Saint Matthew United Methodist Church

Things weren’t going well for the people of Israel. Once again, they had turned away from God, and now a cruel army, led by Commander Sisera, was making life miserable. The people cried out to God for help.

And God sent someone… unexpected. Not a warrior. Not a king. But a woman named Deborah.

Deborah was both a prophet and a judge. She was so wise and trustworthy that people from all over the land came to see her. She didn’t have a palace or a courtroom—she sat under a palm tree in the hill country (Judges 4:5), listening to people and helping them solve their problems.

One day, Deborah sent for a military commander named Barak. She had a message from God:

“The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: Take ten thousand men to Mount Tabor. God will hand Sisera over to you” (Judges 4:6–7).

But Barak wasn’t confident.

“I’ll go,” he said, “but only if you come with me.”

Deborah agreed.

“I will go with you,” she said. “But because of the way you are doing this, the honor of victory will go to a woman” (Judges 4:9).

Together, they led the people. At just the right moment, Deborah gave the signal:

“Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Hasn’t the Lord gone ahead of you?” (Judges 4:14)

Barak charged forward, and God gave Israel the victory.

---

This story matters because Deborah listened to God and used her voice to bring justice and peace. In a time when women were rarely leaders, she showed strength, wisdom, and courage. She reminds us that anyone—girl or boy, young or old—can lead when they trust God and do what’s right.

---

What We Learned:

• God chooses leaders who listen, even when they don’t look like what people expect.
• Deborah used her wisdom and courage to help others.
• Barak learned to trust God’s plan—even when he was unsure.
• When we listen to God and act faithfully, great things can happen.

We hope to see you in church this Sunday!

Blessings!

I’m Back

It took some effort—that’s the most I’ve moved in a month—but I’m glad to be back at it. And how good it was to have Larry and Rev. Beth Ensor with us! Beth just retired, so they were finally free to visit the church they once called home. Pure joy. And what a blessing to see Linda Pruitt in worship, still recovering from her stroke. That, too, was a joy.

And how ’bout that solo!? Julian’s rendition gave me goosebumps. It was so good to have him helping me lead the singing. Kristi was her usual fantastic self. Blake is still off working on his master’s degree. (And we found out just how smart Kristi and Steven’s dogs are!)

My Class Resumes This Sunday – 9:45 AM

I’m picking up again with my class, and this week we’ll be talking about something big: the idea that the Church may have gotten salvation wrong. I believe God is better than most people think—and we’ll dig into that this Sunday.

We’ll follow class with breakfast. Since this is a “We Bring” Sunday, come hungry and come ready to share a dish if you’re able. Winston brought food last week. Now it’s our turn.

This Sunday’s Sermon:

“The Biggest Thing We Don’t Know About God”

You may think you know it—but you don’t. And even after I tell you, you still won’t fully grasp it. Because it is unimaginable. We can’t comprehend it.

Yet—it’s the thing we need to know most.

Come. Let me share it with you.

Watching Online?

One of our two cameras is nearly useless—no zoom at all. Jason and Robert have been using it only for transitions. All the close-up work is handled by a single camera.

That’s about to change.

Installation of our new sound booth, new cameras, and full rewiring will begin either early next week or the week after. You’ll notice a big improvement in our online worship experience. Stay tuned.

Special Offering for Flood Victims

Thank you, Mary, for getting this started. We will again be taking up a special offering for flood victims in the Hill Country.

As before, we’ll collect this offering before the sermon, and then take our regular church offering afterward. Please give as you feel led.

I Will Not Be Silent

I don’t want to harp on the subject. But the stakes are too high for silence.

Millions will suffer because of decisions being made right now by our government. Children will go hungry. Families will lose healthcare. Medicaid will be slashed. Even Medicare is on the chopping block.

No one is safe when the person in charge is deranged, malicious, and unstable.

Do you care about the poor? About gay people, immigrants, people of color, people who are sick?

Are you truly a follower of Jesus Christ?

Then stand with Him.

Don’t argue. Don’t fight.

Just stand with the Lord, and let the world know you are a Christian by your love.

God Bless,

—MB