Faithful Acts: Transforming Lives Through Kindness
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound impact of small acts of kindness and the importance of stepping out in faith, even when we feel inadequate. We began with a historical account of North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II. This small town, seemingly insignificant in the grand scheme of things, became a beacon of hope and encouragement for thousands of soldiers passing through on troop trains. The residents of North Platte, driven by a sense of duty and compassion, organized a canteen service that provided food, smiles, and heartfelt thanks to the soldiers. This act of kindness, which started with a simple idea, grew into a massive community effort involving 125 surrounding communities. The soldiers who experienced this kindness carried the memory with them, finding solace and strength in the trenches of Europe and the Pacific.
We then transitioned to a personal story about a woman from a previous congregation who initially saw herself as a wallflower, someone who preferred to stay in the background. Despite her self-doubt, she took a bold step to address the needs of struggling inner-city churches by organizing Sunday school supplies. This act of service eventually led her to become a community organizer and, later, a deaconess. Her journey illustrates how God can use our willingness to serve, even when we feel unqualified, to accomplish great things.
Jesus' instructions to His disciples to take nothing with them on their mission trips were highlighted as a metaphor for letting go of our insecurities and preconceived notions. By not overpacking, both physically and spiritually, we leave room for God to work through us. The disciples were encouraged to rely on God's provision and the support of their companions, reminding us that we are never alone in our endeavors.
The overarching message is clear: God calls us to step out in faith, to let go of our doubts and fears, and to trust that He will provide what we need. Whether it's a small town in Nebraska or an individual feeling unworthy, God can use anyone and any place to make a significant impact. We are encouraged to take someone with us on our journey, to support and remind us of our calling, and to trust that God is with us every step of the way.
Key Takeaways:
1. Small Acts of Kindness Have a Big Impact: The story of North Platte, Nebraska, shows how a small community's consistent acts of kindness can touch thousands of lives. Their dedication to welcoming and encouraging soldiers during World War II left a lasting impression, demonstrating that even the smallest gestures can have profound effects. [01:39]
2. Stepping Out in Faith Despite Insecurities: The woman who transitioned from a wallflower to a community organizer and deaconess exemplifies how stepping out in faith, despite feeling inadequate, can lead to significant personal and communal transformation. Her journey reminds us that God often calls us to roles we feel unprepared for, but He equips us along the way. [09:15]
3. Letting Go to Make Room for God: Jesus' instruction to His disciples to take nothing with them is a powerful metaphor for letting go of our insecurities and preconceived notions. By not overpacking, we leave room for God to surprise us and work through us in unexpected ways. This teaches us to trust in God's provision and guidance. [10:31]
4. Community Support is Essential: Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs, emphasizing the importance of having someone to encourage and support us. This principle applies to our lives today; having a companion on our spiritual journey helps us overcome doubts and stay focused on our mission. [11:16]
5. God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Purposes: The stories shared today highlight how God uses ordinary people and places to accomplish extraordinary things. Whether it's a small town or an individual with self-doubt, God can work through anyone who is willing to step out in faith and serve. This encourages us to see our potential and the potential of those around us. [12:22]
YouTube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:39] - North Platte's Unexpected Kindness
[02:26] - Welcoming Kansas Soldiers
[03:10] - The Birth of the North Platte Canteen
[04:00] - Christmas Eve Initiative
[04:48] - Daily Dedication to the Troops
[05:32] - Community Effort and Impact
[06:19] - Soldiers' Memories of North Platte
[07:27] - The Wallflower's Journey
[08:23] - Realizing Community Organizing
[09:15] - Becoming a Deaconess
[10:31] - Jesus' Instructions to the Disciples
[11:16] - Letting Go of Insecurities
[12:22] - Trusting God's Provision
[12:22] - Closing Prayer and Amen
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 6:7-9 (NIV)
> "Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. These were his instructions: 'Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt.'"
2. Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV)
> "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the initial act of kindness that the people of North Platte, Nebraska, performed for the soldiers during World War II? ([01:39])
2. How did the woman from the previous congregation initially contribute to her community before becoming a deaconess? ([07:27])
3. What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples when He sent them out on their mission trips? (Mark 6:7-9)
4. How did the soldiers remember the kindness shown to them by the people of North Platte while they were in the trenches? ([06:19])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the small acts of kindness by the people of North Platte had such a profound impact on the soldiers? ([06:19])
2. How does the story of the woman who became a deaconess illustrate the concept of stepping out in faith despite feeling inadequate? ([09:15])
3. What might Jesus' instructions to His disciples to "take nothing for the journey" symbolize in terms of our spiritual journey and reliance on God? (Mark 6:7-9)
4. How does the passage from Matthew 25:35-40 relate to the acts of kindness performed by the people of North Platte and the woman from the previous congregation?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate but stepped out in faith. How did God provide for you in that situation? ([09:15])
2. What small act of kindness can you perform this week that might have a significant impact on someone else's life? ([01:39])
3. Are there any insecurities or preconceived notions you need to let go of to allow God to work through you more effectively? How can you start letting go of them? (Mark 6:7-9)
4. Who is someone in your life that you can take with you on your spiritual journey for support and encouragement? ([12:22])
5. How can you be more aware of the needs in your community and take action to meet them, similar to the woman who organized Sunday school supplies? ([07:27])
6. Think of a time when you received unexpected kindness. How did it affect you, and how can you pay it forward? ([06:19])
7. What steps can you take to ensure you are leaving room for God to surprise you and work through you in unexpected ways? (Mark 6:7-9)
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Small Acts of Kindness
In the small town of North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II, the residents organized a canteen service to provide food, smiles, and heartfelt thanks to soldiers passing through on troop trains. This seemingly small act of kindness grew into a massive community effort involving 125 surrounding communities. The soldiers who experienced this kindness carried the memory with them, finding solace and strength in the trenches of Europe and the Pacific. This story illustrates how even the smallest gestures can have profound effects, touching thousands of lives and leaving a lasting impression. [01:39]
Hebrews 13:2 (ESV): "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Reflection: Think of a small act of kindness you can do for someone today. How can you make it a consistent practice in your life to show kindness to others, even in seemingly insignificant ways?
Day 2: Stepping Out in Faith Despite Insecurities
A woman from a previous congregation initially saw herself as a wallflower, someone who preferred to stay in the background. Despite her self-doubt, she took a bold step to address the needs of struggling inner-city churches by organizing Sunday school supplies. This act of service eventually led her to become a community organizer and, later, a deaconess. Her journey exemplifies how stepping out in faith, despite feeling inadequate, can lead to significant personal and communal transformation. God often calls us to roles we feel unprepared for, but He equips us along the way. [09:15]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel inadequate. How can you take a step of faith in that area, trusting that God will equip you and work through your weaknesses?
Day 3: Letting Go to Make Room for God
Jesus instructed His disciples to take nothing with them on their mission trips, a powerful metaphor for letting go of our insecurities and preconceived notions. By not overpacking, both physically and spiritually, we leave room for God to surprise us and work through us in unexpected ways. This teaches us to trust in God's provision and guidance, allowing Him to work through us in ways we might not have anticipated. [10:31]
Luke 9:3 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics.'"
Reflection: What are some insecurities or preconceived notions you need to let go of? How can you create space in your life for God to work in unexpected ways?
Day 4: The Importance of Community Support
Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs, emphasizing the importance of having someone to encourage and support us. This principle applies to our lives today; having a companion on our spiritual journey helps us overcome doubts and stay focused on our mission. Community support is essential for spiritual growth and perseverance, reminding us that we are never alone in our endeavors. [11:16]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can partner with on your spiritual journey? How can you support and encourage each other in your faith walk?
Day 5: God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Purposes
The stories shared highlight how God uses ordinary people and places to accomplish extraordinary things. Whether it's a small town or an individual with self-doubt, God can work through anyone who is willing to step out in faith and serve. This encourages us to see our potential and the potential of those around us, trusting that God can use us for His extraordinary purposes. [12:22]
1 Corinthians 1:27 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt ordinary or unqualified. How can you trust God to use you for His extraordinary purposes, and what steps can you take to be more open to His calling?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "They had between 3,000 and 5,000 soldiers come through North Platte every single day. And what seemed overwhelming and impossible for such a small community to support, they did it. They met every train. They greeted every soldier that was on those trains. Most of them were teenagers. Most of them had never left home before. And when you hear them talk about it, they talk about how these people, the age of their parents or their younger brothers and sisters, were greeting them and making them feel like heroes before they'd done anything." [04:48] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "They had no idea. I mean, just one person. So she wrote to the paper. And she kind of put out this idea of how important it was for North Platte, which was where all these troop trains were coming through, should welcome the trains and encourage the soldiers. And the idea took off. People put aside their doubts and their questions about what they could possibly do, what they could possibly offer. And on Christmas Eve of 1941, they came together to greet the troop train that came in that night." [03:10] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus said, go out. Take someone with you to encourage you so that when those things that you haven't quite let go of yet start telling you you can't do it, they can remind you that you can. And then just trust God's with you. God's going to give you all you need. And that's that's what you take when you go. And all the people say, Amen." [12:22] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "She ended up going through the United Methodist process to become a deaconess and, um, and I'm going to get choked up today. This Sunday is her very first Sunday where she has been appointed as a deaconess to serve as a co-pastor. Okay. Of the church that we used to serve where we first met her. She reached a point where she was willing to let go of all the things that had been standing in her way and step up to what God could do." [09:15] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I believe he wasn't just talking about. Packing for everything, every possibility, every weather per chance that might happen. Because if you think you are totally prepared for everything, you don't leave room for God to surprise you with something. Yes. He was talking about that. But I also think he was coming right out of that rejection in his hometown where people couldn't let go of what they thought they knew about Jesus. They couldn't let go of all those perceptions of, Hey, that's just the carpenter's son. And we know his family." [10:31] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God is insidious. God does not send us out alone. God takes the little sparks that we leave room for and helps us let go of the stuff that gets in the way. So that little tiny towns in the middle of nowhere can touch thousands of lives a day so that individuals can become the best version of themselves so that we here in Winona can make a difference. In Winona. In our bigger community, in our state, in the lives of our neighbors." [11:16] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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