text, Jesus tells us that he is the shepherd and gatekeeper for the sheep.
Roger Wilco -- Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2014
As portrayed in the book of Acts, Pentecost was a strange, exciting, and even bewildering occasio
The Day Of My Burial -- John 12:1-8, Philippians 3:4b-14, Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126 -- Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2013
As the Lenten season continues and Jesus makes his way toward Jerusalem, the lectionary readings ref
Our Holy Calling -- Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2013
Many denominations will observe World Communion Sunday this week, celebrating the bonds that join Ch
It All Seemed So Promising... -- Luke 19:28-40, John 13:1-17, 31b-35, John 18:1--19:42 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2013
On Palm Sunday we recall Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem astride a donkey, hailed by the g
Sticks And Stones And... Shutdown -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19, Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2013
As the federal government shutdown
Resurrection -- Luke 24:1-12, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Easter Day - C -- 2013
On Easter we celebrate Jesus' resurrection and his triumph over the bonds of death -- and that holds
All Deserted Me -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Joel 2:23-32, Luke 18:9-14 -- Leah Lonsbury, Christopher Keating, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2013
National attention is being focused on the small community of Maryville, Missouri, where a case
Whose Voice Are You Following? -- John 21:1-19, Revelation 5:11-14, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20), Psalm 30 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
What is it about Jesus that makes people behave so strangely?
As Good As It Gets -- Luke 6:20-31, Luke 19:1-10, Ephesians 1:11-23, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- All Saints Day - C -- 2013
Many congregations will celebrate the first Sunday in November as All Saints Sunday, using those
Better Than Chocolate Chip Cookies -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary gospel text brings us one of the most familiar passages in all of scripture -
Shepherds Good And Bad -- John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
As this week's material was being prepared and posted, we learned of the distressing bombings in Bos
As Good As It Gets -- Luke 6:20-31, Luke 19:1-10, Ephesians 1:11-23, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2013
Many congregations will celebrate the first Sunday in November as All Saints Sunday, using those
What Must I Do To Be Saved? -- Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 -- Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Mary Austin -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
This week's lectionary passage from Acts brings us the fascinating story of the imprisonment of Paul
Soft Targets -- John 13:31-35, Revelation 21:1-6, Acts 11:1-18 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
The news last Monday afternoon was stunning.
When The Waters Roar And Foam -- Psalm 46, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 1:68-79, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2013
The typhoon that recently devastated the Philippines -- what some climate scientists are suggesti
Heard And Understood -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love, Christopher Keating -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2013
The account of Pentecost in the book of Acts is full of remarkable details that offer many direction
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- John 5:1-9, Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
The Biggest Christmas Gift -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:36-44, Romans 13:11-14, Psalm 122 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new church year -- but since this Sunday is s
Sharing Wisdom's Delight In Creation -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Psalm 8, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2013
Update: After this week's Immediate Word installment was already assembled and
Jump In... The Water's Fine -- Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29 -- Mary Austin, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2013
Here at The Immediate Word, we think that the alternate gospel text assigned by the lectionar
Advance To The Rear -- Matthew 3:1-12, Romans 15:4-13, Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Leah Lonsbury, George Reed -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
The Isaiah passage appointed by the lectionary for this coming Sunday tells us that “A shoot shal
He Says 'jump,' You Say 'how High?' -- Luke 7:1-10, 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39, Galatians 1:1-12, Psalm 96 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2013
When Jesus holds up a Roman centurion in this week's lectionary gospel text and tells the crowd that
Walking The Walk -- Colossians 3:1-11, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed, Ron Love -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2013
The overriding theme in this week’s lectionary texts is one of divine disappointment.
’tis The Season... -- Matthew 11:2-11, James 5:7-10, Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146 -- Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2013
In last week’s lectionary gospel reading John the Baptist talked about preparing the way of the L
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
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 July 6, 2025:

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John Jamison
Object: This is a role play activity for the children.

Note: You will need an older volunteer to help with this activity. One option would be to find a teenager with some physical ability. If a teen is not available, an adult could be used instead. For simplicity here, I will refer to my older volunteer as “TOM”. You will also need to select three of your younger children to serve as volunteers in the story.

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Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
2 Kings 5:1-14
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30
Naaman seeks healing. He travels hoping healing will come to him when he visits the king of Israel. Yet, healing does not come in that way. Rather healing comes through Elishah. Healing comes from believing and being cleansed in the River Jordan. Healing comes through Naaman’s faithfulness and through God’s grace. Psalm 30 also reminds us to seek healing; to seek God and God will heal and restore us. Do we believe that? Do we believe that God can bring healing?

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ (vv. 10-11)

When I visit your church for the first time, consider the possibility that I might be looking for a church home. I am a good-looking old guy, but I have gray hair and I dress down in the summer, so don’t be put off by my cargo shorts and tank top. Talk to me!

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Damien and Ora grinned at each other in excitement. The time had come - at last! They'd been with the Leader for months and months, waiting for this moment. Not that it had felt much like training. They'd simply lived with the Leader, listening to his stories, hearing about the Kingdom, learning to get along really well with all the other people at Mission Headquarters. Now all seventy of them were ready, the spaceship had docked, and the Mission was about to begin. Ora was glad she'd been paired up with Damien again.

SermonStudio

James Evans
Stan Purdum
Carlos Wilton
(See Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6, Cycle B, and Easter 3, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

Anyone who has ever had the experience of losing a friend because of some conflict or dispute, and then has had the friendship restored because of love and forgiveness, has a unique insight into the meaning of this psalm. Although the poem begins and ends with praise, there is in the middle of the poem a brief moment of confession and contrition that puts the praise portions of the psalm in an entirely different light.

April Yamasaki
A word of encouragement came from an unlikely source the other day in a television interview with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The former football player, wrestler, and now actor was asked about a low time in his life when he was very discouraged about his career and future.

"How did you make your way back from that?" he was asked.

The Rock replied, "You have to put yourself out there. You have to get out there and fail, and learn from your failures."

Larry D. Powell
In the summer of 1983, I participated in a ministerial exchange program sponsored by my denomination. My assignment was to a circuit of churches on the Isle of Man, a tiny island located in the Irish Sea. The months preceding the exchange included considerable correspondence with the minister on the island with whom I would exchange pastoral duties for six weeks.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
A wealthy businessman decided to take a walk and eat his lunch at the same time. He strolled by a park. There he purchased a hot dog and a soft drink. As he walked through the park two different "street people" approached him one by one. Each asked, "Can you help me? I am hungry." Each time the businessman looked straight ahead and kept walking. After finishing his lunch, he stopped and bought a chocolate eclair for dessert. As he was about to take the first bite, he was forced to jump out of the way as a young boy raced by on his skateboard. The eclair went flying and landed on the ground.

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