Hello CCA?
Did you know:
1/3 of the 4 books of the “Gospels” (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) are on the last week of Jesus, as he goes to the Cross and Rises from the grave on Easter Sunday Morning? You will hear Jesus say, “This is why I came.” Matthew begins that week in chapter 20 verse 17 through the end of his book in 28.20 with Commissioning his Apostles to let the world know what He has done and make devoted followers. Mark begins in 10.46 and continues to 16.20, where it says of his Disciples, “They went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them”
Luke begins the story of the final journey to Jerusalem in chapter 18 verse 31 and finishes with chapter 24 saying, “in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations… I am going to send you what my Father has promised… (when) the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven… and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven. So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. And they were continually in the temple praising God.”
John devotes nearly half of his book about Jesus to his last week showing his purpose for entering history and the victory he accomplished. John records the journey of Jesus to Jerusalem in chapter 11 verse 55 and continues through the end of his book in chapter 21 verse 25: Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written. Tells a story doesn’t it. All of history, biblical and secular points to and emanates from the Cross and the Empty Grave.
Would you do:
From now until Easter would you reflect on what Jesus did for us on the cross, celebrate His resurrection, and discover how, through Him, your story can change forever! Greater things are yet to come because God has a plan for your life, an amazing plan filled with hope, peace, joy, and love.
Would you pick from the above scriptures and read each day to yourself or to your family, part of the ‘Jesus story’ and then make a few observations how this can bring joy to and improve ‘your story’.
Would you fast for a meal this week and use the time to pray for Easter Impact. You could pray that it impacts you in new and deeper ways, your friend’s lives, co-workers, neighbors lives, families in Anchorage, etc. Make a list of people you pray for; people you have given the Easter Invite Card. Would you give out a couple more. Would you drive around your neighborhood asking God’s Spirit to draw each family in each home to Him this season.
Next week is our dedicated Fasting and Prayer week. Pick a time to fast and pray – one meal, one day, 3 days, all week? Would you host an evening prayer time in your home. Pick a night next week and invite specific people to join you in prayer. Make it easy to do, just pray for people. Pray that God’s will is accomplished and more people will turn to him and repent and be saved. Invite maybe some you have invited to Easter Celebration. Let’s have 10 homes host a prayer evening. Respond back to me letting me know you will host one.
Ladies, would you form a Moms in Prayer group? https://momsinprayer.org/ has already provided direction, guides, ideas, encouragement, testimonies, etc. All that is needed is a group to form and begin praying for their children and the children in Anchorage. This promotes our vision of helping each person in Anchorage find and follow Jesus. I have heard many ladies speak about meeting together and there are many who have time during the day to meet and pray and fellowship. Some other ladies might be able to take a few moments and face-time with you during this. Let me know if you would help facilitate this.
Mostly, celebrate Easter as the best time of the year. If you have some decorations up for Easter, send me a picture that might trigger ideas for others.
“Yet God raised Jesus to life! God’s Spirit now lives in you, and he will raise you to life by his Spirit.”—Romans 8:11 (CEV)
This Easter, you’re invited to reflect on what Jesus did for us on the cross, celebrate His resurrection, and discover how, through Him, your story can change forever!