Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51: 12 NIV

Jesus the King arrived in Jerusalem with shouts of praise and glory. He was welcomed with “‘blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” Hallelujahs were heard from those who waited to see Him. And, Jesus came righteous and victorious to fulfill God’s will. 

Sometimes, we don’t welcome Jesus with hearts of praise. We forget He is the way to the Father. We forget He longs to have a living relationship with us. The hallelujahs of our hearts become filled with pride. And, sin prevents us from humbling our hearts for the One who died in our place. 

Jesus came to Jerusalem knowing He would die. He suffered a horrible death! But, the story doesn’t end there. His journey to Jerusalem is our journey! If we humble our hearts for Him and truly think about what has been done for each one of us, we begin to understand the power of God's plan. 

Even in our broken hallelujahs, God loves us! As we enter Holy Week, I pray you will take time to consider the joy of our salvation and reflect on the cross. I pray you will feel the presence of Jesus and make room for Him to dwell. I pray you will honor Him with your love and seek Him with a willing spirit to sustain you. He will open our eyes in truth and help us gratefully welcome has been promised in the name of the Lord.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15: 13 NIV

Dear God, Thanking for waking us, so we can praise You with the hallelujahs of our hearts. We will visit the cross as we journey together. Help us remember why Jesus laid down His life for each one of us. We will welcome the Savior and never forget what was accomplished by the power of Your amazing love. Amen