... he was still healthy, he could have joined in the project. What is wrong with poor people? One member of the youth group spoke up and said, “The problem isn’t that he is broke. The problem is that he is broken.” This teenager looked on the man with the compassion of Christ and saw someone for whom hope was no longer possible. Instead of seeing a lazy man who wouldn’t help himself or his family, she saw a man that life had cruelly crushed so that he couldn’t even see the use of fixing a hole in the ...
... hand — a little of this and a little of that — and give it away to God’s hungry people, believing that God will do wonders with our offerings. Jesus took the small things at hand, like a cup of water and loaf of bread, and did what compassion called for at the moment. He refused to be overwhelmed, either by his own need for comfort or the urgent needs of the people. Instead of experiencing anxiety about not having enough, he looked upon the face of human hunger and did the next right thing. Christians ...
... stricken with worry, pain, and grief, Jesus withdraws in a boat to a deserted place to be by himself for a while, to mourn and to pray. Yet, when others, whether followers, admirers, or concerned folk who know him, hear of what has happened, they have compassion for him, and they follow him. They will not leave him alone in his grief. And like an unconventional family, they sit with him in his pain. Some may have followed him simply because he fascinated them, others may have sought his healing power, still ...
... and Croats in Bosnia. Firefighters in Bosnia had almost no protective equipment, yet they were called upon to fight continuous fires caused by the bombings in their city. Jordan is an ex-Marine and firefighter from Rhode Island, and he felt such compassion for these brave firefighters halfway around the world. So he gathered up donations of equipment and protective gear and moved to Sarajevo to begin a firefighters training program there. He has also recruited experienced firefighters from the U.S. to come ...
... we are most irritated — to wear patience when we know we could make this all go faster. Perhaps it is time for us to wear gentleness when con- fronted with someone who is disagreeable. The situations in which we should clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love are endless. And we know it. We just have to do it. Thomas Alva Edison was never defeated by failure. After 50,000 unsuccessful attempts at developing the nickel-iron-alkaline battery, a friend asked the ...
... , that’s tough for us,” we answer, “but we’ll try.” Then comes the hard part. “But do you care?” Do you reach yourself with the gift? Do you touch the heart of the needy, and feel his hurts and know her wounds and stretch your hand in love and compassion? Do you care? So often we don’t even hear his question. We are too busy asking a question ourselves: What’s in it for me? What do I get out of it? Will anybody notice? Do I get the “Good Citizen of the Year” award? Will there be a ...
... just a name. And if we were to rub our fingers across that name, it would conjure up all sorts of memories; it would bring to mind all the indelible marks Tessie left upon our souls. There would be the memory and the mark of someone who exuded compassion, who exuded kindness like no one else could. Someone whom you couldn’t help but love. Talking with Coz and Betty Ann at the wake yesterday afternoon, they spoke about Tessie’s ability to get someone to come in to cover a shift. All the calls the night ...
... " (John 16:13). The often neglected doctrine of guidance comes into play in our text and in our lives. Jesus promised guidance to his followers. He has never broken a promise. Jesus gives the guidance of the Holy Spirit through the Bible, God's special compass. He also guides our lives through the church and special Christian friends who help us make course corrections so that we do not crash. Three personal stories of Christian friends who were advocates and guides for me may help to drive this point home ...
... American. Fortunately, the annals of history are filled with people who do things they don't have to do, but in a moment of compassion and rage they come to the rescue of those in danger. Abram was one of those heroic persons of the Bible who would ... time to say "thank you" for a job well done. They don't have to do it, but they do, and we thank God for their compassion, love, and empathy for people in need. We thank God for their blessings in our lives. We give honor and glory to God for their willingness ...
Matthew 18:21-35, Romans 14:1--15:13, Exodus 13:17--14:31, Psalm 114:1-8
Sermon Aid
William E. Keeney
... us to be forgiven? 5. The Privilege of Forgiving · The parable infers that we have the privilege to be agents of forgiveness. If God has forgiven us so much of our past guilt, in gratitude we should become agents of God's mercy and compassion. It is a great privilege and opportunity to show the nature of God by forgiving as we have experienced forgiveness. Indeed, have we really known God's forgiveness of us unless we likewise take the opportunity to forgive others? 6. Forgiving Institutions · How do ...
... we need to live the good life has been given us. Thank you, God, for the years of our lives. Now let us tell of your goodness. We lift up to you the persons in our lives who are facing great need. Anoint them according to your will and compassion. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen. Gracious God we truly want to be "Christians in our hearts." If we are not Christians there, can we be Christians anywhere? Let the words of your scripture settle deep within us. Let the hymns of our faith stir ...
... as a living witness to God's faithfulness in her life. She is a "living witness." Tabitha had developed a reputation among the people as one who "was always doing good and helping the poor." When she became sick and died, her testimony and the seeds of compassion that she had planted bore fruit in the response of the community. Those whom she had helped sent for Peter and urged him to "Please come at once!" What kind of response would our witnesses bring if we were in similar circumstances? As the mourners ...
... ?" Does Jesus care? He did when he was in Palestine, but does he care about me today? The answer is in the miracle at Nain. In this instance, Jesus cared enough to raise the dead to dry a mother's tears! And Jesus has not changed. He still has compassion for all who are having a bad time. It is important to observe that Jesus did not raise the youth from death to deliver him from his plight. He was raised to comfort his mother. Outline: When you care enough. a. You, like Jesus, will know of this situation ...
Matthew 9:35-38, Matthew 10:1-42, Genesis 18:1-15, Exodus 19:1-25, Romans 5:1-11
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... , L) -- "Know that the Lord is God ... we are his people; the sheep of his pasture" (v. 3). Prayer Of The Day O Shepherd of our souls, when we are lost, find us and bring us home. When we are wounded, soothe our hurts with the balm of your compassion. And when we are confused, set us on the right pathway, so that we might be equipped to carry out the work of your kingdom. In Jesus' name. Amen. THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS Lesson 1: Genesis 18:1-15 Welcoming the stranger. This story is not only a prime example of ...
... Me, Lord.") Leader: Wherever Jesus went people recognized him. Left: They brought the sick to him wherever he was, and they begged Jesus to let them touch even the fringe of his cloak. Right: And all who touched it were healed. Leader: Always Jesus had compassion upon the crowds. All: (Sing the chorus "Lead Me, Lord.") Blessing You have enjoyed sabbath rest in this place, where we have gathered around the risen Christ. Now go back to the villages, cities and farms where many still need a shepherd, and still ...
... his character. God is patient and merciful, not wanting any to perish but that all might come to the knowledge of the truth. The word interpreted as "patient" or "long-suffering" (makrothumeo) means literally "long-spirited." God is long on the spirit of patience, compassion and mercy. How long-spirited are we? The day of the Lord will come. Peter assures that, though he delay, the day of the Lord will indeed come and at an unexpected moment. The thief in the night imagery means to convey the suddenness ...
... one's self-image. The leper had some hope but was not sure Jesus would want to help. The Lord was moved with compassion, touched him and pronounced him clean. Jesus' contact with the leper was a break from tradition, though he did instruct the man to ... . 3. Our feelings may be moved by the plight of the unfortunate but that isn't enough. 4. Our pity must lead us to acts of compassion. WORSHIP RESOURCES Psalm Of The Day: Psalm 30 "O Lord, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me" (v. 2); Psalm 42 "Hope ...
... have a problem of dealing with a text that is 41 verses long. However, it is appropriate to the season of Lent because it reflects the growing opposition of the leaders to Jesus and his teachings. Within the coming shadow of the cross, we see a man whose compassion moves him to help a man living in darkness. And who is this person the Pharisees hate so much? The miracle story reminds us that the one to be crucified is the Christ. Related Passages Exodus 20:5; 34:7 - Children suffer from the sins of parents ...
... ulcers left him unmoved and uncaring. They were merely a part of the other man’s tough luck, and no concern of his. There are people who don’t care what happens as long as it doesn’t happen to them. Either we are men and women of compassion, of caring and concern, or we are men and women of hell. That’s pretty blunt, but on the basis of this story, how else would you put it? We can be concerned about poverty, ghetto conditions, disease, injustice, fear and loneliness (even though these things do not ...
... in Jesus our Lord, through whom we pray. Amen. Prayer of Confession We are so used to seeing people who are depressed and discouraged, Father. And we think of all the social agencies which can help them. But we do not let your love move us to compassion for them. Forgive us for the excuses we make, as we let people wander aimlessly without hope or help. Sensitize your church to the fields of labor beyond our sanctuaries; that we may share the good news of Christ our Shepherd, in whose name we pray. Amen ...
... today's world. It calls us to respond to God's action among us. Joseph, not having all of the evidence and knowledge of the future, decided to do more than law and custom required. He elected to do more than was expected of him. He let justice and compassion guide his decision about his pregnant betrothed. He was pulled, not by the strength of custom, but by the law of love. But, isn't it strange that during this season we are more prone to be like Joseph than during the rest of the year? During these last ...
... , then, is the kind of deeply felt, profound love for "harassed and helpless" children usually associated with motherhood, which may well have been its reference in the original Ararnaic. Call to Worship Leader: As mother's heart aches when a child is harassed and helpless, People: SO DOES GOD'S COMPASSION EXTEND TO ALL PEOPLE. Leader: And as a mother's nature is to show mercy upon her children, People: SO DOES GOD'S LOVING KINDNESS TOUCH US ALL! Collect Glorious God, through Jesus you showed your motherly ...
Isaiah 42:18-25, Mark 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 1:12--2:4
Bulletin Aid
Paul A. Laughlin
... always before us the hope of eventual restoration and reconciliation to you; that, living out of that image, we may truly live as your chosen people and keep faith with you. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen Prayer of Confession God of compassion, we confess that we have forgotten you and our relationship with you again and again. We have transgressed against you, your Word, and your will, and have failed to live as your people. Forgive and forget our forgetfulness, we pray. Keep us ever mindful of ...
2 Samuel 6:1-23, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, Mark 5:21-43
Bulletin Aid
Paul A. Laughlin
... death, but conquers them. People: OURS IS A FAITH THAT OFFERS, NOT JUST "PIE IN THE SKY" PROMISES, BUT HEALTH AND LIFE ON EARTH. Collect Most gracious God, who through Jesus cured the sick and raised the dead, instill in us a measure of your divine compassion: that we shall no longer be content to treat human sufferings with promises of future bliss, but shall work to embody a faith that will deliver health and life in the present. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen Prayer of Confession Merciful God, we confess ...
... peak is where God wants us to go next, not be content and we need to make sure we are prepared to go there... Cast: Dave: An unprepared Christian Vicki: A prepared one Props: A tent Hiking equipment (or dressed like hikers - backpack, etc.) 2 compasses A boombox 2 Maps 2 walkie talkies A CD with rocking music. Setting: A camp (LIGHTS UP CENTER STAGE) PART 1 (LIGHTS UP CENTER STAGE and Vicki unzips the tent and gets out and stretches) Vicki: Dave? Dave? C’mon – suns up already. Dave? Dave: (comes ...