Transitions: Who? (1 Samuel 8:10-20) // June 17, 2018

Transitions: Who? (1 Samuel 8:10-20) // June 17, 2018

#ComeSunday #SermonNotes: In the days leading up to Sunday worship, we share a brief sermon summary and questions for devotion and reflection. Follow us on our website and on facebook to stay up to date!

Father’s Day Guest Speaker: Reginald Grant, M.S.Ed.

Reginald Grant is a Speaker, Education Consultant, and Author. Reginald often delivers dynamic keynote addresses, facilitates workshops and works with youth on developing and implementing “A Winners Mindset.”

He is also considered a leading expert on Reaching and Teaching African American and other urban youth. A certificated English teacher, since 2002 teaching urban youth and international ESL students. A former NFL player for the New York Jets, he also finds time to serve on several boards of national organizations working with youth. He is the author of “Thoughts of An Urban Teacher” (2017), “Effective Mentoring in the 21st Century” (workbook 2017), “Success Stories Insights by African American Men”(2016),”A Case for Bilingual Education” (2015),“A Teacher’s View Education in America.”(2014) and numerous teacher guides, workbooks, and articles.

He is the host of the radio show/podcast ” A Family of Authors Radio Show” and partner of A Family of Authors and Grant Language Academy. A Family of Authors promotes literacy and helps authors publish and market books. The Grant Language Academy provides university tours for international students and families, summer ESL programs, workshops for urban youth on academic skill development and summer author programs. GLA also provides workshops for educational professionals and other groups. Brother Grant is a member of Holman United Methodist Church.


1 Samuel 16:6-7 (Common English Bible)

6 When they arrived, Samuel looked at Eliab and thought, That must be the Lord’s anointed right in front.

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Have no regard for his appearance or stature, because I haven’t selected him. God doesn’t look at things like humans do. Humans see only what is visible to the eyes, but the Lord sees into the heart.”

Summary: Life often brings unexpected events that bring new questions, challenges and opportunities. It can be hard to deal with change. In our Transitions worship series, we explore how change can be difficult to manage, yet, by faith, we trust in God to see us through.

In this scripture, Samuel’s reign as king turned out to be a disaster. Saul had the position and title, but proved to be of very little character. Samuel was responsible for anointing a new king, but still looked for leadership with human eyes. God shows Samuel that good character comes from within and can’t be determined by a person’s outward appearance.

On this Father’s Day, we remember and celebrate the gifts of Fatherhood with the reminder that as God looks upon the heart and great fathers lead from their hearts.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What are the characteristics of a good father?
  2. Who are the fathers you in your life you thank God for?
  3. Who is God calling you to encourage as a father?