Login / Signup

SermonStudio

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Adult study

African-American History

Bible Study

Biblical Studies

Biblical Study

Candlelighting service

Children's program

Children's Resources

Children's sermon

Christian

Christian Faith

Christian Life

Church Anniversary

Church Growth

Church Leaders

Church Programs

Death

Devotional

Drama

Easter

Faith Development

Fellowship

Funeral

Gathering Prayer

Healing

Home Blessing

Humor

Illustration

Inspirational

Intercession

Lent/Easter

Liturgy

Marriage Ceremony

Meditations

Memorial

Men's Day

Monologues

Mother's Day

Observance

Pageant

Pastoral Resources

Poems

Prayer

Preaching

SermonStudio

Capernaum's Favorite Centurion -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
The loving concern of a Gentile centurion's ill servant,
Proper 14 -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 (C)
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 9:36-43 (C)
A Congregational President And His Sick Daughter -- Matthew 9:18-26 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
Death flutes wailed a morbid tune for Jairus' daughter;
Proper 15 -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Isaiah 5:1-7 (C)
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 11:1-18 (C)
Compassion At Nain's East Gate -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
At Nain's east gate a widow grieves her only son;
Proper 16 -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 1:4-10 (C)
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, John 14:23-29 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 16:9-15 (C)
A Boat For Rough Seas -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
When rough seas and wild storms rage about us,
Proper 17 -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 2:4-13 (C)
The Ascension Of Our Lord -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Acts 1:1-11 (C, RC, E)
First Sunday In Advent -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 33:14-16 (C, RC)
One Out Of Ten Isn't All That Bad -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- 2000
The fulfilled life of discipleship is constant gratitude,
Proper 18 -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 18:1-11 (C)
Second Sunday In Advent -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Malachi 3:1-4 (C)
Proper 19 -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 (C)
Navigating Home To Jesus -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
Theme
Third Sunday In Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 20 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 (C)
Leading By Example -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2000
He also told them a parable: "Can a blind person guide a blind person?
Fourth Sunday In Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Proper 21 -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 (C)
Proper 22 -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2000
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: Lamentations 1:1-6 (C)
Seek Reconciliation: God's Judgment Is Near -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2000
At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had m

Sacrament

Self Help

Sermon

SermonStudio

In A Land Of Faithfulness -- Hebrews 10:16-25 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Good Friday - C -- 2003
Good Friday is about faithfulness that happens because of forgiveness.
Never Limit Others, Ourselves, Or God -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2003
Once upon a time a badly deformed little girl was born to a very wealthy family.
Enlightened Eyes -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- Gary L. Carver -- All Saints Day - C -- 2003
It is a matter of perspective. It is a matter of how we choose to look at things.
Fire Falling From Heaven -- Luke 12:49-56 -- R. Robert Cueni -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2003
Jesus spends much of the twelfth chapter of Luke reassuring and encouraging his followers in the fac
Love Without Limits -- Acts 11:1-18 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
The eloquent preacher Tom Long tells the story of a small church-related college that held an annual
Curtain Call -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2003
It was 1974 in the racially-troubled southern city of Birmingham.
Now What? -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
The Ascension of Jesus into heaven is one of those strange Bible stories that Cecil B.
Calling Others In God's Name -- Steven E. Albertin, Charles D. Reeb, Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- 2003
The realization that God calls all people of faith to service and discipleship, and thereby to be a
"Our Father Who Art In Heaven" -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2003
One day in India, a boy came upon a Holy Man praying by the banks of the Ganges River.
Lessons From A Dog Guide -- Robert S. Crilley -- 2003
Introduction
Love Means Speaking The Truth -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2003
"When Christ calls a man, he bids that man to come and die." These words were written by Dietrich Bo
Holy Collision -- Ephesians 1:15-23 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2003
Before a dog guide and its teammate meet, an apprentice pup spends twelve months in the home of a 4-
The Bent-over Woman -- Luke 13:10-17 -- R. Robert Cueni -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2003
As was his custom, Jesus went that Sabbath morning to the synagogue for worship.
When All Is Said And Done -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Life has a way of presenting us with defining moments.
A Whole New World -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2003
I knew that it was wrong.
Escape From The Island Of Spiritual Sloth -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank G. Honeycutt -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
I was noodling around on the internet not long ago, doing some research on the "Seven Deadly Sins,"
"Hallowed Be Thy Name" -- Alex A. Gondola, Jr. -- 2003
My previous church in West Springfield - like this one - was located next to a graveyard.
Incarnation With A Wagging Tail -- Romans 10:8b-13 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2003
Once there was a dog guide named Leader Dog Dolley.
The Lord Hears The Cry Of The Poor -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Richard E. Gribble, CSC -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2003
The year 1992 marked the quincentenary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the New World, an e
The Ash Connection -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2003
There is always something we cannot stand about ourselves, something that is unacceptable, something
Crossing Borders And Breaking Down Boundaries -- Acts 8:14-17 -- Robert S. Crilley -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2003
Luke reports this story in such an understated and matter-of-fact style that one could easily miss t
Divine Dinner Party Decorum -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- R. Robert Cueni -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2003
Luke opens the fourteenth chapter by telling us that Jesus "was going to the house of a leader of th
More Beyond -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Charles D. Reeb -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2003
Centuries ago, Portugal adopted a national motto.
What Does A Christian Look Like? -- Galatians 5:1, 13-23 -- Gary L. Carver -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2003
One of my favorite stories about Abraham Lincoln emerges from the Lincoln-Douglas Debates.
Epiphany: Glory Beyond Our Expecting -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- J. Ellsworth Kalas, David Kalas -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2003
In 1986 a relatively unknown basketball team from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock defeated

Spirituality

Stories

SermonStudio

Death of a Blacksnake -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
I WAS DRIVING along a rural road recently when the car in front of me swerved off the shoulder and c
THE STRANGER -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
IT WAS a warm summer evening in the mid-fifties.
Obscenity Is ... -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
WHAT IS OBSCENITY?
SEX IS NOT A FOUR-LETTER WORD -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
I WAS WALKING down the street one day when I bumped into a minister-friend whose attention had been
INTERVIEW WITH A BAPTOMETHOCATH -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
(A reporter is at a convention of "one-way" religionists called Baptomethocaths.
THE FALL OF A SPARROW -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, a small sparrow soared from the top of a telephone pole and glided across the roa
TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
THERE ARE THOSE who would say that the 1930s and 1940s were not good years in which to live, much le
A MILLION-DOLLAR STATUS SYMBOL -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
IT SITS THERE like a sleeping giant; a multi-million dollar structure of brick, steel, and glass, co
THE CLERK WHO ROARED -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
I WAS STANDING in a department store checkout line recently where I witnessed an amazing transformat
THE LONELY WOMAN -- Charles W. Byrd -- 1990
SHE SAT on the long porch of the nursing home, her small, thin body buried under heavy woolen garmen
Gamble -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
At a funeral of an Atlantic City gambler, the pastor asserted, "Spike is not dead; he only sleeps."
Shadow -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In the lands of the East, a person's shadow has greater significance than in our scientifically orie
God's Quality -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Aurelius Augustinus was converted to Christianity in A.D.
Shalom -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Shalom is a beautiful and melodic Hebrew word which comes from the root "slm" signifying wholeness,
Adam -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Adam and Eve had an ideal marriage.
Letting Go (II) -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
A man was making a trip on the rapids of the Colorado River, where the water rushes quickly over the
Good -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"In the beginning of time God created everything, step by step.
Star Trek -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"Star Trek III: The Search for Spock" is the third motion picture to grow out of the television seri
Ecumenical -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In 1892 Sir Wilfred Grenfell, a British medical missionary, was sent to Labrador, a large peninsula
Liberator -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
In the early days of Israel's history, a divine messenger visited the wife of a man named Manoah.
Goodness and Mercy -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"I fled Him, down the nights and down the days; I fled Him, down the arches of the years." Those wor
Stars and Sorrows -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
"The Lord ... heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Kingdom of God -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
When Leslie Weatherhead, the late English pastor, lived in India as a young man, he had a sturdy gar
Life after Death -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Life after death is a matter I think about at the beginning of November, because on, November 1, the
Growing Pains -- Edward Chinn -- 1987
Growing pains is a term that refers to pains in the limbs or joints during childhood and youth.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Prayer

Unison Prayer

Wedding Vow

Women's Day

Worship

SermonStudio

Covenant And Recompense -- Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: Sent to bring good news to the oppressed,
Facing a Giant -- 1 Samuel 17:37-50 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
The Three Crosses of Calvary -- Luke 23:32-43 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Planting People -- 2 Samuel 7:1-14a, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Angels Inspire Our Worship -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsWorship Leader
Cedar Or Goat's Hair -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
When You Feel Inadequate -- John 6:1-13 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
We Too Can Be Resurrected! -- John 20:11-18 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Contradiction -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Angels In The Outfield -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
Leader's HelpsAngels In The Outfield Worship Leader
Wiping Away The Tears -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- All Saints Day - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Spiritual Cataracts -- Matthew 6:19-24 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
On Hoisting a Sail -- Acts 2:1-13 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 1999
First Lesson: 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a Theme: Confront Call To Worship
A Christmas Worship Service -- Cynthia E. Cowen -- 1999
A Christmas CelebrationA Christmas Worship Service
Restore The Kingdom? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
When You Need a Life-Changing Moment -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
One Nation Under God -- Mark 12:13-17 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
Instead Of You -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Sound The Alarm -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Handling Life's Detours -- Acts 16:6-10 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
The Grace of Gratitude -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship
An Understanding Mind -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, John 6:51-58 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship
Good For You -- Genesis 1:1-5 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 1999
Call To WorshipLeader: Creation is light.
The Prayer That Can Change Your Life -- Philippians 4:10-23 -- Robert A. Beringer -- 1999
Greeting and Call To Worship

Worship Service

Youth Resources

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)
Ascension of the Lord
25 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
19 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
25 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 7
27 – Sermons
130+ – Illustrations / Stories
20 – Children's Sermons / Resources
19 – Worship Resources
22 – Commentary / Exegesis
2 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Pentecost
33 – Sermons
180+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
23 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Signup for FREE!
(No credit card needed.)

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
Elena Delhagen
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For May 12, 2024:
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
Elena Delhagen
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For May 12, 2024:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A sheet large enough for your children to stand around it. A dozen or so golf balls, or other small unbreakable balls. If you have a large number of children you could use two sheets to make room, or just ask for volunteers to play the game.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent! But we’re not starting with the story today. I have something else I would like you to try. (Lay the sheet on the floor and put the balls in the middle of it.)
John Jamison
Object: A piece of clothing that a superhero might wear. I used a simple cape made from a sheet, but you could also use a belt, a ring, or anything else your favorite superhero might wear.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Over the Christmas season, I saw a picture of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes with his wife Brittany and their two young children. Like many people, the Mahomes’ took their kids to see Santa Claus. Patrick, Brittany, and Santa are all smiles, however, two-year-old daughter Sterling and one-year-old Bronze looked just like thousands of other kids, scared, and wanting to be somewhere else. It reminded me of how alike people are.
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
Frank Ramirez
Bill Thomas
Acts 1:1-11
As I write this, world events have inspired any number of Christians in my area to speculate that these are clear signs of the end. By the time you read this those great events will be history, but don’t worry, stuff is happening as you read this that is causing some to speculate those current events are clear signs of the end.
Frank Ramirez
Today’s scriptures call upon us to listen carefully — to Jesus, through his words in the New Testament, and to the Spirit helping us to interpret that word and speaking directly in our hearts. And sometimes God is also speaking to us in the created universe. But make sure it is God we are listening to, and not ourselves.

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Mark Ellingsen
The lessons for this Festival of Ascension all testify to the heavenly power and cosmic presence of Christ. 

Acts 1:1-11

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
…God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his son. (v. 11b)

Have you ever experienced the presence of God? Have you felt, seen, heard, smelled, tasted or known in some way that the Creator was near?

My colleague Becky Ardell Downs, pastor of John Knox Presbyterian Church in Houston, tells of a time forty years ago when she was attending the funeral of her uncle in the Chicago suburbs. He had died of multiple sclerosis at a relatively young age.
Frank Ramirez
When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. (Acts 1:9)

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. (Luke 24:50-51)

Defying gravity! What a concept? Is there anyone here who has not dreamt at one time or another that you were actually flying? Or floating? Or in some way defying gravity?

SermonStudio

John Jamison
Have you ever come across a piece of scripture that you really just didn’t know what to do with? Everything you read before it makes sense, and everything after it, but that one passage just sits there staring at you, almost defying you to understand why it is there and what it means.
Stan Purdum
Both Psalms 47 and 93 (the alternative psalm for this day) are enthronement psalms, praise hymns celebrating God's rule over the nations. They were most likely used on festal occasions when Israel again declared that God was its king.

While Psalm 47 was for Israel's celebration, verses 1-2 call all the nations of earth to recognize God as their monarch as well. Verses 3-4, however, return to the specific relationship between God and Israel.

David H. Webb
Today is Ascension Sunday.

Today we commemorate the day when Jesus bid farewell to his followers and friends and ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father.

In some ways it's an anxious day. "How will we go on without him?" they surely whispered among themselves. "How can we possibly maintain the strength and perspective -- the motivation to live according to his teachings and promises? How can we live with determination and purpose if he is not here to sustain us?"

John T. Ball
One of the blessings of God is the gift of writing, of putting our thoughts and observations on clay tablets or jars, on parchment, or on paper. Scholars are not certain when humans first began to write. Many think it happened in Samaria, the civilization between the Tigris and Euphrates, now modern-day Iraq. It may have happened about 3000 B.C.E. Nor is there a consensus on how writing was first used. It may have come from Shamans using it to pass on their skills and secrets. Or writing could have originated as a means to inventory the goods of merchants.
Mark J. Molldrem
Mark -- warlike

Shirley -- bright meadow

Jennifer -- fair lady

Jeffrey -- God's peace

Jesus -- God saves

What's in a name? Ever since God gave Adam the privilege of naming all the creatures, humankind has had a fascination with names. Names are important. Parents take great care when they select a name for their baby. They know the name will be with this new person for a lifetime and will identify him or her to other people.
Jerry L. Schmalenberger
It simply was unthinkable that the appearances of Jesus should grow fewer and fewer after Easter until they finally 'petered out' and melted away. That would have effectively weakened the faith of all people who had seen him. There had to come a day of dividing -- when Jesus of earth became Christ of heaven.
Richard E. Gribble
Many years ago one of the most popular shows on weekly television was Mission Impossible. Each episode of the show opened in a similar way. The head of the Impossible Missions Force, or IMF for short, would be found alone in some isolated office, home, or similar space. He would find a large manilla envelope, generally hidden in a desk drawer or possibly in a safe. Inside the envelope he would find materials that described the next mission of his IMF team. There would be lots of printed material, photographs of the principal people involved, and often maps to show various locations.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Sandy wasn't very good at prayer. Privately he thought it was probably a waste of time, although when things went really wrong he always found himself praying. He wasn't sure that God ever heard his prayers.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL