Yesterday was an outstanding day with many great moments. Yesterday was also an exhausting day. As for my musings …

-The best news of all is that at least 12 people said yes to Jesus as their Savior yesterday in my two churches. I say “at least”, because I am still hearing of people who made decisions but didn’t indicate it during the service. Praying for even more to step into a “new day” with Christ. 12 people changing their eternal address makes the effort and energy that goes into Easter worth it. Even 1 choosing Jesus would make it worth it, 12 just means a lot more celebrating.

-Children took part in the worship at both churches and they always add energy and cuteness to the service. My cuteness factor is certainly not what it used to be.

-In my 9:00 church I sat down with a few of the children, on the platform, and asked them some questions to begin my message. They were awesome and I think they enjoyed it. I know that one little girl enjoyed it because when I sent them back to their families she didn’t go. She stayed there with me on the platform as I began to preach.

-In my 10:30 church we showed a video that my Assistant Pastor produced of several people from our church giving cardboard testimonies. They held a piece of cardboard that had a message on each side. The first side shown was part of their story before Christ or of a significant struggle in their life. The other side was a testimony of God’s work in their life. It was powerful. I opened the message with the video.

-Friday night we had a Good Friday service. We shared communion as part of the service. It always moves me to share communion just after examining all that Jesus went through for us in going to the cross. We finished the service by joining with someone else and exchanging one significant prayer request to focus on between the service on Friday and Easter worship. It was moving to see people sharing and to hear some of the prayers being offered.

-Attendance at both churches was up significantly over the past several Easters. The best part of the attendance was that most of the visitors are from our area, so they are legitimate prospects for the future.

-At my 10:30 church we shared the message on Facebook live. We only had one brief glitch. We are hopeful that we will reach more people as we offer more options.

-I had no trouble falling asleep for an afternoon nap yesterday.

-There was a breakfast before my 10:30 service and a brunch after my 9:00 service and I couldn’t partake of either one. That just doesn’t seem fair.

-We had some parking issues at both churches. We are going to have to think through that before next Easter. It is a great problem to have, but it is a problem.

-We were just 8 short of the 200 mark at my 10:30 church and we went over 80 at my 9:00 church. Those are significant numbers for both churches.

-My wife and I went for a walk on one of the new trails in our city parks late Sunday afternoon. It was a great time to be outside, to enjoy the beautiful trail and to spend time together reviewing the day.

-On Saturday morning, our son and his family had to be evacuated from where they have been serving as missionaries. Some of the unrest that has been simmering erupted near them. Thankful for their safe evacuation and that of their entire team. Praying for the ministry seeds they planted and for the people of that area. Praying for clear direction for their ongoing service in Africa.

-Praying for some divine appointments in following up with some people who attended and some who made decisions yesterday.

-Seeking clear focus for this Sunday’s message. Sometimes the Sunday after Easter is difficult after all the planning and effort that goes into Easter.

Here’s hoping that you see many signs of God’s presence and grace this week.

Dennis