Sermons on Psalms
Job Is Questioned
October 17, 2021———-Rev. Patrick Mecham Job 38: 1-7, 34-41———-Psalm 104: 1-9, 24, 35c———-21st Sunday after Pentecost Do you know any “know-it-alls”? You know, people who either think they know everything or at least like to give the impression that they have a firm grasp of everything worth knowing. Years ago, I was telling a friend that we were looking at moving to Elko, Nevada. He asked me, “What’s the base of the economy there?” and I told him, “Gold mining”…
Letting Go and Letting In
Psalm 90: 12-17……….Mark 10: 17-31……….20th Sunday after Pentecost October 10, 2021……….Rev. Patrick Mecham Letting Go and Letting In…………….Special Message by Maggie A.F. Harmon, Esq. A common critique of my sermons that I have received, and it may be a mistake to start a sermon by telling you what the problems are, but here goes – a common critique I have heard is that I am too academic (not shocking in a presbyterian church) and that I don’t share enough of…
Audacious Asking
Psalm 124———-James 5: 13-30———-18th Sunday after Pentecost September 26, 2021 Many years ago, I met two 14-year-olds that were in the youth group at the church where I was a new intern. Within ten minutes of meeting me, they asked, “Can we borrow your car?” I was flabbergasted! What an audacious request! Firstly, they were too young to drive. Secondly, I barely knew them—but they appeared to be entirely serious about it! I said, “No, guys. Sorry.” And they said,…
Recovering Believers
Recovering Believers 2nd Easter Psalm 133 April 11, 2021 John 20:19-31 Back in 1935, a man suffering from alcoholism was told that there was no medical cure—and then he was encouraged to find a spiritual means to sobriety. He sought out others who might be able to help—and Alcoholics Anonymous was born! Using a 12-step program, AA helps people face their situation with honesty, integrity, as well as mutual encouragement and support. It has spawned thousands of chapters, as well…
To Save, NOT Condemn
To Save, NOT Condemn—–4th Sunday in Lent Psalm 107: 1-3, 17-22—–Ephesians 2: 1-10—–March 14, 2021—–John 3: 14-21 When I was about 7 years old, I was playing over at a friend’s house. We were out in the shop with his dad, who was puttering around with an engine. My friend showed me something really cool—a miniature branding iron that he had made by bending a piece of wire into a shape. He heated up the brand part in a little…
Lead Me in Your Truth
Lead Me in Your Truth 1st Lent Feb. 21, 2021 Psalm 25:1-10 1 Peter 3:18-22 Mark 1:9-15 I have been thinking this week about TRUTH, and (as always) it has reminded me of a movie—one that focuses on how important it is to tell the truth. It’s called “Liar, Liar” and it stars Jim Carrey as a lawyer who uses lies in every aspect of his life, both his professional life and his personal life. He is suddenly no longer…
Sam, Nate, Mack and Papa
Sam, Nate, Mack and Papa 2nd Sunday of Epiphany 1 Samuel 3: 1-10 January 17, 2021 Psalm 139: 1-6, 13-18; John 1: 43-51 The human brain is a wonder. The mind and its ability to capture ideas and concepts. And perhaps its greatest ability is that no one can perceive the thoughts of another person. Our thoughts are truly our own until we choose to share them in one way or another. No other person knows what truly goes on…
Christmas Has Just Begun
Psalm 148 December 27, 2020 Colossians 3:12-17 I want you to imagine that you are going to a really wonderful concert. You’ve been standing in line for a long time, and the outside speakers have been playing music from the featured group to really get you in the mood for the concert. Vendors have been moving up and down the line, selling souvenirs that focus on this concert, and your whole group is loaded up with fun items. The expectations…
To See the Blessings
Psalm 100 Ephesians 1:15-23 There’s an old song I know, much-loved but not much-used any more. The refrain goes like this: “Count your blessings, Name them one by one; Count your blessings, See what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, See what God hatch done.” See what God has done. We’re coming up to Thanksgiving Day here shortly—a day with plenty of traditions and expectations—a day when many of our familiar routines will…
The Joy of Labor
The Joy of Labor 13th Pentecost Psalm 105:1-6 August 30, 2020 Romans 12:9-21 Most of you know the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and how they disobeyed God and basically got kicked out of the Garden. Eve was told that her punishment would be that her pains in childbirth were going to be increased, and Adam was now going to have to earn his food with hard labor. His punishment is described like this: “Cursed is…