“Remember the Lord Your God.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)

^“Those who sow with tears    
will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping,    
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,    
carrying sheaves with them.” (Psalm 126:5-6)

Prop: Olive branch with ripe fruit and if you dare a bowl of kalamata olives to pass out for people to hold and taste during the sermon

I have here an olive branch, ripe with fruit. The olive is known for its rich oil and its luscious fruit. When you taste it, it leaves with you a distinctive flavor that isn’t easy to forget. If you squeeze that olive, it will emit an oil full of rich emollients and vitamins and omega three healthy fats. One of the most nourishing foods, olive oil in Jesus time was used primarily for anointing and for lighting the great oil lamp…