Okay, I’m not really “blue” but it was a catchy title, eh?
After writing my post on Friday and sharing the incredible blessing of our new PURPLE van, I feel like I should clarify. Purple is actually NOT my favorite color. But it’s a color I can find plenty of and love to be surrounded by it.
Midnight Blue is actually my favorite color. Not Navy, not royal – MIDNIGHT. Ever since I discovered the depth and shades of color in the Midnight blue crayola crayon, I have been absolutely moved by it.
Midnight blue is the color of the deep ocean – blue, green, teal, turquoise, evergreen… It changes in response to light.
However, I AM singing a happy tune today because of the blessing of my purple van. And purple wool coat (which is needed today for the fa-reezing temperatures outside). And my purple pen collection, which makes writing even MORE enjoyable to me… I’m color-coordinated which makes me happy…
I’ve always loved that song, His Eye is on the Sparrow…
And I sing because I’m happy
I sing because I’m free.
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
In a world where happiness is really fleeting – temporary – unreliable, it’s good to know that the LORD watches over us, isn’t it? And if there’s no other reason you can find to sing today, that one fact should bring a song to your heart.
Our pastor’s youngest son, Jon, was recently diagnosed with cancer. It is all throughout his body and it is stage 4. They haven’t yet identified the type of cancer to know how to proceed to help him.
At church yesterday, we had a prayer service for our regular Sunday morning worship. The songs were of Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. And that was the theme of the service itself as we lifted up our pastor’s family in prayer as the Body of Christ.
A. C. T. S.
Naming the names of God (not praying to a different god for each need, but one TRUE God who has more names than we probably know for He fits EVERY need anyone has), members of the church lifted up prayers of ADORATION.
El Shaddai – God All Sufficient.
El Roi – God who Sees.
Jehovah Jireh – The Lord our Provider.
Jehovah-Rapha (Rophe) – The Lord who Heals.
Next, in silence, everyone in the auditorium was make confession of our sin before the Lord. We were not asked to confess our sins to one another, but Scripture is clear about the effectiveness of prayer in the life of one who comes to the Lord in CONFESSION.
Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. James 5:16 (amp)
Thanksgiving came next, and we were challenged to think of as many things – not just at that moment in prayer, but throughout our days – as we could to be THANKFUL for. Can you make a list? How many things can you come up with?
Finally, we were each invited to pray out loud as a congregation in SUPPLICATION – lifting up the name of our Pastor, his wife, and Jon, as well as the medical staff at the Cancer Center at the Cleveland Clinic who will be working with Jon and his family through this time. We prayed for wisdom and we also prayed that Jon’s one request might be met – Jon, who is only 22, prays that this cancer is not “wasted.”
By that he means that it is an opportunity for the Lord to become evident – with or without healing – and that despite our earthly trouble, His Grace and Mercy might be poured out through Jon’s trials.
Now, I have my gripes and complaints – I have my concerns and my burdens – but how often do I stop to pray that the trials of my faith might be a testimony to others of the Glorious God I know and serve?
So today – despite whiny kids, cat vomit on the carpet, bills that need paid, and everyday stresses, I’m not really gonna sing the Monday blues. I’m going to sing my way through A.C.T.S.
I invite you to join me in prayer for Jon Pound and his family during this time.
© 2010, Visit with the Queen Mommy. All rights reserved. 2006-2010.
Oh what an uplifting and inspiring testimony for you to share with us today! When I taught devotions to the high school girls at the Christian school in TX – this was something I taught them, and have always remembered A.C.T.S. Your pastor’s son is heavy on my heart, since you shared, and I will continue to pray for all of them. Sounds like you were blessed richly in the first service of the new year. Praise God! XO
What a beautiful post! I will certainly pray for Jon and his family. I love that statement that his cancer “won’t be wasted.” What a precious heart he has.
I also know, as you and they do, that God can do amazing things regardless of what doctors say.
My brother is living with a terminal cancer diagnosis, and he is currently in remission from it today. His diagnosis has brought him closer to the Lord than he’s ever been.
The entire world has been given a “terminal” diagnosis and many of them don’t even know it yet. But the cure is Jesus.
Thank you for linking up today and reminding us of what’s really important and giving us the chance to pray for Jon!
Loved your post today! I’d rather read an uplifting blog such as yours than watch or read any news. Thanks for such encouragement! We can never have too much!
I imagine that was an awesome service! What a great way to pray. It is always such a privilege to pray for someone else. That sweet young man is already bringing glory to the Lord, what and inspiration! Thank you for sharing!
Praying for your pastors family!