beginning of holy week

It is holy week. That is the week that leads us to the horror of Friday’s crucifixion and Sunday’s resurrection. We remember all of what Jesus has done for us. His purpose was completed in the events of holy week.

That is why we spend the next 5 days examining different parts of the week. Yet I first declare and remind each of us that God is good. No one truly compares to Him, His love for us and the price He was willing to pay for our need and His desire to connect to us.

That fist Palm Sunday was the day Jesus entered Jerusalem as a king and a hero. It must have been a situation of festive crowds and joy for so many. Most likely the news got around town, and there were likely large crowds who came to see and even to celebrate Jesus. Let’s remember.

Luke 19:36-38 NLT

As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. 37 When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. 38 “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”

That entrance was one for a king, not a criminal. The shouts of the crowd were reminders of a person who was highly respects, not one who is mocked.

They said “blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord”. Their words spoke of peace and strength to their lives and to the nation. And those things wee true because of Jesus.

“As we wave palm branches in celebration, let us also wave goodbye to our fears and doubts, knowing that Christ’s triumph over death gives us hope for eternal life.” — Max Lucado.

“As we carry palm branches in procession, may we also carry the message of Christ’s love and redemption to all those we encounter.” — Mother Teresa

Both quotes remind me that there was much more going on that Palm Sunday. There is more going on for all of us as well. May we be found praising God, grateful for His work in our lives and sharing His love for others.

Easter is ahead. Sunday was special. But Friday is only a few days away. Let’s get ready!

Have you heard of EDITH BURNS?

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns. One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her. Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved. Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Beverly said, "Why yes I do." Edith said, "Well, what do you ...

wash feet, sharing hope

John 13:4-5,14 NLT So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him… 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. Jesus set the example we follow. He served. He valued and gave value to others. That is why we choose to serve. For 18 years our church has shared an outreach called back2school, and for 16 of those years we have chosen to give students brand new shoes and socks as well as washing their feet. It is one of the most important parts of this event. Washing feet is a humbling experience where both the give and the receiver learn how to share some moments that might change their lives. Jesus said we should do this. See the verse above. Follow His example, do what He did, and give far more than you will ever know....

Catalyst ticket arrived

My ticket to the Catalyst Conference, in Atlanta Oct 8-10, just arrived. I'm excited!

Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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