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Psalm 121

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Question me an answer -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
There is an old show tune, made popular by Bobby Van, whose chorus goes like this:
Father of a multitude -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Both the Old Testament and New Testament lections this week prominently feature the
God Is Watching -- Psalm 121, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Psalm 121 -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A
I wonder what we think when we hear this phrase: "God is watching." For all too many, I suspect that
Far from the tree -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- David Kalas -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Two thousand years earlier, Abram sat alone one night, when the Lord came to speak to him.

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 5, 2023:
Nag, Nag, Nag -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 121 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2022
For October 16, 2022:
Masking Our Fears -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 8, 2020:
Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from Genesis, God promises Abram that “I will make of you a great
Unholy Promises -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The ongoing crisis in the Ukraine has seen the re-emergence of international dynamics not experie
Abram's Journey With God -- And Ours -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
It's difficult to watch the unfolding news from Japan and not be humbled by the overwhelming power o
Free Sermon Illustrations From The Immediate Word -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
No doubt many of our faithful are asking some theological questions as we witness the aftermath of t
A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing
The Keeper -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,Serious proposals for radical change in the U.S. Social Security

Devotional

SermonStudio

Lent 2 -- Psalm 121 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.
I Lift Up My Eyes To The Hills -- Psalm 121 -- Robert G. Beckstrand -- 2007
The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Lent 2 (2023) -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Genesis 12:1-4a
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 2 (2020) -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Psalm 121

The Immediate Word

Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 5, 2023:
Nag, Nag, Nag -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 121 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2022
For October 16, 2022:
Masking Our Fears -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 8, 2020:
Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from Genesis, God promises Abram that “I will make of you a great
Unholy Promises -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The ongoing crisis in the Ukraine has seen the re-emergence of international dynamics not experie
Abram's Journey With God -- And Ours -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
It's difficult to watch the unfolding news from Japan and not be humbled by the overwhelming power o
Free Sermon Illustrations From The Immediate Word -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
No doubt many of our faithful are asking some theological questions as we witness the aftermath of t
A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing
The Keeper -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,Serious proposals for radical change in the U.S. Social Security

StoryShare

Don't Look Away From Evil -- John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
“The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 5, 2023:
Nag, Nag, Nag -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 121 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2022
For October 16, 2022:
Masking Our Fears -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 8, 2020:
Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from Genesis, God promises Abram that “I will make of you a great
Unholy Promises -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The ongoing crisis in the Ukraine has seen the re-emergence of international dynamics not experie
Abram's Journey With God -- And Ours -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
It's difficult to watch the unfolding news from Japan and not be humbled by the overwhelming power o
Free Sermon Illustrations From The Immediate Word -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
No doubt many of our faithful are asking some theological questions as we witness the aftermath of t
A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing
The Keeper -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,Serious proposals for radical change in the U.S. Social Security

SermonStudio

Psalm 121 -- Psalm 121 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
There is perhaps no better feeling than knowing that someone "has your back." Having someone's back
Help/Strength/Comfort -- Psalm 121 -- 2006
I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from?
Lent 2 -- Psalm 121 -- James Evans, Stan Purdum, Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2006
This is a hymn of praise.
A Sheep Of Your Own Flock -- Revelation 7:9-17, Psalm 121, Psalm 23, John 10:11-16 -- Barbara G. Schmitz -- 1995
A Funeral Homily For The Season After Pentecost*
Proper 17 -- Psalm 121 -- Hugh H. Drennan -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 1993
I lift up my eyes to the hills -- from where will my help come?

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 5, 2023:
Nag, Nag, Nag -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 121 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2022
For October 16, 2022:
Masking Our Fears -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 8, 2020:
Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from Genesis, God promises Abram that “I will make of you a great
Unholy Promises -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The ongoing crisis in the Ukraine has seen the re-emergence of international dynamics not experie
Abram's Journey With God -- And Ours -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
It's difficult to watch the unfolding news from Japan and not be humbled by the overwhelming power o
Free Sermon Illustrations From The Immediate Word -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
No doubt many of our faithful are asking some theological questions as we witness the aftermath of t
A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing
The Keeper -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,Serious proposals for radical change in the U.S. Social Security

SermonStudio

Tough Guy No Longer -- Luke 2:8-20, Psalm 121 -- Charles Cammarata, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a hard-working, family-oriented personTough Guy No Longer
An Unexpected Journey -- Psalm 121 -- Lawrence A. Craig, Charles Cammarata -- 2006
For a fourteen-year-oldAn Unexpected Journey
Jesus' Grief And Yours -- Isaiah 61:1, Psalm 121 -- Anthology -- 1998
for an elderly church memberCharles J. Lopez, Jr.
The Bread Of Life -- Psalm 121, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Exodus 16:2-4, John 6:25-35 -- Joe Barone -- 1995
There are certain people in every church who have a special love for the Lord’s supper.
Mystery Of Death -- Psalm 121, Psalm 23 -- John A. Terry, Anthology -- 1994
Opening

Stories

StoryShare

Don't Look Away From Evil -- John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
“The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
Comfable? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Psalm 121 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Contents “Comfable?” by C. David McKirachan
Words, Words, Words -- John 3:1-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Psalm 121 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
Contents"Words, Words, Words" by Frank Ramirez* * * * * * *
Any Where But There -- John 3:1-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Psalm 121 -- C. David Mckirachan, John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
Contents"Any Where but There" by C. David McKirachan
Get Up And Go -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Frank Ramirez, John S. Smylie -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Get Up and Go" by Frank Ramirez
Coming To The Light -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- John E. Sumwalt And Jo Perry-sumwalt -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Contents What's Up This Week Stories to Live By: "God Will Keep Your Life"

Worship

The Immediate Word

Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Thomas Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, George Reed, Katy Stenta -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
For March 5, 2023:
Nag, Nag, Nag -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:97-104, Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 121 -- Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer, Quantisha Mason-Doll, Katy Stenta -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2022
For October 16, 2022:
Masking Our Fears -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9, Psalm 121 -- Christopher Keating, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte, Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed, Dean Feldmeyer -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
For March 8, 2020:
Who Do You Trust? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, George Reed, Beth Herrinton-Hodge -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
In this week’s lectionary reading from Genesis, God promises Abram that “I will make of you a great
Unholy Promises -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 -- Christopher Keating, Leah Lonsbury, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2014
The ongoing crisis in the Ukraine has seen the re-emergence of international dynamics not experie
Abram's Journey With God -- And Ours -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Ron Love, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
It's difficult to watch the unfolding news from Japan and not be humbled by the overwhelming power o
Free Sermon Illustrations From The Immediate Word -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2011
No doubt many of our faithful are asking some theological questions as we witness the aftermath of t
A Super Lent? -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton, Stephen P. McCutchan, Thom M. Shuman -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Many Christians see Lent as a time of lowliness, a time when we cast our eyes downward, recognizing
The Keeper -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4, Psalm 121 -- Carlos Wilton -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Dear Fellow Preacher,Serious proposals for radical change in the U.S. Social Security

SermonStudio

Lent 2 -- John 3:1-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Psalm 121 -- Amy C. Schifrin, Martha Shonkwiler -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2007
Confession And Absolution
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- Beverly S. Bailey -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2004
HymnsThe God Of Abraham Praise (NCH24, UM116, PH488)
Second Sunday In Lent -- Psalm 121 -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2001
Words Of Assurance
I Lift Up My Eyes To The Hills -- Psalm 121 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1992
Suggestions:Use before the pastoral prayer.2 readers - senior spouses
SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 -- B. David Hostetter -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 1992
CALL TO WORSHIP
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 5
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Passion/Palm Sunday
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Maundy Thursday
15 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
11 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Good Friday
20 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For April 6, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A small pillow or cushion, a bowl, and a jar.

NOTE: This is a simple role-play story. You will need one boy to play the role of Jesus, and one girl to play the role of Mary. Since these are not speaking roles, this may be an opportunity to have a child help who might be hesitant to do a more involved role.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
This is not the same old thing. This is something new. Isaiah tells us to forget the old standards of life and truth. Our God conquers, so no longer judge the old way. Paul in prison says pretty much the same thing. And in the first supper, which takes place in the home of Martha, with Mary, Jesus, and the newly resurrected Lazarus in attendance, we see the world turned upside down as well. Something new. Something new.

Isaiah 43:16-21
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Isaiah 43:16-21

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” (vv. 7-8)

The first time I saw one of the “He Gets Us” Jesus ads during the Super Bowl two years ago, I sat up and said to my wife, Jo, “This is great! I wonder who is sponsoring this.” When I found out who, and what their motives were, I was deeply disappointed.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to worship:

 When Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus' feet with oil, the whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. As we worship God today, may this whole church be filled with the fragrance of our prayers.

Invitation to confession:

 Jesus, sometimes we fail to notice or appreciate beauty.

Lord, have mercy.

 Jesus, sometimes we resent the actions of others and are spiteful towards them.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Gregory L. Tolle
For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own. (vv. 8b--12)
Schuyler Rhodes
There's nothing quite as wonderful as looking at an old car that's been restored to its former luster. A 1932 Ford Victoria Coupe, rumbling down the road brings a thrill. The rust has been cleaned off, the torn upholstery replaced, and missing windows have been installed. It is a work of art. It is also a work of love. Such restoration projects, as anyone involved in them can attest, are not for the weak of heart. Restoring a classic automobile requires painstaking attention to detail and the patience of Job.
Carlos Wilton
Theme For The Day
Worship is a blessed waste of time.

Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 43:16-21
A New Thing
Donald Charles Lacy
In our spiritual voyages, surprises -- sometimes outlandishly -- come to us. We scratch our heads and wonder if what we are experiencing is fact or fiction. It may or may not be a time of inspiration. However, it may be one of instruction, as we view it in retrospect. You and I are to remember that every occurrence may very well be a teaching event.

David Kalas
In December of every year, the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City awards the coveted Heisman Trophy. Voted on by over 800 media members, the Heisman is awarded to the most outstanding college football player during that season. Past recipients have included such notables as Roger Staubach, Marcus Allen, and Barry Sanders. It is a great honor, and it represents the broad and non-partisan recognition of a player's outstanding season.
Julia Ross Strope
You shall pass judgment on yourself. That is the hardest thing of all ...
If you succeed in judging yourself, it is because you are truly wise.
(The king on a planet to the prince)
-- Saint Exupery, The Little Prince

Call To Worship
Leader: You're here! Winter seems displaced by the new growth of spring. This is the fifth Sunday in Lent -- with one more to come: Palm Sunday.

(Candles counting the Sundays in Lent can be lighted.)

Special Occasion

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