"The next day, when the large crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they took palm branches and went out to meet him. They kept shouting: 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord — the King of Israel!'" —John 12:12–13, CSB
Can you imagine the energy in the streets that day? Crowds waving palm branches, shouting Hosanna! like their long-awaited King had finally come to claim His throne. Because, in a way, He had. Just not the kind of throne they expected.
Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem—and the beginning of His final week before the cross. The people expected a military leader to overthrow Rome. But Jesus arrived on a humble donkey, not a warhorse. He came not to invade kingdoms, but hearts. He came not to conquer with force, but to lay down His life in love.
And yet…they shouted “Save us!” (which is what Hosanna means), not realizing how He would save them—through suffering, surrender, and sacrifice.
Drawing #Closer to God Through Surrender
One of the prayers we’ve talked about recently as a church is the prayer of surrender. And Palm Sunday is a powerful invitation to pray that kind of prayer.
Jesus knew what was waiting for Him in Jerusalem—rejection, betrayal, crucifixion. But He went anyway. Willingly. With love.
That kind of courage and humility invites us to ask:
What part of my life am I holding back from Jesus?
What expectations do I need to lay down at His feet?
The crowd celebrated Jesus as long as He matched their hopes. But when He didn’t meet their expectations, many turned away. We do this too, don’t we? When God doesn’t work the way we want, it’s tempting to question His plan.
A Palm Sunday Practice: Lay Down Your Branches
Take a few quiet minutes today and imagine yourself in the crowd, holding a palm branch. Picture Jesus approaching—not just as the Savior of the world, but as your Savior.
Now ask yourself:
What “branches” (hopes, plans, fears, control, expectations) do I need to lay down?
How can I trust Him more fully this week?
Then pray a simple prayer of surrender. It can be just a few honest lines, something like:
Jesus, I welcome You as King in my life—not just when it’s easy, but even when I don’t understand. I lay down my expectations and choose to trust You. Lead me closer to You this week. Amen.
Let’s draw #Closer to God by walking with Jesus into this Holy Week. He’s not just the King who came—He’s the King who saves.
“Now Moses took a tent and pitched it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. Anyone who wanted to consult the Lord would go to the tent of meeting that was outside the camp. Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would stand up, each at the door of his tent, and they would watch Moses until he entered the tent. When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance to the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses. As all the people saw the pillar of cloud remaining at the entrance to the tent, all the people would stand and worship, each at the door of his tent. The Lord would speak with Moses face to face, just as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his assistant, the young man Joshua son of Nun, would not leave the inside of the tent.” — Exodus 33:7-11 (CSB)
The tent of meeting, as described in Exodus 33:7-11, was a place where anyone could meet with God—but the Bible specifically mentions only a few people actually going there. While anyone had access to that holy space, only some took that step forward.
The Bible says that Moses spoke with God face-to-face as one would a friend (Exodus 33:11). Moses’ unique, close relationship with God shows that the tent was more than just a physical structure—it was a space where true, intimate connection with God took place. Anyone who sought God was welcome to come to the tent of meeting, yet the Bible only specifically records that Moses went while others stood by and watched.
This brings me to a personal confession: I’ve found myself watching others grow closer to God, walking in great power, anointing, and true intimacy with Him. I’ve seen others step into places of deep relationship with God, wishing for what they had but not willing to make the effort to go into the tent myself. Whether it was laziness, distraction, or fear, I remained idle when it came to meeting God where He was waiting for me.
But change requires change. If we want to becloser to God in 2025, we must move closer to God. We must step out of the crowd and into the presence of the One who invites us. Joshua, Moses’ assistant, shows us what this looks like. Joshua didn’t just watch; he stepped in and stayed. He decided to pursue God, not merely follow Moses’ example.
Just as Joshua chose intimacy with God, we have the same choice before us. We can remain onlookers, wishing for something deeper, or we can move into God’s presence and cultivate a personal relationship with Him. The invitation stands—God waits for us to draw #Closer.
Action Challenge: Commit to stepping closer to God. If you’ve been watching from the outside, now is the time to enter the tent. A practical way to take this step is by coming to Pursuit Worship Night this Friday at 7 p.m. It’s not just a time to observe but to engage, worship, and meet with God. Change begins with the choice to draw near. Don’t just wish for more of God—take that step toward Him and experience His presence like never before.
What if you could experience God’s presence not just in moments of prayer or worship, but in the mundane tasks of everyday life? Would your relationship with God grow deeper if you recognized His nearness in the simplest routines?
This year at Hope Church, we’re focusing on one word: Closer. What does it mean to draw closer to God in every part of our lives? Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century monk, offers an example of how we can pursue this. Like most of us, his life wasn’t marked by public platforms or extraordinary achievements, but by an unwavering commitment to being aware of God’s presence in everything — even while scrubbing pots and peeling potatoes.
Brother Lawrence’s journey to knowing God didn’t start with a heart close to Him. Born in France, he struggled with feelings of guilt and shame, believing he wasn’t good enough for God’s love. For years, he lived with a sense of distance from God, unsure how to draw near. His turning point came in a harsh winter, he noticed a barren tree, and the image sparked a revelation: just as the tree would bloom again, God’s grace could revive his soul. This moment awakened his desire to know God personally — not as a distant judge, but as a loving Father.
Following this, Brother Lawrence joined a monastery and served in the kitchen, where he experienced God’s presence in every task. What’s remarkable about Brother Lawrence isn’t that he stumbled into God’s presence by accident. He chose it. In the chaos of the kitchen, surrounded by noise and demands, he made a daily decision to intentionally fix his thoughts on God. He understood that closeness with God doesn’t just happen — it requires discipline and deliberate action.
In today’s fast-paced world, filled with endless distractions, the idea of experiencing God in the middle of our busy lives might seem impossible. We rush from one task to the next, and spiritual connection often feels like something we’ll “get to later.” But Brother Lawrence’s life reminds us that closeness with God doesn’t require a perfect schedule or uninterrupted hours of prayer. It requires a heart set on finding God in the time we do have — and intentionally meeting Him there.
Practicing God’s Presence
Brother Lawrence realized we don’t need special moments to draw close to God. He practiced turning his thoughts to God in everything, whether in devoted times of praying or cooking. His approach was simple: speaking to God as a friend, in every task.
Brother Lawrence wrote: “The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees.”
It’s important to remember that practicing God’s presence in the everyday is not meant to replace devoted time in prayer, Scripture, or communal worship. It’s a way to stay connected to God in between those moments — to carry His presence with you throughout the day. But what happens on those days when you miss your quiet time? Or when life gets overwhelming, and routines are disrupted? God is still nearby.
Brother Lawrence’s practice shows us that we can still draw near to God even in life’s busiest moments — not as a replacement for devoted time, but as a lifeline that keeps us connected until we can return to those moments of deep, set-apart worship.
Think of it this way:
If you miss a day of reading your Bible, don’t miss two.
If your prayer time gets cut short, invite God into your next task.
And when life feels chaotic, whisper a simple prayer: “God, I know You’re here.”
The key is intentionality — making space for both structured devotion and everyday connection. Because closeness with God requires action and discipline, but it’s sustained by grace.
How to Draw #Closer in 2025
Brother Lawrence’s story challenges us to shift how we think about God’s presence. He’s not only present during church services or Bible studies — He’s with us in the small, everyday tasks of life.
Here are three ways we can apply his lessons to grow #Closer to God this year:
Invite God into your everyday tasks. Whether you’re folding laundry, answering emails, or driving to work, turn those moments into conversations with God. Speak to Him about what’s on your heart, and listen for His voice in the ordinary.
Seek God in the ordinary. Don’t wait for a “spiritual moment” to encounter God. He’s present in the mundane. Ask yourself: How can I turn everyday tasks into acts of worship?
Commit to simple, consistent prayers. Brother Lawrence’s relationship with God wasn’t built on long, formal prayers. Instead, he spoke to God throughout the day in simple, heartfelt conversations. Start small. Acknowledge God’s presence as you go about your day.
The word “Epiphany” means “manifestation” or “revelation.” In the Christian calendar, Epiphany marks the culmination of Christmastide and celebrates the revelation of Jesus as the Savior—not just for Israel, but for the whole world. Traditionally observed on January 6, it commemorates the visit of the Magi, who followed the star that brought them closer to the King of kings.
The Magi’s journey reminds us that drawing closer to Jesus requires more than just noticing His Great Light—it demands action. They didn’t settle for observing the star from a distance; they took steps of faith, changed their direction, and intentionally sought Him out. In Matthew 2:11 (CSB), we read, “Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him.” Their response wasn’t passive. It was active—worshiping in humility and offering costly gifts that acknowledged Jesus’ kingship, divinity, and ultimate sacrifice.
Change requires change. Drawing #Closer to God in 2025 will take intentionality and discipline. It means stepping out of your comfort zone, reorienting your priorities, and taking practical steps to encounter Him in deeper ways. Discipline is simply remembering what you want. If you desire a deeper relationship with Jesus, it will require you to actively pursue Him and align your life with that desire.
The Magi didn’t find Jesus by accident—they were driven by a longing to see the Savior. Their journey was deliberate. They followed the star, adjusting their course along the way because they knew what they were seeking. In Matthew 2:2 (CSB), they declared, “We saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.” Their focus on the end goal kept them moving forward.
Transformation doesn’t happen by standing still. Discipline keeps us moving toward what we truly desire: more of Jesus.
At Hope Church, we want to help you take action:
Joina small group on Tuesdays or Thursdays (with more to come).
We can see throughout the Bible how God uses the contrast of light and darkness to tell us about Himself and what is good or evil. It starts in Genesis when God speaks light into existence. His light lives within all believers of our Lord Christ Jesus. The prologue in John is a precise summary of God’s story, but let us focus on one part in particular:
“In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5, CSB)
As Christians, we carry this same light in us when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. It is our specific responsibility to shine that light in dark places. Jesus gives us His light to share in the great commission:
“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-20, CSB)
God is telling us directly that He is the light inside men, and we are to share His light with others. My first question is, “Am I worthy to do this?” (That answer is yes, by the way, for us all).
My second question is, “How do I do that?” God is so gracious that He gives us story after story of using completely imperfect and unqualified people to do His work for His good purposes. By doing so, we give Him glory and make Him known to the world around us. In short, we are talking about ministry and evangelism. These are action words, and they evoke a myriad of thoughts and feelings around them. These words can also elicit hesitation at times if we are honest about it.
I have found myself in a family of missionaries who have traveled to faraway places to share the Light with others. I never asked for this, but it is where God led my footsteps. The Gospel is spread, people are healed, and disciples are made. The impact is real and tangible. Hearing songs of praise ring out in a different language brought me to tears. These songs of joyful praise crying up to Heaven were so beautiful that the birds went silent to listen. Obedient people who choose to go to the nations, donate goods, help with funding, and partner in prayer together spread His Light. Spiritually oppressed people are set free. This is His plan.
Mission trips are a highly visible and structured form of ministry and evangelism. The most needed, however, are much more subtle and have no rigid structure. This is called daily Christian life. My parents and grandparents taught me about responsibility in ways I can truly appreciate now. My grandfather would take me to visit friends and neighbors, often with a mission in mind of cutting down a dead tree, fixing a fence, or some other chore that needed to be done. My grandmother seemed to always have encouraging words for everyone she met and was the kindest woman I’ve ever known.
My father was much more in the background of my life but was a rock and strong shelter. He got up every morning to go to work and provide for our family. And my mother was a stranger to none. She genuinely cared about the people in our community, always served others, and was truly the salt of the earth that seasoned the life of everyone she touched. These are all things that may seem minor or insignificant in the day-to-day flurry of living life, but it all mattered to Him. They each loved God and loved their neighbors, just as Jesus commanded us to do.
I ask you to think about how you may be spreading the Light to those around you. Do you see everyone you meet as God’s unique masterpiece? Offer to pray for people you encounter who need healing or encouragement. Take time out of your day to reach out to a coworker, friend, or family member to foster a deeper connection. Give your time to a worthy cause in a selfless manner. Worship while you work. Be kind, but also walk in the authority God gives you in truth. Look for every opportunity to praise Him to others. Take care of your family; it is our first mission and ministry.
As we begin a new year, these are good challenges to consider. The time for action is now, as the new year brings a fresh opportunity to live out the light of Christ in tangible ways. As I’ve gone through the years of my life, I have learned that other people notice what you do and how you carry yourself. They notice the words you use, the things you do (or don’t do), how you treat others, and especially what you put on your social media. I encourage you to meditate on the Word, day and night, and attend regular meetings with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Join a small group or Bible study as we are accountable to each other to hold to the simple standard of loving God and loving our neighbors. If you cannot find one, start one. This is an action item in ministry, evangelism, and spreading the Light.
On a final note, Jesus sums up His vision for us in a beautiful metaphor:
“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, CSB)
The time is now. Go forth and spread the Light in order to push back darkness!
Two thousand and twenty-four years ago, a brilliant star shone above Bethlehem in the darkness of a long night. It was a sign of the fulfillment of God’s very first promise to man—to crush the head of the serpent—and the greatest evidence of His longsuffering faithfulness. It garnered the attention of a king and lowly shepherds alike. It brought a choir of angels to sing our Messiah’s praises and, more importantly, it brought salvation and redemption to sinful man. It brought light to our spiritual darkness and woes. The star of Bethlehem and the angels announced that God had come in the form of an infant—a spotless lamb that would be sacrificed for our sins. Thousands of years later, we have come to a greater understanding of the revelation of Jesus Christ.
As we begin a new year, we should take a moment to reflect on what this means for our lives. We, as a church body, celebrate God’s promises to us. Like the woman at the well, we shout with uncontained joy at the knowledge of our salvation and the complete realization of God’s steadfast love.
As Jesus says in the Gospel of Matthew 5:14-16, CSB: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
But we must ask, “What does it mean to be the light of the world?” If we are to be a light, we cannot have our own darkness dampen the light of Jesus Christ. To that end, we must follow God’s command and have mastery over ourselves. We cannot be slaves to sin. We must be disciplined to keep ourselves far from sin.
As Jesus says in Matthew 5:29-30, CSB: “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” We must rid ourselves of all the stumbling blocks that are placed before us. It is one thing to say that you should keep yourselves from temptation, but let’s not forget that temptation is rather tempting. We must always be on guard to see those things which draw us away from God.
We are all unique beings with our own cross to bear. Reflect on yourself. What draws you to sin, as it will not be the same as others? Does politics drive you to hate your fellow man? Discuss it no longer, as we must love each other. Does drinking lead you to say and do that which you would never do sober? Abstain from drink and guard your tongue from an ill word. Does television lead you to indolence? Turn it off and do the work of the Kingdom. Does the giving of gifts lead you to seek man’s recognition of your good? Take your name off the gifts you give, for you are storing much greater gifts in Heaven.
The path is wide to sin, but the gate to salvation is narrow. The world’s diverse pleasures cannot coexist in us with the pleasure of our King. As Jesus says in Luke 9:23, CSB: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.” To make God’s light more brilliant in yourself, read your Bible and meditate on it daily, pray without ceasing, ask God for forgiveness of your sins—both those you are aware of and unaware of, and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in all that you do, and, most importantly, love all, including your enemies, as Christ loves us.
Remember Jesus’s words in Luke 6:32, CSB: “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.”
Once we have purged ourselves of darkness, Jesus’s light can shine more brightly in us. We can shine our light before others unimpeded by our own faults. I beg your forgiveness, dear reader, as I have not yet answered the question, “What does it mean to be the light of the world?” To be the light of the world, we must follow the perfect example of Jesus Christ.
As Pastor David has said on many occasions, “More of you, God, and less of me.” In the next few days, as we step into the new year, we should do the following: give without expectation or reservation, as God has given His Son as a ransom for us; love without provocation, as Jesus loved us; show yourself as an example of Christ, and unashamedly praise God to all without fear, like Daniel.
Our American society has become a milieu of secularism, which is no more evident than in this “Holiday” season, and remembrance of our Lord’s birth has become secondary to the disconnected traditions of “X-mas.” But take heart, dear reader, like people fumbling in a dark room, Americans are searching for the light and meaning in the season. God commands you: Be that light in that dark room. The greatest gift you can ever give someone is the revelation of Jesus Christ. Shout out the joyous good news an infant brought us two thousand and twenty-four years ago.
Happy New Year and goodwill towards all men! God bless you, and may God’s glory reign throughout the Earth!
