Spring in Our Souls

March 22, 2016

Opening Hymns:
127 Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh127.sht

Scripture Reading:
Hebrews 9:11-15
9:11 But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation),

9:12 he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.

9:13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified,

9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!

9:15 For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, because a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions under the first covenant.

Message:
Spring is the season of new life. It has been so wonderful these past few days to walk or run outside and feel the fresh breeze on my face. So beautiful watching things begin to grow as the sun and warmth brings life all around us once again. What was dead in the winter has become alive again!

In today’s scripture we can see our own redemption and life through a different kind of warmth and light. The Son of God has melted away the winter of our sins, and has called each of us to new life in Him. We might not always think that our transgressions can be forgiven. But truly, His sacrifice has saved us all. I’ve often heard people say that “eternity with God starts now!” we can draw close to God throughout our lives.

As I see all of the signs of spring that surround me, I am reminded of the breath of life that God gives to us all. As I pull the dead branches from my yard and watch the blossoms underneath grow, I can feel God cleansing my soul from sin, and letting His words blossom in my heart. Just as the leaves stretch up toward the sun, I can feel my heart seeking time with the Lord. He sustains us, cleanses us, nourishes us, and helps us grow.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for giving us a new life through Your son Jesus Christ. Help us to always seek to serve you and do Your will. Let Your light shine on us that we may continue to grow and follow Your paths till the end of our days. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
314 In the Garden (I Come to the Garden Alone) http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh314.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God