The Greatest Gift I Never Wanted

Dr. Tracie Hines · 2024-12-08T16:20:35.507Z

DESCRIPTION Join Anna Wiggins for this special message entitled “The Greatest Gift I Never Wanted.” WEBSITE LINK: https://fayftliberty.manna.church/sermons/the-greatest-gift-i-never-wanted/ WATCH SERVICE: https://youtu.be/cHu1DUGn3_c NOTES: “The Greatest Gift I Never Wanted Anna Wiggins December 5 and December 8, 2024 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 (ESV) It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart. Ecclesiastes 7:2 (NIV) Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also. For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away. Psalm 31:9-10 (ESV) Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NIV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV) So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. Acts 9:31 (ESV) Church Service Breakdown and Devotional Date: December 5 and December 8, 2024 Message Title: "The Greatest Gift I Never Wanted" Scripture 1: Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 (ESV) Scripture Text: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance." Meaning: These verses remind us that life works within God's ordained rhythms and seasons. Pain and joy, loss and growth, are all part of God’s divine plan. This passage helps us accept life’s changes and challenges as purposeful transitions ordained by God. Scripture 2: Ecclesiastes 7:2 (NIV) Scripture Text: 2. "It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart." Meaning: This scripture highlights the reality and inevitability of human mortality. Reflecting on death can inspire us to value life with greater depth and urgency, drawing us closer to God for comfort and wisdom. It emphasizes how even grief serves to guide us to life's purpose in God. Scripture 3: Psalm 31:9-10 (ESV) Scripture Text: 9. "Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also. 10. For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away." Meaning: This psalm expresses a deep and personal cry for God’s mercy in the midst of profound distress. It reminds us that God is attentive to our emotional and physical struggles, offering grace to strengthen us when we are broken and crushed by grief or sin. Scripture 4: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NIV) Scripture Text: 13. "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." Meaning: Paul reminds believers of the hope we have in Christ even in the face of death. Because of Jesus' resurrection, those who have died in Him are not lost—we will be united with them again. This hope transforms grieving into a journey of faith and trust in God’s eternal promises. Scripture 5: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV) Scripture Text: 3. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4. who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." Meaning: God is presented as the ultimate source of comfort in affliction. This passage encourages believers to extend that same comfort to others. Our own experiences of God’s comfort

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The Greatest Gift I Never Wanted

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The Greatest Gift I Never Wanted