On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. Matthew 2:11(NIV)
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15(NIV)
- WHEN WE GIVE GOD OUR WORRY
GOD GIVES US HIS PEACE
Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you. 1 Peter 5:7(NLT)
“I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27(TLB)
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33(NLT)
Action Plan- What is worrying you this week? Try journaling about why you are worried. Then, write out these three verses underneath your worries.
- WHEN WE GIVE GOD OUR HURTS
GOD GIVES US HIS HEALING
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3(NIV)
He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. 2 Corinthians 1:4(MSG)
Action Plan- If you know somebody who is hurting right now, be sure to invite them to a Christmas service. For dates and times for all Saddleback campuses,click here.
- WHEN WE GIVE GOD OUR GRIEF
GOD GIVES US HIS JOY
You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. John 16:20b(NIV)
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11(NIV)
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15(NASB)
Action Plan- Do a short word study on the word “joy.” Go toblueletterbible.comand type in the word “joy” in the search box. See what God has to say about having joy, even in times of grief.
- WHEN WE GIVE GOD OUR FEARS
GOD GIVES US HIS LOVE
With His love, He will calm all your fears. Zephaniah 3:17(NLT)
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18(NIV)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16(KJV)
- WHEN WE GIVE GOD OUR SIN
GOD GIVES US HIS FORGIVENESS
When people sin, they earn what sin pays – death. But God gives us a free gift – life forever in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23(NCV)
God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace. 2 Corinthians 5:19(CEV)
As you share your faith with others, I pray that they may come to know all the blessings Christ has given us. Philemon 1:6(CEV)
Doable Discipleship: This week’s episode of Doable Discipleship concludes a series looking at some of your favorite Christmas carols, with special performances by Saddleback Worship. Our last one is O, Holy Night, with special guest Socrates Perez. To watch or listen, click here.
Talk It Over: Have you ever discussed the weekend message in your small group? Talk It Over provides weekly small group discussion questions as a way to bring the weekend message into your small group. To view this week’s Talk It Over, click here.
