St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church

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We are pleased to make the sermons available to you. If you have any questions or wish to talk to us more, please don't hesitate to contact us (contact information is on our home page).

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Pentecost 6 (July 16, 2017)

Pentecost 5 (July 9, 2017)

We still had some trouble with the microphone for this service but we got a new one and should be better next week.

Pentecost 4 (July 2, 2017)

We had some trouble with the microphone for this service.

Pentecost 3 (June 25, 2017)

Pentecost 2 (June 18, 2017)

Trinity Sunday (June 11, 2017)

Pentecost Sunday (June 4, 2017)

The Ascension of Our Lord (May 28, 2017)

Easter 6 (May 21, 2017)

Confirmation Sunday (May 14, 2017)

Good Shepherd Sunday (May 7, 2017)

Easter 3 (April 30, 2017)

Easter 2 (April 23, 2017)

Easter Sunday (April 16, 2017)

Palm Sunday (April 9, 2017)

Midweek Lent 6 (April 5, 2017)

Lent 5 (April 2, 2017)

Midweek Lent 5 (March 29, 2017)

Lent 4 (March 26, 2017)

Midweek Lent 4 (March 22, 2017)

Lent 3 (March 19, 2017)

Midweek Lent 3 (March 15, 2017)

Lent 2 (March 12, 2017)

Midweek Lent 2 (March 8, 2017)

Lent 1 (March 5, 2017)

Ash Wednesday (March 1, 2017)

The Transfiguration of Our Lord (February 26, 2017)

Epiphany 7 (February 19, 2017)

Epiphany 6 (February 12, 2017)

Epiphany 5 (February 5, 2017)

Epiphany 4 (January 29, 2017)

Epiphany 3 (January 22, 2017)

Epiphany 2 (January 15, 2017)

The Baptism of Our Lord (January 8, 2017)

The Circumcision and Name Day of Jesus (January 1, 2017)

Christmas Day (December 25, 2016)

  • Sermon Text: Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel
  • Sermon Audio Recording

Christmas Eve (December 24, 2016)

Advent 4 (December 18, 2016)

Advent 3 (December 11, 2016)

Midweek Advent 2 (December 7, 2016)

Advent 2 (December 4, 2016)

Midweek Advent 1 (November 30, 2016)

Advent 1 (November 27, 2016)

Thanksgiving Eve (November 23, 2016)

Christ the King (November 20, 2016)

End Times 3 (November 13, 2016)

Last Judgment (November 6, 2016)

Reformation (October 30, 2016)

Pentecost 23 (October 23, 2016)

Pentecost 22 (October 16, 2016)

Pentecost 21 (October 9, 2016)

Pentecost 20 (October 2, 2016)

Pentecost 19 (September 25, 2016)

Pentecost 18 (September 18, 2016)

Pentecost 17 (September 11, 2016)

Pentecost 16 (September 4, 2016)

Pentecost 15 (August 28, 2016)

Pentecost 14 (August 21, 2016)

Pentecost 13 (August 14, 2016)

Pentecost 12 (August 7, 2016)

Pentecost 11 (July 31, 2016)

Pentecost 9 (July 17, 2016)

Pentecost 8 (July 10, 2016)

Pentecost 7 (July 3, 2016)

Pentecost 6 (June 26, 2016)

Pentecost 5 (June 19, 2016)

Pentecost 4 (June 12, 2016)

Pentecost 3 (June 5, 2016)

Pentecost 2 (May 29, 2016)

Trinity / Confirmation Sunday (May 22, 2016)

Pentecost (May 15, 2016)

Easter 7 - Mother's Day (May 8, 2016)

The Ascension of Our Lord (May 1, 2016)

Easter 5 (April 24, 2016)

Good Shepherd (April 17, 2016)

Easter 3 (April 10, 2016)

Easter 2 (April 3, 2016)

Easter Sunday (March 27, 2016)

Maunday Thursday (March 24, 2016)

Palm Sunday (March 20, 2016)

Lent 6 Midweek (March 16, 2016)

This service was canceled.

Lent 5 (March 13, 2016)

Lent 5 Midweek (March 9, 2016)

Lent 4 (March 6, 2016)

Lent 4 Midweek (March 2, 2016)

Lent 3 (February 28, 2016)

Lent 3 Midweek (February 24, 2016)

Lent 2 (February 21, 2016)

Lent 2 Midweek (February 17, 2016)

Lent 1 (February 14, 2016)

Ash Wednesday (February 10, 2016)

The Transfiguration of Our Lord (February 7, 2016)

Epiphany 4 (January 31, 2016)

Epiphany 3 (January 24, 2016)

Epiphany 2 (January 17, 2016)

The Baptism of Our Lord (January 10, 2016)

The Epiphany of Our Lord (January 3, 2016)

Christmas 1 (December 27, 2015)

Christmas Day (December 25, 2015)

Christmas Eve (December 24, 2015)

Children's Christmas Service (December 20, 2015)

  • There was no sermon for this service

Midweek Advent 3 (December 16, 2015)

Advent 3 (December 13, 2015)

Midweek Advent 2 (December 9, 2015)

Advent 2 (December 6, 2015)

Midweek Advent 1 (December 2, 2015)

Advent 1 (November 29, 2015)

Thanksgiving Eve (November 25, 2015)

Christ the King (November 22, 2015)

End Times 3: Saints Triumphant (November 15, 2015)

40th Anniversary (November 8, 2015)

Reformation (November 1, 2015)

Pentecost 22 (October 25, 2015)

Pentecost 21 (October 18, 2015)

Pentecost 20 (October 11, 2015)

Pentecost 19 (October 4, 2015)

Pentecost 18 (September 27, 2015)

Pentecost 17 (September 20, 2015)

We apologize we made a mistake with the recordings for this Sunday and do not have the audio. We do have the reading for the sermon below.
Sermon Text: James 2:1-5,8-10,14-18 We Love Because He First Loved Us

Pentecost 16 (September 13, 2015)

Pentecost 15 (September 6, 2015)

Pentecost 14 (August 30, 2015)

Pentecost 13 (August 23, 2015)

Pentecost 12 (August 16, 2015)

Pentecost 11 (August 9, 2015)

Pentecost 10 (August 2, 2015)

Pentecost 9 (July 26, 2015)

Pentecost 8 (July 19, 2015)

Pentecost 7 (July 12, 2015)

Pentecost 6 (July 5, 2015)

Pentecost 5 (June 28, 2015)

Pentecost 4 (June 21, 2015)

Pentecost 3 (June 14, 2015)

Pentecost 2 (June 7, 2015)

Trinity Sunday (May 31, 2015)

The Day of Pentecost (May 24, 2015)

Ascension of Our Lord (May 17, 2015)

Easter 6 (May 10, 2015)

Easter 5 (May 3, 2015)

Easter 4 Good Shepherd (April 26, 2015)

Easter 3 (April 19, 2015)

Easter 2 (April 12, 2015)

Easter Sunday (April 5, 2015)

Good Friday (April 3, 2015)

Maundy Thursday (April 2, 2015)

Palm Sunday (March 29, 2015)

Lent 5 Midweek (March 25, 2015)

We regret that due to technical difficulties, we did not get the recording for this service.

Lent 5 (March 22, 2015)

Lent 5 Midweek (March 18, 2015)

Lent 4 (March 15, 2015)

Lent 4 Midweek (March 11, 2015)

Lent 3 (March 8, 2015)

Lent 3 Midweek (March 4, 2015)

Lent 2 (March 1, 2015)

Lent 2 Midweek (February 25, 2015)

Lent 1 (February 22, 2015)

Ash Wednesday (February 18, 2015)

  • Sermon Text: John 8:31-36 I Tell You The Truth... Anyone Who Sins Is A Slave To Sin
  • Sermon Audio Recording

    • Transfiguration Sunday (February 15, 2015)

    This service was canceled due to snow, however the written sermon is available.

    Epiphany 5 (February 8, 2015)

    Epiphany 4 (February 1, 2015)

    Epiphany 3 (January 25, 2015)

    Epiphany 2 (January 18, 2015)

    The Baptism of Our Lord (January 11, 2015)

    Epiphany (January 4, 2015)

    Christmas 1 (December 28, 2014)

    Christmas Day (December 25, 2014)

    Advent 4 (December 21, 2014)

    Advent Midweek 3 (December 17 2014)

    Advent 3 (December 14, 2014)

    Advent Midweek 2 (December 10 2014)

    Advent 2 (December 7, 2014)

    Advent Midweek 1 (December 3, 2014)

    Advent 1 (November 30, 2014)

    End Times 4 (November 23, 2014)

    End Times 3 (November 16, 2014)

    End Times 2 (November 9, 2014)

    Reformation (November 2, 2014)

    Pentecost 20 (October 26, 2014)

    Pentecost 19 (October 19, 2014)

    Pentecost 18 (October 12, 2014)

    Pentecost 17 (October 5, 2014)

    Pentecost 16 (September 28, 2014)

    Pentecost 15 (September 21, 2014)

    Pentecost 14 (September 14, 2014)

    Pentecost 13 (September 7, 2014)

    Pentecost 12 (August 31, 2014)

    Pentecost 11 (August 24, 2014)

    Pentecost 10 (August 17, 2014)

    Pentecost 9 (August 10, 2014)

    Pentecost 8 (August 3, 2014)

    Pentecost 7 (July 27, 2014)

    Pentecost 6 (July 20, 2014)

    Pentecost 5 (July 13, 2014)

    Pentecost 4 (July 6, 2014)

    Pentecost 3 (June 29, 2014)

    Pentecost 2 (June 22, 2014)

    The technical problems with the sound system were not yet corrected for this service.

    Trinity (June 15, 2014)

    Technical problems with the sound system caused there to be no recording.

    Pentecost (June 8, 2014)

    Easter 7 (June 1, 2014)

    Ascension (May 29, 2014)

    Easter 6 (May 25, 2014)

    Easter 5 (May 18, 2014)

    Easter 4 (May 11, 2014)

    Easter 3 (May 4, 2014)

    Easter 2 (April 27, 2014)

    Easter (April 20, 2014)

    Maundy Thursday (April 17, 2014)

    Palm Sunday (April 13, 2014)

    Lent 6 Midweek (April 9, 2014)

    Lent 5, Walking Together (April 6, 2014)

    Lent 5 Midweek (April 2, 2014)

    Lent 4 (March 30, 2014)

    Lent 4 Midweek (March 26, 2014)

    Lent 3 (March 23, 2014)

    Lent 3 Midweek (March 19, 2014)

    Lent 2 (March 16, 2014)

    Midweek Lent 2 (March 12, 2014)

      We apologize this service did not get recorded.

    • Sermon Text: John 11:47-53 “Caiaphas, the Schemer”

    Lent 1 (March 9, 2014)

    Ash Wednesday (March 5, 2014)

    Transfiguration (March 2, 2014)

    Epiphany 7 (February 23, 2014)

    Epiphany 6 (February 16, 2014)

    Epiphany 5 (February 9, 2014)

    Epiphany 4 (February 2, 2014)

    Epiphany 3 (January 26, 2014)

    Epiphany 2 (January 19, 2014)

    Epiphany 1 (January 12, 2014)

    Christmas 2 (January 5, 2014)

    Christmas 1 (December 29, 2013)

    Christmas Day (December 25, 2013)

    Christmas Eve (December 24, 2013)

    Advent 4 (December 22, 2013)

    We apologize, due to technical difficulty, there is no audio recorded.

    Advent Midweek 3 (December 18, 2013)

    Advent 3 (December 15, 2013)

    This service was candled due to snow.

    Advent Midweek 2 (December 11, 2013)

    Advent 2 (December 8, 2013)

    Advent Midweek 1 (December 4, 2013)

    Advent 1 (December 1, 2013)

    Thanksgiving Eve (November 27, 2013)

    End Times 4 (November 24, 2013)

    End Times 3 (November 17, 2013)

    End Times 2 (November 10, 2013)

    End Times 1 (November 3, 2013)

    Pentecost 23 (October 27, 2013)

    Pentecost 22 (October 20, 2013)

    Pentecost 21 (October 13, 2013)

    Pentecost 20 (October 6, 2013)

    Pentecost 19 (September 29, 2013)

    Pentecost 18 (September 22, 2013)

    Pentecost 17 (September 15, 2013)

    Pentecost 16 (September 8, 2013)

    Pentecost 15 (September 1, 2013)

    Pentecost 14 (August 25, 2013)

    Pentecost 13 (August 18, 2013)

    Pentecost 12 (August 11, 2013)

    Pentecost 11 (August 4, 2013)

    Pentecost 10 (July 28, 2013)

    Pentecost 9 (July 21, 2013)

    Pentecost 8 (July 14, 2013)

    Pastor Korthals Installation (July 7, 2013)

    Pentecost 7 (July 7, 2013)

    Pentecost 6 (June 30, 2013)

    Pentecost 5 (June 23, 2013)

    Pentecost 4 (June 16, 2013)

    Pentecost 3 (June 9, 2013)

    Pentecost 2 (June 2, 2013)

    Holy Trinity Sunday (May 26, 2013)

    Pentecost (May 19, 2013)

    Easter 6 (May 12, 2013)

    Easter 6 (May 5, 2013)

    Easter 5 (April 28, 2013)

    Easter 4 (April 21, 2013)

    Easter 3 (April 14, 2013)

    Easter 2 (April 7, 2013)

    Easter (March 31, 2013)

    Good Friday (March 29, 2013)

    Maundy Thursday (March 18, 2013)

    Palm Sunday(March 24, 2013)

    We apologize we had technical difficulty and the recording was lost. We are working on the computer to be ready for Holy Week services to come.

    Lent 5 Midweek (March 20, 2013)

    Lent 5 (March 17, 2013)

    Lent 4 Midweek (March 13, 2013)

    Lent 4 (March 10, 2013)

    Lent 3 Midweek (March 6, 2013)

    Lent 3 (March 3, 2013)

    Lent 2 Midweek (February 27, 2013)

    This service was canceled due to weather.

    Lent 2 (February 24, 2013)

    Lent 1 Midweek (February 20, 2013)

    Lent 1 (February 17, 2013)

    Ash Wednesday (February 13, 2013)

    Epiphany 5 (February 10, 2013)

    We apologize there was no recording for Epiphany 5. Church was held in the fellowship hall where we did not have recording set up.

    Epiphany 4 (February 3, 2013)

    Epiphany 3 (January 27, 2013)

    Epiphany 2 (January 20, 2013)

    Epiphany (January 13, 2013)

    Epiphany (January 6, 2013)

    Christmas 1 (December 30, 2012)

    Christmas Day (December 25, 2012)

    Christmas Eve (December 24, 2012)

    Advent 4 (December 23, 2012)

    Advent Meditation 3 (December 19, 2012)

    Advent 3 (December 16, 2012)

    Advent Meditation 2 (December 12, 2012)

    Sorry, there was no recording for the December 12 service.

    Advent 2 (December 9, 2012)

    Advent Meditation 1 (December 5, 2012)

    Advent 1 (December 2, 2012)

    End Times 4: Christ The King (November 25, 2012)

    Thanksgiving Eve (November 22, 2012)

    End Times: Saints Triumphant (November 18, 2012)

    End Times: Last Judgment (November 11, 2012)

    Joint Reformation (November 4, 2012)

    In this service several congregations gathered in the afternoon to worship.

    Reformation (November 4, 2012)

    Pentecost 22 (October 28, 2012)

    Pentecost 21 (October 21, 2012)

    Pentecost 20 (October 14, 2012)

    Pentecost 19 (October 7, 2012)

    Pentecost 18 (September 30, 2012)

    Pentecost 17 (September 23, 2012)

    Pentecost 16 (September 16, 2012)

    Pentecost 15 (September 9, 2012)

    Pentecost 13 and 14

    We apologize but we had technical difficulties. The recording program crashed when saving on these two Sundays and we didn't get the recordings.

    Pentecost 12 (August 19, 2012)

    Pentecost 11 (August 12, 2012)

    Pentecost 10 (August 5, 2012)

    Pentecost 9 (July 29, 2012)

    We appologize the first part did not get recorded.

    Pentecost 8 (July 22, 2012)

    Pentecost 7 (July 15, 2012)

    Pentecost 6 (July 8, 2012)

    Pentecost 5 (July 1, 2012)

    • We apologize we had technical difficulties with the recording

    Pentecost 4 (June 24, 2012)

    Pentecost 3 (June 17, 2012)

    Pentecost 2 (June 10, 2012)

    Pentecost 1 / Holy Trinity (June 3, 2012)

    Pentecost (May 27, 2012)

    Easter 7 (May 20, 2012)

    Ascension (May 13, 2012)

    Easter 5 (May 6, 2012)

    Easter 4 (April 29, 2012)

    Easter 3 (April 22, 2012)

    Easter 2 (April 15, 2012)

    Easter Sunday (April 8, 2012)

    Good Friday (April 6, 2012)

    Maundy Thursday (April 5, 2012)

    Palm Sunday (April 1, 2012)

    Lent 5 Midweek (March 28, 2012)

    Lent 5 (March 25, 2012)

    Lent 4 Midweek (March 21, 2012)

    Lent 4 (March 18, 2012)

    Lent 3 Midweek (March 14, 2012)

    Lent 3 (March 11, 2012)

    Lent 2 Midweek (March 7, 2012)

    • Sermon Text: Psalm 38 “Hurry to help me, Lord, my salvation!”
    • We apologize, this service was not recorded

    Lent 2 (March 4, 2012)

    Lent 1 Midweek (February 29, 2012)

    Lent 1 (February 26, 2012)

    Ash Wednesday (February 23, 2012)

    Transfiguration (February 19, 2012)

    Epiphany 6 (February 12, 2012)

    Epiphany 5 (February 5, 2012)

    Epiphany 4 (January 29, 2012)

    Epiphany 3 (January 22, 2012)

    Epiphany 2 (January 15, 2012)

    Epiphany / Baptism of our Lord (January 8, 2012)

    Name of Jesus / New Years Day (January 1, 2012)

    Christmas Day (December 25, 2011)

    Christmas Eve (December 24, 2011)

    Advent 4 (December 18, 2011)

    Advent 3 Midweek (December 14, 2011)

    Advent 3 (December 11, 2011)

    Advent 2 Midweek (December 7, 2011)

    Advent 2 (December 4, 2011)

    Sorry, but we did not get a recording of this service.

    Advent 1 Midweek (November 30, 2011)

    Advent 1 (November 27, 2011)

    Thanksgiving (November 23, 2011)

    • Lessons:
      • Gospel Lesson Text: John 6:1-15 “Our God is a God of plenty”
      • Thankful Thought : “God gives us more than we deserve”
      • First Lesson: 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 “David’ prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord”
      • Thankful Thought : “We offer prayers of thanksgiving”
      • Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Paul’s instructions for the Thessalonians and for us”
      • Thankful Thought : “Give thanks in all circumstances”
    • Sermon Audio Recording

    Christ the King (November 20, 2011)

    Sants Triuphant (November 13, 2011)

    Last Judgment (November 6, 2011)

    Reformation (October 30, 2011)

    This service was canceled due to snow.

    Pentecost 19 (October 23, 2011)

    Pentecost 18 (October 16, 2011)

    Pentecost 17 (October 9, 2011)

    Pentecost 16 (October 2, 2011)

    Pentecost 15 (September 25, 2011)

    Pentecost 14 (September 18, 2011)

    Pentecost 13 (September 11, 2011)

    Pentecost 12 (September 4, 2011)

    Pentecost 11 (August 28, 2011)

    Service canceled due to Irene storm

    Pentecost 10 (August 21, 2011)

    Pentecost 9 (August 14, 2011)

    Pentecost 8 (August 7, 2011)

    Pentecost 7 (July 31, 2011)

    Pentecost 6 (July 24, 2011)

    Pentecost 5 (July 17, 2011)

    Pentecost 4 (July 10, 2011)

    Pentecost 3 (July 3, 2011)

    Pentecost 2 (June 26, 2011)

    Trinity Sunday (June 19, 2011)

    Pentecost (June 12, 2011)

    • Sermon Text: John 16:5-15 Jesus Promises to Send the Counselor
      1. The Counselor will come to convict the world of sin
      2. The Counselor will come to show the true source of righteousness
      3. The Counselor will come to guide us into all truth
    • Sermon Audio Recording

    Ascension (June 5, 2011)

    Easter 6 (May 31, 2011)

    Easter 5 (May 22, 2011)

    Easter 4 (May 15, 2011)

    Easter 3 (May 8, 2011)

    Easter 2 (May 1, 2011)

    Easter Sunday (April 22, 2011)

    Good Friday (April 22, 2011)

    Maunday Thursday (April 21, 2011)

    Palm Sunday (April 17, 2011)

    We apologize for no audio recordings for this Sunday due to technical difficulties.

    Midweek Lent 5 (April 13, 2011)

    Lent 5 (April 10, 2011)

    Midweek Lent 4 (April 6, 2011)

    Lent 4 (April 3, 2011)

    Midweek Lent 3 (March 30, 2011)

    Lent 3 (March 27, 2011)

    Midweek Lent 2 (March 23, 2011)

    Lent 2 (March 20, 2011)

    Midweek Lent 1 (March 16, 2011)

    Lent 1 (March 13, 2011)

    Ash Wednesday (March 9, 2011)

    Transfiguration (March 6, 2011)

    Epiphany 8 (February 27, 2011)

    Epiphany 7 (February 20, 2011)

    Epiphany 6 (February 13, 2011)

    Epiphany 5 (February 6, 2011)

    Epiphany 4 (January 30, 2011)

    Epiphany 3 (January 23, 2011)

    Epiphany 2 (January 16, 2011)

    Epiphany 1 (January 9, 2011)

    Epiphany (January 2, 2011)

    • Sermon Text: Matthew 2:1-12 God "Friended" the World
    • Sermon Audio Recording [Sorry, there were technical difficulties recording this sermon.]

    Christmas 1 (December 26, 2010)

    Christmas Day (December 25, 2010)

    Christmas Eve (December 24, 2010)

    Advent 4 (December 19, 2010)

    Advent 3 Midweek (December 15, 2010)

    Advent 3 (December 12, 2010)

    • Sermon Text: Matthew 11:2-11 Things Aren't Always What They Seem
    • Sermon Audio Recording [Sorry, a recording was not made of this sermon]

    Advent 2 Midweek (December 8, 2010)

    Advent 2 (December 5, 2010)

    Advent 1 Midweek (December 1, 2010)

    Advent 1 (November 28, 2010)

    Thanksgiving Eve (November 24, 2010)

    Christ the King (November 21, 2010)

    Saints Triumphant (November 14, 2010)

    Last Judgment (November 7, 2010)

    Reformation (October 31, 2010) [Sorry, the recording of this sermon is not available]

    1 John 3:1-2 Don't Lose the Wonder of Christ's Love

    1How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

    Pentecost 22 (October 24, 2010)

    1 John 5:13-15 Approaching God with Confidence

    13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

    Pentecost 21 (October 17, 2010)

    Luke 17:11-19 Remember what Christ has Done

    11Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy a met him. They stood at a distance 13and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

    14When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

    15One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

    17Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

    Pentecost 20 (October 10, 2010)

    Revelation 14:6 Fly with the Good News!

    6Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people.

    Pentecost 19 (October 3, 2010)

    Ecclesiastes 5:8-20 We Have Enough

    8If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still. 9The increase from the land is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields. 10 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. 11As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them? 12The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep. 13I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, 14or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when he has a son there is nothing left for him. 15Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand. 16This too is a grievous evil: As a man comes, so he departs, and what does he gain, since he toils for the wind? 17All his days he eats in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger. 18Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot. 19Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. 20He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.

    Pentecost 18 (September 26, 2010)

    John 6:40 Because I Am Alive My Body Will Be Raised

    40For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

    Pentecost 17 (September 19, 2010)

    Mark 2:1-12 Jesus Gives Power You Don't Have

    1A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

    6Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7“Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

    8Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins....” He said to the paralytic, 11“I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

    Pentecost 16 (September 12, 2010)

    1 Corinthians 1:2 Gathered Saints are the Church

    2To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:

    Pentecost 15 (September 5, 2010)

    James 2:1-13 Serve the Lord in Humility

    1My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. 2Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

    5Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?

    8If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

    12Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!

    Pentecost 14 (August 29, 2010)

    2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 We Believe-How Does That Happen

    13But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you a to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Pentecost 13 (August 22, 2010)

    Pentecost 12 (August 15, 2010)

    Acts 2:22-36 No Misconceoption: Jesus is Lord

    22“Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, b put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25David said about him:

    “‘I saw the Lord always before me.
    Because he is at my right hand,
    I will not be shaken.
    26Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will live in hope,
    27because you will not abandon me to the grave,
    nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
    28You have made known to me the paths of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence.’

    29“Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, d that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

    “‘The Lord said to my Lord:
    “Sit at my right hand
    35until I make your enemies
    a footstool for your feet.”’

    Pentecost11 (August 8, 2010)

    Matthew 26:47-56 He Did What He Came For

    47While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

    50Jesus replied, “Friend, do what you came for.”

    Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

    52“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

    55At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

    Pentecost10 (August 1, 2010)

    Galations 4:4-5 Jesus Obeyed the Law for Me

    4But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.

    Pentecost 9 (July 25, 2010)

    Romans 1:1-6 Who is Jesus? Your Savior

    1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4and who through the Spirit a of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God b by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

    Pentecost 8 (July 17, 2010)

    Matthew 6:25-34 You are in Good Hands

    25“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

    28“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

    Pentecost 7 (July 10, 2010)

    Hebrrews 11:3 The Origin of all Things: GOD CREATED!

    By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

    Pentecost 6 (July 3, 2010)

    Pentecost 5 (June 27, 2010)

    Genesis 39:6b-12, 16-23 Follow Jesus and Enjoy a Tough Life

    Genesis 39:6-12 (NIV)


    6bwith Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.

    Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, 7and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!”

    8But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. 9No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” 10And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.

    11One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. 12She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.
    16She kept his cloak beside her until his master came home. 17Then she told him this story: “That Hebrew slave you brought us came to me to make sport of me. 18But as soon as I screamed for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.”

    19When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me,” he burned with anger. 20Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.

    But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. 22So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. 23The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.

    Pentecost 4 (June 20, 2010)

    Pentecost 3 (June 13, 2010)

    Pentecost 2 (June 6, 2010)

    Luke 7:1-10 Lord, Give us Such Faith as this!

    1When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, 5because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” 6So Jesus went with them.

    He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

    9When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

    Trinity (May 30, 2010)

    John 16:12-15 Praise the Triune God of our Salvation

    12“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.

    Pentecost 1 (May 23, 2010)

    Acts 14:8-18

    8In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. 9He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed 10and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.

    11When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” 12Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. 13The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.

    14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15“Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. 16In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” 18Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.

    Easter 7 (May 16, 2010)

    Easter 6 (May 9, 2010)

    2 Kings 6:15-17

    15When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked. 16“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17And Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

    Easter 5 (May 2, 2010)

    1 Corinthians 13

    1If I speak in the tongues a of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, b but have not love, I gain nothing.
    4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
    8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
    12And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

    Easter 3 (April 18, 2010)

    Acts 9:1-19

    1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

    5“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.

    “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

    7The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

    10In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”

    “Yes, Lord,” he answered.

    11The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

    13“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

    15But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

    17Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

    Easter 2 (April 11, 2010)

    Easter (April 4, 2010)

    Revelation 2:8-11 Today Death has become life for you!

    8"To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
    These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9I know your afflictions and your poverty-yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
    11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.

    Good Friday

    Revelation 5:6-14 Bought by the Blood of the Lamb

    6Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9And they sang a new song:
    "You are worthy to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
    because you were slain,
    and with your blood you purchased men for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation.
    10You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
    and they will reign on the earth."
    11Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12In a loud voice they sang:
    "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
    to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
    and honor and glory and praise!"
    13Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:
    "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
    be praise and honor and glory and power,
    for ever and ever!"
    14The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.

    Lent Meditation 5

    Revelation 3:1-6 It’s not medals on your uniform I’m looking for, but faithfulness in battle.

    1"To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
    These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. 3Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
    4Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. 6He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

    Lent 5

    Isaiah 43:16-24 We have burdened the Lord with our sin

    16This is what the LORD says — he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, 17who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: 18"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. 20The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, 21the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.
    22"Yet you have not called upon me, O Jacob, you have not wearied yourselves for me, O Israel. 23You have not brought me sheep for burnt offerings, nor honored me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with grain offerings nor wearied you with demands for incense. 24You have not bought any fragrant calamus for me, or lavished on me the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened me with your sins and wearied me with your offenses.

    Lent Meditation 4

    Revelation 2:12-17 Be alert! Keep holding on! Reinforcements are near at hand!

    12"To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
    These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13I know where you live-where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city-where Satan lives.
    14Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. 15Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
    17He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.

    Lent 4

    Philippians 3:17--4:1 What Kind of Pastors (and People) Do We Want?

    17Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. 18For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
    1Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

    Lent Meditation 3

    Revelation 2:18-29 Keep on growing and don’t tolerate the enemy!

    18"To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
    These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
    20Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. 24Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you): 25Only hold on to what you have until I come.
    26To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations-
    27"He will rule them with an iron scepter;
    he will dash them to pieces like pottery'-
    just as I have received authority from my Father. 28I will also give him the morning star. 29He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

    Lent 3

    Luke 15:1–3, 11b–32 Welcome home

    1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." 19Then Jesus told them this parable
    11"There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.
    13"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
    17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20So he got up and went to his father.
    "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
    21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
    22"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
    25"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'
    28"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
    31"'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 3232But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'"

    Lent Meditation 2

    Revelation 2:1-7 Love Like you did at First!

    1"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
    These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: 2I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
    4Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. 5Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
    7He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

    Lent 2

    Luke 13:1-9 Repentance is a way of life

    1Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them-do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."
    6Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. 7So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?'
    8"'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. 9If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'"

     

    The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.