... , many a life of an alumnus of Bishop Turner High School would have been greatly impoverished. As many of you know, Bill spent many years at Turner as a teacher as well as the vice principal and that latter role carried with it the responsibility of administering discipline. I can think of one kid in particular who probably possesses the best attendance record at his present place of employment thanks to Bill’s creative disciplinary tactics. The kid I’m referring to had the habit of missing school on ...
... events of all of her family’s lives. Be it the prayers she said, the little things she did, her willingness to do anything for you, her gentle and kind demeanor, her attention to details, the warmth she generated, the kindness for which she was responsible, Helen Moran, from her background position, from her behind the scenes location was indeed a major player in the lives of each and every member of her family. She was the Dorothy Wordsworth, the Fanny Stillwell, the Theo van Gogh to Jim, Terry, Kevin ...
... lie, what “song” our hearts sings –the chant of the Self. Or the Song of the Spirit. The man says, “Here’s what I’ll do….I’ll build bigger barns, store all my goods, and take it easy and enjoy it all myself!” God, in response, retorts, “Tonight you will die, and then what is the use of all of those stored goods!” For there is something more valuable than material things –and that is the treasure of your relationship with God! Jesus calls it being “rich toward God.”Wealth is not ...
... What have we done lately to make sure we don’t miss Jesus and he doesn’t miss us? When has our enthusiasm for the kingdom caused us to climb a tree, lean on our tip toes, and be on the lookout for salvation? What have we done in response to Jesus’ gift of salvation? Have we been moved to sell possessions, give away half, repent in tangible ways that bring justice for others? When have we been like that leader of the synagogue, who pleaded to Jesus on behalf of his daughter? Or the centurion who begged ...
... guidance and would point to all who came before as witnesses to God’s grace and intervention. For Jesus, resurrection is all important. Jesus doesn’t undercut the Jewish need to live an ethical and responsible life. On the contrary, Jesus believes that our personal relationship with God helps us to live an ethical and responsible life, and that our life on earth is one “experience” of life for a God who is the Author of Life itself and offers a life to come that is richer, more expansive, and more ...
... capable of motivating people to choose a new path for their lives, it isn't any more. In this era, when people rebel against figures of authority in every arena of life, such a picture of God is less than effective at generating a meaningful response. Perhaps a more compelling image is needed to communicate the biblical message in all of its power and clarity. Medical research in the area of near-death experiences presents such an image. These are experiences of people who have died or have nearly died and ...
... initiative. It began with God calling Abraham and telling him to leave his homeland and his family (Genesis 12:1). God promised Abraham many things, but it required that Abraham respond in obedience. While this entire journey of faith hinged on Abraham's response, it was initiated by God. God had a purpose for calling Abraham into relationship and God has a purpose for calling us into relationship today. If you believe in that initial saving purpose, then you can step foward, trusting that God will be with ...
... moments of unfaithfulness and doubt and they would have many more in the future. But they were God's people. They were in a covenant relationship with God. They had responded to God's call and they had willingly submitted to the limits and the responsibilities of that relationship. Thus, they experienced the privilege of that relationship. It was an experience of pure grace. Today we are not required to put blood on our doorposts. But there are ways that we signify our allegiance to God. God has called us ...
... beloved saint to death? This story speaks to the heart of how each one of us feels when life brings tragedy to our doorstep. In pain and anguish, we are compelled to cry out. We implore God not to allow this travesty to befall us. So often the response we receive is deafening silence. We are left frustrated, wondering aloud, "Where is God?" It is a difficult lesson to learn that life is not fair. Such an experience is always a bitter pill to swallow, but our faith enables us to go through such a dark night ...
... part of the life of a Christian. Lydia responded to the call of God. She became a follower of Christ and a member of his community. As such she played a pivotal role in the establishment of the church at Philippi. We too can be blessed by our response to God's leadership in our lives. That blessing often comes through our experience within the community. It is through the community that we are best able to reflect the love of Christ to others. Even after Jesus was betrayed, he taught the way of love. "By ...
... even been compelled to give them money. She took issue with the leader by saying, "But we came here in the name of Christ and we came here to convey the love of Christ. How can we be expected to ignore hungry children in the street?" The leader's response did not satisfy this woman's concerns, but she decided not to push the issue. Still, the next morning she went at dawn to the hotel bakery and she bought all the bread she could carry. Each time she left the hotel, she would carry bread with her. Whenever ...
... for our frenetic, frenzied, whirling, busy selves, too. We are so impetuous and impatient. Why write it when you can phone or fax it? We expect instant results and instant action. After all, we have instant foods and instant drinks, so why not instant results and instant responses? We can't wait. We want people to understand now! We want people to change now! Waiting for the Lord's leading and timing is so hard, but still Jesus said to do it: "Wait for the promised Holy Spirit." Don't run ahead of God, for ...
... interviewed by a reporter. She had been a widow for years, and had reared six children of her own and 12 adopted children. In spite of her busy and useful life, she was noted for her poise and charm. The reporter asked how she had managed, amidst poverty, work, and responsibility to do it all with such a great and confident spirit. "You see," she answered, "I'm in a partnership. One day, a long time ago, I said, 'Lord, I'll do the work, and you do the worrying,' and I haven't had a worry since!" God, in his ...
... in a church I pastored, "You are glad for me to be your pastor. You call me to bury your dead, you want me to baptize your babies, you ask me to counsel your wife and friends, but you never invite me to your parties. Why is that?" His quiet response was, "Oh Preacher, you really wouldn't want to come. But I don't invite you for two reasons. One, you wouldn't approve of what goes on, and two, your presence would be a real wet-blanket to the activities we have planned." Unpopular is what the Christian becomes ...
... 's saving acts on behalf of Israel. Jerusalem is the symbol of the foundation of the faith of Israel; from there the message will extend to the whole world. Luke, the evangelist, sets no limits on the boundaries for the gospel. Now Jesus lays the responsibility for spreading the message on the disciples themselves. Since they are witnesses to the things which have been fulfilled among them it is up to them to tell the good news. A formidable task indeed, but Jesus gives them a promise that they will receive ...
4066. How The Mighty Have Fallen!
Luke 9:18-27
Illustration
Richard A. Jensen
... ways. One night as he was leaving a brothel, however, someone who was out to expose him took some pictures. The pictures undid him. Scandal raged. Swaggart faced his congregation with tears running down his cheeks and remorse in his heart. The response to Swaggart's fall was highly judgmental. People judged Swaggart harshly because he had been so judgmental in his preaching. In his judgments he came down on all sorts and varieties of people, including Christian people. Of the ministry of Jim Bakker ...
4067. A Faithful Harlot
Joshua 2:1-24, Hebrews 11:1-40
Illustration
Richard A. Jensen
... her to let it hang from the window of their escape. This would be a sign of protection for Rahab and her family would all be spared because of the sign. "According to your words, so be it," Rahab declared (Joshua 2:21). How nearly do Mary's words in response to the angel's promise match those of Rahab! Mary said, "... let it be with me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). Was Rahab Mary's teacher in faith? Joshua and the army of Israel soon conquered the city of Jericho. The sign of faith, the scarlet cord ...
4068. Hear No Evil
Luke 1:46-55 (53); 4:18-16; 19:1ff; 16:14-15 et al
Illustration
Richard A. Jensen
... estate. This was a woman who was greatly attracted to the butler. The butler either did not notice her attraction to him or he did not know how to comport himself in the presence of this beautiful woman. No one had ever taught him about love. At any rate, in response to her letter the butler gets the use of one of the cars of the estate to go and visit her with an eye to hiring her back to her old position. Watching the movie one hopes that, at long last, love will come to full bloom between these kindly ...
4069. Gospel Grandmothers
2 Timothy 1:1-2:13
Illustration
Richard A. Jensen
... Pastor Snyder about the short fuse on his temper. They reminded him gently to put a lid on it! And so the party went on. Words of thanksgiving and praise were spoken. So were words of caution and concern. And now it was time for Pastor Snyder's response. Jimmie Jones, chair of the church board, invited the pastor to the podium. "One of the things you've done best among us," said Jimmie, "is to help bring faith to life. We'd like to know who helped you. Who helped you to faith, Pastor Mike?" "My grandmother ...
... Christians in the Body of Christ -- the Church. But do you live the abundant life as the Bible promises? (TALKING TO HIMSELF) No. No, I don't. (READING) No. No, you don't. (HE'S SPOOKED A BIT) Honey! (READING) Don't call your wife. This is your responsibility. (TALKING TO LETTER) Sorry. (READING) That's all right. It's natural to be a little upset with yourself. You thought that becoming a Christian was all you had to do. And now you've settled for going to church on Sunday morning and putting your money in ...
Theme: Fatherhood is a solemn responsibility given by God. Modern fathers could learn a lot from Joseph, the man who was the stepfather of Jesus. Summary: Joseph, the stepfather of Jesus, talks about his relationship with Jesus. A monologue. Playing Time: 3 minutes Setting: A neutral playing area which could represent the home of Joseph Props: ...
... second. I love (him) (her) so much. BRIDE'S FATHER: The photographer cost too much! The hall costs too much! And the caterer is a dolt! And he costs too much! He tells me he doesn't have enough wine! He's a very expensive caterer and it's his responsibility to have enough wine. Why is he coming to me? What does he expect me to do, make a miracle? PHOTOGRAPHER: Hold it. (TAKES PICTURE) Good, now the groom and his parents, please. GROOM'S MOTHER: I don't think she can cook. She looks so young. GROOM'S FATHER ...
... PRODUCING NEWSPAPER) Humans can find their own way of hurting each other. GERRIE: You said this before. But original sin? You blame it on original sin. Is that a God who's fair -- to start us out in life with a load of original sin for which we are not responsible? TOMMIE: Look at it this way. Did the slaves in early America have a choice being born a slave? GERRIE: No, of course not. TOMMIE: Well, it's the same with all humans. We cannot choose to be born or not to be. And we are born into slavery -- the ...
... played. Then the studio audience will decide ... WHO'S YOUR NEIGHBOR! Johnny. ANNOUNCER: Thank you, Milton. The first contestant, Rupert Willies, played the part of the Priest. (SOME OF THE AUDIENCE RESPOND) And then we had George Scrimshaw as the Levite. (VERY LITTLE RESPONSE AND A FEW BOOS) And then we had William Brandioggan as the Samaritan. (THE AUDIENCE REALLY LOVES HIM) MILTON: Thank you, Johnny, and thank you, audience. Well, it looks like the Good Samaritan is the winner. I wonder why? Let's ask ...
... charges that have been placed in \nyour able hands. \nALEXANDER: I realize that this is my sworn duty as King and \noverseer. I see no reason that the wife of my bosom would be the \none appointed by the gods to inform me of such a responsibility. \nIACATA: Others have told you before. You would not listen to \nthem. \nALEXANDER: So, you come into the presence of the King to tell \nhim what others have already said? By the girdle of Kronos, what \na royal waste of time you have perpetrated upon this ...