Monthly Archives: October 2025

Kids’ News – Facing Giants with God’s Help

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Sometimes problems feel huge—like giants standing in our way. But when we trust God, even the biggest challenges can fall.

This week, we talked about a young shepherd named David. While his older brothers were off fighting in King Saul’s army, David stayed home to watch the sheep. One day, his father sent him to bring food to his brothers at the battlefield. When David arrived, he saw that everyone was afraid. Across the valley stood a giant named Goliath—nine feet tall and shouting insults at God’s people.

“Who will fight me?” Goliath roared. No one answered. The soldiers stepped back in fear. But David said, “I’ll fight him! The Lord who rescued me from the lion and the bear will rescue me from this giant too.” King Saul tried to help, putting a helmet and heavy armor on David, but David could barely move. “I can’t wear this,” he said, laughing a little. “I’ll go with what I know.” He picked up five smooth stones from the stream, placed one in his sling, and stepped forward in faith.

As the giant shouted again, David called back, “You come against me with sword and spear, but I come against you in the name of the Lord!” He swung his sling, the stone flew through the air, and Goliath fell with a crash. David didn’t win because he was stronger—he won because he trusted God completely.

David’s courage reminds us that no problem is too big when we let God lead the way. Whatever your “giant” may be—fear, doubt, or something that feels impossible—God is with you, ready to give you strength and courage.

What We Learned:

  • God gives us the courage to face our biggest fears.
  • Faith is stronger than any obstacle.
  • We don’t have to be the strongest—just willing to trust God.
  • When we stand up for what’s right, God stands with us.

Friday’s Word

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The Germans still feel a lot of guilt about their decline and fall into evil.
I, too, once believed the Germans had some special problem. The madness could only happen there.
I was clearly wrong.
It can happen anywhere.

In Chicago, ICE swarmed an apartment building, agents dropping from a black helicopter in the middle of the night.
ICE agents have changed their uniforms to look like soldiers. They broke down doors and hauled men, women, and children out into the night.
Some were naked.
Even the children were bound with ties. They were hauled away in vans and separated from parents.

Imagine the fear.
Soldiers are occupying U.S. cities against the will of governors, mayors, and the people of those cities.
U.S. soldiers against U.S. citizens.
Once unthinkable.
The soldiers will be in place for the next election.
We can expect them at every polling booth.
We may have had our last free and fair election.

“The enemy within” this time is not the Jews, but Hispanics—and anyone who disagrees with the current regime.
I always knew that a man who loves dictators wants to be a dictator.
Jesus warned us. He said you will never get good fruit from a bad tree.
But strangely, it was mostly Christians who bit into the bad apple.
“Evangelical.”
“Fundamentalist.”
“Inerrantist.”

Bad theology is more dangerous than no theology at all. There is a truth that can save us. Help St. Matthew UMC spread that truth.
Worship at 11:00.
Consider it.

saintmatthewumc.com
revmaxb@tx.rr.com

Max’s Corner

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Strange as it may sound (since I’m the preacher), I so thoroughly enjoyed worship last Sunday. I think we had a good service, and I hope you felt uplifted too.

Each Sunday night before bed, I usually check the online recording to see how everything turned out—especially the music. Last Sunday, I went to bed a little discouraged. Not because of the music (our choir sounded beautiful!) but because of what the camera showed.

Here’s the problem: most of us sit toward the back on the left side, so the camera’s wide shot makes it look like we’re preaching to empty pews. When we have 60 or 70 people in worship, the camera makes it look like 15 or 20. If I were a first-time viewer online, I’d probably think, “small and dying”—or worse, “small and dead.”

So, I’ve asked our amazing tech guy, Jason, and his helpers to adjust the camera angles. From now on, the view will focus only on the first few pews and the heart of the action. No more sweeping shots of what I’ve come to call “the wasteland.” Our online service will feel more intimate and better reflect the warmth and spirit we all experience together in the sanctuary.

Be sure to check it out this Sunday and see the difference for yourself!

Pastor’s Class

Some things we were taught may not be true.

Join us at 9:45 AM, followed by breakfast at 10:30 AM.

It’s a “We-bring Sunday”—feel free to bring something to share!

This Sunday

Mary will be back, our choir will sing, and we’re hopeful that some of our missing friends will feel well enough to return.

Sermon: It Is One or the Other

Scripture: Luke 6:27–36

I’ll be looking for you this Sunday.

God bless,

Max