Worship

Scripture

Today’s Daily Presence devotion features the tragedy of Naboth’s Vineyard—the corrupt Ahab’s and his malevolent wife Jezebel’s murderous scheme against an innocent man.  But let’s write about Naboth’s Vineyard another day, because . . .

The Easter morning SON rose this day!  

So we lift the anthem, “Oh how marvelous, Oh how wonderful! /And my song shall ever be!”
We know these amazing words by heart.

By heart?  Yes, let that be our theme for Easter morning.

We confess that our hearts are so often torn and distracted, consumed in daily turmoil with jobs and spouses and kids and stress.  We confess, at times, that we neglect our hearts. In those hours of distraction, we grow insensitive to the Lifegiver.  

But today, our hearts are focused as we glory in Resurrection Day.  Calvary’s glowing truth outshines the brightest pastel shades of Easter dresses, or the luminescent eggs that overflow from our children’s bunny baskets,  or the dazzling floral sprays that flourish in our spring time gardens.

It’s SONrise!  We celebrate the truth of the ages . . . 

This truth that wicked men aimed to crucify—the very Lord of truth— spoiled their wicked design, destroyed their intent.  And now, on this bright and shining side of Calvary, our hearts are alive with worship because the tomb could not swallow up heaven’s Prince, nor could an earthen grave engorge itself with life.  

His light outshines the darkness, and we are His children and heirs, sons and daughters of the light of the world.  

Happy Easter, all!

Prayer

HONOR GOD

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Consider it a privilege that we get to be ambassadors for the Lord. The way that we carry ourselves and communicate should be a reflection of who God is. Thank him for bestowing that honor on you 

ASK GOD

Ephesians 6:18-20

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ask God with perseverance. Knowing that when you knock on the door he listens. 

SUBMIT TO GOD

Romans 12:2 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The process of our minds being renewed is one of submission to God. Often we believe we know what is best for us, but let God’s word and His Spirit lead you to a place of transformation. 

CLOSING PRAYER

God, as I surrender to You fully. I don’t want anything to hold me back from the fruit You have available to me. Today I offer each and every area of my life to You, even the ones I’ve held onto in the past. Your ways are higher than mine and I can trust You with everything.  In Jesus Name, Amen.