Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here. He is risen!
Luke 24:5,6
Our family helps with the Water Angels service the first Sunday of every month. In April, the first Sunday is one of the most important days in our faith. It is the day we remember and celebrate the empty tomb! Jesus did not remain dead! Our family felt an enormous responsibility to honor God completely in our responsibilities for the worship service.
Mason and the boys specifically chose each song for the significance of the day. Mason even experienced God leading him to the song, Jesus Messiah. Leading the musical worship portion stretched the boys in their preparation, and they played incredibly for the Lord's glory. The Wonderful Cross, Jesus Messiah, and Friend of God moved everyone from their seats to worship of God. The boys even practiced before we left for our church service at 10:00 am. They were so jazzed up for the day!
I am deeply touched as their mom to witness God using them at such a young age. They take this responsibility seriously and I am thankful they recognize the importance of it. Yes, I cried at various times throughout their music...and the testimony time...and the service...and the message...and afterward... Happy, joy-filled tears!
Reid delivered his sermon with passion and fervor. I was challenged by his words. My husband can speak truth with love and grace! His chosen passage reminded all of how the world was changed through Christ's resurrection. (FYI, I did not take this photo while he was preaching. He's on holy ground when he's delivering a message, so I never want to distract him. This was taken as Reid read some verses regarding the activity that Stephanie asked everyone to do. See below.)
Is there a better way to celebrate Christ's Resurrection than to remember why He died? Stephanie encouraged everyone to write down any sin(s) that they desired to place on the cross. Person, after person, after person came. Men, women, children. Dark skin, light skin. Prostitutes, drug addicts, drunkards, Water Angels volunteers. Jesus died for everyone! What a picture of HIS amazing LOVE!
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So many sins...nailed to the cross. As people were hanging us their "post-it" notes, the little orange pieces of paper kept falling off. Stephanie grabbed some masking tape and stuck them to the cross. If sins are brought to the cross, they STAY there. Inadvertently torn tape signifies that repentance can come at any time...for any thing...and there isn't a specific formula to follow. Simply laying our sin at the cross and leaving it there. Turning away completely from our sin. We are forgiven!
When I place my little post-it note on the cross, it was very emotional. So significant because of the celebration of the day. I am forgiven. Completely. Jesus paid the price for my sin with his life, dying such a tragic, horrific death. How grateful am I!
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
Psalm 103:11-13
Dear ones, we celebrate the Resurrection with you today and look forward to celebrating together for all eternity!
1 comment:
LOVE this. wish I could hear the boys!
BTW.. my blog that i actually update is private! I thought I sent you an email invite... send me your email address on FB and I will send you an invite to actually read the one I update! ha!
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