... the same for the man as for the woman. Regard them not as burdens to weigh you down, but as winged hopes and promises to bear you up into a more happy and abundant life. Remember, true love is not the passion to possess or to rule, but the desire to give and to bless. Let no secrets divide you, no jealousies come between you, no differences bring bitterness in your hearts. Remember that in true love, your sorrows are cut in half, and your joys are doubled because you share them together. I charge you, don't ...
... living (usually parts of 1 Corinthians 13 follow). A wedding prayer Eternal God, who has willed the estate of marriage and who has taught us the way of love, we ask that you would bless this marriage. Give to __________ and __________ the desire and the ability to keep the vows that they have made. Where selfishness would show itself, give an extra measure of love; where mistrust is a temptation, give confidence; where misunderstanding intrudes, give gentleness and patience. Give to them many times of joy ...
... life, my love, my little one; if God had willed, I would have died for thee! So mourning is indeed ancient and our search for relief is equally ancient. Those of New Testament times are no exception. Paul, in writing to the Philippians, says that "Death is the desire to depart and to be with Christ." Taken in and of itself, there is comfort in that passage, but when we understand that to which Paul may have been referring, it brings us even more solace. For you see, in Paul's day, the word depart literally ...
... to make this perfectly clear, because this gets to the heart of the sermon. It is at this point where I begin to disagree with the bumper sticker. God's love is universal. God's forgiveness reaches out to every person despite their faith. God's desire is to reach out to every human being on this earth with the forgiveness that restores relationships. So if I were writing that bumper sticker I would at least start out by saying not that, "Christians aren't perfect; they are forgiven, but that "Human beings ...
... not from thy presence; take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore me to the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with thy spirit. Assurance Of Pardon May the Lord open our lips and our mouths to show forth praise due God's holy name. The Lord does not desire sacrifices and burnt offerings. A broken and contrite heart is not despised by God. Readings Joel 2:12-19; Luke 13:18-22 Hymn "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go" stanzas 1, 2 Meditation The Ring Hymn "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go" stanzas 3, 4 ...
... pain or death. They finally found him asleep in the shade of a clump of bushes. He was tired and hungry, but seemed otherwise in good shape, for which everyone was thankful. The disciples were unaware of Jesus going out so early in the morning. He was desirous of peace and quiet, so went to a place that people seldom came to sit and think. When the disciples awoke and found him missing, they were concerned, and as others had also come to talk with him, everyone was searching for him. When they at last ...
... Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for providing us with such a potent parable that affords us fresh hope for our lives. We rejoice that you care so much for us that you gave up your life on earth to give us hope of renewal here, and eternal life to follow. We desire to produce ample and good fruit as long as we possibly can, and pray your tender mercy upon us so long as we are alive here, then bless us also in the life which is eternal. These things we humbly ask. Amen.
... you to be the nicest young man in town; when that young man after a wonderful courtship, proposes marriage. There is the time when after diligent study you are told that you are the class valedictorian, and are the recipient of a much-desired college scholarship to the university of your choice. There comes the joy of receiving the job you most wanted, and promotions in the vocation of your choice. Surprises come in many wonderful ways! The Messianic prophecy and anticipation had long been expected, but ...
... his way,and the unrighteous their thoughts;let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them,And to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. A Prayer Of Preparation (May be offered in unison) Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Hymn "A Charge To Keep I Have ...
... more years, some of them still active in the use of their talents and wisdom. The important thing is don't lose heart -- remain vital in your thinking and activities. Healthy attitude is essential to meaningful life in every circumstance of our being. Inner desire is necessary for playing the game of life well. It is especially valuable when we need to perform under conditions of physical limitations. It is a wonderful thing to know that God adds vitality to our lives by the presence of his Spirit within ...
... first done on December 4, 1619, and has been regularly done since it was proclaimed a national observance by President Lincoln in 1863. We spend so much of our time thinking about what we want, and seeking help in attaining the stature of our desired being, that it is easy to overlook being seriously thankful. In the midst of the pressures of daily living and busy schedules, many people have abandoned the habit of saying grace before meals. Levels of noise, the mechanics of assemblage, the rush of getting ...
... seeking to know what we can best do with who we are. By the counsel of your Holy Spirit, guide us we pray, to understand and to do that which you want and expect of us, regardless of age, or limitations, and in keeping with our abilities and creative desires. In the same way, Fanny Crosby, the hymn writer, who though blind from infancy, was creative right up to the conclusion of her 95 years, inspires us also to be productive and giving of ourselves to the end of our days. This we humbly pray in the name of ...
... who doesn't know how to talk, only how to make vain noises." Talking ugly to people, making harsh demands, giving severe criticism, all make folks uncomfortable. Requests made in kindliness, and with expressed appreciation for performance well done are much more desirable. There are times when we feel uncomfortable with circumstances or behaviors, but so may those who offend, because of conditions we know nothing about. Gracious words usually make things go much easier in life. Do and say unto others as you ...
1864. The Beauty Of Holiness
Psalm 96:1-13, Psalm 29:1-11
Illustration
Clement E. Lewis
... the beauty of holiness." The psychiatrist, Von Frankl, held that the urge to worship is instinctive in children in much the same way as the urge to nurse. He suggested that the ages of four and five are the times when children are most desirous and accepting for the experiences of worship. Esthetics and quality appreciation are important to the development and life of the child. The elderly demonstrate much of the same needs in their lives. "The beauty of holiness" is a most suggestive and satisfying phrase ...
... his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12c-13) In other words, God is ever ready to help us; but we must be ready to do our part, working with him for the full abundant life. This does not mean that we work out our own plan and ignore God. Rather, desiring to do what is right in the sight of God, we work and God works and together we reach his goal which is for our good. The child, through practice, learns to focus the microscope and to look into a new world of wonder. The Christian, through practice, learns ...
... hunger. The threat of an unexpected lay off brings a new appreciation for our jobs. Five loaves, two fish. Small resources ... Large crowd ...And their hunger was satisfied with food to spare. Lord, teach us what it means to trust you. Give us the faith to trust you and the desire to serve you. Multiply our resources and bless our efforts, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
... The Humblest Act The Son Of God Goes Forth To War Prayer for Mark 10:35-45 Lord God, you have called us by name and you have invited us to become full partners in your expanding kingdom. We seek your guidance as we move into life, filled with the desire to serve you. We ask you to open the doors of possibility, so that we may see where we are needed. We ask you to close the gates of confusion, so that we will not become distracted from our purpose. Help us to be clear about the fact that we ...
... we cannot have it both ways. Faith means trusting you above everything else. All the assurance we need is found in your word. We know that our relationship with you is right when we love and serve others in your name. This is how we receive the absolute assurance we desire. Increase our faith, Lord, and help us to place our confidence in you alone. Amen.
Joel 2:1-11, Matthew 6:1-4, Psalm 51:1-19, 2 Corinthians 5:11--6:2, 2 Corinthians 6:3-13, Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 6:19-24
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgment. Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me. You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face ...
... and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgment. Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me. You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face ...
... and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgment. Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me. You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face ...
... the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults. Keep back ...
Job 38:1--41:34, Psalm 104:1-35, Hebrews 4:14-5:10, Mark 10:35-45
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
CALL TO WORSHIP Set your love on God who answers when you call for help in the time of trouble. Enjoy the fullness of salvation by the Most High. PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of all life, we confess that we desire your will for us to be pleasure and prosperity. We have great difficulty accepting suffering as anything but evil, and we reject it as if it were beyond your power to redeem. Forgive our doubts and our unwillingness to serve you and others to the point of pain. In this ...
1 Samuel 15:1-35, Psalm 20:1-9, 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, 2 Corinthians 5:11--6:2, 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... answer you in the day of trouble! The name of the God of Jacob protect you! May he send you help from the sanctuary, and give you support from Zion. May he remember all your offerings, and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices. May he grant you your heart's desire, and fulfill all your plans. May we shout for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God set up our banners. May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.Now I know that the LORD will help his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven ...
... to such extent that the author's name has become obscured. It is a somewhat unsettling bit of verse in that it relates an all-too-common response to the alternative of total consecration: "I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, real service is what I desire.I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord, But don't ask me to sing in the choir.I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord,I like to see things come to pass,But don't ask me to teach girls and boys ...