Saturday

Birth Announcement

Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified.

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

Luke 2:9-14 (MSG)

Thank God for taking care of Bro. Butch Reviere, his friend, and the other driver during an accident in Bogalusa.  None of them were serious hurt.  Bro. Butch will need to get a new vehicle though.  It’s a little cool to ride his motorcycle every day.

Randy Meadows, husband of Sherry Alford Meadows, got to spend Christmas in the hospital thanks to an infection.  Pray Randy gets to feeling better and can enjoy his vacation/holiday time with family.

A former student, Charlotte, spent her Chirstmas Eve and Christmas at her dad’s bedside.  He’s better now.  Pray for continued improvement.

Pray for all the other families that had members hospitalized during the holidays.  I remember spending some holiday time visiting relatives on Christmas or even being at the funeral home with family.  It’s a holiday memory that you don’t forget.  It’s so assuring to know God walks with us on holidays like all the other days.  He can provide the assurance and comfort we need each and every day.

Why?

WHILE APPEARING ON a panel with other bereaved parents, I was surprised at how much I learned by listening…

We were there to help a group of ministers help the grieving, but we ended up learning from one another.

One mom, who had lost her infant daughter to meningitis, shared a simple truth that touched me. She related that as she tried to work through the huge question of “Why?” she spoke to her dad about it. He told her that a better question to ask is “Who?” He explained that she may never know why her daughter was taken so early, but the help she needed most would come from pursuing who God is in this tragic situation.

Think of what this means to us in our difficulties. When we face unexpected grief and ask “Who?” we thus answer: “The Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3). When we face a period of weakness, we discover that “the LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer” (Psm. 18:2). When the ungodliness of this world seems overwhelming, we can know that the “God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly” (Rom. 16:20). When “Why, God?” is on your heart, ask instead, “Who are You, God?” Then seek Him in His Word. (Dave Branon)

“Lord, all my desire is before You;

and my sighing is not hidden from You.”

~Psm. 38:9~

Posted by Mike Benson

May you have a blessed day today.

Anna Lee