Theme for 2023: Faith Forward – The Year of Extraordinary Faith!
I remember taking a family vacation about ten years ago. My mother, aunt, brothers, husband, and I went to one of those all-inclusive resorts. What’s all-inclusive? Everything you need in the way of food and drinks are included in the price of the resort. So, all the delicious food, any beverage you could think of, and all the liquor that one could want was there for the taking. It wasn’t free, it was simply included in the package. Which, of course, meant that you paid more for the resort! But everything you could want was within your reach. Even room service! All-inclusive.
That reminds me of God speaking to Moses from the burning bush. Huh? Bear with me, friends! In Exodus 3 we find the story of God calling Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery. Moses no doubt wanted confirmation – wouldn’t you? Then Moses asked God for His name. Who shall I say sent me?
13 And Moses said unto God, “Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say unto them?” 14 And God said unto Moses, “I Am That I Am:” and He said, “Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel,
I Am hath sent me unto you.”
Exodus 3:13-14, KJV
God goes on to say that He’s the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, something that the people would recognize. But “I Am That I Am” or as another translation put it “I Will Be What I Will Be” sounds like an all-inclusive, everything you could ever want or need kind of God. But what does that look like in our lives? I’m so glad you asked!
God knew that darkness would come into our lives through trials and suffering. So, the same God who created you (see Psalm 139) is the same One who said, “I AM the Light of the World.” Which means that you are never alone because even darkness is not dark to Jesus.
The same God who saw you in your suffering is the same One who said, “I AM the Good Shepherd,” the One who came to rescue you. The Savior who provides protection, provision, and guidance to the sheep of His pasture.
The same God who chose you, yes you, to be part of His forever family, is the same God who said, “I AM the True Vine.” Stay connected to Me and together, Jews and Gentiles, you’ll bear much fruit.
The same God who knew that this world would not supply all of our needs is the same One who said, “I AM the Bread of Life.” Those who believe have the blessed assurance, the security of knowing that our needs will be met, and that we will live with Jesus forever!
And the same God who told the prophets to tell the people of the coming Messiah, the One who would come riding in on a donkey, is the same One who said “I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life!” The One who showed us the Way to the Father, gave us the Truth because He is the Truth, and gave us Life in the present and everlasting! All-inclusive!
Jesus is the Word made flesh, God incarnate, the third person of the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is the all-inclusive God! The One who came down from Heaven to give us just what we need – a Savior! The One who went to the cross, carrying our sins with Him. The One who God raised from the dead with all power in His hands. Sounds like everything that we needed, God already had planned for us. When you think about it, it’s hard to give just one name to such a God. He just IS. I AM That I AM!
Join us for worship this Sunday, as we celebrate Easter Sunday with the message: I AM That I AM! You can worship in-person or you can also join us online at 10:00am. For online worship go to www.umcgt.org.
Easter Egg Hunt Thank you to ALL who helped make this year’s event such a blessing. We had about 200 folks in attendance!
Holy Week Observances:
Good Friday, April 7, the 7 Last Words of Jesus from the Cross will be at Green Trails Church, at Noon. This year we will be blessed to hear 7 Words from 7 women!
Holy Monday The church office will be closed on Monday, April 10.
Stay in the Know! Did you know that we have printed copies of the e-newsletter and our church calendar? They’re on the tables at the coffee station and the at the Welcome Center. Did you know that you can see the activities going on at church on our website’s church calendar? Here’s the link: Church Calendar. And did you know that before and after service we have announcement slides that also highlight the goings on at Green Trails? Just our way of helping you to stay in the know!
Fellowship & Goodies! Hopefully you’re enjoying the after church fellowship of coffee, cookies, and Bridge Bread treats! Purchasing Bridge Bread is a wonderful way to support the unhoused with a trade and income! Note – we will take a break on Easter Sunday – no Bridge Bread or coffee and cookies, but feel free to fellowship!
“He is not here, for He is risen!
Matthew 28:6
Easter Blessings,
Pastor Linda
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