Faith and Courage: Finding Peace in Life's Storms
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Churchill United on this beautiful day! Today, we celebrate Song Sunday with more music than usual and a brief reflection. We are grateful for the break in the rain and the presence of our congregation, including our furry friend, Tucker. As we prepare for our summer break, we have several announcements, including birthdays and upcoming events like the Guildford Barbecue on August 17th.
We also take a moment to honor National Indigenous Peoples Day, recognizing the importance of living with respect in creation, as taught by Jesus. Our readings today include the story of David and Goliath and Jesus calming the storm, both of which remind us of the power of faith and courage.
David, a young shepherd, faced the giant Goliath with nothing but faith and a few stones, teaching us that God equips us with what we need to face our battles. Similarly, Jesus calms the storm, showing us that even in our most turbulent times, we can find peace through faith in Him.
Reflecting on these stories, I shared personal anecdotes about courage and faith, including my childhood experiences with bullying and how faith helped me through life's storms. I also recounted a moment when I prayed for a storm to stop, and it did, illustrating the power of prayer and faith.
As we prepare to leave for Ireland, I encourage you to remember three key things: pray and trust God during life's storms, respond to enemies with kindness, and avoid worrying by placing your faith in God. We are grateful for the support of our church family and look forward to reuniting in August.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith in the Face of Giants: David's story teaches us that no matter how small or ill-equipped we may feel, God provides us with the tools we need to face our giants. Our faith in God can turn our perceived weaknesses into strengths, enabling us to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. [21:58]
2. Peace in the Storm: Jesus calming the storm reminds us that even in our most chaotic and fearful moments, we can find peace through faith. When we feel overwhelmed by life's storms, we should remember to call on Jesus, who has the power to bring calm and reassurance. [24:31]
3. The Power of Prayer: Personal experiences of answered prayers, like calming a literal storm, highlight the importance of prayer in our lives. Prayer is not just a ritual but a powerful means of connecting with God and witnessing His intervention in our daily struggles. [34:16]
4. Responding with Kindness: When faced with enemies or bullies, Jesus and David's examples teach us to respond with love and kindness. This approach not only disarms hostility but also reflects the transformative power of God's love in our interactions with others. [36:19]
5. Trust Over Worry: Jesus' question, "Why are you afraid?" challenges us to replace our worries with trust in God. Worrying often stems from a lack of faith, and by trusting in God's plan and presence, we can navigate life's uncertainties with greater peace and confidence. [36:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:46] - Announcements and Birthdays
[07:37] - Acknowledging National Indigenous Peoples Day
[08:45] - Lighting the Christ Candle and Call to Worship
[12:39] - Psalm 107 Reading
[15:37] - First Reading: David and Goliath
[21:58] - Song: Small Things Count
[23:50] - Second Reading: Jesus Calms the Storm
[29:38] - Reflection on David and Goliath
[32:02] - Reflection on Jesus Calms the Storm
[33:16] - Personal Stories of Faith and Prayer
[35:19] - Three Key Takeaways
[37:28] - Song: Amazing Grace
[42:29] - Offering and Thanksgiving
[45:35] - Prayers for the Community
[48:39] - Song: What a Friend We Have in Jesus
[51:48] - Final Announcements and Blessing
[55:05] - Closing Song: Like a Healing Stream
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Samuel 17:45-50 - The story of David and Goliath.
2. Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus calms the storm.
3. Psalm 107:28-30 - "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they had quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did David use to defeat Goliath, and how does this reflect his faith in God? (1 Samuel 17:45-50)
2. How did Jesus respond to the disciples' fear during the storm, and what was the result? (Mark 4:35-41)
3. According to Psalm 107, what happens when people cry out to the Lord in their trouble? (Psalm 107:28-30)
4. In the sermon, what personal story did the pastor share about praying for a storm to stop? [33:46]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does David's victory over Goliath illustrate the concept of God equipping us with what we need to face our battles? (1 Samuel 17:45-50)
2. What does Jesus' calming of the storm teach us about finding peace through faith in chaotic times? (Mark 4:35-41)
3. How can the experiences shared in the sermon about answered prayers deepen our understanding of the power of prayer? [34:16]
4. What does the pastor mean by "responding with kindness" when faced with enemies or bullies, and how does this reflect Jesus' teachings? [36:19]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a "giant" you are currently facing in your life. How can you rely on your faith to overcome it, just as David did with Goliath? [21:58]
2. Think about a recent "storm" in your life. How did you respond, and how might you find peace through faith in future storms? [24:31]
3. Have you experienced a moment when a prayer was answered in a surprising way? How did this impact your faith? [34:16]
4. When was the last time you responded to an enemy or a difficult person with kindness? How did it change the situation, if at all? [36:19]
5. What are some practical steps you can take to replace worry with trust in God, especially in uncertain times? [36:54]
6. How can you support others in your church community who might be going through their own storms? What specific actions can you take this week? [33:16]
7. Reflect on the pastor's encouragement to pray and trust God during life's storms. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine? [35:48]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of faith, courage, peace, prayer, kindness, and trust as presented in the sermon. Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and personal reflection.
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Transforms Weakness into Strength
David's story teaches us that no matter how small or ill-equipped we may feel, God provides us with the tools we need to face our giants. David, a young shepherd, faced the giant Goliath with nothing but faith and a few stones. This story illustrates that our faith in God can turn our perceived weaknesses into strengths, enabling us to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. When we trust in God's provision and step out in faith, we can face our fears and obstacles with confidence, knowing that God is with us.
David's victory over Goliath is a powerful reminder that God equips us with what we need to face our battles. It is not about our physical strength or resources but about our faith and trust in God's power. When we rely on God, we can achieve great things, even when the odds seem against us. Let this story inspire you to trust in God's provision and step out in faith, knowing that He will equip you for whatever challenges you face. [21:58]
1 Samuel 17:45-47 (ESV): "Then David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand.'"
Reflection: Think of a challenge or "giant" you are currently facing. How can you trust God to equip you with what you need to overcome it?
Day 2: Finding Peace in Chaos
Jesus calming the storm reminds us that even in our most chaotic and fearful moments, we can find peace through faith. The disciples were terrified as the storm raged around them, but Jesus' calm presence and command over the storm brought peace and reassurance. This story teaches us that when we feel overwhelmed by life's storms, we should remember to call on Jesus, who has the power to bring calm and reassurance.
In our lives, we often face situations that feel out of control and overwhelming. It is in these moments that we need to remember Jesus' power and presence. By placing our trust in Him, we can find peace even in the midst of chaos. Let this story encourage you to turn to Jesus in your times of need, trusting that He can calm the storms in your life and bring you peace. [24:31]
Mark 4:39-40 (ESV): "And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, 'Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?'"
Reflection: When you feel overwhelmed by life's challenges, how can you remind yourself to call on Jesus for peace and reassurance?
Day 3: The Power of Prayer
Personal experiences of answered prayers, like calming a literal storm, highlight the importance of prayer in our lives. Prayer is not just a ritual but a powerful means of connecting with God and witnessing His intervention in our daily struggles. When we pray, we open ourselves up to God's presence and power, allowing Him to work in our lives in miraculous ways.
Prayer is a vital part of our relationship with God. It is through prayer that we communicate with Him, share our burdens, and seek His guidance. The story of a storm being calmed through prayer serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that prayer can have. Let this encourage you to make prayer a regular part of your life, trusting that God hears and answers your prayers. [34:16]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Think of a specific situation in your life where you need God's intervention. How can you commit to praying about it regularly and trusting in God's power to work?
Day 4: Responding with Kindness
When faced with enemies or bullies, Jesus and David's examples teach us to respond with love and kindness. This approach not only disarms hostility but also reflects the transformative power of God's love in our interactions with others. By responding with kindness, we can break the cycle of anger and hatred, and instead, promote peace and understanding.
In our daily lives, we may encounter people who treat us poorly or act as our enemies. It can be challenging to respond with kindness, but Jesus' teachings and David's example show us that this is the way to reflect God's love. Let this inspire you to respond to others with kindness, even when it is difficult, and trust that God's love can transform any situation. [36:19]
Romans 12:20-21 (ESV): "To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Reflection: Think of someone who has treated you poorly or acted as an enemy. How can you respond to them with kindness and reflect God's love in your actions?
Day 5: Trust Over Worry
Jesus' question, "Why are you afraid?" challenges us to replace our worries with trust in God. Worrying often stems from a lack of faith, and by trusting in God's plan and presence, we can navigate life's uncertainties with greater peace and confidence. When we place our trust in God, we can let go of our fears and anxieties, knowing that He is in control.
Worry is a common struggle for many of us, but Jesus' teachings remind us that we do not need to be afraid. By trusting in God and His plan for our lives, we can find peace and confidence in the midst of uncertainty. Let this encourage you to place your trust in God, letting go of your worries and embracing the peace that comes from faith. [36:54]
Matthew 6:25-27 (ESV): "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?"
Reflection: Identify a specific worry or fear you are currently facing. How can you actively place your trust in God and let go of this worry today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We take a moment to light the Christ candle as that beautiful hymn tells us that, Who will bear my light for them? Whom will I send? Jesus asks us, will you? Will you carry my light? And we say, here I am. And we carry that light with us in our hearts everywhere that we go. And even just a kind word, a caring friend, a listening ear is enough. We give thanks." [08:45] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so Jesus commanded the sea, and the disciples followed him. And Jesus asks us to also follow him in the good times and in the bad. And so we sing our response this morning with Voices United 563. Jesus, you have come to the land, to the lake shore, and you may read it up here as well. And you may stand or sit as you are able." [25:08] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So while we're away, I pray that all of you help each other to calm each other's storm and remember always to pray. One final story. It's a bonus story. It's a little bit silly, but this parable about the Jesus calms the storm wasn't actually a parable. It really happened according to the scriptures. And we might wonder, did it really happen? I mean, that sounds odd. He puts his hand out and says, be still, and everything stops." [33:16] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so I have three things to leave you today. Three things to take from these scriptures. Christa's three things. The first is when there's a storm in your life don't forget to pray and let go and let God. God's got this. God, you've got this. You know how we say that to people, you've got this? It's better to say God's got this because then it's not up to us. God's got this." [35:48] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Remember Jesus is with you even if you can't see him and he's down in the boat. So remember that. Remember this next month or so as we are away. Remember to pray, remember to trust and remember to be kind. Amen." [36:54] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "This past Friday, we celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day. And we give honor and as United Church of Canada in our creed, we say that we live with respect in creation. And the Indigenous people, we have that in common that we believe in the creator and in the creation. And we give honor and respect to the land this morning on which we worship in Innisfil, which has been standing here for thousands of years. And we give thanks and we ask, as Jesus taught us, to love our neighbor as ourself. And to live with respect with all of our relations." [07:37] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When I was in my 20s or 30s, both, I would go through my ups and downs and my storms in life. And it was so overwhelming. But that time made me draw closer to God. I actually increased in my faith because of those storms. And people prayed with me. And I remember just like being out on the boat with Jesus as a disciple, all the disciples were scared. And even though Jesus was there, they couldn't see him. He was down below. He was out of sight, out of mind. So they were just getting water pouring down on them. The boat was going to overturn and they were crying out. Jesus, hurry, you know, wake up. And Jesus said, where's your faith?" [32:02] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so we remember to pray and we remember who is with us in the boat. Jesus is with us and so we sing the song that we love Voices United 563 Jesus you no sorry 664 What a friend we have in Jesus which will appear up here as well 664 What a friend we have in Jesus Just a moment You may stand as you are able You may be seated I just want to say thank you to all of you and we're going to miss you as we go away tonight for two weeks to Ireland and then we'll be off in July During that time if there are any pastoral emergencies I pray not you can reach out to either the clerk of session Barry Rutledge and or at St. James Robert Murdock whose information we have as well in our newsletter and Barry can also get the number for you if you need it." [48:39] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so we pray together. Loving God who gave us many blessings in our lives you have sheltered us in many, many storms. You have given us loved ones to care for us in times of trouble and you have also lifted us to be that person for someone else. We pray now for those in our community and in our church family. We pray for those who cannot be with us today who are struggling who are working through problems who have health challenges. We pray that they be renewed that they be given gifts of courage and peace and health. Nourish them and help them to return to us." [45:35] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "But seriously, it reminds me of children going to school and when you have bullying. And I was thinking about that for myself. I don't know if any of you were bullied as a kid. You don't have to put your hand up, but you can think about it. Or maybe you have a child that was bullied or a grandchild that was bullied. And it's not a fun time. It's terrible. When I was in grade five, we had just moved to Kitchener from Elmira. And I was a scrawny, skinny little stick of a kid at 10. And I got picked on by all the mean girls." [30:11] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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