Fully Present. All In. In this Psalm (138) David is fully present and all in with respect to his relationship with God. Primary emphasis will be on the words in the first three verses of the Psalm that describe him as ‘Fully Present.’ ‘All In.’ by his expressions of Thankfulness, Humility, Trust

Jesus wins! But he accomplished it by shedding his own blood. He finalizes the victory by speaking truth rather than waging physical war. This is a vision declaring the final victory of Jesus. What encouragement and hope this is to us!

As we consider further the fall of the Empire, we’ll focus in on how we can identify and discern the markers of the godless empire so that we can ‘come out’ of it.

We will focus on how God’s grace looks in our time and at how grace and truth balance out in our eyes as well as God’s eyes.

In the pursuit of their own power, success and control, humans consistently build godless systems of oppression and lies. Satan uses these empires to war against God’s people. But, once again we see that Jesus wins. What are they systems of this world that we’re tempted by? Once again, we must cling to the ways of Jesus.

The Judgment of God’s wrath is coming. While this does feel overwhelming, we can trust that God always does what is just. And we are called to be ready, remaining faithful to Christ.

God’s people, those who are victorious over the beast, will be set free to worship with joy and vigor. No longer in fear, no longer struggling on earth, joy and purity will be their’s in the presence of God.

In the midst of judgment on the earth, there is salvation for God’s people. The blood of Jesus covers our sins so that we can receive blessing and rest, rather than torment and death.

God created all things and declared them ‘good’. But darkness has overwhelmed it. In the resurrection, Jesus cloaks creation with imperishable, immortality. We will not waste away, but will live forever in bodily form with him. We will live forever! Thanks be to God.

It is Palm Sunday. We celebrate that Jesus rode a colt into Jerusalem with the crowd shouting “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.” We can join in the celebration knowing that Friday is coming- the crucifixion is coming and the victory of the resurrection is a week away. Today it is Hosanna, Hosanna but by Friday it is Crucify Him, Crucify Him.