Read with us as we take a spiritual journey during Holy Week by following this years Scripture Reading outline.

"Palm Sunday"

"And they that went before and they that followed cried, "Hosanna: Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord". Mark 11:9. Hosanna. The word means "Save now". It's a word that reminds us that God doesn't just give salvation but He is Salvation. Therefore, He didn't just desire to save you when you first believed. But moment by moment you can call on Him and be saved.....this one included!

Monday

"On the the next day, when they came from Bethany, Jesus was hungry". Mark 11:12. In the final week of His life we are reminded just how human Jesus was. God enough to wither a tree with His words, stare down evil in a garden, and defeat death itself. But still man enough to realize without food He was running on empty. Our Savior is well aware of the crazy dichotomy that you and I deal with called the spirit and the flesh. On one hand we surprise even ourselves in the things we do with and for God. On the other hand, we find ourselves very ordinary in our daily lives. The human and the divine all wrapped up in one package. It's called being human and Jesus knew it well.

Tuesday

"And Jesus went into the temple...and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers". Mark 11:15. Life has a interesting way of turning the tables. Just when you get in a zone or things seem to be in order, boom!, things can be turned over in a split second. In reality, that is the work of the Lord. Jesus will always "turn over tables" in any temple that He passionately cares about lest it become stale, stagnant, and mediocre.. Guess what? You are the temple of God's Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). So next time things seem to be turned upside down know that it is because our Savior refuses to let you become less then everything He has for you to be.

Wednesday

"And Jesus called his disciples and said unto them,"Verily I say unto you, that this poor widow has cast more in then they all..." Mark 12:43. When it comes to hard cash the widow in this story only gave two cents. But if insight to giving could be measured her "two cents worth" is infinetly more valuable. By giving her last two pennies she was showing her trust that God was her provider. Therefore, though poor she was more generous than the high rollers. If generosity is in direct proportion to our "trust factor" with God, what does each of our spending habits say about us?

"Maundy Thursday"

"These things I command you that you love one another". John 15:17. It sure is refreshing to be reminded once again by our Lord that love is a commandment. He didn't say "These things you'll feel" or "These things you'll be moved to do" but rather "These things I command that you love". Love is a behavior and it most often has to do with how we treat people. This is refreshing because it means that even when you don't "feel" love that doesn't exempt you from loving nor does it mean that you are not loving. It's a decision.

"Good Friday"

"And when Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, "It is finished" and bowed His head and gave up the ghost"- John 19:30. The Book of Hebrews tells us the work of the High Priest for Israel was never finished. He could never rest, sit down, and say "I'm done". But that is exactly what our Hight Priest said on the Cross, "I'm done" or "It is finished". No more sacrifice can be made. There is nothing you can sacrifice to merit God's favor in your life. All you can do is remember what Jesus did when He finished the work.

Saturday

"In returning and rest shall you be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength". Is 30:15. Between "Good" Friday and "Resurrection" Sunday all was quiet. Or should we say seemed quiet. For though the tombwas sealed and His body was limp, in Hell itself Jesus was preaching the Gospel of Freedom and Salvation (1 Peter 3:18-19). In those quiet and even dull times of any given day of your life, it is sacred and divine. In other words, God is up to something!

"Easter Sunday"

"Peace be unto you". John 20:26. Those were Jesus' first words to his disciples after He rose again. "Peace". A common Jewish greeting that means to be complete, in harmony, and whole. In other words, "Chill" might be what Jesus was speaking in today's venacular. Don't be afraid, don't be stressed, don't be uptight....I am alive. Question: What would you do if you were absolutely confident that God is with you? It would alter our actions and our reactions. The Good News of Easter is just that: God is with you!

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