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  • Living Our Hosanna: A Life That Testifies to Jesus

    From the March 29, 2026 Palm Sunday Sermon “How We Testify”

    Matthew 21:1–17 shows us that testifying to Jesus Christ is not limited to words alone but is expressed through a life shaped by obedience, praise, repentance, and perseverance. As Jesus enters Jerusalem, He reveals the kind of King He is—humble, righteous, and worthy of all worship. In response, we learn how our lives are to bear witness to Him.

    First, we testify through obedient preparation. Before the crowds ever cry “Hosanna,” two disciples faithfully carry out Jesus’ instructions to retrieve a donkey. Their quiet obedience sets the stage for Christ’s public revelation. In the same way, our testimony often begins in unseen faithfulness—trusting God’s Word, following His commands, and serving Him in everyday moments. As John Calvin reminds us, obedience is not about full understanding but faithful submission, and through such obedience, Christ is made known.

    Second, we testify through public praise. As Jesus enters the city, the crowds openly declare Him as the Son of David, shouting “Hosanna!” Their praise is bold and visible, reminding us that faith is not meant to remain private. True testimony involves proclaiming Christ with both our words and our lives. While the crowd’s understanding was imperfect, their praise still pointed to the truth. We too are called to speak of Christ openly, allowing our worship and daily witness to reflect His glory.

    Third, we testify through cleansing and renewal. When Jesus enters the temple, He drives out corruption and restores it as a house of prayer. This moment reveals that our testimony must be supported by a life that is being transformed. Sin, hypocrisy, and divided hearts weaken our witness, but repentance and renewal strengthen it. Maximus the Confessor teaches that a purified heart becomes a dwelling place for God, and when Christ cleanses us, our lives become a clearer reflection of His grace and truth.

    Finally, we testify through persistent praise despite opposition. After healing the blind and lame, children continue to praise Jesus even as religious leaders grow indignant. Their simple, sincere testimony stands in contrast to hardened unbelief. Like them, we are called to remain faithful even when our witness is misunderstood or resisted. A helpful picture of this comes from Forrest Gump, where Lieutenant Dan rages at God during a storm while Forrest quietly continues his work. In the midst of life’s storms and challenges, our steady faithfulness becomes a powerful testimony to God’s presence and power.

    Together, these four movements show that testimony is not a single act but a way of life. We testify through obedience, through praise, through repentance, and through perseverance. As followers of Christ, our lives are meant to echo the cry of Palm Sunday—not just for a moment, but continually—declaring that Jesus is King. By God’s grace, may our words and our lives bear faithful witness to the One who came to save, redeem, and reign. Amen.

  • From Storm to Peace

    Psalm 16 gives us a picture of deep, settled trust in God—but that kind of trust is often forged in the middle of life’s storms, not in calm waters.

    Remember that scene in the movie Forrest Gump, when Lieutenant Dan climbs the mast of the shrimp boat in the middle of a violent storm? Waves are crashing, the wind is howling, the American flag is snapping against the sky, and Dan is yelling—arguing—with God. It’s raw, honest, and full of pain. He isn’t pretending. He’s wrestling.

    Many of us have had moments like that—times when life feels overwhelming, and our prayers sound more like shouting than quiet devotion.

    Psalm 16 shows us where that wrestling can lead. David begins, “Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge” (v. 1). He doesn’t deny danger or difficulty—he runs to God in the middle of it. Over time, that place of refuge becomes a place of confidence: “The Lord is my chosen portion… I shall not be shaken” (vv. 5, 8).

    Lieutenant Dan’s story doesn’t end in the storm. Later, there’s a quiet scene where he sits peacefully on the boat, no longer raging, but at rest. Something has shifted. Forrest even says, as Dan hopped joyfully into the sea, “He never actually said so, but I think he made his peace with God.”

    That’s the movement of Psalm 16—from striving to surrender, from shouting to stillness. God is big enough to handle our storms and our questions. And when we bring them to Him, He leads us into something deeper: “In your presence there is fullness of joy” (v. 11).

    Today, whether you feel calm or caught in a storm, bring it honestly to God. He can handle your cries—and He will lead you to peace.

    Prayer:
    Gracious God, in the midst of our storms, teach us to run to You as our refuge. Receive our honest prayers—even when they come out as cries—and steady our hearts with Your presence. Help us to trust You as our portion and our peace, and lead us from striving into stillness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

  • Witnesses of Resurrection: Why We Share Our Faith

    From the sermon on the Fifth Sunday of Lent March 22, 2026 titled “Why We Testify”

    Why do Christians share their faith? For many, the idea of testifying can feel intimidating or uncomfortable. Yet in John 11, the story of Jesus raising Lazarus gives us a clear and compelling answer. This passage is not just about a miracle—it is about who Jesus is and why those who encounter him cannot remain silent.

    First, we testify because Jesus meets us in our brokenness. When Jesus arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has already been dead for four days. Martha meets him with a mixture of faith and disappointment, saying, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Yet Jesus does not turn her away. Instead, he meets her in her grief and reveals himself as “the resurrection and the life.” This reminds us that Jesus does not wait for us to have everything together—he meets us in our pain, our questions, and our struggles. Our testimony begins here, in the personal ways we have experienced his presence in difficult seasons.

    Second, we testify because Jesus is moved by our suffering. One of the most powerful moments in the passage is when Jesus weeps. Even knowing he is about to raise Lazarus, he enters into the grief of Mary and those around her. This shows us that God is not distant or indifferent. He sees our pain, feels our sorrow, and walks with us through it. When we share our testimony, we are not just talking about what Jesus has done—we are bearing witness to his compassion. In a world where many feel alone in their suffering, this truth offers real hope.

    Third, we testify because Jesus reveals the glory of God. As Jesus approaches the tomb, he tells Martha that if she believes, she will see the glory of God. The miracle that follows is not only about restoring Lazarus to life but about pointing people to the power and identity of Jesus. In the same way, our testimonies are meant to direct attention to God, not to ourselves. Whether through answered prayer, sustained faith in hardship, or transformation over time, our lives can reflect glimpses of God’s glory to others.

    Finally, we testify because Jesus brings life where there was death. When Jesus calls, “Lazarus, come out,” the impossible happens—a dead man walks out of the tomb. This moment is a picture of what Jesus does in every believer’s life. Apart from him, we are spiritually dead, but through his word, we are brought to life. Our testimony is, at its core, a story of resurrection. It is the story of how Jesus has changed us, freed us, and continues to transform us.

    Taken together, these truths remind us that testifying is not about having all the right words or a dramatic story. It is about sharing what we have seen and experienced in Christ. Jesus meets us, cares for us, reveals God to us, and gives us life—and that is a message worth sharing.

    There are people all around us who are searching for hope, wondering if their situation can change, or questioning whether God truly cares. Our testimony may be the very means God uses to help them see that he does.

    So we testify—not out of obligation, but out of gratitude. Because we have seen the power of Christ, and we want others to know the life he offers.

  • Resting in the God Who Cares

    “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)

    There is a quiet invitation in this verse—one that meets us not in our strength, but in our weariness. Peter does not command us to conquer our anxieties, manage them, or hide them. Instead, he calls us to cast them—to release, to hand over, to let go. Why? Because God cares for us.

    So often, we carry burdens as though they are ours to keep. We hold tight to worries about the future, regrets from the past, and pressures of the present. Our hearts grow tight, our thoughts restless, and even our bodies feel the weight. Yet here, in this simple verse, God gives us a better way: breathe out your anxieties, and breathe in His mercy.

    Every breath can become an act of trust.

    As you inhale, remember that God’s mercies are new every morning. They are not stale, not rationed, not withheld. They are fresh, abundant, and freely given. You are not drawing from yesterday’s strength, but from today’s grace. His care for you is not distant or abstract—it is present, personal, and constant.

    As you exhale, release what weighs you down. Name your anxieties before God: your fears, your uncertainties, your hidden struggles. Casting them is not a one-time act, but a daily rhythm. Sometimes it feels like we must cast the same worry again and again—but each time, God receives it with the same patient care.

    Breathing in God’s mercy also reminds us that we are not alone. The One who holds the universe also holds you. He is attentive to your needs, gentle with your heart, and faithful in every season. You do not have to carry what He has already promised to bear.

    Today, slow down. Take a deep breath. Inhale the truth of God’s love and mercy. Exhale your anxiety into His capable hands. Let your breathing become a prayer:

    “In Your mercy, Lord, I rest. In Your care, I am held.”

    And as you go, remember this: the God who invites you to cast your cares is the same God who never lets you go.

  • Walking Together in the Word

    St. Augustine has said, “The purpose of Scripture study is both to discover its meaning and to pass it on to others; both tasks to be undertaken with God’s help” (On Christian Doctrine, 106). Within these words, we see not only the calling of teachers, but the heart of spiritual mentorship. The study of Scripture is never meant to terminate on the individual—it is received and then shared. A faithful mentor in the faith embraces this calling, guiding others in truth while continuing to grow personally. Three qualities especially mark such a relationship: prayerfulness, studiousness, and generosity. These characteristics not only shape the mentor but also cultivate the disciple into someone who, in time, can guide others as well.

    The foundation of any fruitful engagement with Scripture is prayer. Prayer ultimately determines the depth and effectiveness of both learning and teaching. As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16–17, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” Yet this profitability is not merely intellectual—it is spiritual. Prayer opens both mentor and disciple to the work of the Holy Spirit, making them receptive, humble, and attentive.

    In a mentoring relationship, prayer becomes a shared posture. It shapes not only how Scripture is understood, but how it is received. It guards against approaching the Bible as mere information and instead reveals it as “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12–13). Prayer also unites both mentor and disciple with the pattern of Jesus himself, who regularly withdrew to pray before and after teaching (Mark 1:35–39). In this way, prayer forms the atmosphere in which true spiritual formation takes place.

    Alongside prayer, a faithful mentor must remain a devoted student of Scripture. Mentorship in the Christian life is never a position of arrival but of ongoing formation. The one who guides others must also continue to be guided. This humility is essential. The most effective mentors are those who still find themselves shaped, challenged, and renewed by the Word they share.

    Jesus reminds his disciples in John 15:20, “A servant is not greater than his master.” Both mentor and disciple stand under the authority of Christ. The mentor is not an authority independent of the Word, but one who lives under it, continually learning. This creates a dynamic where the disciple does not merely receive instruction but witnesses a life being transformed by Scripture. In this way, the mentor’s ongoing study becomes an invitation: not simply to learn the Bible, but to love it.

    Finally, a faithful mentor is generous. Knowledge of Scripture is not to be guarded or used for self-advancement, but shared freely for the growth of others. There is always a temptation to turn teaching into performance—to impress rather than to serve. But true mentorship resists this. It seeks not recognition, but the spiritual maturity of another.

    Generosity in this context means patiently investing in others, offering insight, encouragement, and practical application. It means helping someone not only understand Scripture but also learn how to engage it for themselves. The goal is not dependence, but multiplication—that the disciple would one day become a guide to others.

    The teaching of Scripture, then, is not about displaying knowledge or rhetorical skill. It is about communicating the life-giving truth of God—truth that comforts in suffering, convicts in sin, and sustains in the journey of faith. A generous mentor walks alongside others in this process, helping them see, understand, and live out that truth.

    In the end, the call to study and share Scripture belongs to all who follow Christ. Within the context of mentorship, this calling becomes deeply personal. The one who guides must be prayerful, continually learning, and freely giving. As Luke 12:48 reminds us, “to whom much was given, much will be required.” What we have received in the Word is not ours to keep.

    May we, then, become faithful stewards—learning with humility, sharing with generosity, and walking alongside others so that the truth of Scripture might take root and flourish in many lives.

  • In All Things

    “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

    There are moments in life when this verse can feel difficult to hold onto—especially when your body is weary, your days feel uncertain, and the future looks different than you once imagined. Yet here, in these words, God offers not a shallow comfort, but a deep and steady promise.

    Notice that Paul does not say all things are good. Illness is not good. Pain is not good. Loss is not good. But he does say that in all things, God is at work. Even now, in this very season, God has not stepped away. He is present, quietly and faithfully weaving together every moment into something meaningful—something that ultimately reflects His goodness.

    This promise is not rooted in our strength, but in God’s character. When everything else feels fragile, He remains steady. When answers are few, His love is certain. You may not see how these days fit into His plan, but you can trust that nothing is wasted. Not a single tear, not a single prayer, not a single moment of your life escapes His care.

    For those who love God, this verse assures us that our story is not ending in darkness—it is being carried toward glory. The “good” God is working is not always comfort in the present, but something far greater: drawing you closer to Himself, preparing you for eternal peace, and surrounding you with His presence even now.

    You may find that in this time, God is nearer than ever before. In quiet moments, in the kindness of caregivers, in the love of family, in the stillness of prayer—He is there. He is gently reminding you: You are mine. You are not alone. I am with you.

    And beyond this life, there is a promise that changes everything. The same God who walks with you now has prepared a place where there is no more pain, no more sorrow, and no more tears. What feels uncertain today is held securely in His eternal hands.

    So even here, you can rest. You don’t have to figure everything out. You don’t have to understand every detail. You are invited simply to trust—to place your life, your fears, and your future into the hands of a loving Savior who has never failed you.

    Romans 8:28 is not just a verse for easier days. It is a lifeline for moments like this—a reminder that God is still writing your story, and He is writing it with love.

    Prayer:
    Lord, in this moment of weakness and uncertainty, draw near. Help me to trust that You are working, even when I cannot see it. Surround me with Your peace, and remind me that I am never alone. Hold me fast in Your love, now and forever. Amen.

  • Strength for Those Who Care

    Nurses serve on the front lines of compassion. Long hours, difficult decisions, and the constant care of others can leave even the strongest caregiver feeling exhausted. In these moments, Psalm 18 reminds us where true strength is found.

    David begins by declaring, “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer” (Psalm 18:1–2). David knew what it was to face overwhelming circumstances. Yet he did not look to his own strength—he looked to the Lord.

    For nurses, every shift brings situations beyond human control. You can treat illness, offer comfort, and advocate for patients, but you cannot carry every burden alone. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus Christ is the ultimate refuge for those who serve others.

    Psalm 18 points us to the God who hears when we cry out: “In my distress I called upon the Lord… and my cry reached his ears” (Psalm 18:6). When the shift is long, when the emotional weight feels heavy, and when compassion runs thin, Christ invites you to come to Him.

    Jesus Himself showed perfect compassion. He healed the sick, touched the hurting, and welcomed the weary. And through His death and resurrection, He not only cares for the suffering—He strengthens those who care for them.

    Your work reflects the heart of Christ. Every act of patience, every moment of kindness, and every effort to bring comfort echoes the compassion of the Savior. Yet your identity is not defined by how much you give, but by the One who gives you strength.

    Today, remember that Christ is your rock and refuge. Serve faithfully, but rest deeply in Him.

    Prayer
    Lord Jesus, strengthen every nurse who serves others today. Renew their hearts, guard their spirits, and remind them that their strength comes from You. Amen.

  • The God of Peace Is With You

    When life becomes fragile and uncertain, the words of Scripture can bring deep comfort. In 1 Thessalonians 5, the Apostle Paul writes to encourage believers to live in hope, peace, and trust in God’s faithfulness. These words are especially meaningful for someone walking through a difficult season of illness.

    Paul begins by reminding believers that we belong to the light, not the darkness. Even when life feels heavy or the future seems unclear, God sees us, knows us, and walks with us. Because of Jesus, we are not people without hope. Paul writes:

    “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9–10)

    This is a beautiful promise. Our hope is not based on our strength, but on Jesus’ love. Whether we live many more days or whether we soon rest in Him, we belong to Christ. Nothing can separate us from His care.

    Paul then encourages believers with simple but powerful instructions that can guide us even in the quiet moments of illness:

    • “Rejoice always.” This does not mean pretending everything is easy. Instead, it means remembering that God is still good and still present, even in suffering.
    • “Pray continually.” Prayer can be as simple as whispering, “Lord, be with me,” or resting silently in God’s presence.
    • “Give thanks in all circumstances.” Gratitude helps us notice God’s gifts—kind caregivers, loving family, moments of peace, and the comfort of His Word.

    One of the most comforting verses in this chapter is Paul’s closing blessing:

    “May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely… The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24)

    God is called the God of peace. He does not abandon His children. He gently holds us, cares for us, and prepares us for the fullness of life with Him. His faithfulness does not depend on our circumstances; it rests on His unchanging love.

    If today feels tiring or uncertain, you can simply rest in this truth: God is faithful. He knows your name, hears your prayers, and surrounds you with His peace.

    1. What is one way you have felt God’s presence or comfort recently?
    2. Is there a simple prayer or word of gratitude you can offer to God today?

    Lord Jesus,
    You are the God of peace and the giver of hope. Please surround your beloved child with your comfort today. Calm every fear, ease every pain, and fill their heart with the assurance that they belong to you. Thank you for your promise that whether we live or rest, we live together with you. Let your presence bring peace that passes understanding. In your loving name we pray, Amen.

  • Stronger Together

    In Matthew 18:19, Jesus says, “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” This verse reminds us that God never intended faith to be lived out in isolation. Instead, He draws people together so that through shared faith, encouragement, and prayer, His purposes can be accomplished.

    One of the people who helped me understand this truth more deeply is my mentor, Pastor Richard Brown. Through his guidance, I began to see that our relationships are not random or accidental. God connects people intentionally. He places mentors, friends, teammates, and fellow believers in our lives so that we can grow stronger together and accomplish what we could never do alone.

    Pastor Brown often reminded me that when believers stand together in prayer and purpose, God is at work in ways we may not immediately see. When two or more people agree before the Lord—seeking His will and trusting His promises—they participate in something much bigger than themselves. Their unity becomes a testimony of God’s power and faithfulness.

    This truth becomes especially clear during difficult seasons. Hard times often reveal the strength of the relationships God has given us. When challenges arise, we learn to depend on one another. We pray for each other, carry burdens together, and remind one another of God’s promises. Instead of allowing adversity to divide us, God uses those moments to deepen trust, strengthen unity, and refine our faith.

    In many ways, difficulty is one of God’s greatest tools for building strong teams and communities. Trials strip away pride and self-reliance. They remind us that we need God—and that we need each other. Through shared struggles, relationships become stronger, compassion grows deeper, and prayer becomes more sincere.

    Understanding that our relationships are ordained by God also changes how we encourage one another. When we speak hope into someone’s life, pray with them, or walk beside them in hardship, we are participating in God’s design. Encouragement is not merely kindness; it is ministry. When we lift someone up in Jesus’ name, we reflect Christ’s love and strengthen the body of believers.

    God places people in our lives so that together we can seek Him, support each other, and stand united in faith. When we pray together, suffer together, and celebrate together, we experience the beauty of what Jesus described in Matthew 18:19—a shared faith that invites God’s power into our lives.

    1. Who are the people God has placed in your life to strengthen and encourage your faith?
    2. How might God be using current challenges to deepen unity and trust within your relationships?

    Heavenly Father,
    Thank You for the people You have placed in our lives. Thank You for mentors, friends, and fellow believers who walk beside us in faith. Help us to recognize that these relationships are gifts from You, designed for Your purposes. Strengthen our unity when we face difficulties, and teach us to support and encourage one another in the name of Jesus. May our prayers together reflect trust in Your promises and our desire to follow Your will. Use our relationships to build Your kingdom and bring glory to Your name. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.

  • Incarnational Nursing

    “Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.” John 6:11-13

    In John 6:11 we read, “Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted.” At first glance, the miracle seems to be about abundance. But before the bread multiplies, something important happens—Jesus takes what little is available and gives thanks.

    Hospice nurses know what it feels like to stand in a place where needs are great and resources feel small. You enter rooms filled with grief, fear, and exhaustion. You give comfort, presence, and compassion, sometimes wondering if what you have left to give is enough.

    The disciples faced a similar moment that day. Five loaves and two fish could not possibly feed a crowd of thousands. Yet Jesus did not ask them to produce the miracle. He simply asked them to place what they had in His hands.

    That is the quiet invitation of this passage. Jesus multiplies what we cannot.

    On the days when your strength feels limited, remember that your role is not to carry every burden or solve every sorrow. Your calling is to bring what you have—your presence, your care, your kindness—and place it in the hands of Christ. In His hands, even the smallest offering becomes more than enough.

    The miracle of the loaves reminds us that Jesus works through ordinary acts of faithfulness. Even when you feel depleted, Christ is able to take your small offering and turn it into a source of grace for someone who desperately needs it.