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We have a variety of themes and images from which to draw in preparing sermons for this Sunday. Psalm 139 provides comfort in the knowledge of being known and loved, Jeremiah 18 reminds us God the Master Shaper of nations and people, Philippians 1 is its own repository of prayers and gratitude and joy and praxis; and Luke 14 is the strong call to discipleship and counting the cost.

PSALM 139:1-6; 13-18-GOD’S COMPLETE KNOWLEDGE OF US

This psalm describes in the most comforting and exquisite language, God’s knowledge about the individual. The writer gushes in the awareness that God "knows everything about me" (nlt v. 1). Whether sitting, standing, thinking, walking, conversing-God’s presence abides Can such a presence be escaped from? No. Whether in heaven or hell, hitching a ride on a solar ray around the globe or sitting on the remotest island or , hiding in the darkness, nothing escapes God’s presence. God’s knowing of us even penetrates the womb. The final thoughts shift to self-righteousness against evil doers, with the immediate thought that perhaps the writer also harbors offensive thoughts; thus, the psalmist prays for divine evaluation of his/her life: "Search me, O god, and know my heart" (v. 23).

JEREMIAH 18:1-11-GET THEE TO THE POTTERY SHOP

God sends Jeremiah down to the local pottery shop to observe the making of clay vessels. He sees the potter at the wheel reworking marred pots into different pots. "See that, Jeremiah," God asks. "That’s what I do with nations. I can change them from one purpose to another." God goes on to say that if a nation is evil and headed for destruction, yet if they change their destructive ways, the Master Potter can relent and craft them into a completely different purpose-that of blessing. But this works both ways. So "turn now from your evil way, and amend your ways and your doings" (v. 11).

PHILEMON 1-21

A suitable "Labor Day" kind of message: "It is the work of divine grace to make "unprofitable" persons profitable. When apprehended by a sense that God’s favor is being personally felt and known, every person can be changed into someone whose life offers profit (beneficial fruit) to God and to others.
  

LUKE 14:25-33-CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

These words are similar to what we encountered in the 11th Sunday of Pentecost (Luke 12:49-56): harsh and strongly worded instructions about discipleship. Nothing can balance out devotion and commitment to me, Jesus seems to say-not mother, father, wife, or children. Count the cost-as would a construction boss or a military general-before making the commitment. A cryptic saying about saltiness and flavorless salt closes the lesson.