Mother's Day
May 11,2008
Introduction
Today is Mother’s Day, as I’m sure we are all aware. I suppose that Mother’s Day is slightly different for each of us, because our mothers are different, and we’ve had different experiences with mothers. There are some who have had mothers who honestly, were poor mothers. Some have had mothers who really did not want them, and that is truly tragic. So today, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, I think that most of us think pleasant thoughts. Thoughts of good things like: Love, Sacrifice, Care, Softness. Guidance, Support, Encouragement, and Acceptance.
Abraham
Lincoln said, “All
that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” He also
said, “And in the end it's
not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.”
As we think of Mother’s Day, Where do these warm, caring thought come from? They come from God. They are qualities that make us better. They are qualities that we appreciate in mothers, but many of these are qualities that we need to nurture.
Body
I. It all begins with love.
(1 John 4:16 NKJV) And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
(1 Cor 13:4-7 NKJV) Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; {5} does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; {6} does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; {7} bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
II. There are also the tears of motherhood.
A. Those who would like to be mothers, but cannot.
B. Those who have lost children due to illness, accident, war, or violence
C. Those who have lost children because they failed to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
D. Those who realize, after it is too late, that they haven’t taken time for their children.
III. Mother’s opportunities.
My mother made a great decision for my health as she encouraged my dad to move to Carlsbad, New Mexico for my health.
II. Motherhood means sacrifice and caring.
A. What does the golden text of the Bible say?
(John 3:16) "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
1. Love is giving – not your money – you!
a. Love is taking the time to help you with your homework.
b. Love is taking time to listen to your problems and try to help and understand.
2. Love is caring and thoughtfulness.
a. It’s having a hug when you get a “boo-boo”
b. It’s being tucked in bed at night.
c. It’s a cool washcloth for your head when you have a fever.
d. Remember: Our expressions of love to each other help us understand a loving God.
II. Motherhood also means guidance.
A. Blessed are those who have a loving mother who teaches the truths of God’s word.
1. It’s taking time read a Bible story.
2. It’s taking time to say your prayers with your children, and listen to their prayers.
3. Timothy was blessed to have a mother like that.
(2 Tim 1:5 NKJV) when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
4. I had a mother like that.
5. I had a dad like that.
(Eph 6:4 NKJV) And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
B. Mothers are there to guide us in learning how to get along with others, including our brothers and sisters.
1. My sister and I were never allowed to fight one another with our parents’ approval.
2. We knew that we were to get along at school, and with others as well.
III. Children’s responsibilities to their mothers.
A. Children are to obey and honor their parents.
(Eph 6:1-3 NKJV) Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. {2} "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: {3} "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."
B. Honoring includes providing for their needs in old age.
1. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for not caring for their parents.
(Mat 15:3-6 NKJV) He answered and said to them, "Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? {4} "For God commanded, saying, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.' {5} "But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God"; {6} 'then he need not honor his father or mother.' Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.
IV. Mothers are such an important part of home.
Conclusion
I. Are you all you can be?
II. If there is something in your life you need to make right, there is no better time than now.
Scripture quotations marked "NKJV™" are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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