The Minors: Micah | Rev. Jim McPhail

It's good to be here this morning. I It's good to be here this morning. I appreciate our clarinet ensemble and one appreciate our clarinet ensemble and one appreciate our clarinet ensemble and one of those arrangements was done by Steve of those arrangements was done by Steve of those arrangements was done by Steve Ryburger himself. So, Ryburger himself. So, Ryburger himself. So, appreciate their talent. As always, it's appreciate their talent. As always, it's appreciate their talent. As always, it's good to see you here in the sanctuary good to see you here in the sanctuary good to see you here in the sanctuary within these walls, but I know as Jenny within these walls, but I know as Jenny within these walls, but I know as Jenny said, we have hundreds that tune in to said, we have hundreds that tune in to said, we have hundreds that tune in to our our online service our our online service our our online service each week and we certainly appreciate each week and we certainly appreciate each week and we certainly appreciate that very very much. that very very much. that very very much. This summer series is called the minors, This summer series is called the minors, This summer series is called the minors, which means we are focusing on the minor which means we are focusing on the minor which means we are focusing on the minor prophets. As noted from other Sundays, prophets. As noted from other Sundays, prophets. As noted from other Sundays, these are considered minor due to the these are considered minor due to the these are considered minor due to the length of the books and not the subject length of the books and not the subject length of the books and not the subject matter. Most of the minor books are matter. Most of the minor books are matter. Most of the minor books are three to seven chapters long, so they three to seven chapters long, so they three to seven chapters long, so they are relatively short books. are relatively short books. are relatively short books. Now, I'll have to admit that when I Now, I'll have to admit that when I Now, I'll have to admit that when I preach on the minor prophets, I always preach on the minor prophets, I always preach on the minor prophets, I always have to reread them several times, do have to reread them several times, do have to reread them several times, do research and study since they are not research and study since they are not research and study since they are not ones I know well.

ones I know well. ones I know well. The theme The themes of the minor The theme The themes of the minor The theme The themes of the minor prophets center around the people prophets center around the people prophets center around the people forgetting about God and forgetting how forgetting about God and forgetting how forgetting about God and forgetting how they're supposed to treat each other. they're supposed to treat each other. they're supposed to treat each other. The treatment of poor is highlighted in The treatment of poor is highlighted in The treatment of poor is highlighted in several books, as well as the theme of several books, as well as the theme of several books, as well as the theme of of injustice. of injustice. of injustice. Throughout the minors, the theme shows Throughout the minors, the theme shows Throughout the minors, the theme shows how people are being treated unfairly, how people are being treated unfairly, how people are being treated unfairly, abused, and even taken advantage of. So, abused, and even taken advantage of. So, abused, and even taken advantage of. So, our scripture lesson this morning is in our scripture lesson this morning is in our scripture lesson this morning is in two passages from Micah, very two passages from Micah, very two passages from Micah, very contrasting words there of the first contrasting words there of the first contrasting words there of the first part which deals with the abuse of the part which deals with the abuse of the part which deals with the abuse of the people where there's no justice. The people where there's no justice. The people where there's no justice. The second passage will probably be familiar second passage will probably be familiar second passage will probably be familiar words about what the Lord requires of words about what the Lord requires of words about what the Lord requires of us. us. us. And I said, "Listen, And I said, "Listen, And I said, "Listen, you heads of Jacob and rulers of the you heads of Jacob and rulers of the you heads of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel, should you not know house of Israel, should you not know house of Israel, should you not know justice? justice? justice? You who hate the good and love the evil, You who hate the good and love the evil, You who hate the good and love the evil, who tear the skin off my people and the who tear the skin off my people and the who tear the skin off my people and the flesh off their bones, who eat the flesh flesh off their bones, who eat the flesh flesh off their bones, who eat the flesh of my people, flay their skin off them, of my people, flay their skin off them, of my people, flay their skin off them, break their bones in pieces, chop them break their bones in pieces, chop them break their bones in pieces, chop them up like meat in a kettle and flesh in a up like meat in a kettle and flesh in a up like meat in a kettle and flesh in a cauldron.

cauldron. cauldron. Hear this, you rulers of the house of Hear this, you rulers of the house of Hear this, you rulers of the house of Jacob and chiefs of the house of Israel, Jacob and chiefs of the house of Israel, Jacob and chiefs of the house of Israel, who abhor justice and pervert all who abhor justice and pervert all who abhor justice and pervert all equity, equity, equity, who build Zion with blood and Jerusalem who build Zion with blood and Jerusalem who build Zion with blood and Jerusalem with wrong. with wrong. with wrong. Its rulers give judgment for a bribe, Its rulers give judgment for a bribe, Its rulers give judgment for a bribe, its priests teach for a price, its its priests teach for a price, its its priests teach for a price, its prophets give oracles for money. Yet prophets give oracles for money. Yet prophets give oracles for money. Yet they lean on the Lord and say, "Surely they lean on the Lord and say, "Surely they lean on the Lord and say, "Surely the Lord is with us, no harm shall come the Lord is with us, no harm shall come the Lord is with us, no harm shall come to us." to us." to us." Therefore, because of you, Zion will be Therefore, because of you, Zion will be Therefore, because of you, Zion will be plowed as a field, Jerusalem shall plowed as a field, Jerusalem shall plowed as a field, Jerusalem shall become a heap of ruins. become a heap of ruins. become a heap of ruins. With what shall I come before the Lord With what shall I come before the Lord With what shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before God on high? Shall and bow myself before God on high? Shall and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings I come before him with burnt offerings I come before him with burnt offerings and with calves a year old? Will the and with calves a year old? Will the and with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with a thousand of rams, Lord be pleased with a thousand of rams, Lord be pleased with a thousand of rams, with 10,000 rivers of oil? with 10,000 rivers of oil? with 10,000 rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my Shall I give my firstborn for my Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for transgression, the fruit of my body for transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

the sin of my soul? the sin of my soul? He has told you, O people, what is good He has told you, O people, what is good He has told you, O people, what is good and what does the Lord require of you and what does the Lord require of you and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness but to do justice and to love kindness but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly and to walk humbly and to walk humbly with your God. with your God. with your God. The word of God for the people of God. The word of God for the people of God. The word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Let us pray. Thanks be to God. Let us pray. Thanks be to God. Let us pray. Let the words of my mouth and the Let the words of my mouth and the Let the words of my mouth and the thoughts and meditations of our hearts thoughts and meditations of our hearts thoughts and meditations of our hearts and minds may they be acceptable in your and minds may they be acceptable in your and minds may they be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our strength, our rock, sight, O Lord, our strength, our rock, sight, O Lord, our strength, our rock, and our redeemer. and our redeemer. and our redeemer. Amen. Amen. Amen. A few weeks ago I texted Pastor Shawn to A few weeks ago I texted Pastor Shawn to A few weeks ago I texted Pastor Shawn to make sure I was preaching this Sunday. make sure I was preaching this Sunday. make sure I was preaching this Sunday. He said yes, but several of the minor He said yes, but several of the minor He said yes, but several of the minor prophets are already taken, so choose prophets are already taken, so choose prophets are already taken, so choose from any except Joel, Amos, Hosea, from any except Joel, Amos, Hosea, from any except Joel, Amos, Hosea, Jonah, or Haggai. Jonah, or Haggai. Jonah, or Haggai. I texted him back asking if any minor I texted him back asking if any minor I texted him back asking if any minor prophets are left after his exclusion prophets are left after his exclusion prophets are left after his exclusion list. Shawn replied, "Haha ha, Micah, list. Shawn replied, "Haha ha, Micah, list. Shawn replied, "Haha ha, Micah, Obadiah, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and at Obadiah, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and at Obadiah, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and at least a couple of more."

least a couple of more." least a couple of more." So then I visited and I told Shawn, So then I visited and I told Shawn, So then I visited and I told Shawn, "Since I don't know these very well, I "Since I don't know these very well, I "Since I don't know these very well, I might choose the prophet haha ha." might choose the prophet haha ha." might choose the prophet haha ha." I said, "If you or Elizabeth, your I said, "If you or Elizabeth, your I said, "If you or Elizabeth, your clergy wife, have preached on haha ha, I clergy wife, have preached on haha ha, I clergy wife, have preached on haha ha, I would appreciate seeing your sermon would appreciate seeing your sermon would appreciate seeing your sermon manuscript for some ideas, or if you manuscript for some ideas, or if you manuscript for some ideas, or if you have done some historical, contextual, have done some historical, contextual, have done some historical, contextual, or theological research, I would like to or theological research, I would like to or theological research, I would like to see that as well." see that as well." see that as well." Well, by that time I had Shawn laughing Well, by that time I had Shawn laughing Well, by that time I had Shawn laughing pretty well. He has a great sense of pretty well. He has a great sense of pretty well. He has a great sense of humor. humor. humor. But I did select Micah. Micah was a But I did select Micah. Micah was a But I did select Micah. Micah was a younger contemporary of Isaiah. He was younger contemporary of Isaiah. He was younger contemporary of Isaiah. He was from a small village Moresheth in the from a small village Moresheth in the from a small village Moresheth in the Judean foothills southwest of Jerusalem. Judean foothills southwest of Jerusalem. Judean foothills southwest of Jerusalem. Micah looked upon the corruption and Micah looked upon the corruption and Micah looked upon the corruption and abuse by the rulers and religious abuse by the rulers and religious abuse by the rulers and religious leaders and called them out for leaders and called them out for leaders and called them out for neglecting the ways of God and harming neglecting the ways of God and harming neglecting the ways of God and harming the people.

the people. the people. Micah is perceptive in knowing that God Micah is perceptive in knowing that God Micah is perceptive in knowing that God wants as our worship lives that are wants as our worship lives that are wants as our worship lives that are transformed by his awesome love and transformed by his awesome love and transformed by his awesome love and amazing grace. He knows that worship can amazing grace. He knows that worship can amazing grace. He knows that worship can look fine outwardly but but like Jesus look fine outwardly but but like Jesus look fine outwardly but but like Jesus said in Matthew, "Woe to you scribes and said in Matthew, "Woe to you scribes and said in Matthew, "Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you are like Pharisees, hypocrites, for you are like Pharisees, hypocrites, for you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside whitewashed tombs which on the outside whitewashed tombs which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full look beautiful, but inside they are full look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and all kinds of the bones of the dead and all kinds of the bones of the dead and all kinds of filth." of filth." of filth." Micah sees the same thing happening in Micah sees the same thing happening in Micah sees the same thing happening in his day with the rulers and chief his day with the rulers and chief his day with the rulers and chief priests. God is not fooled by outward priests. God is not fooled by outward priests. God is not fooled by outward appearances. So, Micah asked the appearances. So, Micah asked the appearances. So, Micah asked the question for people in his day that we question for people in his day that we question for people in his day that we need to ask ourselves, "What does God need to ask ourselves, "What does God need to ask ourselves, "What does God want from me? Does God want more want from me? Does God want more want from me? Does God want more offering? Does God want bigger offering? Does God want bigger offering? Does God want bigger celebrations? Does God want more celebrations? Does God want more celebrations? Does God want more sacrifice?" sacrifice?" sacrifice?" Micah answers in one of the best-known Micah answers in one of the best-known Micah answers in one of the best-known verses of the Old Testament, "He has verses of the Old Testament, "He has verses of the Old Testament, "He has showed you, oh people, what is good. And showed you, oh people, what is good. And showed you, oh people, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to what does the Lord require of you but to what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to do justice, to love kindness, and to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

walk humbly with your God?" walk humbly with your God?" To fulfill these requirements mean that To fulfill these requirements mean that To fulfill these requirements mean that God looks upon the heart. God looks at God looks upon the heart. God looks at God looks upon the heart. God looks at our character, our commitment, and our our character, our commitment, and our our character, our commitment, and our loyalty. God wants to see transformed loyalty. God wants to see transformed loyalty. God wants to see transformed hearts. So, this morning I want to hearts. So, this morning I want to hearts. So, this morning I want to highlight the three phrases from this highlight the three phrases from this highlight the three phrases from this verse. First, a transformed heart will verse. First, a transformed heart will verse. First, a transformed heart will do justice. do justice. do justice. To do justice means to treat people To do justice means to treat people To do justice means to treat people fairly because all people are made in fairly because all people are made in fairly because all people are made in the image of God. the image of God. the image of God. The scriptures are very clear about how The scriptures are very clear about how The scriptures are very clear about how we are to treat others. we are to treat others. we are to treat others. Certainly, justice is a primary theme of Certainly, justice is a primary theme of Certainly, justice is a primary theme of the minor prophets. Justice is also part the minor prophets. Justice is also part the minor prophets. Justice is also part of the Old Testament law. of the Old Testament law. of the Old Testament law. For the Lord your God is God of gods and For the Lord your God is God of gods and For the Lord your God is God of gods and lord of lords, the great God, mighty and lord of lords, the great God, mighty and lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality. awesome, who shows no partiality. awesome, who shows no partiality. He defends the cause of the fatherless He defends the cause of the fatherless He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and he loves the alien, and the widow, and he loves the alien, and the widow, and he loves the alien, giving him food and clothing, and you giving him food and clothing, and you giving him food and clothing, and you are to love those who are aliens, for are to love those who are aliens, for are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt.

you yourselves were aliens in Egypt. you yourselves were aliens in Egypt. Justice is a great theme of the Justice is a great theme of the Justice is a great theme of the teachings of Jesus. teachings of Jesus. teachings of Jesus. He gives us the golden rule in the He gives us the golden rule in the He gives us the golden rule in the Sermon on the Mount, do unto others as Sermon on the Mount, do unto others as Sermon on the Mount, do unto others as you would have them do to you. you would have them do to you. you would have them do to you. Justice is what Jesus implies when he Justice is what Jesus implies when he Justice is what Jesus implies when he gave us this great verse, when I was gave us this great verse, when I was gave us this great verse, when I was hungry, hungry, hungry, you gave me food. When I was thirsty, you gave me food. When I was thirsty, you gave me food. When I was thirsty, you gave me drink. When I was a you gave me drink. When I was a you gave me drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me. When I was stranger, you welcomed me. When I was stranger, you welcomed me. When I was naked, you clothed me. naked, you clothed me. naked, you clothed me. When I was sick, you cared for me. When When I was sick, you cared for me. When When I was sick, you cared for me. When I was in prison, you visited me. I was in prison, you visited me. I was in prison, you visited me. When you have done it unto the least of When you have done it unto the least of When you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me. these, you have done it unto me. these, you have done it unto me. Jesus in this verse focused on justice Jesus in this verse focused on justice Jesus in this verse focused on justice with issues like the lack of food, the with issues like the lack of food, the with issues like the lack of food, the lack of clean, safe drinking water, the lack of clean, safe drinking water, the lack of clean, safe drinking water, the need for adequate housing and clothing, need for adequate housing and clothing, need for adequate housing and clothing, the need for accessible health care.

the need for accessible health care. the need for accessible health care. Justice centers around basic human need, Justice centers around basic human need, Justice centers around basic human need, as well as the sins of oppression, as well as the sins of oppression, as well as the sins of oppression, hatred, violence, racism, hatred, violence, racism, hatred, violence, racism, discrimination, and bigotry. discrimination, and bigotry. discrimination, and bigotry. Justice is looking out for others, Justice is looking out for others, Justice is looking out for others, making sure they are treated fairly. making sure they are treated fairly. making sure they are treated fairly. Justice is a challenge for a society as Justice is a challenge for a society as Justice is a challenge for a society as complex as ours, but as Christians, we complex as ours, but as Christians, we complex as ours, but as Christians, we need to stand for justice for all need to stand for justice for all need to stand for justice for all people. people. people. Everyone is aware that 3 weeks ago on Everyone is aware that 3 weeks ago on Everyone is aware that 3 weeks ago on our streets in Houston, Lorenzo Salgado our streets in Houston, Lorenzo Salgado our streets in Houston, Lorenzo Salgado I UO I UO I UO was killed by ICE federal agents on his was killed by ICE federal agents on his was killed by ICE federal agents on his way to work. way to work. way to work. The two United Methodist bishops in The two United Methodist bishops in The two United Methodist bishops in Texas, Bishop Cynthia Harvey Texas, Bishop Cynthia Harvey Texas, Bishop Cynthia Harvey a former associate pastor here at a former associate pastor here at a former associate pastor here at Memorial Drive, and Bishop Ruben Sands Memorial Drive, and Bishop Ruben Sands Memorial Drive, and Bishop Ruben Sands Jr. issued a pastoral statement on his Jr. issued a pastoral statement on his Jr. issued a pastoral statement on his death.

death. death. The statement emphasized what we believe The statement emphasized what we believe The statement emphasized what we believe as United Methodist Christians. as United Methodist Christians. as United Methodist Christians. As United Methodist, we affirm what our As United Methodist, we affirm what our As United Methodist, we affirm what our social principles have long taught, that social principles have long taught, that social principles have long taught, that all persons, regardless of country of all persons, regardless of country of all persons, regardless of country of origin, are members of the family of origin, are members of the family of origin, are members of the family of God. God. God. That we are called to welcome the That we are called to welcome the That we are called to welcome the stranger. And that we oppose policies stranger. And that we oppose policies stranger. And that we oppose policies that dehumanize, criminalize that dehumanize, criminalize that dehumanize, criminalize or or or endanger our immigrant neighbors. As endanger our immigrant neighbors. As endanger our immigrant neighbors. As people of faith, we hold that public people of faith, we hold that public people of faith, we hold that public policy must protect human life and human policy must protect human life and human policy must protect human life and human dignity, especially the lives of those dignity, especially the lives of those dignity, especially the lives of those most vulnerable among us. most vulnerable among us. most vulnerable among us. The use of lethal force against a human The use of lethal force against a human The use of lethal force against a human being is a grave matter being is a grave matter being is a grave matter that must never be shielded from that must never be shielded from that must never be shielded from accountability. accountability. accountability. When it occurs in our streets, in our When it occurs in our streets, in our When it occurs in our streets, in our neighborhood, and even in the presence neighborhood, and even in the presence neighborhood, and even in the presence of children, it demands not silence, but of children, it demands not silence, but of children, it demands not silence, but a full and public reckoning.

a full and public reckoning. a full and public reckoning. The pastoral letter closes with a need The pastoral letter closes with a need The pastoral letter closes with a need to pray for that family and a commitment to pray for that family and a commitment to pray for that family and a commitment to our neighbors. to our neighbors. to our neighbors. To our immigrant neighbors and To our immigrant neighbors and To our immigrant neighbors and especially to the Latino communities of especially to the Latino communities of especially to the Latino communities of Houston and across Texas who carry this Houston and across Texas who carry this Houston and across Texas who carry this grief and fear today, grief and fear today, grief and fear today, you are beloved children of God. You are you are beloved children of God. You are you are beloved children of God. You are not alone. Our congregation remains not alone. Our congregation remains not alone. Our congregation remains places of welcome, refuge, prayer, and places of welcome, refuge, prayer, and places of welcome, refuge, prayer, and practical support. We will continue to practical support. We will continue to practical support. We will continue to provide pastoral care, connect families provide pastoral care, connect families provide pastoral care, connect families with trusted legal resources, share with trusted legal resources, share with trusted legal resources, share know-your-rights information, and stand know-your-rights information, and stand know-your-rights information, and stand publicly for your dignity and safety. publicly for your dignity and safety. publicly for your dignity and safety. Human life is a theological issue and Human life is a theological issue and Human life is a theological issue and therefore justice is a theological therefore justice is a theological therefore justice is a theological issue. issue. issue. This past spring, Congregation Beth This past spring, Congregation Beth This past spring, Congregation Beth Israel received a credible threat to Israel received a credible threat to Israel received a credible threat to their synagogue and their school.

their synagogue and their school. their synagogue and their school. Congregation Beth Israel is the oldest Congregation Beth Israel is the oldest Congregation Beth Israel is the oldest synagogue in Texas. It is a beautiful synagogue in Texas. It is a beautiful synagogue in Texas. It is a beautiful campus across the street from Rice campus across the street from Rice campus across the street from Rice University. University. University. Their senior Rabbi David Lyon, one of Their senior Rabbi David Lyon, one of Their senior Rabbi David Lyon, one of Houston's strong, respected faith Houston's strong, respected faith Houston's strong, respected faith leaders, wrote an editorial about the leaders, wrote an editorial about the leaders, wrote an editorial about the threat. He discussed his reluctance to threat. He discussed his reluctance to threat. He discussed his reluctance to build a perimeter fence around the build a perimeter fence around the build a perimeter fence around the property, but he said, property, but he said, property, but he said, "At last, "At last, "At last, I agreed to build that fence. I agreed to build that fence. I agreed to build that fence. It's a deterrent to violence, but it's It's a deterrent to violence, but it's It's a deterrent to violence, but it's not a perfect answer to the deep not a perfect answer to the deep not a perfect answer to the deep concerns about hatred and bigotry." concerns about hatred and bigotry." concerns about hatred and bigotry." He went on to write, "Houston police He went on to write, "Houston police He went on to write, "Houston police were an essential source of direction were an essential source of direction were an essential source of direction and information that helped us make and information that helped us make and information that helped us make decisions to close our campus early in decisions to close our campus early in decisions to close our campus early in the morning, communicate with our the morning, communicate with our the morning, communicate with our families, and contribute without families, and contribute without families, and contribute without confusion to law enforcement's efforts confusion to law enforcement's efforts confusion to law enforcement's efforts both locally and nationally.

both locally and nationally. both locally and nationally. The result was a return to safety, The result was a return to safety, The result was a return to safety, security, and peace. security, and peace. security, and peace. Threats are all around us. I am so Threats are all around us. I am so Threats are all around us. I am so thankful that that threat against that thankful that that threat against that thankful that that threat against that great Jewish synagogue and school great Jewish synagogue and school great Jewish synagogue and school resulted in peace. This is another resulted in peace. This is another resulted in peace. This is another reminder that justice needs to prevail reminder that justice needs to prevail reminder that justice needs to prevail for all people. We can only do justice for all people. We can only do justice for all people. We can only do justice when our hearts have been transformed by when our hearts have been transformed by when our hearts have been transformed by God's love and grace. God's love and grace. God's love and grace. Second, a transformed heart will love Second, a transformed heart will love Second, a transformed heart will love kindness. Here love is a verb, an action kindness. Here love is a verb, an action kindness. Here love is a verb, an action that we are to do kindness. Kindness is that we are to do kindness. Kindness is that we are to do kindness. Kindness is another expression of how we treat another expression of how we treat another expression of how we treat others. Kindness is a characteristic of others. Kindness is a characteristic of others. Kindness is a characteristic of how we should live as followers of Jesus how we should live as followers of Jesus how we should live as followers of Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. The Apostle Paul mentions kindness The Apostle Paul mentions kindness The Apostle Paul mentions kindness throughout his writings. He lists throughout his writings. He lists throughout his writings. He lists kindness as one of the fruits of the kindness as one of the fruits of the kindness as one of the fruits of the Spirit.

Spirit. Spirit. His great chapter on love, 1 Corinthians His great chapter on love, 1 Corinthians His great chapter on love, 1 Corinthians 13, kindness is the second 13, kindness is the second 13, kindness is the second characteristic listed. characteristic listed. characteristic listed. In the third chapter of Colossians, Paul In the third chapter of Colossians, Paul In the third chapter of Colossians, Paul begins this great passage, one of my begins this great passage, one of my begins this great passage, one of my favorites, with these words, favorites, with these words, favorites, with these words, "As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, "As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, "As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourself with compassion, clothe yourself with compassion, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness." kindness." kindness." The closing of Ephesians 4 is a great The closing of Ephesians 4 is a great The closing of Ephesians 4 is a great verse. Be kind to one another, verse. Be kind to one another, verse. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, tenderhearted, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgiving one another as God in Christ forgiving one another as God in Christ has forgiven you. Last evening, I performed a wedding here Last evening, I performed a wedding here in this sanctuary. The bride was someone in this sanctuary. The bride was someone in this sanctuary. The bride was someone who had grown up in this church. As part who had grown up in this church. As part who had grown up in this church. As part of the ceremony, for my brief homily of the ceremony, for my brief homily of the ceremony, for my brief homily homily, I highlighted kindness. I homily, I highlighted kindness. I homily, I highlighted kindness. I encouraged them to be kind to one encouraged them to be kind to one encouraged them to be kind to one another. I stressed that kindness is a another. I stressed that kindness is a another. I stressed that kindness is a mature expression of love. We all get mature expression of love. We all get mature expression of love. We all get mad, angry, upset, frustrated, mad, angry, upset, frustrated, mad, angry, upset, frustrated, but but but we can choose to be kind.

we can choose to be kind. we can choose to be kind. You can show love to one another by You can show love to one another by You can show love to one another by being kind to each other. being kind to each other. being kind to each other. This church, as a community of faith, This church, as a community of faith, This church, as a community of faith, expresses kindness in our ministries and expresses kindness in our ministries and expresses kindness in our ministries and missions. Week before last, 850 missions. Week before last, 850 missions. Week before last, 850 children at Vacation Bible School children at Vacation Bible School children at Vacation Bible School received kindness from 150 received kindness from 150 received kindness from 150 middle and high school volunteers, middle and high school volunteers, middle and high school volunteers, over 200 adult leaders, as well as the over 200 adult leaders, as well as the over 200 adult leaders, as well as the church staff. It was a joyous, church staff. It was a joyous, church staff. It was a joyous, fun-filled week that we continue to fun-filled week that we continue to fun-filled week that we continue to celebrate. celebrate. celebrate. You show kindness throughout our You show kindness throughout our You show kindness throughout our community and city as you make a community and city as you make a community and city as you make a difference at Memorial Assistance difference at Memorial Assistance difference at Memorial Assistance Ministries that we call MAM, Ministries that we call MAM, Ministries that we call MAM, Wesley Community Center, Kids Meals, Wesley Community Center, Kids Meals, Wesley Community Center, Kids Meals, Neighbors in Action, Camp Hope, and the Neighbors in Action, Camp Hope, and the Neighbors in Action, Camp Hope, and the Houston Food Bank. Houston Food Bank. Houston Food Bank. This past week, dozens and dozens of our This past week, dozens and dozens of our This past week, dozens and dozens of our members participated in Sacred Week in members participated in Sacred Week in members participated in Sacred Week in Mission, giving of themselves and Mission, giving of themselves and Mission, giving of themselves and expressing kindness throughout our city.

expressing kindness throughout our city. expressing kindness throughout our city. Kindness is part of our witness as a Kindness is part of our witness as a Kindness is part of our witness as a church, but we are called to show and church, but we are called to show and church, but we are called to show and express kindness individually with all express kindness individually with all express kindness individually with all that we meet and interact with. that we meet and interact with. that we meet and interact with. You might never know You might never know You might never know how a simple act of kindness can affect how a simple act of kindness can affect how a simple act of kindness can affect a person. Give them an uplifted spirit, a person. Give them an uplifted spirit, a person. Give them an uplifted spirit, change their attitude, enable them to change their attitude, enable them to change their attitude, enable them to have a better day, have a better day, have a better day, or cause them to want to come to or cause them to want to come to or cause them to want to come to Memorial Drive Church. Memorial Drive Church. Memorial Drive Church. A transformed heart will express A transformed heart will express A transformed heart will express kindness. kindness. kindness. Third, a transformed heart seeks to walk Third, a transformed heart seeks to walk Third, a transformed heart seeks to walk humbly with God. humbly with God. humbly with God. God reminded his people of everything he God reminded his people of everything he God reminded his people of everything he had done for them. I brought you out of had done for them. I brought you out of had done for them. I brought you out of Egypt. I redeemed you. I made covenant Egypt. I redeemed you. I made covenant Egypt. I redeemed you. I made covenant with you. I fed you manna in the with you. I fed you manna in the with you. I fed you manna in the wilderness. I blessed you. I have been wilderness. I blessed you. I have been wilderness. I blessed you. I have been faithful. faithful. faithful. We should be humble in our spiritual We should be humble in our spiritual We should be humble in our spiritual journeys as we realize all that we have journeys as we realize all that we have journeys as we realize all that we have comes from God.

comes from God. comes from God. We walk humbly with God when we depend We walk humbly with God when we depend We walk humbly with God when we depend on God daily. on God daily. on God daily. In making my visitation rounds this past In making my visitation rounds this past In making my visitation rounds this past week, one member expressed his intent to week, one member expressed his intent to week, one member expressed his intent to keep walking with God daily. He said God keep walking with God daily. He said God keep walking with God daily. He said God has guided him throughout his life and has guided him throughout his life and has guided him throughout his life and enabled him to get sober and remain enabled him to get sober and remain enabled him to get sober and remain strong in his faith. strong in his faith. strong in his faith. Members continue to share about their Members continue to share about their Members continue to share about their faith and their daily walk and faith and their daily walk and faith and their daily walk and commitment to God. commitment to God. commitment to God. Even amid challenging times, you keep Even amid challenging times, you keep Even amid challenging times, you keep strong in your faith. You continue to strong in your faith. You continue to strong in your faith. You continue to let the let the let the the light of Christ shine in your lives. the light of Christ shine in your lives. the light of Christ shine in your lives. You continue to be witnesses to God's You continue to be witnesses to God's You continue to be witnesses to God's awesome love and amazing grace. awesome love and amazing grace. awesome love and amazing grace. Our choir will be back in the chancel Our choir will be back in the chancel Our choir will be back in the chancel loft in 2 weeks. They've had a a great loft in 2 weeks. They've had a a great loft in 2 weeks. They've had a a great and deserved 2 months off. and deserved 2 months off. and deserved 2 months off. I know our strong music ministry enables I know our strong music ministry enables I know our strong music ministry enables so many people to continue their daily so many people to continue their daily so many people to continue their daily walk with Jesus. Music conveys the walk with Jesus. Music conveys the walk with Jesus. Music conveys the gospel message while touching hearts, gospel message while touching hearts, gospel message while touching hearts, souls, and lives.

souls, and lives. souls, and lives. Others in our church walk humbly with Others in our church walk humbly with Others in our church walk humbly with God through various Bible studies, God through various Bible studies, God through various Bible studies, support groups, meditation classes, support groups, meditation classes, support groups, meditation classes, Sunday schools, and different kinds of Sunday schools, and different kinds of Sunday schools, and different kinds of worship experiences. worship experiences. worship experiences. Our Stephen ministers deepen their Our Stephen ministers deepen their Our Stephen ministers deepen their spiritual journey as they walk alongside spiritual journey as they walk alongside spiritual journey as they walk alongside others offering them friendship, others offering them friendship, others offering them friendship, companionship, encouragement, and companionship, encouragement, and companionship, encouragement, and prayer. prayer. prayer. This church is a strong, vital, growing, This church is a strong, vital, growing, This church is a strong, vital, growing, dynamic church because we have so many dynamic church because we have so many dynamic church because we have so many people seeking to grow in their faith, people seeking to grow in their faith, people seeking to grow in their faith, to strengthen their commitment to Jesus to strengthen their commitment to Jesus to strengthen their commitment to Jesus Christ as you walk humbly with God. Christ as you walk humbly with God. Christ as you walk humbly with God. So, let me ask you. So, let me ask you. So, let me ask you. How is your walk with God? Do you need How is your walk with God? Do you need How is your walk with God? Do you need to seek God daily? How can you become to seek God daily? How can you become to seek God daily? How can you become more aware of God's presence in your more aware of God's presence in your more aware of God's presence in your life? life? life? Perhaps this is a good time to renew Perhaps this is a good time to renew Perhaps this is a good time to renew your faith, deepen your commitment to your faith, deepen your commitment to your faith, deepen your commitment to Jesus Christ, and be intentional about Jesus Christ, and be intentional about Jesus Christ, and be intentional about humbly walking with God each and every humbly walking with God each and every humbly walking with God each and every day.

day. day. And what does God require of you but to And what does God require of you but to And what does God require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to do justice, to love kindness, and to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? walk humbly with your God? walk humbly with your God? The name of the Father, Son, and Holy The name of the Father, Son, and Holy The name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Spirit. Spirit. Amen. Amen. Amen. And amen.