Dear New Life,

Yesterday was Palm Sunday, when we remember the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Though there was a goodness to this moment, it was both short-lived and misunderstood. Jesus wasn't coming to conquer by force. In fact, He was about to lay His life down so that anyone who believes in Him can have eternal life.

I don't know about you, but I hate being misunderstood. Especially when I have good in mind for others, but they see it as unhelpful or even harmful. Jesus gets us in this. As we step into Holy Week, with a sober mind for the events of Good Friday and the anticipation of the joy of Resurrection Sunday (Easter), we have a savior who knows what it's like to be misunderstood. He was branded a criminal in the very moment when He was doing the very best thing anyone has ever done for another.

I don't know what good deeds you have in mind for this week, but may we follow in the footsteps of our savior as people who are willing to lay our lives down for those around us (even when they don't fully understand what that means).

I also want to encourage you to think about anyone in your life that you can invite to our services this weekend.  We don't want to just fill the seats; we do long to see God get ahold of more people's hearts.  Your invitation could be the next step He has in mind.

Pastor Joel
On Behalf of the Elder and Minister Team