My Pastoral Ponderings

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Author: Rev. James E. Laurence

A Lutheran pastor pondering my way through God's beloved world and sharing my sermons, devotions and other ponderings here: https://mypastoralponderings.com/

Posted on June 9, 2023June 8, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence

Mercy, Not Sacrifice: My Sermon on Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Jesus tells us to "go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'" Here is my sermon on this theme, found in Matthew 9:13 and in Hosea 6:6.

Posted on June 2, 2023June 1, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 2 Comments

Grace, Love, and Communion: My Sermon on 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 for Holy Trinity Sunday

The gifts of the Holy Trinity include the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit. Here is sermon on these gifts for Holy Trinity Sunday.

Posted on May 30, 2023May 29, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 5 Comments

Mourning with Jesus

Jesus blesses those who mourn, but what does it mean to mourn with Jesus? Here is a brief reflection on that question, in a devotion that I wrote for my congregation on the beatitudes of Jesus found in Matthew 5:1-12.

Posted on May 26, 2023May 25, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 3 Comments

Pentecost for Us: My Sermon for the Day of Pentecost on John 20:19-23

On the Day of Pentecost we gather to give thanks for the miraculous gift of the Holy Spirit. But what does this miracle mean for us today? Here is my sermon on the Day of Pentecost.

Posted on May 23, 2023May 16, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 1 Comment

What Does It Mean to Be Poor in Spirit?

What does it mean to be poor in spirit? Here is a brief reflection on that question, in a devotion that I wrote for my congregation on the beatitudes of Jesus found in Matthew 5:1-12.

Posted on May 16, 2023May 15, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 4 Comments

The Path of Blessedness

Here is the first of a new devotional series I wrote for my congregation on the beatitudes of Jesus found in Matthew 5:1-12.

Posted on May 12, 2023May 11, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 2 Comments

Defending Our Hope: My Sermon on Acts 17:22-31

Always be ready to defend our hope, Peter writes. And Paul shows us how to do that, in his sermon in front of the Areopagus. Here is my sermon on Acts 17:22-31.

Posted on May 5, 2023May 4, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 2 Comments

Our Way, Our Truth, Our Life: My Sermon on John 14:1-14

Jesus is our way, our truth, and our life. Here is my sermon on John 14:1-14 for the Fifth Sunday of Easter.

Posted on April 21, 2023April 20, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 3 Comments

Learning on the Road to Emmaus: My Sermon on Luke 24:13-35

The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus has much to teach us about our walk with Christ. Here is my sermon on Luke 24:13-35.

Posted on April 10, 2023April 3, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 4 Comments

Seven Stanzas at Easter | John Updike

A poem in celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord: "Seven Stanzas at Easter" by John Updike.

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  • Mercy, Not Sacrifice: My Sermon on Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26
  • Why He Walked on Water: My Sermon on Matthew 14:22-33
  • Rejoice in the Lord: My Sermon on Philippians 4:4-7
  • What Does the Lord Require of You? My Sermon on Micah 6:8
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  • Even Though He Sleeps, Christ Is in the Boat: My Sermon on Mark 4:35-41
  • The Message of the Cross: My Sermon on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
  • What Does It Mean to Pray “Forgive Us Our Trespasses”?
  • My Top 52 Scripture Passages to Memorize

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