Journey to Easter Sunday - Jesus is Alive - Resurrection

What a journey this week has been.  We have celebrated with Jesus as he entered the city of Jerusalem a week ago, we felt the heart and compassion he has for his Father as he taught in the temple courts, we were reminded of the humanness of Jesus as he cried out to God, “Not my will, but Yours be done”, and we experienced the agony of the betrayal, denial, aloneness, suffering and ultimate death of Jesus on the Cross.  He told those close to him about the temple being rebuilt in three days.  He shared that where he was going, they could not go.  He basically prepared them for what was to occur, yet it was still hard to believe that he was dead...until this!

John 20:1-18

20 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

The prophecy has been fulfilled.  Jesus is alive.  The stone was rolled away and he appeared to Mary Magdalene.  Can you imagine being in her place?  I am sure she was truly freaking out.  JESUS WAS ALIVE!  HE WAS NOT IN THE GRAVE!  HE ROSE FROM THE GRAVE.

As remarkable as this story is to hear year after year, and for me to tell it year after year, it never gets old.  It is the greatest story of history.  It is true and it has the power to save!

RESPONSE

As you have journeyed to Easter, what has been the most memorable moment that you have learned and you can apply to your life?  As you rest on the Easter story today, how will you worship the risen Savior?  Voice a prayer to him - just you and him!  Tell him how you feel towards him and commit your life to him today!

Watch this video.  We are singing this song this weekend in worship.  Happy Easter everyone!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huFra1mnIVE

Journey to Easter Sunday - Friday - Jesus Trial and Crucifixion

It’s Friday. Our Savior is facing the darkest time in history. What happened on this day? Take our your Bible or Smart Phones and read the following passages. The journey will take you to understanding what Christ did for you on this Good Friday.
 
Jesus is tried by Jewish and Roman authorities and disowned by Peter
Matthew 26:57-27:2, 11-31
 
Jesus is Crucified
Matthew 27:31-56
John 18:13 - 19:16

Soldiers Mock Jesus
Mark 15:16-20

The Death of Jesus
Mark 15:33-41

On this day, Jesus took our place to give us eternal life. Jim Denison says it best with this analogy:

"I spent two hours this week in a federal courtroom at the invitation of the judge, a godly man and dear friend. It was a fascinating experience. The defendants before him were sentenced to some form of punishment for their crimes. Imagine yourself on trial before such a judge. Justice demands that he sentence you to death. Then, before you are led away, he sends his only son into the courtroom. His son takes the chains off your hands and feet, shackles himself, and shuffles away with the officer to be executed. The judge watches his son die in your place so you can be set free.
Would you ever again wonder if that judge loved you?"

Ponder this and respond in worship today!

Attend a Good Friday service today as you reflect and remember the sacrifice Christ made on the Cross for you today!

Journey to Easter Sunday - Thursday - Not My Will, But Yours

The sun rises on a new day for Jesus.  Waking up to talk to his Father and preparing for what was to come on this Thursday.  It was going to be a day filled with laughter, joy, heartache, pain and betrayal.  What does Scripture say Jesus experienced on this day?  There is not much in scripture describing the early hours of the day, but the afternoon and evening are very descriptive.  Let us take a look.

The Last Supper

Luke 22:14-20

14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

Washed Disciples Feet

John 13:1-17

13 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Jesus Predicts His Betrayal

John 13:18-30

18 “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.’

19 “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am. 20 Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.”

21 After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.”

22 His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. 23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. 24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.”

25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”

26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.

So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” 28 But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. 29 Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. 30 As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.

Jesus continues to teach his disciples:

John 14 - Do not let your hearts be troubled

John 14 - Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (Thomas)

John 14 - Jesus promises Holy Spirit to disciples

Then we move to the garden, the Garden of Gethsemane

Luke 22:39-46

39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

And then we see the betrayal of Judas

John 18:2-12

2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”

5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.

“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

7 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”

8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”

10 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)

11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him

As you read these passages, we continue to see that none of this took the Lord Jesus by surprise.  He knew about Judas.  He knew Peter was going to deny him.  He knew he had to leave and so explaining to the disciples about the Holy Spirit was vital.  Jesus knew.  Even when he was in the Garden of Gethsemane, he knew.  He felt the impact of that moment so much that he pleaded with God to change the situation; make it different.  But there was no other way, so we see Jesus pray the most amazing prayer response in history, “Not my will be done, but Yours.”  

Christ gave up EVERYTHING at that moment.  Everything in his human body was fighting his heavenly Father at that moment, yet he submitted to God, lifted his hands in surrender and did what had to be done.  

Because of that act of surrender and what was about to occur next, the course of eternity was changed forever.

RESPONSE:

After reading these passages and understanding the magnitude of what Christ went through on this Thursday, what is your heart telling you to do?  Is there something you are holding on to in life that you need to give up and give to the Father.  Are you so consumed with your own desires that you are fighting with God and not giving up your desires to allow him to be the center of your life?  Give it up today and lift your hands to God in surrender.  

Watch this video as a reminder of surrendering your life to Jesus today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcnfT4arZtI

Tonight at 5-7p at Cottonwood Creek Church Worship Center we are having a unique worship time tonight called Maundy Thursday.  Watch this video to find out more.

telly.com/1IPIS4R

Blessings - Keith

Journey to Easter Sunday - Wednesday - Where is your Treasure?

If you knew you were going to die in 48 hours, how would you live your life?  What would you be doing?  Who would you be spending time with?  What loose ends would you be tying up?  What would your mindset be?  Would you be frantic, sad, relieved, upset?  It brings things into perspective doesn’t it?

It is Wednesday morning, after a very intense Tuesday in the life of Jesus.  After speaking to the crowds on the Mount of Olives and debating with the religious leaders in the temple, he must have been exhausted.  Ironically, as we look in scripture, there is little to nothing recorded on this Wednesday.  Why is that?  Maybe this will be one of the questions we can ask him when we meet with him in heaven some day!

Jesus - a man who lived life without sin; a man who understood the magnitude of what was about to happen to him in 48 hours; a man who loved well.  I can speculate this much, Jesus was about the Father’s business, preparing to leave this earth and return to be with his Father in heaven.  He was taking time to invest and prepare for this time, and he was doing it around his closest family and friends.  Imagine the conversations he was having on this day with his family, and with God his father.  I can predict that he was sharing the essence of true life during this moment, and nothing else was more important to him at this time in his life.

Bring it home to us today.  A couple of challenging questions for us on this Wednesday.  

• Are you about the Fathers’ business today?  Are you living life in such a way that your relationship with God is right?  Is it the only thing that truly matters in life or not?
• What is the most important relationship in your life?  Are you neglecting that, or those relationships and do you need to mend a broken heart today?
• What do you treasure in life today?  Is it things that are temporary or things that are everlasting?  Evaluate your treasures and put them to the test to see if they would stand up against the scenario of you holding on to them 48 hours before your death.  Are they worth the time and effort you spend pouring into them when you could be pouring your life into other things that have life-changing implications?

Pretty intense, right?  I would say so.  But these are great questions to ponder as we prioritize our life to reflect who God is in our lives.  Asking the difficult questions to ourselves helps us clarify how we should be investing our time, energy and efforts.  It will help us realize truly who we are worshipping?  It will give us insight not only on how we should live life, but how we ARE living life, and how we can adjust our lives to reflect being about the Father’s business.  Honestly, every single one of us must make adjustments daily to die to ourselves and live for Jesus. Read Romans 12:1-2.

On this Wednesday, spend some time in prayer evaluating your priorities.  Go through these questions and force yourself to answer them honestly.  Allow God to lead you as you pray and be prepared to give the Lord your life.

Watch this video as you reflect on what we have just read together:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRZSRi5yyoQ

Blessings to you on this Wednesday - let us be about the Father’s business together today.  Keith

Journey to Easter Sunday - Tuesday - Do You Know Him?

Tuesday - A Day of Challenges

According to scripture, Jesus was a very busy man on Tuesday.  To follow up from his unforgettable entrance into the temple on Monday, he begins the second day entering the temple courts finding his opposition targeting his authority.  Who was the opposition?  The religious leaders of the time, called the chief priests and elders of the church.  They were skeptical of his teaching, his miracles, his God.  If Jesus was who he claimed to be, the King of kings, then he would not come as a lowly carpenter born in the low estate and riding into Jerusalem on a colt.  Who was Jesus to claim that he was the Son of God?  Why were they to believe him and his teaching?  They challenged Jesus, and the response, to this day, is life-changing.

Jesus had the amazing art of storytelling and allowing his message to be heard through the eyes of everyday life.  For example, here are a couple of challenging attacks Jesus faced on this Tuesday from the religious leaders.

Matthew 21:23-27

23 Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?”

24 Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25 John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?”

They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”

27 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”

Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

The religious leaders did not know what to do with Jesus.  They did not have an answer for him and his teachings.  What they did know is that they were being threatened - their entire belief system and religion was being challenged and that scared them.  Jesus followers were growing with great momentum, so the Pharisees began to plot a plan to get rid of Jesus.  Read more of his parables and learn.

Jesus teaches in stories and confronts the Jewish leaders

Matthew 21:28-46

28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’

29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.

31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

“The first,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

33 “Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. 34 When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit.

35 “The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. 36 Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. 37 Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.

40 “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?”

41 “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.”

42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:

“‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes"?

43 “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. 44 Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”

45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. 46 They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.

(For more reading, continue reading Matthew 22-23:36) 

Jesus continues to teach and reach out to the masses at the same time challenging the leaders on the truth of God.  His topics ranged from government to religion. Jesus spoke of the hypocrisy of those who claimed to know the truth but were living a lie.  His words were direct and seemingly harsh at times. Jesus’  art of sharing truth was delivered in such a way that made everyone think and be forced to take a side.  Because of this, look what happened next...

Judas agrees to betray Jesus

Luke 22:3-6

3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

His very own was plotting with religious leaders to take Jesus down.  Please note what Luke shares here.  “Then Satan entered Judas…”  Jesus has always had a plan, and he also knew Satan had a plan.  Do not think for a moment that this caught Jesus off guard.  He knew that this was the last week of his life.  He knew the betrayal was coming.  He knew the suffering that was ahead of him.  But he also knew that the truth must be spoken.  He was about to leave the earth, but the life-changing message was going to revolutionize the world.  Read the instruction Jesus gives his followers at the end of his day with them.

John 12:23-26

23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 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. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

Jesus was raising up followers of the truth.  He knew his death would produce many seeds, and his sacrifice would be the ultimate example to them of eternal life and eternal sacrifice for all mankind.

Response:

I know this is a lot to take in today.  Simply reflect on how Jesus challenged the culture of the religious leaders to hear and know the truth.    Now I ask you to challenge your culture . . .Do you know the truth today?  Do you believe who Jesus said he was?  Do you believe that he is the Son of God?  If you are struggling to believe, then pray for God to reveal himself to you. Ask him the difficult questions.  He will give you an answer as you seek him.  Do not go through another Easter without settling the question, “Do I believe who Jesus said he was?”

If you believe, then share Jesus with someone today!

If you do not believe, then I challenge you to wrestle with the hard questions of why your unbelief and do not let them go unanswered. My prayer is that you will personally know Jesus today.

Watch this music video on “Be Still My Soul” as you ponder this challenge today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9zHn4QSH-8

Journey to Easter Sunday - Monday - Prayer

Journey to Easter Sunday  - Monday - Jesus Clears the Temple

What a day it was on Sunday - the celebration of Jesus entering into Jerusalem and the excitement from the people.  There was music, dancing, cheering and more.  What a great celebration of Jesus - the Messiah.

I can imagine the next day was still filled with anticipation to meet with Jesus again and to hear from Him in the temple.  Today, we would have made flyers and been all over Instagram, Twitter and Facebook announcing when Jesus was going to be at the temple for everyone to come and hear him teach.  Let me share with you what Matthew, Mark and Luke recorded from scripture as Jesus entered into the temple...

Matthew 21:12,13

12 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.

13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers

Mark 11:15-17

15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’

Luke 19:45,46

45 When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling.

46 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be a house of prayer; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers."

We must understand that it was the Passover Festival, and people were traveling from all over the region bringing their sacrifices to the Lord.  Some of them traveled so far that they were unable to bring their sacrifice with them, so they were having to purchase one in Jerusalem. The money changers were taking full advantage of this opportunity to make money in the temple courts.  This INFURIATED Jesus as he entered the courts.  Can you imagine the scenario as people watched Jesus rebuke the money changers?  Confusion, questions, doubt of the authority of this man called Jesus and more swirled around the thoughts of the people.  At the center of this scene we see Jesus standing up for truth.  He says, “My house will be a house of prayer.”

This is where I want to rest today - on prayer.  We must be honest with ourselves today,  analyze our lives and ask the question, “Are we more concerned with the things around Easter and the events of Easter and the celebration of Passover that we neglect to simply pause, pray and seek God first?”  We might have great plans and be making great sacrifices for the Lord this week, but if we are not pausing to cover our week in prayer, then we are no better than the money changers who Jesus rebuked in the temple.  Because of our schedules, we are robbing God of his rightful place as we worship Him this week.

Response:

It is time for us to pause and pray!  Analyze your motives, schedule and intentions this week, even this day, and ask yourself the question, “How am I robbing God?  Am I giving him first place in my life?  Am I too busy that I have made plans before even pausing and praying to God and asking Him for leadership and direction in my life?”  All of these questions will help you as you begin your day today.

How do you pray?

A - Acknowledge God for who He is and what He is doing in your life

C - Confess your sins to the Lord

T - Thank the Lord

S - Supplication - big word for pray for the needs in your life and for others in your life.

Here is a great song for you to listen to as you prepare for a great day with the Lord.  LORD I NEED YOU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuvfMDhTyMA

Journey to Easter Sunday - Palm Sunday

Jesus Triumphant Entry

Good morning and Happy Palm Sunday to everyone.  Might today be a day filled with joy and expectation as you begin your day of worship.  This same expectation is what the city was experiencing as Jesus was approaching the city of Jerusalem.  Crowds were gathering and shouting his name from the top of their lungs.  It was an exciting time for the followers of Jesus.

All Four Gospels have an account of this time, which we call Palm Sunday.  I chose to share the passage from Mark.

Mark 11:1-10

11 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”

4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

This test is filled with expectation and prophecy.  God has had a plan all along from the beginning of creation for this week and this very moment.  Look at how detailed God was to sent the two disciples ahead to get the colt.  They symbolism of the palm branches to celebrate their King.  Their long awaited Messiah - or deliverer - was here!  It was a joyous time.

Response:
As you enter into your day, this Palm Sunday, to worship, what is your expectation?  Is this another Sunday like any other Sunday, or do you sense an expectation of a special day to celebrate who Jesus is?  I know there were many in the crowd who were spectators on this day 2000 years ago, just watching, looking, but not participating.  It was not about hype or a one day event.  It was way more than that.  It was a culmination of a divine plan God had for His people.

So as you come to worship Jesus today, I challenge you to come with great expectation of meeting with Jesus.  Worship Him today and shout like the people did so many years ago, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Watch this video and worship the Lord today:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BZoDH2H1Ls

Blessing and have a great day!  Talk to you tomorrow.

Easter Week - Journey to Easter Sunday

I will be blogging every day from Sunday (Palm Sunday) April 13 to Sunday (Easter Sunday) April 20 as I prepare to walk with Christ during Holy Week.  I desire to look at Scripture and allow the Truth of Scripture to transform my heart this Easter.  I invite you to join me.

The message will be simple and I will end with a song and a challenging action for you to follow.

I hope and pray God will speak to you in a tremendous way this week!

Blessings - Keith

A snapshot of the week to come:

• Sunday - Palm Sunday - Triumphant Entry
• Monday - Jesus Clears the Temple
• Tuesday - Jesus Authority Challenged in the Temple
• Wednesday - Time with Disciples
• Thursday - Last Supper, Prayers at Gethsemane, Jesus betrayed and arrested
• Friday - Jesus Trial and Crucifixion
• Saturday - Day of silence and morning
• Sunday - Jesus is Alive - Resurrection