The Hope That Changes Lives!

Matthew 1:18-25

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

James 5:13-20

13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back,20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

The Hope That Changes Lives!

Advent Series: Living In Hope!
Matthew 1:18-25; James 5:13-20

NewDay Friends,

Recently a friend and I were talking about possible reasons God has allowed the global spread of this coronavirus. He asked some great questions…

Do you think this is one of those times God has initiated a world-wide crisis so we might realize how fragile our human existence is without Him?

Do you think this is a form of discipline from Him OR is it just a natural part of living in a broken, sin fallen world?

What do you think He wants most from us as followers of Him at this time?

His final question of our discussion was asking:
How do you pray for others who have been affected by Covid-19 as well as other health concerns?

Over the years I have prayed for many people who are deathly sick or hurting…
… those who are dealing with a debilitating disease.
… those who have been struggling emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

I’ve gone to people’s home with other believers to follow James protocol of anointing them with oil and praying passionately for God to intervene and bring healing. I have fasted and prayed for many with tears and persistency. I still do that very thing with friends and family and those in need.

Here is what I discovered: God has brought about miraculous healing in some of these people. But in many others, the disease, sickness, or physically, emotional, mental pain was not or has not been taken away.

How can we make sense of this based on the healing character of God?

Today’s message we delve into this important area of praying for God’s healing presence!

I invite you to read: Matthew 1:18-25; James 5:13-20; 1 John 5:14-15 as you prepare for this time of worship.

PRAYER for those that are sick

Lord Jesus, thank you that you love us and have promised to be with us through the lowest valleys of our life. I want to bring before you ____________________ (name of person who is sick).
My heart is heavy over what this illness is doing to them. I ask that you would heal this disease, that you would have compassion and bring healing from all the sickness this virus (or other disease/wound) has caused.

Strengthen our faith where it is weak and strengthen our resolve to linger in Your presence a little longer each day. Send Your Spirit to help us see past our circumstances and onto Your calling on our lives. We ask for your healing and grace to cover every broken place. Every wound. Every heartache.

Thank you that you are able to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine. Thank you for your Mighty Power that acts on behalf of your children. We reach out to you, and know that you are restoring and redeeming every place of difficulty, every battle, for your greater glory. Thank you that you will never waste our pain and suffering. We love you. We need you today. In Jesus' Name, Amen