Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. Matt 21:5

So often there is much fanfare that surrounds political dignitaries, prestigious and powerful people, famed artist, and many other esteemed notables. They have an entourage of supporters to prepare and provide for their reception and ensure that their presence is honored with the highest praise, greatest noise, large street filled parades, and extreme excitement. Nothing less would be expected for any of the world’s royalty or national dignitaries. Yet the King of kings, and Lord of lords (Rev 19:16) humbly road into Jerusalem on a lowly donkey, surrounded by careless children, the outcast of society, poor, blind, and lame. “He came unto His own and His own received Him not” (Jn 1:11). The children of Israel were looking for the coming Messiah, ready to receive him, and join him to support his kingdom rule with their presence. Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. He came not to be honored among men, but “humbled Himself…unto death, even death of the cross” (Phil 2:8). He came “to seek and save that which was lost” (Lk 19:10). The scripture passage reminds us to behold the glory of Jesus “as of the Only-Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14). Those who praised Him at His lowly entrance into Jerusalem knew Him intimately. They had known His power and authority to forgive sin, heal illness and disease, give sight to the blind, and receive those with child-like faith unto Himself. They were not excited by the crowds that surrounded, but the Christ Who was present. My friend, our Lord is worthy of our “Hosanna…Hosanna in the highest.” Cry out with all of heaven and sing with the heavenly host “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts” (Is 6:3). Give Him ALL praise, honor, and glory today. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

That we be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine…but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things.” Eph 4:14-15.

Children see the world around them with so many innocent possibilities. They bounce through life with excitement as for the next new toy or excited thing. Too often that lifestyle continues into adulthood where people constantly live for the next new thing. There seems to be the idea for something better, something newer, something more exciting, just over the next horizon. Like little children, love for new possibilities presses them through life. The scripture passage teaches us that the child of God ought to be grounded and grow with purpose. One who has tasted the love of Christ and received the grace of God for salvation, ought to anchor in the love of Christ to “grow up into Him in all things.” Satisfied to harbor in Him and sail under His command (Mt 8:18). New life in Christ grows grander each day and the destiny Christ has for His children is the highest possible, that “We shall be like Him” (1 Jn 3:2). This is what we were created for – “be like Him.” This is the destiny of the redeemed – “be like Him.” This is the sanctification and purpose “that we should be conformed to the image of God’s Son, that He might be the First Born among many brethren” (Rom 8:29). My friend, there is nothing new under the sun more grander, more awesome, more fulfilling, than to see Jesus face to Face. This is the hope of the child of God and “every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure” (1 Jn 3:3). His love is pure for all who anchor in Him “that we be no more…tossed to and fro…but speaking the truth in love.” My friend, grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that you may harbor in His fellowship, always sailing with you sails filled with His LOVE. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you. Col 1:3

I pray that you were blessed in wonderful worship as you gathered at your local church this past Lord’s Day. I have noticed that some of our local churches were not able to gather for worship and opted to minister without gathering in-person. However, whether God’s people come together to worship in a local assembly place or gather from a distance, we are instructed in the word of God “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” (Heb 10:25). Distance gatherings are not new to the church. Early church gatherings were a time of fasting and prayer, oftentimes in households. The scripture passage reminds us that whether we gather together in a local assembly or not, we ought to be “praying always” and “give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Prayer of thanksgiving for fellow believers ought to be part of every prayer. “Give thanks to God” for their belief in the gospel for salvation and rejoice that you are joined with them in the body of Christ. Pray that their “faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have” (v.4) will be obvious to others as “marvelous light” (1 Pet 2:9) in darkness. My friend, be encouraged that God loves you and has many a bowed knee lifting prayers before Him today. Join the gathering of the saints today and pray for your community of believes, your local pastors, church leaders, families, and church ministries. Be so encouraged to “turn your eyes upon Jesus” (Baptist Hymnal) and allow Him to draw your gaze toward heaven that you will see “the Light of His glory and grace.” Pray for others while you are apart, and rejoice and “give thanks to God” on the occasions when you able to join together in a local assembly. Father, thank You for those who live by faith in Jesus Christ. I pray that they are encouraged and strengthened in “faith” and “love” for the Lord Jesus. Until we can meet again. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.