Click here for sermon "See how the Mighty Have Fallen"
Our scripture today gave us a eulogy composed by David following the death of King Saul and his son (David’s best friend) Jonathan. Although Saul had treated David disgracefully David recalls all that was best about Saul, alongside expressing his grief over Jonathan’s loss.
Some important lessons from this passage:
1. Look for the best in situations and people, no matter how they have treated us.
“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things” (Phillipians 4:8)
Action: Think of somebody we are not getting along with or a situation that we are finding it hard to deal with. Ask God to show us the positives that are there amongst the negatives. Pray that God will help us deal with that person or situation in the light of the good rather than the bad.
2. Acknowledge that God’s hand has guided us through our opponents. The Book of Proverbs teaches us ‘Iron sharpens iron”. David found the grace to recognize God at work in those who troubled him as well as in those who blessed him.
Action: Consider how in our past we have traveled through times when everything seemed against us. But here we are still telling the story! Thank God not just for those who have encouraged us, but also for the way those who opposed us have forced us to focus on things we might otherwise have avoided.
3. Speaking of our pain and our loss can break their power over us.
Central to Christian faith is a painful, undeserved and ugly blood-stained Cross. The forces that crucified Christ are still at work in our world. Recognizing and naming the hurt they cause is a positive step towards healing. In his eulogy David does not hold back from expressing his pain.
Action: Prayerfully bring to the Cross the painful places and open wounds that still haunt us. See how in Christ God enters into sharing our pain. Seek for His Holy Spirit to renew and recreate that which has been broken.
Sting in the tale.
The time will come for us when we will attend our own funeral. What then will the preacher say? Or maybe we will be blissfully unconcerned because the only words that we hear are from God. ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant!”
Monday, June 29, 2009
Michael Jackson "Man in the Mirror" 1988
Luke 6:45 "The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks."
Monday, June 22, 2009
Bringing Down the Giants
Click here for text of "Bringing Down the Giants" sermon
The Apostle Paul wrote “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). As a boy David found confidence, not in outward appearance, but in his relationship with God. Outwardly things looked hopeless. Goliath was seemingly unbeatable. David’s faith allowed him to look beyond the problem, to something greater.
1. Are there any situations we are facing that seem overwhelming? Ask God to help us see beyond how things appear and to help us find the will of God in that situation.
David had confidence that God had a plan for his life. He was content therefore to be himself and felt he had no need to live up to other people’s expectations. He rejected the armor of Saul in favor of 5 smooth stones and a sling.
2. Are there any situations in which we are allowing other peoples expectations to make our decisions for us? What would change if we did it God’s way?
David trusted that God would supply the strength and wisdom he needed to deal with a giant that blocked the way to God’s blessings. It was not David’s power, but God’s power that changed everything.
3. Think of situations where you feel powerless. Acknowledge your weakness and seek God’s strength to help you overcome.
Recall some of God’s promises:
“I will be with you always even to the end of all ages”
“I am the Lord Your God and you are my people”
“I will never leave you or forsake you”
“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble”.
The Apostle Paul wrote “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). As a boy David found confidence, not in outward appearance, but in his relationship with God. Outwardly things looked hopeless. Goliath was seemingly unbeatable. David’s faith allowed him to look beyond the problem, to something greater.
1. Are there any situations we are facing that seem overwhelming? Ask God to help us see beyond how things appear and to help us find the will of God in that situation.
David had confidence that God had a plan for his life. He was content therefore to be himself and felt he had no need to live up to other people’s expectations. He rejected the armor of Saul in favor of 5 smooth stones and a sling.
2. Are there any situations in which we are allowing other peoples expectations to make our decisions for us? What would change if we did it God’s way?
David trusted that God would supply the strength and wisdom he needed to deal with a giant that blocked the way to God’s blessings. It was not David’s power, but God’s power that changed everything.
3. Think of situations where you feel powerless. Acknowledge your weakness and seek God’s strength to help you overcome.
Recall some of God’s promises:
“I will be with you always even to the end of all ages”
“I am the Lord Your God and you are my people”
“I will never leave you or forsake you”
“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble”.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Faith and Johnny Cash
I found this video clip, from Mars Hill church, and wanted to share! I guess we all wrestle with our own demons. Johnny seemed to have more than his fair share... but God still broke through.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Bread for the World- letter writing campaign - June 21st
Bread for the World is calling on Congress "to rework U.S. foreign assistance to make it more effective in reducing poverty - starting by ensuring that poverty reduction is the primary goal of foreign assistance". Following worship on June 21st we will be meeting in the Beyer Hall to sign prepared letters to be sent to our Senators and House Representatives. Last year a record 80 letters were mailed. This year we hope to top that!
Summer Sermon Series - The Life of David
Beginning July 21st (Which is also Fathers Day and our day for honoring our Graduates) I'll be beginning a series on the life of David, based on the Old Testament Readings suggested by the Lectionary. Our first passage to be considered will be 1 Samuel 17:32-49 -"Bringing Down Giants". We all face 'giant-size' problems in our lives. David was a person of faith who didn't let such things bring him down.
Seeds of Faith
Click for 'Seeds of Faith' sermon.
As part of our reflection the story was told of 'John', a young man whose bad experiences led him to embracing a racist ideology. A change came into his life when his friend Jill invited him to attend her church. Seeds of hatred gradually began to be replaced by seeds of faith. One of the images given us by Jesus is that the 'Word' is a 'Seed'. By inviting others to worship with you there is a chance that seeds may also be sown in their lives.
1. Pray that God will open doors of opportunity for inviting others to share in the life of our Church.
Mention was also made of the fact that seeds grow at their own pace. The Kingdom of God, as Bob Dylan sang, is 'A Slow Train Coming'. But it is coming, as a comparison between life in our day compared to that of previous centuries seems to show. We should remember to thank God for those who sowed the seeds of the Kingdom in our past, seeds that have led us to where we are today.
2. Who were the people who sowed seeds of faith in your own life? Thank God for them.
We are called to carry on sowing! Not only as a Church community, but also to nurture our own spiritual growth. "Be Patient. God hasn't finished with you yet!"
3. Ask God to show you areas in your own life where spiritual growth is needed.
As part of our reflection the story was told of 'John', a young man whose bad experiences led him to embracing a racist ideology. A change came into his life when his friend Jill invited him to attend her church. Seeds of hatred gradually began to be replaced by seeds of faith. One of the images given us by Jesus is that the 'Word' is a 'Seed'. By inviting others to worship with you there is a chance that seeds may also be sown in their lives.
1. Pray that God will open doors of opportunity for inviting others to share in the life of our Church.
Mention was also made of the fact that seeds grow at their own pace. The Kingdom of God, as Bob Dylan sang, is 'A Slow Train Coming'. But it is coming, as a comparison between life in our day compared to that of previous centuries seems to show. We should remember to thank God for those who sowed the seeds of the Kingdom in our past, seeds that have led us to where we are today.
2. Who were the people who sowed seeds of faith in your own life? Thank God for them.
We are called to carry on sowing! Not only as a Church community, but also to nurture our own spiritual growth. "Be Patient. God hasn't finished with you yet!"
3. Ask God to show you areas in your own life where spiritual growth is needed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
