Author: Kevin Anthony

“The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” ~Matthew 21:9

This Sunday marks the final week of the Lenten season, the 40 day period leading up to Easter. Today we celebrate the holy day of feasting  known as Palm Sunday. The celebration of Palm Sunday commemorates Christ’s entry into the City of Jerusalem. As Jesus arrives in the city, he is met by a large crowd of people waving palm branches in the air and laying them at his feet. They cry out to Him saying: “Hosanna! Hosanna, in the highest heaven!”

The word Hosanna is used in this passage as a shout of praise, much like the word Hallelujah. However, where Hallelujah literally means “praise be to God” the word Hosanna is translated as to save or rescue. So what appears in this story as a shout of praise, is actually a cry for help. As we celebrate Palm Sunday in the midst of a global pandemic, we confidently cry out to God and with expectant hearts, we trust that He will hear us.

What is the cry of your heart today?

How will you wait with an expectant heart?

 

 

 

 

 

 

” Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” ~1 Thess. 5:18

Thanksgiving is the time of year when family and friends gather to share food and fellowship. But we all know that the best part of Thanksgiving is the leftovers where we get to turn one elaborate meal in many more enjoyable meals.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul states, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” If God’s will is for us to give thanks in all circumstances, perhaps these are the “spiritual leftovers” of Thanksgiving. God is calling us to turn a one day a year holiday into a daily practice of giving thanks.

What are you most thankful for?

In what ways can you express your gratitude today and every day?

“Take off the grave clothes and live!” ~ John 11: 44

During this season of the year, we often focus on themes of new life and resurrection as we prepare for the celebration of our risen Lord.  One of the more interesting passages which explores these themes actually occurs a few months before Jesus’ resurrection. In John 11, Jesus is summoned to the tomb of Lazarus, who has been dead for 3 days. There he encounters the family who has been grieving, including Mary and Martha.  In a dramatic moment, Jesus calls Lazarus out from the grave saying, “Lazarus, come out!” After he performs the miracle of resurrecting him from the dead, Jesus then commands him to “take off the grave clothes” so that he might truly live.

Although Jesus has the power to set us free, we, like Lazarus, must take off our “grave clothes”– our past hurts, present pain and future worries. When we free ourselves from those things which hinder us, only then are we free to live the life God purposed for us.

Which grave clothes are you still wearing?

What steps will you take this week to remove these clothes so that you can truly live?

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” ~Luke 2:14

This time of year we hear seasonal songs playing on the radio, in grocery stores and in shopping malls. From carols to jingles, I wonder, what is it about songs that make the holidays so special?

Songs are used throughout Scripture to lead God’s people into worship during specific times of God’s provision. After the Exodus, Moses and the Israelites sang a song to the Lord. When David defeated Goliath, the people celebrated with tambourines and musical instruments. And at the announcement of an infant birth a host of angels burst into song singing, “Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth.”

We are blessed this Christmas season to continue the tradition of singing songs of praise to God. As we sing this season, let us do so with expectant hearts trusting that God always keeps His promises.

What song is your heart currently singing?

How will you thank God through song today?

“ On coming to the house…they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” ~ Matthew 2:11

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” ~John 14:27

Peace Be With You. Shalom. As-Salaam-Alaykum. These greetings show that Peace is central to the life of faith. However, we live in a world where the threat of violence both locally and abroad has become the norm. Recent events have left us wondering: Is peace even possible?

In John 14:27, Jesus promises to give us His peace. The peace Jesus offers will ease our troubled hearts and calm our fears. However Jesus’ peace is different from the world’s, because He calls us to go beyond personal peace to become peacemakers. In other words, rather than just seeking peace for ourselves, He calls us to share the peace we find with all who seek hope. In light of the perpetual violence we see again and again, we must remember that peace is powerful. For it is His peace that has the power to not only change our lives, but also the world around us.

What peace has God given you?

How will you share this peace with others today?

 

 

 

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” ~Isaiah 9:2

During the holidays, Christmas lights decorate our homes inside and out. We wrap our Christmas trees with lights and hang them from our roof. These lights switch on at night so they shine brightly and beautifully in the darkness.

The prophet Isaiah also spoke about light saying, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”

Our small, strung together lights not only display the beauty of Christmas, but also as Isaiah teaches, help dispel the darkness. As we celebrate with lights this season, let us be mindful that shining our lights will illuminate the world around us.

How has God’s light dawned in your life?

Where is He calling you to shine your light today?

” Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” ~1 Thess. 5:18

Thanksgiving is the time of year when family and friends gather to share food and fellowship. But we all know that the best part of Thanksgiving is the leftovers where we get to turn one elaborate meal in many more enjoyable meals.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul states, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” If God’s will is for us to give thanks in all circumstances, perhaps these are the “spiritual leftovers” of Thanksgiving. God is calling us to turn a one day a year holiday into a daily practice of giving thanks.

What are you most thankful for?

In what ways can you express your gratitude today and every day?

“Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” ~John 11:44

During our Summer Forgiveness course, teacher Iylana Vanzant asked the question, “If you saw someone walking down the street bandaged from head to toe, how would you treat that person?” She then asked us to consider how living with pain and unforgiveness can render us helpless, as if we are moving through life in a full body bandage.

In week 5 of our course, we explored John 11 where Jesus is summoned to the tomb of Lazarus, who has been dead for 3 days. Jesus calls Lazarus out from the grave saying, “Lazarus, come out!” After he performs the miracle of resurrecting him from the dead, Jesus then commands him to “take off the grave clothes” so that he might truly live. Although Jesus has the power to set us free, we, like Lazarus, must take off our “grave clothes”– our past hurts, present pain and future worries. When we free ourselves from those things which hinder us, only then are we free to live the life God purposed for us.

Which grave clothes are you still wearing?

What steps will you take this week to remove these clothes so that you can truly live?

Watch the H4H Message of Hope