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2 Corinthians 12:2-10

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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The Tragic Agnostic -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13, Psalm 48 -- David Kalas -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2021
Note: This installment was originally published July 9, 2006.
Essence of Worship -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- David Coffin -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
A family is getting ready to send their second child off to the area state University this autumn.
Victory in spite of -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2015
Each one of this week's scriptures can be viewed as victory as God's will is done, yet these stories
Home -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Wayne Brouwer -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
One day in l748, the hymn writer Charles Wesley was in a dark and somber frame of mind.
Polarities -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2000
Your writers were not good students of physics, and consequently we both marvel at the power of ele
Just us ordinary folks -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1997
This text is the conclusion of a lengthy narrative which began in 1 Samuel 16.
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1994
About the author

Children's sermon

The Immediate Word

Power and the Ever-widening Spiral -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
To Choose Weakness -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2015
Paul has a bracing message for us in this week’s epistle lesson -- one that seems just as appr
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
The Giving Back Awards -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Carter Shelley, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
The recent announcements by two of America's richest men, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, that they w
A Prescription for Olive Oil -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Our lead article in this issue of The Immediate Word makes connections between the Gospel lec

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Weak and strong -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you think you are pretty strong?
Power comes from God -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Good morning! I brought this ________ with me today. What is
Our weakness; God's strength -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
I have always admired men and women who can lift heavy
Strength from God -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sak

Devotional

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Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13, Psalm 48 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2008
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10

Drama

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A Thorn -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-6 -- Lori Lee Triplett -- 1993
Cast Of CharactersJessica: a sick singer who wants to make a career singing

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 9 | OT 14 (2021) -- 2 Samuel 5:1-15, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2021
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 9 | OT 14 (2018) -- 2 Samuel 5:1-15, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Bob Ove, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Ron Love -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 and Psalm 48
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 9 | OT 14 (2015) -- 2 Samuel 5:1-15, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez, Bob Ove -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2015
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 9 | OT 14 (2012) -- 2 Samuel 5:1-15, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
2 Samuel 5:1-15, 9-10
When you think big about a task bigger than yourself... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
When you think big about a task bigger than yourself, like Paul felt about his ministry, then it get
One of the ruling bodies in France was called the Estates General... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Ron Love -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
One of the ruling bodies in France was called the Estates General.
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10... -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2009
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
There was a time in... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2009
There was a time in the Battle of Britain when things looked dark indeed for the British people.
Two years after Dr. King’s... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2009
Two years after Dr.
In high school, Doug was... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2009
In high school, Doug was the one most often picked on by the macho-type boys.
Nobody knows for certain exactly... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2000
Nobody knows for certain exactly what the Apostle Paul's "thorn in the flesh" actually was, although
The more serious a person... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2000
The more serious a person is about life, the greater the need for diversion.
At 21 years of age... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2000
At 21 years of age Bruce could see no need for God. He had it all figured out.
Don had been successful growing... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2000
Don had been successful growing up. He had become good at most everything he tried.
Before we buy a product... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1997
Before we buy a product, we like to know if it has been tested to do what it is supposed to do.
Glenn Miller wrote many beautiful... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1997
Glenn Miller wrote many beautiful pieces of music during the Second World War.
Saint Paul's famous struggle with... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1997
Saint Paul's famous struggle with his "thorn" in his flesh is a wonderful reminder that we must leav
To be a Christian in... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1994
To be a Christian in Egypt means to be acquainted with suffering.
Does suffering serve some purpose... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1994
Does suffering serve some purpose?
A man was attending a... -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1994
A man was attending a meeting at a country club he had joined only a few days earlier.

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We Are Spiritual Bodies -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Ezekiel 2:1-5 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2021
Contents“We Are Spiritual Bodies” by John Sumwalt

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Sermon Illustrations for Proper 9 | OT 14 (2021) -- 2 Samuel 5:1-15, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2021
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10

The Immediate Word

Power and the Ever-widening Spiral -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
To Choose Weakness -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2015
Paul has a bracing message for us in this week’s epistle lesson -- one that seems just as appr
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.

Preaching

The Immediate Word

Power and the Ever-widening Spiral -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
To Choose Weakness -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2015
Paul has a bracing message for us in this week’s epistle lesson -- one that seems just as appr
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
The Giving Back Awards -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Carter Shelley, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
The recent announcements by two of America's richest men, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, that they w
A Prescription for Olive Oil -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Our lead article in this issue of The Immediate Word makes connections between the Gospel lec

SermonStudio

Proper 9 / Pentecost 6 / Ordinary Time 14 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2011
Theme of the DayGod and His people get in the trenches.
Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 or Ezekiel 2:1-5, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Carlos Wilton -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
Revised Common 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 or Ezekiel 2:1-5 2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Proper 9 (C, E) -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- E. Carver Mcgriff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONSLesson 1: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 (C)
God gives us the authority to bring in his kingdom through our strengths and our weaknesses -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Russell F. Anderson -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1996
Theme For The Day: God gives us the authority to bring in his kingdom through our strengths and our
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- John R. Brokhoff -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1993
David becomes king of all Israel. For 71/2 years he ruled the
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1990
Usually by this Sunday in the northern hemisphere, the church finds itself approaching mid-summer, w
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- George M. Bass -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1990
Usually by this Sunday in the northern hemisphere, the church finds itself approaching mid-summer, w
Proper 9, Pentecost 7, Ordinary Time 14 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Jerry L. Schmalenberger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Seasonal Theme

Sermon

The Immediate Word

Power and the Ever-widening Spiral -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
To Choose Weakness -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2015
Paul has a bracing message for us in this week’s epistle lesson -- one that seems just as appr
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
The Giving Back Awards -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Carter Shelley, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
The recent announcements by two of America's richest men, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, that they w
A Prescription for Olive Oil -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Our lead article in this issue of The Immediate Word makes connections between the Gospel lec

SermonStudio

The Vision Of God -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2008
Chapter 10 of 2 Corinthians begins a sharp divide with the nine chapters that have preceded it, a br
The Paradoxical Power Of Weakness -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
There are people who speak to us more powerfully out of their weakness than out of their strength.
Grace In The Midst Of Unanswered Prayer -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Glenn W. Mcdonald -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2002
No one ever really prepares you for your first theological bull session.

The Village Shepherd

Whenever I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
I recently heard a Christian testimony.

Stories

StoryShare

We Are Spiritual Bodies -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Ezekiel 2:1-5 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2021
Contents“We Are Spiritual Bodies” by John Sumwalt
Serving Light -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Psalm 48 -- David O. Bales, John Fitzgerald -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
Contents “Serving Light” by David O. Bales
The Shepherd King -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Psalm 48 -- John Fitzgerald -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2015
Contents "The Shepherd King" by John Fitzgerald
How The Mighty Have Fallen -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Psalm 48 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
Contents"How the Mighty Have Fallen" by Frank Ramirez
The Third Heaven -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Psalm 48 -- David O. Bales, Peter Andrew Smith, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Third Heaven" by David O. Bales
A Gift Named Dyslexia -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Constance Berg, Steven E. Burt, Jo Perry-Sumwalt -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Contents What's Up This Week

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Blessed To Be A Blessing -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Constance Berg -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
Mark had loved helping out ever since he was young.
Caught Up Into Paradise -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- John E. Sumwalt, Lee E. Meissner -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
And I know that such a person -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows --

Worship

The Immediate Word

Power and the Ever-widening Spiral -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Christopher Keating, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, Ron Love, George Reed, Thomas Willadsen, Bethany Peerbolte -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2018
To Choose Weakness -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Robin Lostetter, Christopher Keating, Ron Love, Dean Feldmeyer, Mary Austin, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2015
Paul has a bracing message for us in this week’s epistle lesson -- one that seems just as appr
The Court Of Public Opinion -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48 -- Mary Austin, Dean Feldmeyer, George Reed -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
This week's lectionary scripture texts all feature the twin themes of power and weakness.
The Giving Back Awards -- Mark 6:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Carter Shelley, Carlos Wilton, Thom M. Shuman -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
The recent announcements by two of America's richest men, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, that they w
A Prescription for Olive Oil -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Our lead article in this issue of The Immediate Word makes connections between the Gospel lec

SermonStudio

Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13, Psalm 48 -- Charles And Donna Cammarata -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2005
Call To WorshipA bit of encouragement to start a worship time. Leader:
A Reason -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 -- Dallas A. Brauninger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1999
Call To Worship Leader: Is it possible that human weaknesses are for a reason?
Proper 9 -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- James R. Wilson -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 1996
Call To WorshipLeader: Let us give praise and honor to the Lord God Almighty!
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Elena Delhagen
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Quantisha Mason-Doll
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For May 5, 2024:
  • Longing for Belonging by Dean Feldmeyer — “A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love and be loved and to belong.” — Brene Brown
  • Second Thoughts: Is Blood Thicker Than Water? by Elena Delhagen based on 1 John 5:1-6 and Acts 10:44-48.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
It was a dark and stormy night. Lightning flashed and thunder crashed. Suddenly, Kimberly, our middle daughter, was standing next to our bed, sobbing in fear. My wife held and comforted her for a few minutes, and then I led her back to the room she shared with her older sister Kristyn. I tucked her tightly into the sandwich of her sheets and blankets, snugging things up for extra safety.
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 10:44-48

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John Jamison
Object: Pieces you might use, like dice, a spinner, a ball, or any other “unusual” things you might find. I used a beanbag, a shoe, and a piece of paper.

* * *

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (v. 12-13)

You have heard the saying “We are not called to be successful; we are called to be faithful.” Jesus’ invitation to “follow me” is an invitation to faithfulness. That might be described by the old-fashioned word “fidelity.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Do you love anyone enough to offer them your last Rolo? According to the advert, Rolos are so incredibly delicious that nobody could be that selfless. Those who consider offering their last Rolo to someone they love, snatch it back at the last moment and keep it for themselves.

Or you might of course, love Terry's chocolate orange, and feel it's something which would be good to share. But at the last moment, like cuddly Dawn French, you'd say, "No, it's mine, not Terry's, it's all mine!"

SermonStudio

Schuyler Rhodes
Anyone who has made a long road trip with children singing "99 Bottles Of Beer On The Wall" can support the notion of "singing a new song." Children love the repetition of singing the same song over and over. Parents or youth group leaders who have been in this situation can identify with the need to sing a new song.
Nancy Kraft
Are you in love with God? In 1 John, the author has a lot to say about the love of God and the way that love changes our lives. We love because God first loved us. God's love fills us to overflowing so that it flows through us to other people. Annie Dillard said that we catch grace like a man filling a cup underneath a waterfall.1 That's the way we receive God's love. But there can be a problem for us when we put a lid on our cups and the water can't get inside. We're closing our hearts off to the love of God.

Harry N. Huxhold
A remarkable feature of Dwight D. Eisenhower's memoirs is the composure with which he greeted crises. He titled his autobiography At Ease, an appropriate description for not only his retirement, but the manner in which he appeared to be on top of life. Colleagues, of course, could recall how excited he could get in revealing his impatience with mediocrity and the failures of the people in his command. However, what was impressive was the way he took control in the European theater in World War II with no fear for his own life and great confidence in the Allied offensive.
E. Carver Mcgriff
Charles Wesley began one of the Methodist Church's favorite hymns with this line: "Come Holy Ghost, Our Hearts Inspire." Of course, tradition now uses the alternate term, "Holy Spirit." Wesley called it the "fountain of life and love." And so it is. Once we experience the Holy Spirit, we know it is exactly that: the source of life and love. The giving of that Spirit into the lives of us all is the point of this passage.

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