Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord— the King of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and satContinue reading “Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem”

Jesus and Abraham

They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing what Abraham did, but now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are indeed doing whatContinue reading “Jesus and Abraham”

Rivers of Living Water

On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” Now he said this about theContinue reading “Rivers of Living Water”

The Authority of the Son

Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works thanContinue reading “The Authority of the Son”

Paths and Plans

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. ~ Jeremiah 29:11 I was reminded of this path today when I received a message from a confirmation student from the congregation I served in Victoria. This isContinue reading “Paths and Plans”

Prayer for the Downfall of Israel’s Enemies

“Often have they attacked me from my youth”—let Israel now say—“often have they attacked me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me. The plowers plowed on my back; they made their furrows long.” The Lord is righteous; he has cut the cords of the wicked. May all who hate Zion be put to shameContinue reading “Prayer for the Downfall of Israel’s Enemies”

The Happy Home of the Faithful

Happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways. You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall go well with you. (Psalm 128:1-2, NRSV) Interesting the reading here says happy and the image says blessed. Same word different translation. So does blessed meanContinue reading “The Happy Home of the Faithful”

The Joy of Forgiveness

Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them. You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah (Psalm 32:6-7, NRSV) When you are in need turn toContinue reading “The Joy of Forgiveness”

The Joy of Forgiveness

Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah (Psalm 32:5, NRSV) When we come to God with all of the darkness that keeps our relationship from growing He doesn’t turn awayContinue reading “The Joy of Forgiveness”

The Joy of Forgiveness

Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. (Psalm 32:1-2, NRSV) Is your sin covered? Not do you have it covered up so no one can see it because even if you think you have itContinue reading “The Joy of Forgiveness”