From Gary... A little more contrast, please!!!

It is the rainy season in Florida, so every day, several times a day- it rains!!!  Most of the time the sky is a grey overcast after a rain (or so it seems, anyway), but sometimes you see things like the above picture.  And then, there is an obvious difference in surroundings. Jesus was with his disciples for 3 years and it took his death, burial and RESURRECTION for them to really get the message!!!  But, when they finally got it- WOW! This picture and the following song reminded me of the resurrection and how life must have seemed so radically different for Jesus' small band of followers on that wonderful day...

Easter Song

Words and music: Annie Herring © 1974 Latter Rain Music (ASCAP), Adm. by Sparrow Corp.
This song also appeared on Travelin' Shoes by Acappella, Hear It In Our Voice by The Acappella Company,  and The Acappella Project by Glad.
Swahili Translation: Richard Chowning
Lead: Gary Moyers

Lyrics:

(Swahili intro)

Verse 1:
Hear the bells ringin' (hallelujah)
Hear the bells singin' (hallelujah)
We can be born again
(Hallelujah)
Hear the bells ringin' (hallelujah)
Hear the angels singin' (hallelujah)
We can be born again
(Hallelujah)

The angels up on the tombstone (hallelujah)
Said He is risen just as He said (hallelujah, hallelujah)
Quickly now, go tell His disciples that Jesus Christ is no longer dead! (hallelujah)

Joy to the world!
He is risen
Hallelujah
He's risen
Hallelujah
He's risen
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

(Swahili Interlude)

Repeat Verse 1 (with double echo)

The angels up on the tombstone (hallelujah)
Said He is risen just as He said (hallelujah, hallelujah)
Quickly now, go tell His disciples that Jesus Christ is no longer dead! (hallelujah)

Joy to the world!
He is risen
Hallelujah
He's risen
Hallelujah
He's risen
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

(Swahili Outro)

Scriptural Reference:

"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.  Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."  Matthew 28:6-7
"He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'" Mark 16:6-7

For me, EVERY DAY ABOVE GROUND IS A GOOD DAY!!!  Why?  Because I have hope.  A hope that is not centered in my works to get to heaven, but on what Jesus has done for me.  The GOOD LORD IN HEAVEN knows all my faults and loves me anyway.  Its up to me to try to live the best I can and let Jesus help me with the rest.  It is like this...

I John, Chapter 1

 5  This is the message which we have heard from him and announce to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  6 If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and don’t tell the truth.  7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.  8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  10 If we say that we haven’t sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 

Since we know that God doesn't play favorites (Acts 10:34,35), it naturally follows that what is good for me is good for you.  Turn once again to the risen savior and live this day just as if it was that first day after Jesus' resurrection.  You may not see dramatic clouds in the sky, but there will be a certain something special in your heart- I promise!!!