Author: Pastor Doug

Our Gospel this week is Mark 11:1-11, taken today from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

As they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples, and said to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it and bring it here. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ you say, ‘The Lord has need of it’; and immediately he will send it back here.” They went away and found a colt tied at the door, outside in the street; and they untied it. Some of the bystanders were saying to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They spoke to them just as Jesus had told them, and they gave them permission. They brought the colt to Jesus and put their coats on it; and He sat on it. And many spread their coats in the road, and others spread leafy branches which they had cut from the fields. Those who went in front and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord ; Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!” Jesus entered Jerusalem and came into the temple; and after looking around at everything, He left for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late.

Jesus knew exactly what was asked of Him as He came to Jerusalem. He had told His followers before “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised on the third day” (Luke 9:22). Many who heard didn’t understand – how could the one who came to save them die?

Jesus knew God’s plan because He was in connection with the Father constantly. Jesus knew the importance of prayer, He practiced it and taught it to us. Prayer is the only way to share our lives and our concerns with God, not that He doesn’t already know but when we pray, we become part of the process.

People often say “I wish God would speak to me!” not realizing that He is waiting for us in prayer. When we open ourselves to God, He will open Himself to us. “Take time to be holy, speak oft with the Lord” says the old hymn. Spend time in prayer and you will begin to see the plan God has for you.

Loving Lord, we waste our time on idle pursuits and unfulfilling speech. Help us to find You in prayer that we may be connected eternally. Amen.

Our Gospel this week is Mark 11:1-11, taken today from the English Standard Version (ESV).

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Hosanna is a Hebrew term that means “save us”. It seems the people might finally understand who Jesus is and why He has come. They are ready for the celebration of Passover and their expectations are high.

Unfortunately, most of them don’t really get it yet and what they expect is something quite different than what God has planned. Many are hoping for an overthrow of the Roman occupation and Israel’s return as a powerful monarchy under King Jesus. He has tried all through His ministry to teach us that it doesn’t work that way.

Jesus has come to save us from ourselves, from the sin to which we fall prey, and our separation from God. He conquers not through diplomatic negotiations or military might, but by the power of God’s love poured out for us all. We must give up our selfish expectations for getting what we want and follow His path to salvation.

Loving Lord, we are sorry when our earthly desire overrides our connection to You. Help us to see the blessings You have for us and follow Your path. Amen.

Our Gospel this week is Mark 1:1-11, taken today from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

“When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’ ” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.”

Jesus comes to Jerusalem for the Passover and the people hail Him as “the one who comes in the name of the Lord” (v. 9). It certainly sounds like they understand the teachings and why Jesus is there. However, in the next breath they shout “blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David” (v. 10).

People still have the wrong expectation of Jesus, that He has come to restore the kingdom of Israel. Even after His resurrection (Acts 1:6) His disciples still ask this! Jesus tells us time and again it is not an earthly kingdom, but the kingdom of God.

We must also understand what we are asking when we pray for restoration of our country and our world. We must change our hearts and lives to be His people. God doesn’t want us to be the way we were, He wants us to accept His call and become part of His new kingdom.

Loving Lord, we are wrapped up in our own desires and expectations. Help us to see the promise You have for us and fulfill the purpose for which we were created. Amen.

Our Epistle this week is Philippians 2:5-11.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Paul writes this beautiful piece of wisdom to show us the character of Jesus and encourage us to follow His example. Jesus came to be one of us, not using His power or position for His own gain, but for us. This is the model we are called to use in our lives as well, employing God’s gifts and our connection with Him that others might be saved.

We can be the ones who bring Christ’s love to all by sharing the joy of the Good News. He has called us to His service that all might hear the truth and choose salvation over the temporary pleasure of the world. Only He can save us but we must first accept the mercy He offers.

Jesus wants us all to be part of His kingdom, sharing God’s love here on earth and redeemed to be with Him eternally. Our task is to follow Him, carrying our own cross and showing the world a better way. May we be humble servants who exalt Christ our King.

Gracious God, we are grateful for the blessing of Your love given to us through Jesus. Help us to share this gift with the world that all may be brought into Your kingdom. Amen.

Our Old Testament reading is Isaiah 50:4-9.

The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me?

Isaiah reminds us that we are the recipients of God’s love and His promise, but only if we choose to obey His laws. The prophet speaks of God awakening us to hear His instruction, which make us strong in the face of adversity. Learning His ways may not keep us from earthly trouble but the blessing of salvation is not dependent on earthly things.

God has led and taught His people through difficult situations in the past. Even when we were disobedient, God still loved us and wanted to redeem us. Paul tells us “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

God calls us all back to the relationship for which we were created, to love Him and each other. His guidance shows us the way. We can stand against the troubles we encounter when we stand with God.

Loving Lord, we need Your help in all things. Our strength is not enough to resist the evil of this world, only through Your power and love can we be saved. Amen.

Our call to worship this week is Psalm 31:1-8, taken from the New International Version (NIV).

In you, Lord , I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord , my faithful God. I hate those who cling to worthless idols; as for me, I trust in the Lord . I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.

The psalmist calls out to God for rescue and refuge. This prayer confirms our trust in God’s strength and acknowledges our inability to save ourselves. It is often hard for us to admit our weakness because we fear giving up the control we think we possess.

God gave us the gifts of reason and free will to make decisions and act on them. We are special to Him because of the way we are made. However, we know that our choices sometimes lead to failure.

Asking for God’s assistance doesn’t make us less worthy, it only proves we trust in His wisdom and not our own. He is always ready to hear and help us. Scripture tells us “Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Give God your fears and He will give you His strength.

Gracious God, we are grateful that we can come to you when we need help. Show us the path You have for us and keep us in Your care. Amen.

Our Gospel lesson is John 12:20-33, taken today from the New International Version (NIV).

Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.

Jesus shares a human concern while speaking about His death, asking His followers “what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour'” (v. 27). As we have learned, Jesus is human just as we are, and would naturally have reason to ask to be spared. If He were not human, His obedience to God and sacrifice for us would be meaningless.

However, He immediately adds “No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” (v. 28). Jesus knows what He is called to do and though He will suffer for us, He obeys God. His relationship with the Father is stronger than fear.

Today, we seem to live in a fearful time. We are afraid for our health, our society, our world. Was it any different in Jesus’ time? As we pray “Thy will be done” let our connection to God give us strength and hope to face our fears through His grace.

Loving Lord, we are weak on our own, but we know You are mighty to save. Help us to be confident in Your promise, bold in our witness, and strong in Your love. Amen.

Our Gospel reading is John 12:20-33, taken today from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; these people then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and were making a request of him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip came and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip came and told Jesus. But Jesus answered them by saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.  Truly, truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.  The one who loves his life loses it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life. If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. “Now My soul has become troubled; and what am I to say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.  Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came out of heaven: “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” So the crowd who stood by and heard it were saying that it had thundered; others were saying, “ An angel has spoken to Him!” Jesus responded and said, “This voice has not come for My sake, but for yours.  Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself.” Now He was saying this to indicate what kind of death He was going to die.

Jesus teaches that those who cling to earthly things are missing the heavenly blessings God has for them. He tells them “The one who loves his life loses it”, an interesting way of saying don’t get too attached to material things and that these can draw us away from God’s plan for us. He wants us to see the true riches in store for those who hear and obey.

He promises that “the one who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life”. It doesn’t mean we are meant to be miserable here, but that this is only temporary. As the old hymn says “this world is not my home” and God has a much better place prepared for us.

Jesus assures us that we are God’s beloved children, now and forever. If we listen to His message and share it with others, we become part of His work. When we earnestly seek to do His will, we can understand the difference between life here on earth and eternity with Him.

Gracious God, You call us to better things and better lives than we can have on our own. Help us to see the gifts You have for us and to use them for Your purpose. Amen.

Our Gospel this week is John 12:20-33, taken today from the English Standard Version (ESV).

Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

People like the visiting Greeks sought Jesus out to hear His teaching. Word of what He said and did had spread among the people. One told another, some asked the disciples for an introduction, and crowds gathered to listen as He taught.

This word of mouth sharing about what He was doing in the world was the only tool they had available to spread the Good News then. Led and empowered by the Holy Spirit, they told all who would listen of His love and sacrifice for us. Later, some would write letters to be read in far-off communities, others would travel vast distances to visit new groups of believers, all in the name of Jesus.

How do we share the joy of our connection to Jesus with others? Are we active messengers of the truth? We must use our gifts and the wide array of communication methods we have been blessed with to share the Good News with everyone.

Loving Lord, we are grateful to be called to share Your love and lessons. Help us to be energetic disciples in a world that needs to hear Your word. Amen.

Our Gospel lesson this week is John 12:20-33, taken today from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).

Now some Greeks were among those who went up to worship at the festival. So they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus replied to them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces much fruit. The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Where I am, there my servant also will be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. “Now my soul is troubled. What should I say—Father, save me from this hour? But that is why I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus responded, “This voice came, not for me, but for you. Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be cast out. As for me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate what kind of death he was about to die.

Jesus tells us that like seeds that fall in the earth and die in order to produce fruit, we must die to our old lives and grow in the love of God. He wants us to see that if we are attached to the things of this world, we could miss the blessing God has for us. Then He repeats a command He has given us before: “If anyone serves me, he must follow me” (v. 26).

However, this command is paired with a promise as well, “If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him”, and that where He is, we may be also. Out of our obedience comes the joy of being part of His work. When we pattern our lives after Jesus, others may come to know His love as well.

Jesus calls each of us to join Him, using our God-given gifts to bring the world to His truth. Through our sharing of the Good News, others may be saved as we have been. Ours is a double blessing, receiving the love of Christ and passing it on to our brothers and sisters.

Gracious God, we are grateful to be part of Your saving work. Help us to give Your love and care to those around us that they too may become one with You. Amen.