Freely you have received; freely give. Matthew 10:8
This was my very first memory verse. I was five years old.
This last couple of weeks, either people have been extra kindly toward me, or else the spring weather has been thawing my heart to appreciate their kindness. (Maybe a little bit of both.) Either way, I'm struck with how much love I have received. It makes me want to give.
These words of Jesus aren't about money. (Though, if God has blessed you materially, you might want to consider dropping some in our offering box!) Jesus is talking about the healing and hope, the power of love, that Jesus pours out. Pass that on!
Jesus is talking about the healing and hope, the power of love, that Jesus pours out. Pass that on!
The lead-up to Easter is my favorite time of the year. I love the extra community services. I'll be giving a community devotion at St. James Lutheran Church in Ligonier this Wednesday, March 13, at 7 p.m. Our church is hosting a Maundy Thursday service (March 28 at 7 p.m.), and Waterford Christian Church is hosting a Good Friday service (March 29 at 7 p.m.).
I love Easter services. I'll be preaching at the Ligonier Diamond this Easter Sunrise Service, March 31, at 6:30 a.m.--and of course at our own church at the regular 10 a.m. service.
I love spring activities. Tomorrow, Saturday March 9, at 7 p.m. we are showing Joseph King of Dreams with free popcorn in our sanctuary; Sunday, March 10, at 3 p.m., the Ligonier Diamond Theater will show the sequel, Prince of Egypt.
My calendar is also marked with spring plays and musicals, spring parties and retreats, and a possible spring vacation. Some years I would find this overwhelming, but right now, it all looks fun. It all looks like a way to freely receive the joy that God pours out, and a way to freely give some of that joy to others.
If you enjoy receiving opportunities to celebrate the spring, and especially opportunities to celebrate Jesus' resurrection, I suggest that you also give an invitation to someone else. Share the joy!
--Jonathan
REMINDERS:
Join us every Sunday at 10 a.m. to encourage one another in worship. This week and next, we are finishing the book of Revelation and John's vision of the world behind the curtain.
Saturday, March 9, at 7 p.m., we are watching a movie at the church. There will be popcorn and drinks. Come; invite a friend. The movie is family-friendly Joseph, King of Dreams.
Sunday, March 10 we are having a 9 a.m. breakfast at the church, in place of our usual 9 a.m. Sunday School.
At noon on Wednesday, March 13, I will give the devotion at a short community worship services in Ligonier, at St. James Lutheran, followed by free lunch!
Easter week we will have extra music and joyful celebration at our Palm Sunday service (March 24, 10 a.m.), Maundy Thursday service (March 28, 7 p.m.), and Easter morning service (March 31, 10 a.m.)
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