Extraordinary Moms

This Sunday, we will be focusing our thoughts on two groups of people: mothers and new born babies. Since it is Mother’s Day, we want to take an opportunity to applaud the moms among us. Moms play an integral role in the development of the world around us. Their work is under-sung, under-appreciated, and often over-looked…but not today! Today, we will shout “Hooray!” for our mothers and their tireless efforts to make our world and our church a better place. Along with moms, we will also be recognizing our newborns over the past 12 months. It is the goal of Highland Oaks Church of Christ to bring everyone along in their awareness and walk with Jesus. We believe this should happen at all stages of life, but none more important than the early years of one’s development. In light of that revelation, we, as a congregation, will dedicate ourselves on an oath to the development and spiritual nurture of our newborns – knowing full well that they are tomorrow’s mothers and fathers and leaders.

As we set our worship heart aright for this week, consider these thoughts as given from a mother to her child:

I gave you life, but cannot live it for you.

I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn.

I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.

I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it.

I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe.

I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you.

I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.

I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you.

I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you.

I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.

I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor.

I can advise you about friends, but cannot choose them for you.

I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure.

I can tell you the facts of life, but I can't build your reputation.

I can tell you about drink, but I can't say "no" for you.

I can warn you about drugs but I can't prevent you from using them.

I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can't achieve them for you.

I can teach you about kindness, but I can't force you to be gracious.

I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make you moral

I can love you as a child, but I cannot place you in God's family.

I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.

I can teach you about Jesus, but I cannot make Jesus your Lord.

I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.

I can love you with unconditional love all of my life . . . and I will!!!

Thank you moms!

Resounding Themes:
Thankfulness For Our Mothers
Dedication of our Children to God
Glory to Christ At Work Within Us

Ready, Set, READ

Exodus 1:15-2:10

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- What horrible thing is going on at the time this text occurs? Why is Pharaoh doing this? Who does he employ to do his bidding? What is their reaction? How does Pharaoh react?

- What extraordinary things does Moses’ mother do to ensure her son’s survival? What were the risks? How does God honor her efforts? In the end, what effect did Moses’ mother have on the world because she chose to be a faithful mother? What do we learn about Moses’ mother from this story

- When you think about your mother, what stories come to mind? What was the funniest thing your mom ever did? What was the toughest decision she ever had to make? If you are a parent now, how much more clearly can you see your mom’s work on your behalf? If you could tell your mom one thing today, what would it be?

Ready, Set, PRAY

How great Thou art, a magnificent Creator – how great Thou art! In your intelligent design, you established the family, and placed at the very center of that family the mother. God, thank you for our mothers! Our mothers give us comfort, nurture, care, and sacrifice. And in this day and age when so many families fall on the shoulders of a single parent, we thank you for the strength and dignity you give moms everywhere. Yet, even as we acknowledge this truth, we understand that not all moms are not created equal in their ability to parent. Even so, we give you the glory for our moms – for they gave us life and a chance to change the world. Lord God, who teaches about true love, we are glad to have experienced earthly love firsthand in the persons of our mothers. May you bless mothers everywhere, that they may find their strength in You! Our prayer in Jesus Name, AMEN.

Ready, Set, WORSHIP!