Blindsided by Life

We were greeted by a beautifully-decorated sanctuary and Wayne Johnson, who opened our Sunday morning service with prayer at Mill Creek Baptist Church. Special prayers were requested for Steve's nephew and niece and Donna Kuhn.

Janet Chaney reminded us of the Lottie Moon Christmas offering and shared the history of the missionary, Lottie Moon. The Christmas offering began with a book of her letters, "Send A Light," asking for support for the missionary work that began in 1887. Janet shared 2 Corinthians 8:9 and asked, "Why can't we be like Lottie Moon and care about God's work, too?"

Linda Abercrombie read a thank you note from the Missouri Baptist Home and then gave the devotional, "The Greatest Christmas Gift." Linda talked about the tizzy of Christmas decorations and shopping. She talked about the humble heart that receives the Christmas gift which is the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Christmas is not just about giving and receiving but about God's gift to us, and that was the greatest gift, Jesus Christ, given by the greatest gift giver, God our Father.

We sang traditional Christmas carols during our song service led by Becky Johnson and Karen Gardner. Rick Lett and Tyrel Lett served as ushers and collected the offering.

Scripture for God's message from our pastor, Brother Mark Hall, was from Isaiah 9:16: "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Title of the message was "Blindsided by Life" as Brother Mark talked about how the Prince of Peace works. "Sometimes things take us by surprise and turn our life upside down. We not only need the Prince of Peace at Christmas time but all through the year as the storms of life blindside us. Joseph was a just man, who was blameless, honest, a hardworking carpenter and conformed to God's law. His life was turned upside down when he learned the Virgin Mary was with child. His plans were changed a little. Our response to something like that can send us down the wrong path when our life gets turned upside down. Be careful about reacting to your own personal fears and feelings because we don't know the whole story, just like Joseph didn't know the whole story."

Brother Mark told us the key to get through life when it blindsides us is to get God's take on it. "When you get blindsided by life, always remember Proverbs 3:5-6. It says 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.'" Brother Mark told us that we need to remember three words when blindsided -- prayer, perspective and providence.

The first resort when things are turned upside down is to pray. We need to pray for guidance, courage and help. When you look to God, things immediately get better. You know, He knows how to handle it.

Second, we need perspective. We need to put the situation in perspective. How bad is it? How long will it really last? What difference will it make in eternity? We need to look at it calmly and with practicality. Leave out the drama.

Third, we need providence. Keep in mind that God in His providence is still in control of your life. He knows what happens to you and every hair on your head. Joseph's life got turned upside down, but look how it turned out. God can do that for you.

In closing, Brother Mark told us, when we get so rattled, we don't know what or how to pray, remember Romans 8:26, "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses, for we do not know what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Brother Mark asked, "If Joseph would have been given a choice, would it have turned out the same without God? Prayers are answered according to the will of God. Stop and give thanks for Jesus this Christmas. When in a difficult circumstance, call upon the Prince of Peace. Peace is in short supply in the world today because we forget who the Prince of Peace is and we forget to get Him involved. There is no peace without Him. Ask Him to come into your life for an eternal home."

Our hymn of invitation was "Leave It There," and Rick Lett gave the benediction.

We invite you to worship with us next Sunday as our Christmas program will include the music of Jamey Cope and Company during our worship service. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. and the worship service at 11 a.m. We will also deliver Christmas baskets Sunday evening. We will hold morning worship service on Christmas Eve morning at 11 a.m.

Everyone is welcome.