Hearing God’s Voice from His Word
James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Take a moment and turn your attention to God. Tell God that you desire to trust and obey Him. Ask God to speak to you from His word.
Psalm of the Day
Psalm 149:1 Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly!
2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
3 Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
4 For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.
5 Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands,
7 to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples,
8 to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron,
9 to execute on them the judgment written! This is honor for all his godly ones.
Praise the Lord!
Praise in the assembly. This psalm encourages us to praise alone and praise in the assembly. When you praise shoulder to shoulder in the assembly with your brothers and sisters their praise encourages you. Your praise of God encourages them. This is especially true when you are struggling and yet you still gather to praise. Praising God reorients us and God uses our praise to encourage others. Take a moment and praise Him now.
SCRIPTURE READING:
Matthew 21:1-11 – Christian Standard Bible
The Triumphal Entry
21 When they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage at the Mount of Olives, Jesus then sent two disciples, 2 telling them, “Go into the village ahead of you. At once you will find a donkey tied there with her colt. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them at once.”
4 This took place so that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled:
5 Tell Daughter Zion,
“See, your King is coming to you,
gentle, and mounted on a donkey,
and on a colt,
the foal of a donkey.”
6 The disciples went and did just as Jesus directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt; then they laid their clothes on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their clothes on the road; others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. 9 Then the crowds who went ahead of him and those who followed shouted:
Hosannato the Son of David!
Blessed is he who comes in the name
of the Lord!
Hosannain the highest heaven!
10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in an uproar, saying, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Having God’s Ear through Prayer
- Express thanksgiving to God.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal sin to you.
- Confess your sin to Him and receive forgiveness.
(1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sin He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins.”) - Bring your personal requests to God.
(Psalm 62:8 “Pour out your heart before God”) - Pray for someone in your small group.
- Pray for our Good Friday service that will be taking place at the church at 6pm tonight. Ask God to help us to remember and enjoy him as we celebrate the Lord’s supper together.
Living as God’s People by applying the Bible
Scripture Reflection from the Sermon
King Jesus has provided for those who look to him for protection. He has saved us from the destruction of sin and brought us into his family. He is victorious and he is our savior. As King and Savior, he does not leave us alone. He has left us his word and his people. Obedience to his word provides protection and leads us to a flourishing life. He has not left us alone. He has given us his people to love, serve, and enjoy as we wait for his return. His people and his word, empowered by his Spirit. He has truly given us everything we need for life and godliness. Look to him to be your provider.