Date: 04 Mar 2002
Time: 11:50:18

Comments

This is Girl Scout Sunday. At first glance, this pericope has a wonderful message about God using the least expected person by standards of physical power, political pull, or even rank. Perhaps Girl Scouts, who are taught to be responsible community members, could relate to the selection process and be empowered. MTSOfan


Date: 04 Mar 2002
Time: 15:19:43

Comments

I will be preaching to a group of rejected, lonely people this Sunday -- what a lovely passage for them! laluz in Texas


Date: 04 Mar 2002
Time: 18:11:55

Comments

"God's Unlike Choice." I am constantly amazed at the individuals God chooses to lead his people (myself in particular). Recently, I have been greatly moved by the death of a fellow clergy person. Gary was an unlikely candidate to champion God's word and work. Small in stature and voice and confined to a wheel chair, Gary lived among God's people, witnessed to young men who had drifted from the church, and led one of his congregations into hearing and doing God's work. Sadly, one of his churches could not overcome Gary's image. However, his death may have an even greater impact upon that reluctant church as hearts were softened. Ironically, I have just received information on Disability Awareness Sunday. I think I will endeavor to tie this all together.


Date: 05 Mar 2002
Time: 12:34:55

Comments

According to Tucker (Preaching through the Christian Year), Joseph was the youngest son of Jesse, who was a member of the smallest tribe of Israel. In fact, notes Tucker, David wasn't even allowed at the feast in which the animal was sacrificed.

I'm still mulling the fact that I'm preaching to Girl Scouts -- as well as to folks who probably don't think highly of their own abilities to work in solidarity with God. Perhaps for illustration purposes, a good analogy is the Cinderella story. She was the step-sister, the least likely person to have been to the ball with the prince. "King Cinderella"? MTSOFan


Date: 05 Mar 2002
Time: 12:35:37

Comments

When is disabilities awarness sunday? Nancy-Wi


Date: 05 Mar 2002
Time: 13:26:05

Comments

"God's Unlikely Choice"... TN Mack


Date: 05 Mar 2002
Time: 13:30:36

Comments

Nancy WI There is no set date for Disabilities Awareness Sunday. Materials are available through Semar at 1-800-527-3627 TN Mack


Date: 05 Mar 2002
Time: 17:28:02

Comments

TN Mack thanks. I have to get this congregation moving on thinking about an elevator! Only $$$$ pop up no thought to the ministry it would allow. Nancy-Wi


Date: 06 Mar 2002
Time: 05:32:23

Comments

Just a few comments on the text. The Lord doesn't look upon the outward appearance but what are we told about the one God has chosen? "Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome." Sounds like the writer of Samuel didn't get it. Either that or perhaps he's communicating in a way that everyone would understand. This reminds me of the folks who say personality comes first but want us to send a photo.

I also thought Samuel's response was interesting. The Spirit comes on David in a mighty way and then Samuel leaves for Ramah. No sense hanging around, I've done my part...it's up to the Spirit and David now.

John near Pitts.


Date: 06 Mar 2002
Time: 09:29:39

Comments

Movies are a good example of what this story is all about. Hispanics in Hollywood are portrayed as gardeners, maids, drug producers. Blacks like drug consumers and welfare recipients. But in the escenario Whites are the saviors of the world (some others are angels) Unfortunately that's the way we are looking the world. Are we looking with the eyes of God or with the eyes of Hollywood? (flesh). Do you know a Hispanic? - say Hello with your heart Are you closer to an African American? tell him/her brother/sister. We must look with the eyes of God.


Date: 06 Mar 2002
Time: 09:29:47

Comments

Movies are a good example of what this story is all about. Hispanics in Hollywood are portrayed as gardeners, maids, drug producers. Blacks like drug consumers and welfare recipients. But in the escenario Whites are the saviors of the world (some others are angels) Unfortunately that's the way we are looking the world. Are we looking with the eyes of God or with the eyes of Hollywood? (flesh). Do you know a Hispanic? - say Hello with your heart Are you closer to an African American? tell him/her brother/sister. We must look with the eyes of God.


Date: 06 Mar 2002
Time: 09:31:04

Comments

Movies are a good example of what this story is all about. Hispanics in Hollywood are portrayed as gardeners, maids, drug producers. Blacks like drug consumers and welfare recipients. But in the escenario Whites are the saviors of the world (some others are angels) Unfortunately that's the way we are looking the world. Are we looking with the eyes of God or with the eyes of Hollywood? (flesh). Do you know a Hispanic? - say Hello with your heart Are you closer to an African American? tell him/her brother/sister. We must look with the eyes of God.


Date: 06 Mar 2002
Time: 17:06:44

Comments

God sees good things in us that we have missed. (God looks on the heart...)

to John in Pitts - I always had the same question: Why do they mention that David was handsome, if God doesn't look on the outward appearance? I always made sense of it this way... people weren't impressed with beauty in a king. They were impressed with strength, height, ability to wield a sword etc. And eyes... you can see a person's soul through their eyes. But maybe this is just justification of a contradiction that can't be resolved?

DGinNYC


Date: 07 Mar 2002
Time: 05:25:34

Comments

I think a good title for this text might be, "Executive Decision".

God tells Samuel that Saul is history, to go to Jesse in Bethlehem. God says, "I have provided for myself, a king." Not, "I have provided for the people a king."

Samuel tells God that Saul might not take the news very well and might be a bit on the homicidal side if he finds out. Samuel is worried for his life. God says, "Go!" Samuel obeys.

It's tough sometimes doing the Lord's work. (I'm still hoping that I don't end up in some strange country eating food that would gag a maggot...wait, maybe that was my "Survivor" nightmare).

It's tough not being in charge.

John near Pitts.


Date: 07 Mar 2002
Time: 19:37:33

Comments

John in Pitt wrote "Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome." Sounds like the writer of Samuel didn't get it

Perhaps, John, David was handsome and the writer is just bearing out God's words--that we do indeed look on the outward appearance

Auggie in UMland


Date: 08 Mar 2002
Time: 10:18:31

Comments

Re John near Pitts I've been wrestling with this one too. Ruddy isn't all that great of a comment. And the others have to be taken in comparison with Saul (I Sam 9:2) "And he had a choice and handsome sone whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person that he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people." How do you follow that up. David's descirption sound like the ugly blind date compared to Saul. "Well, she's got nice eyes!" "Yeah, she's pretty." Right. Craig in Miami


Date: 08 Mar 2002
Time: 10:19:14

Comments

Re John near Pitts I've been wrestling with this one too. Ruddy isn't all that great of a comment. And the others have to be taken in comparison with Saul (I Sam 9:2) "And he had a choice and handsome sone whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person that he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people." How do you follow that up. David's descirption sound like the ugly blind date compared to Saul. "Well, she's got nice eyes!" "Yeah, she's pretty." Right. Craig in Miami


Date: 08 Mar 2002
Time: 10:49:36

Comments

Craig in Miami: I read somewhere that perhaps the description of Eliab, since it's so close to the description of Saul, was meant to say that God is rejecting Saul -- in effigy. An interesting thought, whether or not it's accurate!

Also: maybe people who are good-looking in a popular sense can take comfort in that Yahweh didn't reject David BECAUSE he was good-looking. I've known folks who feel stereotyped because they're naturally attractive. The good stuff within them can be used for God's work, despite the conclusions that others might jump to, about the person being shallow, etc. MTSOfan


Date: 09 Mar 2002
Time: 01:34:01

Comments

I am here in Kuwait. This Sunday we are looking at the fith response of the blind man, the faith response of our community.

What about the blind man yall?


Date: 09 Mar 2002
Time: 08:16:02

Comments

16:2 Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me."

I'm going in a similar direction to John near Pitts - my title is "Doing Right Anyhow" - that we have to stand up for what we are to stand up for, even though it may not be popular with others or with authority.

Yesterday I took one of our foster kids to see Harry Potter in French - I'd already seen it with my own kids in English. I know there has been much debate on it, but Harry did try to figure out what he should do in a way that was not just toeing the line. And then there was his friend who tried to stop Harry and the other two - he got credit in the end for standing up to his friends, an act, the movie says, takes more courage than standing up to your enemies. (I'm not exactly sure of the line - I was falling asleep....)

peace

kent in QC