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A Stronger Alloy
Introduction This is a homily I prepared for a wedding held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009. Readings Proverbs 3:3-6 Psalm 128 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13 Matthew 5:14-16 Message The kind of love that St. Paul praises in the famous passage he wrote to the Corinthians is like an alloy…
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Returning to the Lord
“Come, let us return to the LORD; for it is he who has torn, and he will heal us; he has struck down, and he will bind us up.” (Hosea 6:1, NRSV)
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The Story of Yarn
Introduction This is a funeral homily I preached on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, at a graveside service in Beatrice, Neb. Readings Psalm 121 Philippians 3:20-21 2 Corinthians 5:1-9 Psalm 23 Message Alice’s family likes to tell stories, stories about Alice, stories that show their love for her and her love for them and for the…
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Word and Works
“For the word of the Lord is faithful and all his works to be trusted.” (Psalm 33:4, LH)
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God’s Mercy Encourages
“Because we possess this ministry through God’s mercy, we do not give in to discouragement.” (2 Corinthians 4:1, LH)
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Solid Footing
“I keep my foot from every evil path, that I may keep your word, O Lord.” (Psalm 119:101, LH)
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Weight of Glory
“Our troubles pass quickly and their burden seems light when we compare them to the weight of eternal glory which far exceeds the burden of our suffering.” (2 Corinthians 4:17, LH)
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At the Crossroads
Introduction This reflection was one I shared with the pastors of the Trails West Cluster, Nebraska Synod, sometime in 1991, in response to the High Plains Project, an initiative to bring together clergy and laity in the cluster to plan for the future of ministry among the congregations. Reflection Our cluster stands at the crossroads,…
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Taking Courage
“Be strong, let your heart take courage, all who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24, LH)
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The Bread of Life
“Jesus said to [the crowd], ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” (John 6:35, NRSV) He is bread for the living, the loaf that gives us life, the bread broken in death so that we may live, the loaf…