Monthly Archives: September 2025

Lenses

Posted on by

Watch the full service on our YouTube channel by clicking here.

Philippians 2:1-4 New International Version

Imitating Christ’s Humility

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Friday’s Word

Posted on by

Getting Jimmy Kimmel back is a small victory.

And it’s a step in the right direction.

But the Heart of Darkness has three more years of vengeance and chaos. We can hope that some members of his cult will see the light. But so far, not many. It’s hard to leave a cult. Good people get drawn in. It’s like good kids who join sides with the bully in high school.

They may even realize how mean the bully is, but they are on the power side. The Heart of Darkness once said, “To exercise power is to instill fear.” That’s what bullies do. That’s what dictators do. They make people afraid of them.

We are now a nation run by bullies, and they govern by instilling fear. And, so far, it’s working. Heads of corporations are afraid. University leaders are afraid. Heads of big law firms are afraid. Teachers in classrooms are afraid. The brazen, lawless use of power to instill fear is working so far.

But that’s—so far.

It cannot continue.

Because the trajectory of God’s creation is toward love, not fear. The foundational principle of the universe is love. God, who is the source of all things, is love.

You can stand in the river with arms stretched out to stop the water, but the water will overwhelm you. You can oppose the foundations of existence only so long. Finally, there is no power against God’s grace.

“Perfect love,” says John, “casts out fear.”

It will get darker for a while. Then comes the sun.

saintmatthewumc.com
revmaxb@tx.rr.com

Max’s Corner

Posted on by

The MSB Gospel Choir was a great success! We had 100 people present, and after paying the choir, we were still able to give a generous gift to Eastside Ministries. Thank you to everyone who helped, attended, and gave. Your love truly makes a difference.

Pastor’s Class

For the next two weeks, I’ll be sharing something very personal—my remarkable experience during Communion a few years ago. This will be the first time I’ve discussed it with a group. You’ll even receive a copy of the closing chapter from my book. Join us at 9:45 AM, followed by breakfast.

Breakfast This Sunday

It’s a “We-Bring” Sunday, so feel free to pitch in! Breakfast begins at 10:30 AM.

Worship This Week

Mary will be preaching, Kristi will be out, and Blake will fill in.

Community Spotlight

Tickets are on sale for Rent at the Grand Prairie Uptown Theater this Saturday at 2:00 PM. Julian, Shannon, and Josh are in the production—don’t miss it! Visit the Uptown Theater Events Calendar (Prekindle Tickets) and click on “Rent” to purchase.

See you Sunday!

God bless,

MB

Mary’s Corner

Posted on by

Hello, dear friends and family of Saint Matthew UMC,

I am still humming the songs from our concert on Saturday, the 20th. What a beautiful evening it was—filled with music, fellowship, and a wonderful meal afterward. I am so grateful to everyone who helped make the event possible. The church looked so welcoming, and our guests commented repeatedly on the warmth and friendliness they experienced here. It was truly a night of community building. Thank you for your hospitality.

Our next concert will take place on Saturday, October 25th, at 6:00 PM, with a meal to follow. This free event will feature the choir from All People’s Church on Sandy Lane as they present Lazarus. I’m looking forward to an evening of music and fellowship with their choir and church family. Events like these are especially meaningful as we continue to strengthen connections with our neighbors and other congregations. Together, we become stronger.

I will be preaching this Sunday and hope to see you there.

Love and prayers,

Mary

Kids’ News – God Provides Help for Moses

Posted on by

Last week, we heard how God spoke to Moses through a burning bush that did not burn up. In that moment, God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. But Moses was unsure of himself. “O my Lord, I have never been eloquent… I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” (Exodus 4:10)

God answered by sending Moses’ brother, Aaron, to help. “You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth… He shall speak for you to the people.” (Exodus 4:15–16)

Together, Moses and Aaron went before Pharaoh with God’s command. “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may hold a festival to Me in the wilderness.’” (Exodus 5:1)

But Pharaoh’s heart was hard. “Who is the Lord, that I should obey Him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go.” (Exodus 5:2)

Instead of listening, Pharaoh increased the work of the Israelites, making their suffering worse. Yet God was not finished. Through mighty acts—the plagues—He showed His power until Pharaoh finally allowed the Israelites to leave. That moment became the foundation of the Passover, a lasting reminder of God’s deliverance.

What We Learned

  • God calls us even when we feel weak or unprepared.
  • He provides help—just as He gave Moses Aaron to speak.
  • Human pride may resist, but God’s power cannot be stopped.
  • God’s deliverance is worth remembering and celebrating.