Scripture reading
I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
–Psalm 18:1-2
Thought of the Day
To help our youth focus on the importance and meaning of Holy Week we had early morning Bible Studies before school. On Monday as we gathered in the chapel here at the church we had our Bible lesson and then the youth were invited to come to the chancel rail to pick up a rock. On the rail were smooth river stones that had a simple cross marked on them. We challenged the youth to carry these rocks around with them all week to remind them of Easter and of Jesus and of the cross. It would also be a chance for them to witness to others when asked about their rock. As you can imagine, there were all kinds of stories about the rocks. I loved the story that one of our outstanding seniors told. Jennifer was driving to run an errand and stopped at a light. Next to her was a homeless man. She said at first she felt a little awkward but decided to give the man a dollar. She rolled down her window and gave the man her dollar and as her hand dropped down in her lap, she felt her rock. Jennifer said that it just seemed right to give it to the man. She explained why she was carrying it around and gave it to him and told him that he was blessed. The man was touched and told Jennifer that surely Christ was in her. I couldn’t agree more.
I hope and pray that Easter Sunday is a day of celebration and joy as we discover the empty tomb and realized that He is alive. Christ the Lord is Risen!
Prayer
Lord, I want you to be alive in my heart forever more. Amen.