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Exodus 1:8--2:10

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Which Leader Should We Follow? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023
Coaching is nothing without a team that responds.
Tables Turned -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
As plot devices go, tables turned depends on a radical change of perspective.
Mistaken identity -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
Appearances can be deceiving.
The power of names -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Cathy Venkatesh -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
"What's in a name?
Mistaken identity -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20, Psalm 124 -- Wayne Brouwer, Schuyler Rhodes -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
Appearances can be deceiving.
God of the nonconformists -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20, Psalm 124 -- David Kalas -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2008
I should confess that I do not begin with a prejudice in favor of nonconformists. Some
Terror or trust -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2002
As of this writing, Secretary of State Colin Powell is in Israel, meeting with Israeli Prime Ministe
Good for you! -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1996
Today's English Version of the Bible suggests that Jesus' word to Peter, "Blessed are you, Simon so
People you can count on -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20, Psalm 124 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
Some years ago, a major research firm conducted a survey to determine what people would be willing t

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Birthing Hope -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023
For August 27, 2023:
The Last 16 Minutes! -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
For August 23, 2020:
Who... Who Are You? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
In the wake of the
Sparking Hope From Bricks Of Oppression / Facing The Monster ... Together -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
There’s been no shortage of big headlines this past week, from the stunning news of actor/comedia
What Will People Say? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
This past weekend's "straw poll" in Iowa -- complete with breathless coverage from the cable news ch

SermonStudio

Moses, The Baby -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Elaine M. Ward -- 2002
Once upon a time there was an evil king who ordered that all boy Hebrew babies were to be killed.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Proper 16 / Pentecost 14 / OT 21 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
... Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and more powerful than we.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 (2023) -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023
Exodus 1:8--2:10
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 (2020) -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
Exodus 1:8--2:10
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 Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 (2014) -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Scott A. Bryte, Derl G. Keefer, Bob Ove -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
Exodus 1:8--2:10
Avvakum was the founder... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Ron Love -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
Avvakum was the founder of what became known as Russia's Old Believers.
John Lennon said... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you're making all your plans." Who would have t
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 (2011) -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
Exodus 1:8--2:10
Gregory Knox Jones tells the story... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
Gregory Knox Jones tells the story of an unusual golf course in Calcutta, India.
One defining trend in the persecuted church today... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Craig Kelly -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
If there is one defining trend in the persecuted church today, it's that the more the church is pers
Years ago, the poet, Francis... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2008
Years ago, the poet, Francis Thompson, wrote one of the best-loved religious poems ever,
It's a wonder that Moses... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2008
It's a wonder that Moses lived at all.
Early in her pregnancy, Shelley... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2008
Early in her pregnancy, Shelley and Mark learned that their baby would have serious life-
Jack told his pastor this... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2008
Jack told his pastor this age-old lament: We tried to warn our daughter about Damon. But
Exodus 1:8--2:10br... -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2008
Exodus 1:8--2:10
When Ninevah needed to hear... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
When Ninevah needed to hear God's message, God called Jonah.
There are many tales in... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
There are many tales in the ancient world that are similar to Moses' early adventure in the reed bas
Anytime we believe what we... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
Anytime we believe what we read, or what others tell us, we are accepting the witness' testimony.
A beloved cultural artifact of... -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
A beloved cultural artifact of the Adirondack region of New York is the Adirondack Guide Boat -- a s

The Immediate Word

Birthing Hope -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023
For August 27, 2023:
The Last 16 Minutes! -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
For August 23, 2020:
Who... Who Are You? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
In the wake of the
Sparking Hope From Bricks Of Oppression / Facing The Monster ... Together -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
There’s been no shortage of big headlines this past week, from the stunning news of actor/comedia
What Will People Say? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
This past weekend's "straw poll" in Iowa -- complete with breathless coverage from the cable news ch

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Birthing Hope -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023
For August 27, 2023:
The Last 16 Minutes! -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
For August 23, 2020:
Who... Who Are You? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
In the wake of the
Sparking Hope From Bricks Of Oppression / Facing The Monster ... Together -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
There’s been no shortage of big headlines this past week, from the stunning news of actor/comedia
What Will People Say? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
This past weekend's "straw poll" in Iowa -- complete with breathless coverage from the cable news ch

SermonStudio

Proper 16 / Ordinary Time 21 / Pentecost 12 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2010
Theme For The Day
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 1:8-2:10 (C)
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
With this text, there now occurs a long gap of time in the biblical history of Israel.
Proper 16, Pentecost 14, Ordinary Time 21 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Seasonal Theme The teaching and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1998
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 1:8--2:10 (C)
Deliverance from bondage -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1995
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Exodus 1:8-2:10 (C)
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1992
Lesson 1: Exodus 1:8-2:10 (C)

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Birthing Hope -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023
For August 27, 2023:
The Last 16 Minutes! -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
For August 23, 2020:
Who... Who Are You? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
In the wake of the
Sparking Hope From Bricks Of Oppression / Facing The Monster ... Together -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
There’s been no shortage of big headlines this past week, from the stunning news of actor/comedia
What Will People Say? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
This past weekend's "straw poll" in Iowa -- complete with breathless coverage from the cable news ch

SermonStudio

Endless Line Of Blunder -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- David Kalas -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
Turn the page, and the story is suddenly different.
A Deliverer Is Born -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Arley K. Fadness -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
The River Nile is the longest river in the world, snaking 4,160 miles from Burundi, Africa, to the M
Nothing Left But A Baby In A Basket -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Douglas B. Bailey -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Every head of a family would like to do everything possible to make life better for the next generat
Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are! -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Tempe Fussell, Curtis Fussell -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1998
Moses was a master of masquerade! He lived a good portion of his life in disguise.

The Village Shepherd

Potential -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
This is a year for babies in

Stories

StoryShare

Responsibilities! -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
Contents “Responsibilities!” by C. David McKirachan
Rock-Like Living -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- Keith Wagner, Keith Hewitt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
Contents "Rock-Like Living" by Keith Wagner
Growing Up Adams -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124 -- Frank Ramirez, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
Contents"Growing Up Adams" by Frank Ramirez
Gilly, A Diligent Leader -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124 -- John E. Sumwalt, Sandra Herrmann, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
Contents"Gilly, a Diligent Leader" by John Sumwalt
It Was A Long Time Ago -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- David O. Bales, John E. Sumwalt, Craig Kelly -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "It was a Long Time Ago" by David O. Bales
Peter The Rock -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
Contents What's Up This Week A Story to Live By: "When the Rock Cracks"

Worship

The Immediate Word

Birthing Hope -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Christopher Keating, Katy Stenta, Thomas Willadsen, Mary Austin, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023
For August 27, 2023:
The Last 16 Minutes! -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Psalm 124, Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138 -- Ron Love, Bethany Peerbolte, Thomas Willadsen, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
For August 23, 2020:
Who... Who Are You? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Isaiah 51:1-6 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2017
In the wake of the
Sparking Hope From Bricks Of Oppression / Facing The Monster ... Together -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2014
There’s been no shortage of big headlines this past week, from the stunning news of actor/comedia
What Will People Say? -- Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Ron Love, George Reed -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2011
This past weekend's "straw poll" in Iowa -- complete with breathless coverage from the cable news ch

SermonStudio

Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2007
Call To WorshipOne: In a time of bitterness and pain,
God Remembers The People -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2004
HymnsIn Egypt Under Pharaoh (NCH574)
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2001
Theme: Overcoming AdversityCall To Worship
Proper 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- 1998
First Lesson: Exodus 1:8--2:10Theme: Unique TalentsCall To Worship
PROPER 16 -- Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20 -- B. David Hostetter -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 10 | OT 15 | Pentecost 5
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CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: You may present this message as a simple story, or have the children act it out as a role-play. I will show the role-play version, but you can ignore the acting pieces and just tell the story if you prefer.

Note: For the role-play version, you will need to select two girls and one boy to play the roles. You might also have a broom and a dust rag if you want to.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started.

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
For July 20, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52
Amos proclaims the word from God that punishes the people. The people are to be punished for their lack of faith, for their focus on practicing deceit, betraying honesty to their neighbors, and being impatient for the time after the Sabbath when they can focus on profit and selling their crops and wares. Oh, my! What a terrible message for people. You have been unfaithful so I will punish you. And then in the psalm, God is proclaimed to be the olive tree, that which brings blessing.
David Kalas
I have tried to find different ways of saying it so that my children don’t tire of hearing it. But the basic principle remains the same, and my kids have heard it a ton. “First things first.” They ask if they can do this or they start to do that, and I will endeavor to redirect them, saying, “Why don’t we make sure we’re doing first things first!”

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. (v. 24)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
One of Martha's earliest memories was of her little sister Mary singing and dancing in the middle of an admiring crowd of friends. Mary had always been a dancer, from the time she could walk. Privately, Martha thought she'd always been something of a show-off and ought to go on the stage, for Mary loved an audience.

SermonStudio

John E. Sumwalt
Jeanne Jones
Several years ago, before we moved to Wisconsin, I was an honorary nanny for our pastor's son, Jonathan. I took care of him from the time he was able to walk until our pastor moved, when Jonathan was about five. We had wonderful times together. One time, when I was at their house, and we had been doing some spiritual direction together, Pastor Michael asked me if I knew the name of my guardian angel.
James Evans
We are not surprised when we learn about crooks and robbers boasting about "mischief done against the godly" or "plotting destruction" all day long. The image we have in our minds about who "bad" people are, and how they conduct themselves, make such accusations completely plausible. We are less inclined to believe such things about leaders, especially respected leaders among us. We have difficulty believing someone with wealth and power would deliberately plot to do someone else harm.
Arley K. Fadness
Today's gospel from Luke 10 follows the parable of the good Samaritan. Luke positions the good Samaritan and the Mary-Martha story back to back for good reason. The parable and the story are examples of the Great Commandment "to love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself." The good Samaritan parable illustrates "love to neighbor," whereas the Mary-Martha story illustrates "love to God."
Kirk R. Webster
In the early 1990s, Wesley Nunley of Dallas completed a project he had dreamed of for decades. "I tell you, this could be a big thing," he explained. Wes then walked out to a concrete octagon in the middle of his backyard. With a beaming smile, arms raised up in excitement, the energetic retiree said, "This welcomes the UFO to land, which has never been done before."
John W. Wurster
It was the best of times. A time of prosperity and confidence, a time of relative peace, a time when most everything looked pretty good, a time when most everyone felt pretty good. It was a time maybe not unlike our own time.
H. Burnham Kirkland
Words Of Assurance
Our God is both wise and caring: afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.

Pastoral Prayer
God, we bow before you this morning, knowing that you hear every prayer. We know that in all of Creation, you are the source of life. You are the one who set the light swirling between the galaxies. The breath of your Spirit pulses through all life. You have even become flesh among us. We praise you, Lord, that in all your wonder, you have not forgotten us.

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