White as Snow

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

“…though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…" Isaiah 1:18

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Isn’t it good to know that we serve a God who wants to make us new? Because of Jesus, no matter what has happened in the past, we can be made pure again and white as snow! You might be thinking, “Oh Joel, you don’t know what I’ve done. You don’t know what I’ve said. You don’t know how I’ve acted. I don’t even know if I can forgive myself.” Friend, you have to understand that when we come to God and repent of our sins, the Bible says that He takes those sins and casts them as far as the east is from the west. And by choice, He remembers them no more.

He’s not ever going to bring up your sin again. He’s not going to hold it over your head. In His mind, it’s as if it never happened. And if God has forgotten your sins, if He sees you “white as snow”, why don’t you start seeing yourself that way? You don’t have to live in condemnation over the past any longer. You are a child of the most High God. You are pure; you are new. Embrace His mercy so you can move forward into the abundant life He has for you.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for forgiving me. Thank You for making me new and pure. Help me to see myself and others the way you see us. Help me to stay focused on the good plan You have for my future. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

EaSteR CoOkiEs

1C Pecans
1tsp. Vinegar
1C Sugar
3 Egg Whites
Pinch of Salt
Zipper Baggie
Wooden Spoon Tape
Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees (important to do before you start, not wait until you are half way done).

Put pecans in zipper baggie. Let children beat them w/wooden spoon.
Explain: After Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read:John 19:1-3

Let children smell the vinegar. Put 1tsp. into mixing bowl.
Explain: When Jesus was thirsty on the Cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read:John 19:28-30

Add egg whites to vinegar (Eggs represent Life).
Explain: Jesus gave His live to give us life everlasting. Read:John 10:10-11

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it. Put the rest in the bowl.
Explain: Tears are salty. This represents tears shed by Jesus' followers & the bitterness of our own sin. Read:Luke 23:27

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.

Add 1 cup sugar.
Explain: The sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know this & how to belong to Him. Read:Psalm 34:8 & John 3:16

Beat w/mixer on high speed for 15-22 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.
Explain: The white color represents the purity in God's eyes of those who's sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read:Isaiah 1:18 & John 3:1-3

Fold in broken buts. Drop by teaspoons onto a wax covered cookie sheet.
Explain: Each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read:Matthew 27:57-60

Put cookie sheet in oven. Close the door & turn the oven off. Give each child a piece of tape & seal the oven door.
Explain: Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read:Matthew 27:65-66

Go to bed!
Explain: We may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were sad when the tomb was sealed. Read:John 16:20-22

On Easter morning, open the oven & give everyone a cookie. (Notice the cracked surface & take a bite) The cookies are hollow!
Explain: On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open & empty! Jesus had risen & is alive! Read:Matthew 28:1-9