In the Highest!

‎The disciples did just as Jesus told them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and He sat on them.

Most of the crown spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting,

"Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"

The Canadian Mall Christmas Surprise

I have watched this multiple times and I get a little more emotional each time.  It's not because I haven't heard this before.  In fact, I have heard it hundreds of times.  But, there is something about these people proclaiming the name of the Messiah in a place (Canada) where that seems to be difficult to do these days.  And, what better way to proclaim it than with the most celebrated piece of the most awesome Christmas art ever produced (in my humble opinion).

What am I referring to?  Well, you'll have to check it out for yourself by clicking the link right here. 

How to Take up Your Cross

Jesus tells us to take up our cross daily...but what does that mean? It is often mischaracterized as meaning that each Christian will have his or her own unique burden to bear. Further, this line of argument seems to usually imply some sort of physical malady (thorn in our side) that we have to endure for the sake of Christ.


However, a careful reading shows this as a misinterpretation. The text does not say this and the context does not imply it.


Instead, it is Jesus teaching us how to live the LIFE He promised us while we are still on this earth. It is so simple that it is difficult for us to comprehend. It seems too easy.


The WHOLE key to living is this: Everyday, decide to trust Him instead of following the desires of the flesh. That's it. It's not about trying harder to do better or to do more. It's about trusting Him.


Warning: Your flesh will rebel against that notion and The Adversary will whisper lies about this saying "surely you must do.". Satan may even quote Scripture to you, "faith without works is dead."


Yes. But your job is the faith (which comes first). God's job is the works. Trust God first and the result will always be good and perfect works. Works not preceded by trust in God is nothing more than us striving to do it on our own. That is called religion.


Everyday, before anything else, trust Him to work through your life. Everyday. Before your family, friends, ambition, insecurities, plans - first take up your cross that was borne by Him and simply trust Him. Deny self and everything and everyone else and trust Him first and only.
Matthew 16, Matthew 10, Luke 14

One Week Later

A week after Good Friday. I wonder what Jesus was thinking? What about the disciples? What about the Pharisees and Pilot? We usually stop thinking about Easter on the Monday after. But in reality, that is when it matters most. Jesus up and walking around - victorious! And us too. Think about it.