QUOTES FOR AUG 29, 2026

 

THE KING IS COMING

 

Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King

1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

 

1. Palm Sunday is about peace and salvation.

The then Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, would come into Jerusalem with his soldiers for Passover, showing his strength through the arms his men carried. Jesus, however, came on a donkey with all His disciples unarmed, to demonstrate the Kingdom of God and His peace.

It was customary that during a time of peace a king would ride on a donkey, while a king would come sitting on a white horse after the victory in a battle, as suggested in Judges 5:10 and 1 Kings 1:33. So Jesus came as King but not to judge the people. He came to demonstrate God's grace.

2. Palm Sunday is the fulfilment of an Old Testament prophecy.

Matthew 21:4-5 notes, "This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: 'Tell the people of Zion, 'Look, your king is coming to you, unassuming and seated on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey,'" referring to Zechariah 9:9 in the Old Testament.

3. People accepted Jesus as Messiah.

Through the way in which Jesus entered into Jerusalem, He publicly declared Himself as the Messiah — the Savior that God had promised to the Jewish people. And He was accepted, at the time, by the people.  John 12:12-13 records, "The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, 'Hosanna!' 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!'"

4. People misunderstood Jesus' message.

Evangelist Billy Graham once explained why the same crowd that welcomed Jesus turned against Him at the time of His crucifixion."One reason the crowds turned against Jesus was because He refused to be the kind of king they wanted — a political and military leader who would free them from the hated Roman government," Graham wrote on his website. "Roman s oldiers had occupied their land for decades, and they hoped Jesus would lead them in a successful revolt."  Jesus made clear to them that His goal was different.

"God had another purpose for Him — and that purpose was far greater than any mere political or military victory. His goal was to establish another kingdom — the Kingdom of God," Graham continued. "This, He taught them, wasn't to be a political kingdom, but the rule of God over our hearts and minds — and ultimately, over the whole universe. To the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, He declared, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight …. My kingdom is from another place' (John 18:36)."mmGraham added: "How could this happen? It could happen only if sin and death and Satan were defeated — for these keep God's Kingdom from becoming a reality in our lives. And how could they be defeated? Only by Christ's death and resurrection for us — for by His death and resurrection Jesus Christ conquered sin and death and Satan."Graham concluded by asking the readers these questions: "Where would you have been during Jesus' final days? Would you have been in the crowd demanding His death — or would you have been among the minority who   remained true to Him? And are you true to Him today?"

5. Palms represent immortality.

In Egypt, there was a tradition of people carrying the palm to funeral processions as it represented eternal life. The palm branch was also a symbol of spiritual triumph over death.  Jesus did this the following Sunday and you have when you give your life to Christ.  We have passed from death to life.  Talk about young woman who got prayed for and came back to life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE GOOD THING

 

Mark 11:1-11:  When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it.

 

Open with the object lesson that this flower represents the brokenness of our lives.  The sin, pain, sorrow, frustration, broken dreams, unrealized expectation hurt bitterness and unforgiveness.

 

1.      The first lesson we learn here is that God that always goes ahead and handles all the details even before we have to do a task.  This is the sovereignty of God.  Jesus tells them to go ahead to the small village ahead and notice He says immediately when you enter it you will see a colt that never had been written.  That is what happened.  Just like when Abraham went to sacrifice Isaac the Lord had provided a ram ahead of time.  God arranges circumstances, animals, things and people to be there when things need to happen.  Talk about Greg Musselman. 

2.      When they were to untie it if someone was to ask they had the answer.  “The Lord needed it. “

That is what happened.  The Lord even wrote the script.  That is why Jesus said, “In that how when you don’t know what to say the Holy Spirit will give you the words.”  This is amazing.

3.      Next, they brought the coat to Jesus and they threw their clocks on it and he sat on it.  This never happens.  Colts never let you sit on their backs.  The Prince of Peace calmed a colt that day,  Talk about the time my friends let me ride little jack the pinto.  Jesus controlled the whole situation.  Our lesson here is that God has everything under control.  You can trust him.  He has been there long before you show up.  Prov 3:5-6, Matt 6:33. 

4.      The disciples put their clocks on the colt and this would be the pattern of the entry into Jerusalem.  Let me give you the lay of the land and why it would take a while.  Jesus was coming from the east travelling west.  He was on the Mount of Olives, He had to travel down a steep ravine passing through the Kidron Valley up the other side into the east gate and Jerusalem.  This is about 4 kilometers in total.  The trail was no more than 12 feet wide. 

 

Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,  “Hosanna!  Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!  Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

 

1.       As they were going into the city many of the people spread their cloaks on the road.  This in ancient culture was a sign of homage.  Ancient societies when they were welcoming a god into their city this is what they did.  The people were welcoming God into their city.  Jesus was to them the Messiah, the King or representative of God.  Remember Jesus is God with a face.  Jesus did not refuse the worship which made the leaders angry.  They were venerating, worshipping honoring and paying homage to Jesus.

2.      They then said four things. 

 

a.      Hosanna which means, “Save us, help us and deliver us.  They were saying God is saving, rescuing and helping us.  Another way of saying it is, “God help, save and rescue us.”  This was a cry of worship, salvation, redemption and deliverance.  They were Saying the Savior, Messiah, King and Deliverer has arrived.  Let’s say, “Hosanna together.”  Stand. take your bulletin and wave it.

b.      Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.  To them Jesus was the Messiah, the King who would deliver them.  They thought the reign of Rome was about to come to the end and a new earthly Messianic kingdom was about to start.  Can you feel the excitement of that moment.  They were repeating Psalm 118:26.  They had been waiting hundreds of years and now salvation, redemption and deliverance was upon them.  However it was different than they expected.  The lesson here never try to guess what God is doing.  Just trust Him.  God never seems to work on our timetable, expectations or agenda.  He is large and in charge.  Jesus came in the name of the Lord to fulfill His purposes.  We are to do that in our world.  Let us say together “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”

c.      Blessed is the coming of the Kingdom of David.  Jesus was a descendent of David.  They were right about that but the Kingdom they were looking for was an earthly kingdom.  Jesus was bringing a kingdom in the heart of righteousness, peace and joy.  This will happen in the future but at this time Jesus was the suffering Messiah.  Let us say, “Blessed is the coming of the Kingdom of David.”

d.      Hosanna in the highest.  Hosanna was the shout of praise or adoration made in recognition of the Messiahship of Jesus on his triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  It was quite a scene.  The other gospels give us more detail but Mark strikes at the heart of the matter.  Jesus the Savior of mankind. And the Prince of Peace was riding into the city of peace to make peace for all mankind by His broken body, shed blood, his death, burial and resurrection.  “Let us say, Hosanna in the Highest.”  Let us welcome Jesus in to our hearts, families, church, community, province and country.

 

Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

 

1.      So Jesus enters Jerusalem.  The King was in the house.  Now notice what he does next.  He goes to the temple looks at everything.  He sees the tables, the animals, the moneychangers and where they are located.  Can you see His mind at work?  He is making plans, strategizing on tomorrow’s activities.  Tomorrow he will cleanse the temple and begin the final stages of His last week on earth. 

2.      The hour was late so Jesus heads back across the Kidron Valley up the Mount of Olives to Bethany with the twelve. 

 

Close with a new flower.  Jesus puts our lives back together.  He took away our sin, sorrow, pain suffering, frustration, broken dreams unrealized expectations and all the others things the devil, world and others have thrown us.  We by his broken body, shed blood, death, burial and resurrection makes our lives beautiful, fragrant and wonderful to look at.

 

 

 

 

 

REMEMBER THIS

 

Robert Dean Steel

Cornerstone Community Church

 

     It is that time of the year when we spend time to reflect on the freedoms that we enjoy.  As we approach Remembrance Day we should never forget those who gave their lives for our freedom.  Canada was involved in two World Wars and Korea.  We have sacrificed thousands of lives for the freedom we now enjoy.  My own father and my wife’s father fought in World War Two.  They required that we should attend services held on November 11^th.  This was not a chore for us but a great privilege as we remembered those who sacrificed for our liberty.  Even today we do not miss an opportunity to honor that sacrifice. 

     Two thousand years ago another person gave His life so that all mankind could be set free.  Jesus Christ hung on a cross for the salvation of mankind.  It was our sin that placed Him upon that cross.  It was His death, burial and resurrection that would secure our freedom.  Jesus Himself has said, “Who the Son sets free is free indeed.”  Jesus came to give us eternal and abundant life.  This came at a great price for Jesus.  You see Jesus knew that mankind could not save ourselves.  What is remarkable is that so many people actually believe that God grades on a curve.  That He balances our live on a series of good and bad acts.  Now if we do enough God deeds that we can actually get into heaven.  This is absolutely false. 

     St. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9, says by faith we are saved through faith and not of ourselves it is a gift of God lest any man should boast.  The prophet Isaiah puts it plainly, “Our righteousness is as filthy rags.”  Both men make it plain that we cannot save ourselves.  Any salvation is a gift given by the grace of God.  A beautiful way of looking at this is, “God’s riches at Christ’s expense.”   Freedom and liberty come by sacrifice.  As the young men and women gave their lives so our country could be free so Jesus Christ gave His life that we could have spiritual and eternal freedom.

     As Remembrance Day approaches I want you to reflect and remember what others have done for you.  We wear poppies and attend services honoring the past soldiers and the current solders.  They are worthy of our respect and appreciation.  Today Canadian forces are serving around the world in the role of peace keeping.  At home and abroad Canadian forces are respected.  May I make a suggestion, don’t just thank a veteran or serving Canadian forces member at this this time but whenever you see them.  It is their continual service that acts as a deterrent to anyone who wishes Canada harm.  May I also suggest that whenever you can to thank police officers for their service.  Over the years police members have also served in foreign lands helping to train and enforce law in other lands. 

     It is a privilege to write this article today.  I have served as a chaplain and conducted numerous Remembrance Day services over the years.  Each time I attend a service I am overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude and sense of pride for Canada’s role in securing freedom throughout the world.

When I was growing up in Southern Alberta, the names of the soldiers were read out loud in each service.  Our small town had given over 50 individuals to the cause of freedom.  When I was in Hay River doing the time that Canadian forces served in Afghanistan we lost many soldiers and during those Remembrance Day services the name of the fallen were read.  It was a somber time because Canada was again serving for freedom.  Today I wish to once again thank all who have served in the past and those who are serving today.  Thank you on the behalf of all Canadians.

IT IS I

 

Aug 29 – It is I - Isaiah 52:4-6

 

     The people of Israel first were appressed and enslaved in Egypt.  Next, the Assyrians oppressed them.  The Lord asks the question of what He should do.  His people have become nothing and all day long the Lord name has been mocked and blasphemed. 

     The Lord is about to rise up.  He is about to let the whole world know that He is the Lord.  Most importantly His people the nation of Israel will know.  They will also know that He foretold it long ago.  This is not a secret.  It is the Lord and He alone is God.  God tells what He is going to do long before it happens so His people can watch, wait, and pray.

PLEASE REMEMBER

 

Robert Dean Steel

Cornerstone Community Church

 

     It is that time of the year when we spend time to reflect on the freedoms that we enjoy.  As we approach Remembrance Day we should never forget those who gave their lives for our freedom.  Canada was involved in two World Wars and Korea.  We have sacrificed thousands of lives for the freedom we now enjoy.  My own father and my wife’s father fought in World War Two.  They required that we should attend services held on November 11^th.  This was not a chore for us but a great privilege as we remembered those who sacrificed for our liberty.  Even today we do not miss an opportunity to honor that sacrifice. 

     Two thousand years ago another person gave His life so that all mankind could be set free.  Jesus Christ hung on a cross for the salvation of mankind.  It was our sin that placed Him upon that cross.  It was His death, burial and resurrection that would secure our freedom.  Jesus Himself has said, “Who the Son sets free is free indeed.”  Jesus came to give us eternal and abundant life.  This came at a great price for Jesus.  You see Jesus knew that mankind could not save ourselves.  What is remarkable is that so many people actually believe that God grades on a curve.  That He balances our live on a series of good and bad acts.  Now if we do enough God deeds that we can actually get into heaven.  This is absolutely false. 

     St. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9, says by faith we are saved through faith and not of ourselves it is a gift of God lest any man should boast.  The prophet Isaiah puts it plainly, “Our righteousness is as filthy rags.”  Both men make it plain that we cannot save ourselves.  Any salvation is a gift given by the grace of God.  A beautiful way of looking at this is, “God’s riches at Christ’s expense.”   Freedom and liberty come by sacrifice.  As the young men and women gave their lives so our country could be free so Jesus Christ gave His life that we could have spiritual and eternal freedom.

     As Remembrance Day approaches I want you to reflect and remember what others have done for you.  We wear poppies and attend services honoring the past soldiers and the current solders.  They are worthy of our respect and appreciation.  Today Canadian forces are serving around the world in the role of peace keeping.  At home and abroad Canadian forces are respected.  May I make a suggestion, don’t just thank a veteran or serving Canadian forces member at this this time but whenever you see them.  It is their continual service that acts as a deterrent to anyone who wishes Canada harm.  May I also suggest that whenever you can to thank police officers for their service.  Over the years police members have also served in foreign lands helping to train and enforce law in other lands. 

     It is a privilege to write this article today.  I have served as a chaplain and conducted numerous Remembrance Day services over the years.  Each time I attend a service I am overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude and sense of pride for Canada’s role in securing freedom throughout the world.

When I was growing up in Southern Alberta, the names of the soldiers were read out loud in each service.  Our small town had given over 50 individuals to the cause of freedom.  When I was in Hay River doing the time that Canadian forces served in Afghanistan we lost many soldiers and during those Remembrance Day services the name of the fallen were read.  It was a somber time because Canada was again serving for freedom.  Today I wish to once again thank all who have served in the past and those who are serving today.  Thank you on the behalf of all Canadians.

A NEW YEAR

 

Robert Dean Steel

Pastor of Cornerstone Community Church

 

     Each year I love to share verses from the Bible that are designed to encourage us to live more fruitful, productive and directed lives.  Paul writes in 2 Cor 1:20. “All God's promises are yes and amen!  God is consistent, therefor His words are consistent.   So the following scriptures are concise, direct and simple.  They are verses you can standing on when you need hope, an answer or a promise to get you through. 

     The first one is how to live in Christ – 2 Corinthians 5: 17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”  This is a great promise for a new year.  The old has gone the new is upon us with hope, love and faith we march forward.  It is a time of new beginnings and new vision and dreams

     The next is about praising God and trusting him in every situation of life.  In 1 Peter 1:3, it says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”  In this verse we have mercy, a living hope all through Jesus Christ who rose from the dead.  The world is looking for hope in the middle of a pandemic.  Here is a living hope.  Did you know when you serve the Lord you are never alone?  Jesus said in Matt 28:20 that He would never us or forsake that.  What a great promise to know and have.

     The New Year is all about being new and starting over.  Paul states in Ephesians 4:22-24,  “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”  That last part is so great.  Change the attitude of your minds.  Put on a new self, created to be like God.  What an opportunity for a 180 degree change, to be right with God and others.  Throwing off the old and putting on the new.  Getting rid of the junk and getting a new way of thinking. 

     The next goal is Giving Control to God.  In  Jeremiah 29:11, is states,  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  What a verse for the New Year.  In spite of popular opinion God has a plan for us, to prosper and not harm, and to give a hope and a future.   God is good all the time.  I know I have decades of proof from my own life. 

     James says in this verse to live for the moment.  Listen to his thoughts from James 4:13-15, “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”  Make each moment count and maximize every day.

    Each year is an opportunity to allow growth. The writer of Hebrews says in 12:10-11, “They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”  Peter stated in 2 Pet 3:18, to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Make sure to grow this year.

     The last promise is Revelation 21:5, which states.  “He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty, I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.”  God is calling so answer the call and have the best year possible.