... authority, but rather is a “heart-rate,” an amount determined by the individual’s own ability to give and the convictions of their heart. It is the generosity of spirit, not the plumpness of the pocketbook, which determines the “acceptability” of the gift. Paul counsels the Corinthians that it is the “willingness,” or the “desire” to give, that brings favor in God’s eyes. But what also is divinely required, Paul continues, is a kind of “equality” within the Body of Christ. In verses ...
2 Samuel 7:1-17, Psalm 89:1-4, Luke 1:26-38, Romans 16:1-27
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... Jesus Christ and the enabling Spirit. Amen PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND COMMEMORATION God of all, everywhere, hear our prayers this morning for all who at this season, when we especially like to be with family and friends, are separated from them. Grant that visits and gifts to those who are in hospitals or nursing homes or prisons may be the means of making your love more real to them. Bless those who are busy in emergency services: those whose own safety is in jeopardy as they seek survivors of disasters ...
Psalm 4:1-8, Luke 24:36b-48, Acts 3:11-26, 1 John 3:1-7
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... you? What future could we anticipate without your leading? We worship you, God of all nations. We follow you, loving Messiah. We welcome you, indwelling Spirit. Amen PRAYER OF DEDICATION Risen Christ, give us faith to see that it is into your hands we offer our gifts and that it is your feet we follow when we go out to serve others in the Spirit of love. Amen PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND COMMEMORATION Hearing God, Responding Savior, Inspiring Spirit, we offer our prayers as a sign of our faith in you. May we ...
1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-12, Psalm 36:1-12, John 2:1-11
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... Jesus Christ. Amen. Declaration of Pardon Pastor: Friends, hear the Good News! Your God rejoices over you People: as a bridegroom rejoices over the bride. Pastor: Friends, believe the Good News! People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Exhortation You all have a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are varieties of service. Let us serve the same God. PRAYER OF THE DAY Divine Winemaker, the wine you give us at your table is more precious than the wine you made at Cana. We are pledged to do whatever ...
Matthew 14:13-21, Psalm 17:1-15, Genesis 32:22-32, Romans 9:1-29
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... that we spend a lot of time and energy in the pursuit of what does not satisfy for long. We forget your promises and provisions and fall into times of depression and despair. We underestimate the extent of your love and the lavishness of your gifts. Forgive such doubt and ingratitude, and bring us to the overwhelming victory that is ours; through Jesus Christ who loved us and loves us still. Amen Declaration of Pardon Pastor: Friends, hear the Good News! Nothing in all creation can separate you from the ...
... this decision, and I recommend to them that they make the same decision based on the criteria that I used. That is, where can you make the greatest impact for the kingdom? Now quite frankly, some of you can make a greater impact here because of your particular gifts and abilities. But let me make this very simple. God does want all of us to participate in this offering, and if you are not sure where you are going to go, let me give you a very simple solution. Make your financial commitment to both works. If ...
... shall be—‘the Lord is one,' and His name one." (Zech. 14:9) One of these days this little child who came to a cradle, will come to a crown. This little child that was laid in a manger, will sit on a throne. This little child that was given gifts by wise men, will be given the universe by His Heavenly Father. That's why we read in verse 7 "Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end." Let me tell you something about this little baby. When He comes again He won't be ...
... that make a church great. It is the little things. In fact, it is the little things that make possible the doing of the big things. God is not interested in your doing the big things. God is simply interested in your being faithful to do what you are gifted to do. In God's eyes there are no big Christians and little Christians. There are just faithful Christians. There is no big work or little work, there is just His work. Anything that involves His work is a big work. I am going to encourage many of you ...
... . We are to use time for the glory of God. But we are also to be stewards of our talents. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you.” (NLT) Every one of us have different gifts and different abilities, and God expects us to use our God-given gifts for His glory. We’re also to be stewards of our treasure. As Jesus says in verse 9, “And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by ...
... the Song of Solomon, but it almost certainly was not written by Solomon. Some Bible versions call this book the Song of Songs, which simply means "the best song," and that's an excellent title for a book that celebrates one of God's good gifts to humankind. Love is worth singing about. While I said earlier that we should not feel that we have to force a spiritual message from this book, there is nonetheless an underlying spirituality in the form of love expressed this biblical Song of Songs. Love means ...
... John XXIII and John Paul II have shown us by example they could relate to Catholic and non-Catholic alike. Generally, our affection and respect for them has become a major unifying force for those confessing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Both men were gifts to all of us and their charitable goodness lingers like the aroma of gorgeous flowers sent to us by the angels in heaven. We have witnessed centuries-old prejudices diminish and even die! As you and I receive this powerfully relevant text into our ...
... nibble away at some stale carrot cake. Why are you and I so privileged? Well, we didn't earn any of it. It is all a gift from God. The secret is out (and it really wasn't much of one) that his will and ways are at work individually and collectively. ... choice. Some of us have the tendency to back away from such an understanding and attempt to figure out a way for it to be a gift like peace. Is this splitting hairs and seeking to know how many angels can stand on a pinhead or some such thing? Are we dealing ...
... importance of what God can do in our lives and in the lives of those we love. Our ideas about the possibilities of faith are shoved to the side and we miss the wonderful opportunity to be in relation with Jesus in showing an attitude of gratitude for all the gifts we are so fortunate to have received. We do not really believe that God can move mountains. We have learned to fly over them, drive over them, or simply remove them! You see, Jesus sets before us a whole new world of wonder. It is a world of new ...
... carry the seed to the corners of the earth. Thus, one by one all the boxes were opened, except one. This box had been given to Seagull. Seagull took the box, put it under his arm and declared, "It's mine! All mine." This box contained a very special gift; it held the light of the world. Thus, since Seagull refused to open the box, the world remained in darkness. The other animals pleaded with Seagull, asking him to open the box. Rabbit said, "If there is no light how will the grass grow and how will I eat ...
... would be unnecessary. We don't know what may happen next year, or even next week. In all likelihood, we will not see a burning bush or even a six-winged seraph. We all have a calling to which God has summoned us. God uniquely equips each of us with gifts and graces for the special calling that is ours. This is how we actively fulfill God's plan for our lives as we work among God's human family members. At a young age, Rick Curry felt called to be a Jesuit priest. As he pursued holy orders, he was ...
... will be with us when God takes stock of our lives. Will we be able to look into God's radiance and say that we have used the firstfruits of our lives in a way that glorifies God? We will be able to say, "Yes, we have used those gracious gifts wisely" when we acknowledge God's grace in our lives. No matter how hard you have worked, no matter how deeply you are to committed to providing for yourself and those around you; no matter how dedicated you are to making a positive difference for people along the way ...
... as money becomes tighter, we take a day off from our work and instead spend time and money to travel in order to be with our families and friends. In the face of November’s barren trees and bleak forecasts, we offer thanks to God for the gifts of grace and abundance and love that we receive every day. Now that is squirrely! Every now and then, admittedly not very often, one of those “author unknown” stories passed around on the Internet as chainmails turns out to be true. When I first read this one ...
... shepherds watching their flocks. We need a Prophet to remind us why Jesus came. We need a Prophet who will confront this season of Gifts and Parties and Commercialism and remind us that it is not about stuff but about a baby and a relationship which is offered by ... preparation will be over and the big day will be here and it will be just another day. We'll finish opening all the gifts; the room will be strewn with scraps of wrapping paper and ribbon; the turkey or ham will have put up a valiant fight but ...
... I are called to be the music in the background that allows the world to hear the true message of Christmas. The message that tells us that the party God is throwing doesn't require us to bring any presents. Instead, when we come, we receive the greatest gift of all. We're called to keep singing because at some point in time, there's a moment of silence or quiet. The cash registers quit ringing. The crowds have all gone home. The doors to the stores are locked and silence blankets the world. And then, the ...
... place where the child was. [10] When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. [11] On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. [12] And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. We may not know a whole lot about the wise men but, from the story, we can know some things ...
... the only incident like this in the New Testament. In Acts 8 we see Simon the Magician try to purchase the power of the spirit and Peter letting him have it with both barrels of a sermon about getting your heart right with God and not buying God's gifts. Simon fervently repented and was a faithful follower. But nothing else. He didn't get zapped on the spot. So, what can this family teach us about our relationship with God and our families. I. The Motive First of all, like the title states, You Can't Fool ...
... force fed any one set of beliefs. There's no threat at all. It's just a simple invitation. "Come and See for yourself. Experience it first hand." II. Go And Tell: But nobody will know that, unless we ask. Unless we make the invitation. That was Philip's greatest gift and strength. He wasn't afraid to ask. He wasn't afraid to invite others to "Come and See." How about you? When was the last time you invited someone to "Come and See?" I'm really not trying to make you feel guilty. But I am trying to get ...
... . The Japanese remind me of a young family I read about who was going home for Christmas. The car was all packed. The mail and the newspaper delivery had been stopped. A neighbor would keep an eye on the house and feed the dog. All the gifts for parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles were somehow fitted into the trunk of the car. They had plenty of anti-freeze in the radiator. Their suitcases and hanging clothes were in place. They were finally ready to go. The husband started the car and got ready ...
1324. What Things Are Perfect Joy
John 14:23-29; Gal 6:14
Illustration
St. Francis of Assisi
... with the various qualities of all birds, of all fish, of all animals, of men, of trees, of stones, of roots, and of waters - write that this would not be perfect joy." Shortly after, he cried out again: "O Brother Leo, if the Friars Minor had the gift of preaching so as to convert all infidels to the faith of Christ, write that this would not be perfect joy." Now when this manner of discourse had lasted for the space of two miles, Brother Leo wondered much within himself; and, questioning the saint, he said ...
... was a despised Samaritan and she was a woman. She didn’t realize that none of this mattered to Jesus. Jesus says, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” ... from Revelation 22 and we encounter this promise again: “Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life” (v. 17). God’s grace is available to all. That’s the first thing we need to see. Jesus ...