February Sermons

“You don't have a chance against him,” Saul replied. “You're only a boy, and he's been a soldier all his life. Saul had his own military clothes and armor put on David, and he gave David a bronze helmet to wear. David strapped on a sword and tried to walk around, but he was not used to wearing those things. “I can't move with all this stuff on,” David said. “I'm just not used to it.” David took off the armor and picked up his shepherd's stick.

He went out to a stream and picked up five smooth rocks and put them in his leather bag. Then with his sling in his hand, he went straight toward Goliath. David put his hand into his bag and took out a stone and slung it, and it struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone penetrated his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground. So, David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and he struck down the Philistine and killed him; but there was no sword in David’s hand.”

 As Christians we are called to see the world as it is and then to practice on making the world as it should be.  Robert Linthicum

“The biblical concept for justice is simple, it means to treat people equitably and it includes all classes of people. It includes everything that makes for people’s well-being and security.”-Tim Keller.

·     BFRJ) addresses what has been unfair, unjust, or exploitative. It is about repairing, fixing, and looking at what’s wrong and supporting, experimenting, and executing out how to make it right.

·     BFRJ) is primarily about being in a right relationship with God and the righteous life is profoundly social.

Not Playing Too Small

·         The world as it should be offers fairness, mutuality, and wishes for each other health, security, long life, prosperity, successful completion of an enterprise, and victory in life’s battles and wars.

·         The church is responsible to point the world as it is to the world as it should be. The world as it should be is the Shalom community.

·         Shalom is a political word, an economic word, and a religious word that is meant to be corporate and society wide as well as personal, individual, and family wide” 

• Don’t Underestimate Anyone, Including Yourself

• Confidence Is Built in Stages

• Never Underestimate What God Can Do Through You

• Do Everything Well

• Your “Now” is Preparation for Your Destiny

• Make Use of What You Already Have

• God Is Bigger Than What You Are Facing

• Divine Intervention

Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.

 You don’t have to hold a position in order to be a leader.”  Anthony J. D'Angelo

  The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.  Pablo Picasso

   The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.  Corrie Ten Boon

(ACE) Adverse Community Environment is the result of historical and ongoing discrimination against racial and ethnic minorities which fosters and incubates unequal access to resources, opportunities, and services. These conditions lead to long-term negative outcomes for residents, impacting their overall quality of life which creates and perpetuates cycles of poverty, violence, and instability.

How ACEs Affect Communities:

• Generational Trauma: Ongoing adversity leads to trauma that manifests mental health issues and substance abuse, with coping strategies sometimes misinterpreted as self-sabotage.

• Economic Disparities: Limited access to quality education and employment perpetuates cycles of poverty and hinders wealth accumulation.

• Social Isolation: Adverse environments can fragment communities, eroding support systems and fostering distrust in institutions.

• Educational Barriers: Underfunded schools and resources hinder academic achievement, perpetuating disadvantages for future generations.

• Health Disparities: Poor health outcomes and barriers to healthcare access compound the effects of ACEs.

Here are some common misconceptions about leadership:

• Leaders Are Born, Not Made: Many believe that leadership qualities are innate. In reality, leadership skills can be developed through experience, education, and practice.

• Leadership Equals Authority: Some think that having a title or position automatically makes someone a leader. True leadership is about influence and the ability to inspire others, regardless of formal authority.

• Leaders Must Have All the Answers: It’s a misconception that leaders need to know everything. Effective leaders seek input, embrace collaboration, and are open to learning from others.

• Leaders Are Always Charismatic: While charisma can help, it’s not a requirement for effective leadership. Authenticity, integrity, and consistency are often more important traits.

“But the Spirit of the Lord had left Saul, and instead, the Lord had sent a tormenting spirit that filled him with depression and fear. Some of Saul’s aides suggested a cure. “We’ll find a good harpist to play for you whenever the tormenting spirit is bothering you,” they said. “The harp music will quiet you and you’ll soon be well again.” “All right,” Saul said. “Find me a harpist.”

One of them said he knew a young fellow in Bethlehem, the son of a man named Jesse, who was not only a talented harp player, but was handsome, brave, and strong, and had good, solid judgment. “What’s more,” he added, “the Lord is with him.” So, Saul sent messengers to Jesse, asking that he send his son David the shepherd. From the instant he saw David, Saul admired and loved him; and David became his bodyguard. Then Saul wrote to Jesse, “Please let David join my staff, for I am very fond of him.” And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp and Saul would feel better, and the evil spirit would go away.”

 Do not have your concert first and then tune your instrument afterwards. Hudson Taylor

Maintain Neutral Conversations: 

Try to focus on keeping discussions neutral and avoid topics that may lead to conflict or discomfort.

Accept Reality:

Acknowledge people for who they are. When interacting with challenging individuals, resist the urge to change them.

Recognize Their Traits: 

It's important to see the best in others, but also to acknowledge their negative traits.

Establish Boundaries: 

If you find it necessary, give yourself space. Recognize when it's time to distance yourself, especially if interactions become antagonistic. Minimizing contact may be beneficial.

Practice Politeness: 

Remember that you don’t need to be close to everyone. Being polite and respectful if allowed to be is sufficient.

Cultivate Positive Relationships: 

Try to build and nurture positive relationships in your life to balance the challenges of interacting with difficult individuals.

Just as David was willing to play the harp, we too must be open and available for God to use us in meaningful ways. This requires a willingness to respond to divine calls.

While David played his harp, God orchestrated the larger narrative of David's life. We too are invited to collaborate with God, using our resources and abilities to participate in God’s work on Earth.

Each of us has unique gifts—whether it’s music, art, words of encouragement, or acts of service. We can offer these gifts to uplift others.

We must also remember to be instruments for ourselves. Caring for our mental, emotional, and spiritual health is crucial.