Worship into the Week- We are Witnesses

 

Worship into the Week- We are Witnesses

Acts 5:29-42

The Apostles Meet Opposition

It is a tough time for the Apostles before the Sanhedrin.

They stood their ground with a statement 

of obeying God over human authority.

Peter holds to the fact of the resurrection of Jesus.  

As witnesses of these events,

this becomes the basis of all their teachings.

The wise counsel of Gamaliel was to leave them alone.

Their cause will either fizzle out,

 or really take off if it is from God.

The high council had them flogged and told them

 to never speak again of Jesus.

The apostles rejoiced in their suffering in the name of Jesus.

They went right on teaching about Jesus

  in the Temple and from house to house.

The apostles declared to all that "Jesus is the Messiah." 

Nothing was going to stop them, 

they would not back down.

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Acts 5:29-42 details the apostles' bold defense before the Sanhedrin, establisPeterhing the principle of obeying God over human authority. Peter affirms Jesus' resurrection and role as Savior, leading to Gamaliel’s wise counsel to let them be. Despite being flogged, the apostles rejoice in suffering for Jesus, continuing to teach daily. 

First Baptist Church | Thomson Georgia

Griffin is 12

 Griffin turned 12 this month.

We were able to be with him to celebrate.

The whole family was together 

in the midst of the upcoming move.

That was the best gift.

Everyone had fun watching the gift opening.

Some new shoes was a treat.

A fun day hanging out with a special friend.

Fun things with clay and the pottery wheel.

Another cake and celebration.

Way to go!!!

Time with the cousin gang is always a good thing.

Griffin - what fun to see you growing up!

May the Lord bless you, young man.

Pool of Siloam

 Most of our trips to Israel have included the Pool of Siloam.

The steps here have been where we sit.

This year was different as there

 is a huge excavation tent and active dig.

Our guide Yossi has told us that there would never be

 permission given to have the land to excavate. 

But things change in Israel.

The recent 2025-2026 excavations have now

 uncovered a massive 2,800 year old,

 40 foot dam from the First Temple period- (800 BC.)  

It reveals an advanced water management system 

during the reigns of Kings Joash or Amatya. 

This structure is older than the Herodian pool 

of the early excavation. 

They believe it is a massive reservoir 

that was built to manage 

the extreme climate changes in Israel.

This dig is located in Jerusalem's

City of David National Park.

The Second Temple site is where Jesus is believed

 to have healed a blind man.  

In 2004, the site was accidentally rediscovered

 while street crews were working on sewer and water lines.

The large stone-stepped pool was part

 of a ritual bath area for pilgrims. 

The earliest part dates back to King Hezekiah.

The pool was fed by the Gihon Spring through

 the 1,750 foot long Hezekiah Tunnel.

This was the main water source

 for the city during the Assyrian siege.

Lord willing, we head back in Jan. 2027

 to take our next group there 

and we will see what has been added to the discovery.

Worship into the Week- Easter 2026

 

Easter Sunday Sunrise Service

Old Testament Reading

Exodus 14:10-15:1

The Egyptians Pursue Israel

and the Escape through the Red Sea.

This is a story of deliverance for the Jewish people

 and forms the foundational background

 for the Passover celebration.

It reminds us of God's preserving power and His

ability to restore and protect.

God's ultimate plan is revealed on Easter Sunday 

with the Resurrection of Jesus.

Easter Sunday 

Old Testament - Jeremiah 31:1-6

Hope for Restoration

"I will be the God of all the families of Israel, 

and they will be my people."

Rebuilding and tender care and forging a future.

The Lord says, " I have loved you, my people, 

with a an everlasting love. 

With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself."

How good it is when the Lord says:  

my people, my people.

The other first reading for Easter

 is Acts 10: 34-43.

The Gentiles Hear the Good News.

There is peace with God through Jesus Christ.

In Jesus there is the full story of redemption

 by His death on a cross.

 But, God raised him to life on the third day.

The apostles are witnesses and have seen the good things,

  and heard his teachings.

They saw him and ate and drank

 with him after he rose from the dead.

The apostles have been appointed to tell the story 

and let people know that Jesus 

is the one who  is over the living and the dead.

He is Lord over all.

He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!   Amen.

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Calendar Journaling- Lent 2026

 Lent- 2026

Calendar Journaling for this season with a resource from

Visual Faith® Ministry.

This year it is right in our Common Book.

 Right along with the rest of the practices 

was this calendar image.

I used the Lenten Word Project for reflection time 

for the 40 days of Lent.

That resource is right HERE:

lenten-words-project

This practice helps me to see the visual of how

 these words fit together for my Lenten walk.

A blessed part of Lent this year for me.

Calendar Journaling- March 2026

 

Calendar Journaling- March 2026

Working my way through Streams in the Desert

this year by L.B. Cowman.

Still fascinated with the Word Log for each month 

that may develop into a Grab 3 prayer practice 

for Visual Faith® Ministry.

Still thinking and praying for how we can be

 both creative and mindful in our prayer times.

This is all part of the journey.

Worship into the Week- Good Friday 2026

 

Good Friday- 

Isaiah 52:13-53:12

This passage is often read 

as part of the passion of Christ.

It is referred to as the "Fourth Servant Song"

or the Suffering Servant.

The servant of God brings atonement through suffering.

One person bears the sins of many and this substitute sacrifice 

brings about the payment for others which is accepted by God.

This suffering and death provides 

forgiveness and righteousness for others.

This servant suffers greatly and yet in this 

state of despair and humiliation, he saves.

He has not paid for his own sins, but the sins of others.

He is compared to a lamb led

 to slaughter with silent suffering.

But, there is ultimate victory 

when the sacrifice is accepted by God

 for the sake of others.

Complicated and yet simple,

 in that one man is received as perfect

 and able to pay for the sins of the whole world.

The greatest gift ever- for me.

Supplies:

Visual Faith Printable

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