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Children’s sermon for 8/16:
Jesus says that it is not what goes into your mouth that harms you, but what comes out of your mouth that harms you. This means that if your heart is full of kindness, then kindness will come out from you, however, if your heart is full of anger and frustration, then anger and frustration will come out from you, and that will harm you and your friends. What comes out of your mouth matters.
Sermon:
Johnny Cash had been one of the more spiritual writers of his day, and one of his songs was titled “Help me.” This song speaks of a person down on their luck, begging for help from God. Pastors often do their best to try to walk alongside others because we all need a form of help.
In today’s Bible reading, the Pharisees on the one hand are questioning Jesus, while on the other hand, the Canaanite woman is begging for help. Overall, this passage is about ritual purity; what did the Canaanite woman have that the Pharisees did not have? She had a large amount of humility; she had a willingness to let go of pride, as well as to let go of questioning whether or not she would be accepted. Therefore, she had thrown herself at Jesus’ feet for He is the One who heals.
Those who have the faith of a dog: love unconditionally, are eager to please and to stand by their Master’s feet. This Bible lesson is directed towards those who are often seen as outcasts, as well as to those who are spiritually poor. It is not about purity, it is about our need for a greater power than ourselves and to confess it. Lord help me. We fall short everyday of our lives. We must strive to be humble servants to the world, filled with good infinite mercy, grace and love. His presence guides us if we lean on God.