Various Scriptures - Birthday Blessings Over Ben

Twenty-nine years ago I gave birth to my second son.  His birth was so much different than his brother’s.  I was admitted the night before and had a planned time for a C-section.  No worries.  No pain.  No stress other than the fact that he was born the day after Christmas!  There was the stress of hearing, “There is something wrong and now would be the time to terminate if you want” when I had an ultra-sound a few months into my pregnancy.  Of course, that wasn’t even an option for me.  I would never terminate just because my baby was going to be born with a medical problem.  A month later when they repeated the ulta-sound I was told, “It was a mistake.  There is nothing wrong with your baby.”  No mistake.  There were a lot of people all over the world praying for my little guy.  God had a plan for him and it is exciting to see that plan be revealed.  God’s plan was confirmed at his birth when he was born with the scar from where his spine had closed up in the womb!  Woo hoo!  Praise the Lord for being a Healing God even in the womb!  I am saddened to think of how many babies are terminated because of given the choice. 

Ben has grown into a fine young man, husband and father of three plus.  When he was growing up, he did things before his time.  I loved how his ‘puter told him what to do before computers were even in every household.  Or how he built New York City with his blocks/legos when he never had even been to Cleveland!  We just never knew what he would come up with next.  

I must admit Ben had me on my knees a lot praying for the Lord to give me wisdom on how to handle his strong-willed attitude.  I do believe Dr. Dobson should have had him for a son in order to write his book “The Strong-Willed Child”...lol.  But it was through his strong-will that he overcame juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.  It was through his strong-will that he became the bi-vocational pastor he is today.  He continues to seek the Lord and that makes this Momma proud.  

When I was growing up, I prayed for my babies, their spouses and their babies.  I continue to pray for them today.  There are so many scriptures that point parents in the direction of praying for their children.  That is the best gift we can give to our children.

Dear Jesus,
I pray blessings over Ben, Emily and the kids.  I pray You will continue to lead him as a husband, father, pastor...all areas of his life.  I pray his heart will be tuned in to You so He has no doubt what direction You are leading his steps.  Father, I pray for blessings in all areas of his life.  Physical, mental, emotional, professional, financial and most of all spiritual.  Thank You Jesus for protecting him, loving him, blessing him, and most of all giving him exactly what he needs to get each and every day.  Thank You Father for giving me the privilege of being Ben’s Mommy!  Amen.

PRAYING FOR THE CHILDREN

Acts 19:20.........I thank you Father that Your Word prevails over our children.

Isa 54:13...........That they are taught of the Lord and continue to be

Prov 13:1.......... the fruit of godly instruction and correction.

Isa 54:13...........Great is their peace and undisturbed composure.

Prov 2:6............ Father, give us counsel and wisdom in bringing up our children.

1Pet 1:14.......... I say they are obedient, not conforming to the things of the flesh,

1Pet 1:15.......... but holy, in all conduct.

1Pet 2:2........... desiring the pure milk of the Word that they may grow thereby.

Jas 1:19............That they are swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.

Heb 13:5.......... Their conduct is without covetousness,

Heb 13:5.......... and they are content with what they have.

Heb 13:16......... They do not forget to do what is right and to share.

2Pet 3:18.......... I pray that they grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord,

1Thes 4:1......... and abound more and more in how they should walk and please You.

1Pet 5:5........... That they submit to their elders, and to one another,

1Pet 5:5........... being clothed with humility.

1Pet 5:7........... That they cast their cares upon You, Father, for You care for them.

Jas 1:22............I thank You that they are doers of the Word, and not hearers only,

Ph'm 1:6...........effectively sharing their faith.

2Tim 1:7 ..........not having a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.

2Tim 1:9...........Father, You have saved them and called them with a holy calling,

2Tim 1:9 ..........not according to works, but according to Your own purpose.

2Tim 4:18.........Deliver them from every evil work and preserve them.

John 10:5 ........They will by no means follow strangers, not knowing their voices.

2Tim2:22 .........They abide with others who call on the Lord out of a pure heart,

Jas 3:10 ..........and cursing comes not out of their mouth.

1Jn 5:18 ..........Because Jesus keeps them safe, the wicked one does not touch them.

Ps 91:11..........Give Your angels special charge to accompany, defend, preserve

Ps 4:8.............and provide safety for them, day and night.

1Jn 2:5 ...........Because they keep Your Word, Your love is being perfected in them.

1Jn 2:15 .........They do not love the world or the things in the world,

3Jn 1:11..........and they do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.

1Jn 1:7 ...........They walk in the light as You are in the Light,

Jas 4:8 ...........cleansing their hands and purifying their hearts,

2Tim 2:22 .......They follow after righteousness, faith, love, and peace.

Heb 13:18........They have a good conscience and desire to live honorably,

Prov 3:4 ..........having favor and high esteem with God and man.

Luke 2:14 - "Happy Birthday Jesus"

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:14

Happy Birthday, Jesus!  Woo hoo!  I know there is controversy about December 25 not really being the day Jesus was born.  I also know there are a lot of things in the Bible I don't completely understand.  But what does it matter?  First of all, we should celebrate His birth each and every day.  If He wouldn't have born, He couldn't have died to save our sins.  Secondly, people need to not get so caught up on the worldly things such as dates chosen by men but instead need to focus on the souls of men.  

When I get to heaven, if the Lord decides I need to understand all then I will.  Until that point I will continue to study and grasp what He gives me to understand.  I love how I can read the same scripture over and over again yet it is only in one particular moment the light bulb comes on and I understand it.  Woo hoo!  He is such a Great Father!  He disciplines me.  He loves me.  He understands me.  He makes it possible for me to have the desire in my heart to follow Him in such a way that blesses me in abundance.

As I reflect on today, I am sad that my "babies" are no longer at home.  But I am blessed in knowing they have their own babies to spend this day with.  I am soooo blessed with having time with them to celebrate a few days ago.  I am also blessed in knowing my Momma is with Richard and Tess for her first Christmas without my Daddy.  Another blessing is that there are enough workers at Mansfield today so we didn't have to worry about us not physically being able to be there.  As I sit here in my warm house with my hubby and four-legged buddy I am reminded of the blessing of provision the Lord gives us.  He provides for us physically with heat, food and the essentials of life.  He provides for us emotionally and mentally as we go throughout our days of ministering.  He provides for financially so we can bless others.  

I remember the way my friend Lenore use to always pray.  "Lord, bless them physically, spiritually, financially, mentally, emotionally and professionally."  What a blessing she gave us in her prayers.  We are so blessed in all areas of our life.  Yes, we are struggling in our physical bodies but we are strong in the Lord and know He will provide exactly what we need.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for loving me enough to come to this earth as a baby so that You could die to save us.  Thank You for being the One who blesses us in abundance.  Father, I pray for people to remember the true reason of Your birth, not just today but in the days to come.  I pray for more to find a relationship with You in the days ahead.  Father, thank You for being My Savior!  Amen.

II Timothy 2:3-4 - Commander-In-Chief

Christmas Eve morning….my, oh my, how life has changed.  In years past, when the boys were little, today would be the day to rush to wrap the last presents.  Typically speaking, we always had Christmas with the boys on Christmas Eve day and then would go to my parents home for a family celebration.  We would drive through Orrville and look at all the pretty lights afterwards.  Awww….the memories…

Now we are making new memories with our grand babies.  The opening of presents has come and gone at Grandma/Memaw Sheila and Papa Doc's house.  We had fun!  It seemed like the presents we gave them were perfect!  I loved the hugs we received from them.  So precious!  

As I reflect back upon the last two days I think the best present of all was knowing my boys and their ladies are raising my grand babies to know the true meaning of Christmas.  So many people get caught up in the fact that people shouldn't allow their children to believe in Santa Claus.  Our thinking is if you are raising your children to know the true meaning of Christmas then it's OK for them to have some fun along the way.  It's OK to allow them to believe in Santa Claus.  Some people say that's lying to your children but it's not.  There may not be one individual man who is Santa Claus but there are a bunch of Santa Claus's in this world.  

The giving of gifts started many years ago when our Savior was born in that lowly stable in Bethlehem.  Whether we have the money to buy gifts or not we can always find a way to give a gift.  Giving of ourselves through visiting, baking, etc. is the best gift of all.  We are behind in our visits to shut-ins/widows this year due to my health problems.  I am trying to not get stressed out over it.  I know when I am able to make the visits the Lord will bless them in abundance.  

The other night when we were caroling we tried to visit one of the widowers but he didn't answer his door.  Now he has went to be with Jesus.  In one way I am sad for his family but to think that he has been reunited with his wife gives comfort.  Knowing he is with the Lord is exciting!

Awww….the memories….yes, we are making new ones each and every day.  The Lord guides our steps and points us in the right direction.  He is our Leader.  I read something yesterday where someone said He is their Commander-In-Chief.  I like that!  Woo hoo!  I want to please my Commander-In-Chief.  II Timothy 2:3-4 reads, You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.  No matter what the Lord leads me through, whether it be physical, mental, emotional, financial, or spiritual hardship, I know I will win by allowing Him to be my Commander-In-Chief.  Too many times we allow our circumstances to bring us down.  We can read over and over in His Word that we will have difficulties but we can also read how to get through them.  Allowing Him total reign of our life is the key.  

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for guiding me down the many paths of life.  Father, these last few weeks have been a bit discouraging but I am so thankful for the way You bring scripture to me that encourages me to keep on.  I pray for so many people who are going through tough times.  The families who have recently and not so recently lost loved ones.  The ones going through cancer treatments.  The ones who are all alone in this world.  Most of all I pray for those who don't know You to find You.  Thank You Jesus for being My Commander-In-Chief!  Amen.

Phil 4:13; James 1:2-4 - His Strength Through Trials

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Phil. 4:13

I started my day off Saturday with the promise of Philippians 4:13 and ended the day in the ER repeating the words over and over as I endured intense pain.  Saturday was our first family Christmas without my Daddy.  I wasn't sure how I was going to react to it with as emotional as I have been with being on the steroids but I thought I would be "ok" and I was.  It was a good day with my Momma having 27 of us there.  Were there tears?  Of course, from time to time.  Was their sadness?  Of course, but the Lord was there to get us through.  

I was so blessed to have both my boys there at the same time.  With the exception of their Grandpa's funeral that hasn't happened in quite awhile.  And Miss Bella wasn't there for the funeral so this was the first time of all the grand babies with both boys and their ladies being together.  So of course, this Mom/Grandma had to capture the moment with pictures!

The Lord continues to bless our family.  The announcement of grand baby #5 was recently made.  I'm excited because he/she is expected around my birthday!  Woo hoo!

The day was physically challenging for me but I would not have missed it for anything.  I repeated Philippians 4:13 so many times throughout the day.  When Doc said he was taking me to the ER Saturday evening, I didn't argue.  I knew whatever the Lord had in store for me I would be able to accomplish through His Strength.  It's so awesome to live a life with Him being my Strength.  I told someone this morning I am so tired of all these physical issues Doc and I are having right now.  But I know I shouldn't complain.  It is through times like these that we will draw closer to the Lord.  I think of the words of the first chapter of James…

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

YES!!!!!  I will be joyful in these trials because I know I will draw closer to the Lord!  My faith will explode!  My perseverance will grow!  I will be complete in the Lord!  Thank You Jesus!  As we go through these physical trials, I will hold onto Philippians 4:13.  

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for Saturday!  Thank You for having my boys and their families together!  Thank You for that precious gift!  Thank You for being with my family for our first Christmas without my Daddy!  Thank You for being with me as I battle another physical ailment!  Thank You for being My Strength!  Amen.

Isaiah 57 - Death of a Young One

What do you say to someone who has lost a child?  What words do you give when you've never been through it yourself?  How can you possibly understand what they are dealing with?  Any words that are given will not be accepted at that time but you can pray for seeds to be planted.  You can pray that when they reflect back upon those horrid minutes of the fresh grief they will remember something that was said to comfort them.  They will remember the Lord is with them.  

The Lord continues to amaze me in how He plants seeds for us.  Earlier this week I was engaged in a conversation with a lady who lost a daughter at a young age.  It has been several years yet the pain is still fresh.  The thoughts of "what ifs" continue to be on her mind.  The holidays are especially difficult as one of her children have left this earth.  She shared with me Isaiah 57 has given her comfort in knowing her daughter is with Jesus and His plan for her was to not have to deal with the evil of this earth.

1 The righteous pass away; the godly often die before their time. And no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. 2For the godly who die will rest in peace. 3 "But you -- come here, you witches' children, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes! 4 Whom do you mock, making faces and sticking out your tongues? You children of sinners and liars! 5 You worship your idols with great passion beneath every green tree. You slaughter your children as human sacrifices down in the valleys, under overhanging rocks. 6 Your gods are the smooth stones in the valleys. You worship them with drink offerings and grain offerings. They, not I, are your inheritance. Does all this make me happy? 7 You have committed adultery on the mountaintops by worshiping idols there, and so you have been unfaithful to me. 8 Behind closed doors, you have set up your idols and worship them instead of me. This is adultery, for you are loving these idols instead of loving me. You have climbed right into bed with these detestable gods. 9 You have given olive oil and perfume to Molech as your gift. You have traveled far, even into the world of the dead, to find new gods to love. 10 You grew weary in your search, but you never gave up. You strengthened yourself and went on. 11 Why were you more afraid of them than of me? How is it that you don't even remember me or think about me? Is it because I have not corrected you that you have no fear of me? 12 "Now I will expose your so-called good deeds that you consider so righteous. None of them will benefit or save you. 13 Let's see if your idols can do anything for you when you cry to them for help. They are so helpless that a breath of wind can knock them down! But whoever trusts in me will possess the land and inherit my holy mountain. 14 I will say, 'Rebuild the road! Clear away the rocks and stones so my people can return from captivity.'" 15 The high and lofty one who inhabits eternity, the Holy One, says this: "I live in that high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I refresh the humble and give new courage to those with repentant hearts. 16 For I will not fight against you forever; I will not always show my anger. If I did, all people would pass away -- all the souls I have made. 17 I was angry and punished these greedy people. I withdrew myself from them, but they went right on sinning. 18 I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them and comfort those who mourn. 19 Then words of praise will be on their lips. May they have peace, both near and far, for I will heal them all," says the LORD. 20 "But those who still reject me are like the restless sea. It is never still but continually churns up mire and dirt. 21 There is no peace for the wicked," says my God.

The last part of verse one is where her peace lies.  No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come.  The Lord took her precious daughter to protect her from the evils of this world.  I often think about how much more evil this world will be when my grand babies are grown.  I can't remember how many years it has been for this Momma since the loss of her daughter but I do wonder how long it took her to have His peace over the situation.  If I were to say these words to the one who lost her babies this week, I don't think they could/would be accepted.  The grief is too fresh.  The pain is too deep.  I pray for His Peace to be accepted by not only her but also others who lose a child.  I pray for people to accept Him instead of living the ways of the world which in turn reject Him.  The last two verses of this passage show is, plain and clear, how the Lord deals with us.

20 "But those who still reject me are like the restless sea. It is never still but continually churns up mire and dirt. 21 There is no peace for the wicked," says my God.

I think back on the church sign that is seen from time to time…No God - No Peace; Know God - Know Peace.  He is the Only Way to deal with things such as the loss of a child.  He is the Only One who has the capability of giving peace in the midst of a storm.  He is the Only One who can be Our Strength.

Dear Jesus,
I feel like I should have said more to comfort this family this week.  As an afterthought, I wish I would have done something different.  But I am thankful You have encouraged me in reminding me that You were with me.  I am also encouraged by the fact that when I am called in I pray for Your Wisdom on the way.  Lord, I am Your Servant who never wants to do anything that is not of You.  Lord, please open doors for You to be shared with this family.  I also pray for people that are in relationship with You to comfort them.  I pray for You to become real to this family.  Thank You for the conversation the day before with one who has Your Peace as she continues to grieve the death of her daughter a few years ago.  Thank You Jesus for being My Peace.  Amen.

Philippians 4:13 - His Strength

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13

The Lord brought this scripture to my mind yesterday morning as I was struggling to get my body up and functioning.  I assumed He brought it to my mind due to way I was physically feeling.  I had no idea just how much I was going to need His strength throughout my day.  What a roller coaster of emotions I went through yesterday.

His Strength was with me in the ups and downs throughout the day.  He gave me His Words to share with many and His strength to get through the day.

The ones I prayed with before procedures.
The ones I prayed with and comforted as their loved one was life flighted.
The one I prayed with who is hurting over going through this first Christmas after the loss of his wife of many years.
The one we prayed with in ICU who is struggling with his physical body but blessed with what the Lord has given him to share.
The ones we were with who received negative results from their loved one's procedure.
The ones who received positive results from their loved one's procedure.
The one who responded for the very first time in many visits when we caroled last night.

I just praise His Holy Name for giving me exactly what I needed to get through the day.  Physically, I had pain.  Emotionally, I was on a roller coaster as I dealt with people's issues.  Mentally, I struggled due to the effects of the steroids.  But spiritually I was strong with His Strength.  Woo hoo!  I feel so blessed to be living the life I am living.  Not only am I allowing the Lord to use me to comfort and guide others but I also have given Him complete reign of my life so He is the one who directs my path.  I don't have to worry about what I'm doing or when I'm doing something.  I have freedom in knowing He is in control.

As I start another day, I could be fearful of the fact that I had only five hours of sleep due to the effect of the steroid.  But I know the Lord will guide my steps and lead me throughout the day.  If that includes a nap like yesterday, then that is what I need.  If it doesn't, then I know the Lord will give me exactly what I need to get through my day.  In the past when I've dealt with such times I would pray, "Lord, just get me through this day."  I no longer have the desire in my heart to "just get through it" but rather ask for Him to bless me in abundance with opportunities to be Him to others.  I am His vessel and He is my Anchor.  Wherever He chooses to take me is fine by me.  I will not try to stop things or manipulate circumstances to the way I think they should go.  Instead I will be ready to sail along throughout the day doing exactly what He so desires of me.

Dear Jesus,
I continue to pray for the many I was in contact with yesterday.  Lord, I shared You with many who don't know You.  I pray, first and foremost, for their souls.  I pray I planted seeds that will be cultivated and harvested.  Lord, bring something I said to their minds that will draw them to You.  Thank You for the opportunity to carol with my church family last night.  I always look forward to that time.  I especially thank You for making it be that Doc could go to.  I can't even remember the last time he went and I was so blessed by that.  I praise You for the 27 people who brightened up the evening for the shut-ins.  You are so awesome, Lord, in how You bless me.  Thank You so much!  Lord, today is a new day.  You already know what it holds for me.  I pray if anything that is on my schedule is not Your Desire then please shut doors to it.  Father, give me opportunities to be You to others.  Thank You Jesus for being My Anchor! Amen.

II Corinthians 4 - Praying for Pastors

The Lord took me to the fourth chapter of II Corinthians this morning and directed my prayers for my pastor friends...

2 Corinthians 4 (NIV)

Present Weakness and Resurrection Life

4 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospelis veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.  7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed,but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.  13 It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.  16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

The Lord has put upon my heart this morning to pray for those in ministry who are discouraged.  Verse one of this passage is a key reminder when we become discouraged.  Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.  The Lord is always with us.  He is always ready to shower us with His love, mercy and grace.  Sometimes when we are dealing with difficult people or situations we forget that fact.  We try to reason things out in our minds when all we have to do is look to the Lord for His direction.  That is so much easier said than done.  We are human beings who get our feelings hurt.  But when things happen that hurt us we must allow Him to heal us.  If we allow the enemy even one little step into our lives, we will be miserable.  We also will be unproductive in doing the Lord's work.  

This morning I am praying for…

…the pastor who is writing his resignation letter because he feels like he just can't continue on the path he is on.  Lord, give him Your wisdom and Your rest.

…the pastor who is struggling with sin in his own life and can't seem to find a way out.  Lord, I pray for this one to find a godly mentor who will encourage him and pray with and for him.

…the pastor who feels so overwhelmed by all of the holiday activities in their church.  Lord, I pray for discernment for her on what traditions to hang onto and what ones to let go.

…the pastor who feels unworthy of the Lord's love due to the constant negative words from ones in his congregation. Lord, I pray first of all for those words to stop but I also pray for positive words to flow not only from the ones saying the negatives but also from others in this pastor's world.

…the pastor who is trying to juggle a full-time job, a sick wife and his church.  Lord, please bring along side him ones who can help carry his load.  

…the pastor who is hiding an illness from not only his congregation but also his family.  Lord, I pray for the truth to set him free.

…the pastor who has left his ministry assignment and seeking Your will for where to go.  Lord, please give him Your direction and allow him to draw closer to You during this time of transition.

…the pastor who is feeling very blessed and seeking the Lord with their whole being.  Lord, I pray protection against the enemy for these ones.

…the pastor who feels like there is no one to talk to and is feeling very lonely.  Lord, put a safe contact before them today that will truly listen to them.

..the pastor's spouse who is feeling used by their church.  Lord, open the eyes of this one to Your healing empowerment so they can show Your love to their church family.

…the pastors who have Monday as their day off.  Lord, I pray for renewal within their spirits and within their families.

…the pastor's families who feel like they are being neglected by their spouse/daddy.  Lord, give these pastors discernment on how to make time for their spouse and children.

Dear Jesus,

Prayers for many have gone up this morning.  I pray You will bless each pastor and pastor's spouse and family in the way they need You.  I pray for You to become so real to them as they start another week.  Renew them.  Refresh them.  Bless them in a mighty way.  I pray they will live II Corinthians 4:16-18:  Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  Empower them to keep their focus on You, Lord.  Empower them to not allow things and people of this world to pull them away from You.  Thank You Jesus for being The One To Empower Me!  Amen.  

Various Scripture - White Christmas Series: Blue Christmas

I was given the opportunity to preach this morning…woo hoo!

White Christmas Series:  Blue Christmas

December 15, 2013

Last week Doc started the series “White Christmas” with the sermon entitled “Snow Globe”...it focused on the topic of forgiveness.  Today I want to share with you “Blue Christmas” with the topic of grief.  

Perhaps you feel like you are going to have a “Blue Christmas...

• change of family unit
• divorce
• children have left home
• death of a loved one
• Or if you don’t fall into any of these categories, look around and you will find a family member, neighbor or friend who does
• encourage them - cards, food, etc.
• spend time with them - invite them over, take them to the store, etc.

No matter where you are in life, the important way to get through a “Blue Christmas” is to focus on the true meaning of Christmas...Christ.

• He will be your source of comfort.
• He will be your hope.
• He will be your healing.

Three Reasons Why Focusing on the Meaning of Christmas Leads to Hope and Healing

#1  At Christmas, Jesus came to end all suffering.

God sees all our problems and He has promised to ultimately fix them.

• His plan was to bring Jesus to this earth, born in a lowly stable, in order to die for all of our sins.
• Because He died for us we have hope in eternity.
• Revelation 21:3-5 reads:  3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

One day we will no longer have to deal with disease, tragedy or suffering---there will no longer be death!  That’s a reason for hope and celebration!

#2 - At Christmas, Jesus came to deal with the source of our suffering

God isn’t going to just stop death, diseases, family issues, etc. but He is going to renew us.  

• When sin creeps into our lives, it brings bitterness, unforgiveness, unfaithfulness, selfishness.  
• These things effect our whole being.
• Our thinking...
• Our relationships...
• Our environment...
• Our health...
• Sin not only affects us in these areas but it also puts a barrier between us and the Lord.
• Sin can prevent us from having His Comfort and His Healing
• On that very first Christmas, Jesus came to offer us a way to remove that barrier and to be in full relationship with Him.

#3 - This Christmas the gift of Christ is available for you 

God offers us the gift of forgiveness and a new life when we receive Him.

Titus 3:5 reads...

he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

Ephesians 2:8-9 reads...

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

When we accept the gift of Christ, we are able to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

• We can turn a “Blue Christmas” into a “White Christmas” by allowing Him to heal us, to give us hope, to comfort us..
• Will that bring our broken family back together?  Not necessarily but it will enable us to get through the holidays with a different perspective.
• When the children are at the other parent’s home instead of focusing on your own problems and situation, visit someone who is lonely or doesn’t have any family around.

• We can turn a “Blue Christmas” into a “White Christmas” by allowing Him to heal us, to give us hope, to comfort us..
• Will that bring an estranged child back into relationship with us?  Not necessarily but it will give us His Peace that He is working in the situation.
• “Adopt” a child for the holiday season.
• Doesn’t necessarily take money...giving of your time is the biggest gift you can give to a child who doesn’t have someone who does things with them in their life.

• We can turn a “Blue Christmas” into a “White Christmas” by allowing Him to heal us, to give us hope, to comfort us..
• Will that bring back a loved one that has passed?  No, but it will enable us to realize we have the Lord’s strength during the tough times.
• Cherish the memories...talk about your loved one...
• In a recent grief support group I went to they said that sometimes the anticipation of the holiday is worse than the actual day.
• That’s what I found with Thanksgiving.  I woke up feeling very yucky...dreading the day...
• The day itself was a day of reminiscing and celebration.
• Yes, there were some tears from time to time but that’s part of the healing process.
• Another part of the healing process is allowing ourselves to let the emotions flow.  It is natural to cry when we have a loss...whether that loss is new or if it was from twenty years ago.
• Tears are one of God’s gifts to us.

1. Sometimes we don’t have words but the tears will flow.
2. Never apologize for them.
3. When the emotions flood in, God gives us a place to go where we can find peace and rest.

Psalm 23:1-3  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

God is always there for us...to give us His healing...to give us His hope...to give us His comfort

God knows us inside and out; He knows what we struggle with; He knows our fears and feelings.  

• He never expects us to be anybody but ourselves.  
• We were created in His image and show His likeness as we walk with Him in our grief.  
• The closer we walk with Him, the more we will become like Him, moving in His peace and hope.

Psalm 73:23-26 (NIV)

23 

Yet I am always with you;
    you hold me by my right hand.

24 

You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will take me into glory.

25 

Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 

My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart
    and my portion forever.

In order to get away from having a “Blue Christmas” we must be ourselves but we must allow Him to be our healing...our hope...our comfort.

• Everyone grieves differently.
• We can’t allow others to tell us how to grieve but rather we need to listen to the Lord for His direction.

A question I have for you who are grieving today...

Are you going to continue on the road to a “Blue Christmas” or are you willing to allow the Lord to heal you..to give you hope...to give you comfort?  

For those grieving...You are the only one who can take charge of your grief.

• Five steps to dealing with grief...

1. Accept the reality that your loved one is gone whether it be through divorce, children have left home or the death of a loved one
2. Express your emotion in healthy ways...talk, tears, share
3. Store the memories..move from the past to the present
4. Begin new traditions...your love for the departed in no way lessens by starting a new normal
5. Reinvest in life... realize the holidays will never be the same again.  God has you here on this earth for a reason.  Are you willing to be open to what that reason is?  Are you willing to discover what God is calling you to do?  Fulfilling your God-given purpose will honor God, your family, and your lost loved one and will give you a new perspective.

A question I have for those of you today who don’t fall into these categories...

Are you willing to share the Lord with someone who is in these circumstances?  Are you willing to be Jesus to someone who is hurting?

Before anyone can change their “Blue Christmas” into a “White Christmas” they first must be washed by His Blood and be cleansed white as snow.  

• Invitation to allow the Lord to cleanse and renew...to empower you to press forward to having a “White Christmas”
• Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV) Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.

He will be your source of comfort.  He will be your hope. He will be your healing.  Will you allow Him to be those to you today?