Bearing gifts

Philippians 4:10-20

. . . the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.  (v. 18)

Life-giving God, may our offering in support of missions be pleasing to you, in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  New congregations

Amen to that

bye-bye

Christ in our home: Angels unawares

Christ in our home: Angels unawares: Genesis 18:1-15 He looked up and saw three men standing near him.  (v. 2) Gracious God, help us to welcome you in the people we meet...

Angels unawares

Genesis 18:1-15

He looked up and saw three men standing near him.  (v. 2)

Gracious God, help us to welcome you in the people we meet this day, through Christ.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those who work in the hospitality industry

bye-bye

Thank you Donald J. Trump for all you do.

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

John 6:1-21


Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them.  (v. 11)

Loving God, help us to trust in your provision that we may share, in Jesus' name.  Amen

Prayer concern:  Food pantry volunteers

Here's my concern:   Trying to figure out who-what-when-where & why

Trust in the Lord with all your might!  These questions will all be answered in due time.

Here endeth my sermonize for today.

bye-bye

Musical blessings

Ephesians 3:14-21

To him be glory . . . forever and ever.  Amen.  (v. 21)

Loving God, may the love of my heart be your song of praise!  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those who cannot hear or speak

Amen to that !!

bye-bye

God is good!

Psalm 145:10-18

Make known to all people your mighty deeds.  (v. 12)

Great creator, I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those with questions and doubts about God

yup ....   bye-bye

Christ in our home: From twenty to plenty

Christ in our home: From twenty to plenty: 2 Kings 4:42-44 They shall eat and have some left.  (v. 43) Lord of the harvest, take my offerings and multiply them in blessing.  I...

From twenty to plenty

2 Kings 4:42-44

They shall eat and have some left.  (v. 43)

Lord of the harvest, take my offerings and multiply them in blessing.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those who do not have enough to eat today

My concern:  cyber crime committed on our computers

l8r

James, Apostle

Acts 11:27 - - - 12:3a

He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword.  (v. 12:2)

God of the cross, guide me on the walk of faith, for Jesus' sake.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Missionaries

Amen to that

bye-bye

Stand firm!

Hebrews 13:17-25

Act honorably in all things.  (v. 18)

Loving God, help me to stand firm in obedience to your will, for Jesus' sake.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Christians living under persecution

How about Christians living under an over-regulated government?
How about Christians living under a harassing neighbor or two?
How about Christians living under a religious oppressive government?

just asking

l8r

Christ in our home: Mary Magdalene, Apostle

Christ in our home: Mary Magdalene, Apostle: Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples. "I have seen the Lord."  (v. 18) Risen One, make me like Mary, a faithful...

Mary Magdalene, Apostle

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples. "I have seen the Lord."  (v. 18)

Risen One, make me like Mary, a faithful apostle of good news.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Atheists and agnostics

yup

Christ in our home: Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Christ in our home: Ninth Sunday after Pentecost: Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 He had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a Shepard.  (v. 34) Gentle Shepard, guide us and...

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

He had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a Shepard.  (v. 34)

Gentle Shepard, guide us and lead us along the way.  In your holy name we pray.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Nursing home residents and staff

Amen to that.  My battery died ...  I'm still alive. :)

 

Christ in our home: No longer strangers and aliens

Christ in our home: No longer strangers and aliens: Ephesians 2:11-22 You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints.  (v.19) Bind us together, Lord, in co...

No longer strangers and aliens

Ephesians 2:11-22

You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints.  (v.19)

Bind us together, Lord, in cords that cannot be broken, for Jesus' sake.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Resident aliens and undocumented refugees

Amen to that !!

Thank you Donald J. Trump

BUILD THE WALL !!!

With LEGAL entry points ...

Make a joyful noise

Psalm 100

For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever.  (v. 5)

Loving God, let my lips praise your name at all times and in all places.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those struggling with their faith

UFFDA!!

Yesterday's storm and a psychotic neighbor

In the fold of the Lord

Jeremiah 23:1-6

The Lord is our righteousness.  (v. 6)

Shepard me, O Lord, in your righteous ways for Jesus' sake.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those displaced by political upheaval

WOW!!   That's a BIG prayer request ...  Thank you Donald J. Trump for all you do !!

bye-bye

Christ in our home: The one in the mirror

Christ in our home: The one in the mirror: Colossians 1:15-23 He is the image of the invisible God.  (v. 15) Holy God, let our reflections mirror you as icons of love in the wo...

The one in the mirror

Colossians 1:15-23

He is the image of the invisible God.  (v. 15)

Holy God, let our reflections mirror you as icons of love in the world.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those who are homeless

Thank you Barry Feaker, who runs the Topeka Homeless shelter

Christ in our home: Defenders of the faith

Christ in our home: Defenders of the faith: Acts 21:27-39 Do you know Greek?  (v. 37) Diosito,  may our witness of your way be bold in all languages, through Christ our Lord.  A...

Defenders of the faith

Acts 21:27-39

Do you know Greek?  (v. 37)

Diosito,  may our witness of your way be bold in all languages, through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Prayer concern: our immigrant neighbors

My prayer concern:  My neighbors

Thank you Donna L. for introducing your brother and sister-in-law

Christ in our home: Blessed are the wise !

Christ in our home: Blessed are the wise !: Luke 7:31-35 Wisdom is vindicated by all her children.  (v. 35) Holy Spirit, grant me your holy wisdom this day, in Jesus' name. ...

Blessed are the wise !

Luke 7:31-35

Wisdom is vindicated by all her children.  (v. 35)

Holy Spirit, grant me your holy wisdom this day, in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those serving in political office

Thank you Donald J. Trump for all you do !

The tariff thing has me concerned though.

Christ in our home: Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Christ in our home: Eighth Sunday after Pentecost: Mark 6:14-29 Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man.  (v. 20) God, we see you in sunlight and joy.  Help us ...

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Mark 6:14-29

Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man.  (v. 20)

God, we see you in sunlight and joy.  Help us trust you in darkness and despair.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Political prisoners around the world

Paul Manaford ??

Christ in our home: Inheritance anxieties

Christ in our home: Inheritance anxieties: Ephesians 1:3-14 In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance.  (v. 11) God, counsel me in treasuring the inheritance of eternal l...

Inheritance anxieties

Ephesians 1:3-14

In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance.  (v. 11)

God, counsel me in treasuring the inheritance of eternal life with you, through Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those who are overwhelmed by debt

AMEN TO THAT!!

Watch, listen, and reply in kind ...  OK?

Christ in our home: The nature of God

Christ in our home: The nature of God: Psalm 85:8-13 Faithfulness will spring up from the ground.  (v. 11) God, shower righteousness upon our world and grow our faithfulne...

The nature of God

Psalm 85:8-13

Faithfulness will spring up from the ground.  (v. 11)

God, shower righteousness upon our world and grow our faithfulness.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those displaced by extreme weather

Amen to that !!

ltr

Christ in our home: Vocation of faith

Christ in our home: Vocation of faith: Amos 7:7-15 I am no prophet, nor a prophet's son.  (v.14) God, no matter what our daily work, guide us to serve you and others.  ...

Vocation of faith

Amos 7:7-15

I am no prophet, nor a prophet's son.  (v.14)

God, no matter what our daily work, guide us to serve you and others.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those making career changes

My prayer: SALLY ... SALLY ... SALLY

Christ in our home: Worship where we are

Christ in our home: Worship where we are: Colossians 4:2-18 Devote yourselves to prayer, keep alert in it with thanksgiving.  (v. 2) God, stir us to prayer and thanksgiving no...

Worship where we are

Colossians 4:2-18

Devote yourselves to prayer, keep alert in it with thanksgiving.  (v. 2)

God, stir us to prayer and thanksgiving no matter where we find ourselves.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those traveling and studying abroad

My prayer concern:  Dealing with my ANGER ...   OLD FARM CHURCH ...   GONE!!!

Praying for our new supreme court nominee

Christ in our home: Patience for patience's sake

Christ in our home: Patience for patience's sake: James 5:7-12 You also must be patient . . . for the coming of the Lord is near.  (v. 8) God, bless our waiting so that we may use it ...

Patience for patience's sake

James 5:7-12

You also must be patient . . . for the coming of the Lord is near.  (v. 8)

God, bless our waiting so that we may use it to serve you and others.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those awaiting medical test results

My prayer:  SALLY

Christ in our home: Deep listening to God

Christ in our home: Deep listening to God: Ezekiel 2:8 - - - 3:11 All my words that I shall speak to you . . . hear with your ears.  (3:10) God, quiet our constant chatter, so ...

Deep listening to God

Ezekiel 2:8 - - - 3:11

All my words that I shall speak to you . . . hear with your ears.  (3:10)

God, quiet our constant chatter, so that we may listen more deeply to you.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Counselors and social workers

My prayer :   Just listen and reply in kind ...  (if you dare)

Christ in our home: Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Christ in our home: Seventh Sunday after Pentecost: Mark 6:1-13 And he was amazed at their unbelief.  (v. 6) God, form us into people who celebrate Jesus and follow his example.  In Je...

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Mark 6:1-13

And he was amazed at their unbelief.  (v. 6)

God, form us into people who celebrate Jesus and follow his example.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Communities dealing with loss

My prayer:  Sally

Christ in our home: Perfecting weakness

Christ in our home: Perfecting weakness: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.  (v. 9) God, continue to transform and ...

Perfecting weakness

2 Corinthians 12:2-10

My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.  (v. 9)

God, continue to transform and empower me in times of weakness.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Church council members

Amen to that ..  And a Happy Birthday to my beloved Sally !!  :)

Christ in our home: Catching a break

Christ in our home: Catching a break: Psalm 123 To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!  (v. 1) God, you are our respite in despair.  Stir us to ...

Catching a break

Psalm 123

To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!  (v. 1)

God, you are our respite in despair.  Stir us to reflect the light of your mercy to others in our words and deeds.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  First responders in natural disasters

Pray for the soccer team trapped in a cave in Thailand.

l8r

Christ in our home: Everyone loves a rebel ... JKM estrangement

Christ in our home: Everyone loves a rebel ... JKM estrangement: Ezekiel 2:1-5 They are a rebellious house.  (v. 5) God, when we rebel, continue to guide us back to truth and faith.  In Jesus' ...

Everyone loves a rebel ... JKM estrangement

Ezekiel 2:1-5

They are a rebellious house.  (v. 5)

God, when we rebel, continue to guide us back to truth and faith.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those estranged from their families

That would be JKM

l8r

Soloist at rehearsal

Steve's daughters

More time

2 Kings 20:1-11

I have seen your tears;  indeed, I will heal you.  (v.5)

God, free us from the anxiety of time, that we may value the gift of your life.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those beginning college soon

My prayer today is help me make it through the choir singing at Grace Episcopal.  I will now see how BIG M did.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY !!!

Christ in our home: Thomas, Apostle

Christ in our home: Thomas, Apostle: John 14:1-7 Jesus said to him. "I am the way, and the truth, and the life."  (v. 6) God, take my hand in times of question...

Thomas, Apostle

John 14:1-7

Jesus said to him. "I am the way, and the truth, and the life."  (v. 6)

God, take my hand in times of questioning and send your Spirit to lead the way to deeper faith.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Those who lead confirmation ministries

My prayer is also to help us veterans deal with anger.  My group therapy at the VA is interesting listening to my fellow veterans and how they're dealing with their anger.

If I can be of any help leading anyone to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my purpose in life will be fulfilled

That's all for today.  Back to work ....   WAIT, I'm retired, I don't have a job to go to.

.

Complicated Answers

Mark 9:14-29

I believe;  help my unbelief!  (v. 24)

God, in times of questioning, grant me clarity through your unending love.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Prayer concern:  Vacation Bible school teachers and leaders

Amen to that !!