Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray him, but he allowed it so that God’s plan could be fulfilled. So too, we must endure when we go through various trials, which is the testing of our faith, our belief that God will turn them around for our good. Jesus triumphed over betrayal, denial, persecution, abuse, death and the grave, and he did it so that we could have faith, to believe and trust him when we too face the same; confident, that we too will overcome. Praise the Lord!

Many of us have friends who have been there for us, but in their time of need we are nowhere to be found. We make so many excuses when we are call upon to help, but thank you, Father, that we have a friend in you who is always there, a friend who never changes, a friend who will stick with us to the end. Thank you, Lord!

This week should be spent in prayer and fasting, teaching and preaching about the love of Jesus, the Savior of the world, who did what no one else would have done for us. He suffered, bled, and died on the cross for you and for me.

Dear Lord, position us this morning where you need us to be and giving willing hands and feet to do your will. Lord, many times, the path you set before us is rugged, the way ahead is dark, and the hill seems insurmountable, but you already know that, teach us how to accept the path you have chosen for us, and walk according to your will. Humble us Lord, we pray, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen!

It is sometimes hard to see the sunshine through the rain, or the relief in our pain, but know that God is able to do the impossible, that God is the sunshine and the rain that he is the relief for our pain. God’s will is not for us to suffer, but to live and to live the abundant life in him, but from time to time he will afflict us to see if we will still trust in him. Therefore, no matter what you are going through, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might, call upon the name of the Lord, trust him, and believe in him, that with him all things are possible. Amen!

Scripture reminds us in Matthey chapter 6, that, when we pray, to pray in this manner: “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, for ever and ever.” Amen!

My brothers and sisters in Christ, know that no matter where you have been or what you have done, that, you, serve a God of second chances, a God who loves you unconditionally, a God who is waiting to welcome you home with open arms. So, never feel like you have to eat pods meant for the swine, for your father’s house abounds in bread, you do no not need to starve anymore. Come home!

Lord, my life is no longer my own, I am giving it back to you to recreate, to make brand new. This old heart of mine is filled with sin and shame, and I just need a new start, so take my life and do as you will, in Jesus’ holy name I pray. Amen!

Why are you still afraid or doubtful, when Jesus promised you that he will never leave you nor forsake you? Our God is a God who cannot lie, he says, call on me in times of trouble and I will answer you, cast your burdens upon me and I will carry them, come unto me all ye who travail and are heavy laden and I will refresh you. Keep the faith!

March 29th is Palm Sunday, the day Scripture reminds us that Jesus arrived in Jerusalem and the crowds gathered to welcome him with palms and shouts of joy, saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest.”