Resurrection Sunday!!!! Easter 2018. Amazing!!!! I am so thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus, who lives today!!! Risen in power!!! What a fantastic day to celebrate.
This past week I’ve been reminded of this as I officiated the funeral service of Janice Rumsey (Sandy Girolami’s mom, and long time friend of ours). Jan was a former member of Christ Celebration Church and had always wanted me to someday perform her funeral service. Some day came this past Wednesday as we laid Janice to rest in the Maple Grove Cemetary in Fremont MI (next to the football field). I shared a message of hope and encouragement reminding people of Jesus’ resurrection power.
Thursday I took my Bible class students (55 freshman) to see the movie “Paul the Apostle” and agan was reminded of staying the course of serving Jesus and hoping in this great resurrection power.
Today we are here! Resurrection Sunday. We will be attending New Chapel later this morning but right now I’m enjoying Easter service with the Church of the Highlands.
It’s an amazing service.
I don’t really desire to be emotionally down. I know today marks the first time since 1992 that I have not been preaching on Easter Sunday. I’ve preached every Easter from 1993-2017 without a miss. Earlier this morning I was a little down but this morning as I read from the Word and God gave me this word;
2 Corinthians 1:9 “In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who riases dead.”
I then wrote in my journal (S.O.A.P.)
O(obversation) – Paul descibes the trouble, opposition and persecution that he and others experienced. Yet despite all of that, they learned to rely upon God. God does the impossible (raises the dead) and can therefore provide whatever we need in whatever situation.
A.(application) – I am thankful that I have not experienced the level of persecution that Paul has, but I am encouraged to know that in whatever my difficulty – God is more than able to provide so I too continue to walk by faith and rely upon Him.
P(prayer) – Thank you Fathe rfor being God almighty htat can do anything. There is nothing beyond you. Thank you for your care, calling and provision in my life. I continue to rely upon you only – In Jesus’ name.
What a great reflection to know that God isn’t through with what He has called me to do. Sometimes I “feel” as though others would just prefer that I retire from ministry and call it good.. but I know God has so much more He wants to accomplish through the gifts He has given me. I’ll continue to rely upon Him as the one who continues to work miracles, defy the wisdom of the world and will use me according to His grace and gifts.
So today.. Easter – Resurrection Sunday.. I serve a risen savior.. Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good. He came to make dead people alive.
I pray today you do whatever it takes to commit your life to a life of walking by faith, receiving and following Jesus!
(An amazing thought, one of my favorite pastors, Chris Hodges, just referred to this passage of Scripture that I journaled – 2 Corinthians 1:8-11)
