THE NEXT RESPONSE

October 2, 2016

Pentecost 21

Jeremiah 29:4-7

Luke 17:11-19

(prayer)

ad libed sermon

·      Is there anyone here, who has lived in the same house/appt for as long as you can remember?

·      By far, most of us have gone through a move.

·      Happy moves.  Sad moves.

·      “House” - a place to lay your head, keep your stuff.

·      “Home” - a place that is yours (figuratively more than literally), shared, emotional connection.

·      Jeremiah - make your house a home.

·      What makes a house a home?

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·      Gratitude in Luke.  Was Jesus bothered by lack of thank you? Or that attitude of gratitude was absent - especially among Hebrews.  The Hebrew scriptures are filled with words that encourage thankfulness.

·      Be thankful for what we have - more than regret what we do not.

·      What do we have?

(from God, from others...)

·      Share our excess.

·      Appreciate in heart and action.

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Let us pray:

Holy One;

Re-orient us with a spirit of gratitude for your abundant love, which is all around us.  Amen.

#174MV “Soil of God”