Sermon Archive

On this Palm Sunday, our pastor took his text from Matthew’s 21st chapter, verses 1 through 7. As Jesus enters Jerusalem, he unexpectedly asks for a donkey and its colt. If the Lord had need for a beast of burden on the road to Calvary, assuredly, the Lord needs us to serve in his kingdom as well. Let us consider how we can fulfill our own purpose for his kingdom.

The pastor focuses on three things that explain what the Lord needs from us. First of all, his word frees us from whatever hinders us from being available and being of value to him. Because of the word we can overcome the ties that bind us to worry, stifling guilt and lack of confidence. The word liberates us to serve a higher purpose, his purpose.

Secondly, there is no greater claim on our lives than being in service to God. His need for our service is exclusive. While others may deem us unfit or unworthy to become a member of their club or even associating with them, the Lord looks beyond our shortcomings and limitations. Although some may find satisfaction in ostracizing and excluding others, all that really matters is what we do for the Lord.

Lastly, our true worth is tied to how valuable we are to the Lord. As Christians, we live to please him and become someone he can use for the uplifting of his kingdom. There is no higher calling than being in service to the Lord. When we are doing his work here on earth, our service is of the utmost value. Serving the Lord is priceless because we are serving royalty. We are serving the King of Kings.

He gave his life for us, and all he needs from us is our faithful service.

Even when all external appearances indicate that someone has it all, there may be a deep internal longing, a void that only the Lord can fill. That is the place where Hannah was in the 11th chapter of 1st Samuel. This Sunday, the pastor focused on the prayers that we pray when we need the Lord most.

When we are deeply troubled and frustrated like Hannah, when our prayers cannot be articulated in words, just through moans from our hearts and tears from our eyes, we must empty our souls and take our petitions to the Lord. Instead of clinging to whatever it is that denies us dreams fulfilled, we need to let go and pray as empty vessels. Even when those who surround us misjudge us and do not have the capacity to comprehend our pain, God knows what we need most, and he can fill our empty souls.

Generic prayers may sound nice and even poetic; however, they are not the answer when the depth and breadth of our hurt becomes too much to bear. A crushed spirit and feelings of hopelessness call for prayers of specificity. When prayer speaks our truth, our unique experience, identifying our longing and the desires of our heart, God will speak directly to it. He will hear our humble cry. If you need a way out of no way, or more love to see you through, pray for that.

After praying with specificity, as empty vessels before God, our next move is it to put into practice our prayer. God helps those who help themselves. If you are lonely and need companionship, wear your best smile, and be friendly and open. If you need a job, or a better job, don’t just sit and wait for the phone to ring. Prepare yourself, polish up your skills, be proactive.

When you pray out of your emptiness and express your need by its name, the The Lord will not ignore your prayer. Once you add practice to your prayer, wait on him. And by and by, my beloved, you will have an answered prayer.

Replay

Did you know the simplest of prayers and the singing of hymns, even from a prison cell, can possess the magnitude of an earthquake? Now that is powerful. In the 16th chapter of Acts, apostle Paul and his missionary companion Silas prayed and sang their way out of undeserved captivity, liberating other prisoners as well.

Jailhouse bars are wholly ineffective in confining one’s soul. Though a person may be physically held in captivity, the mind and spirit cannot be contained. Prayer is the means to freedom. Even in the still hours of the night, even at midnight, when darkness is all encompassing and lightness feels far away, prayers can make their way to God. In the dark silence when all is calm, that may be when prayer is most earnest. God is listening.

The trials you face and tears you cry have a purpose. They are God’s way of helping you understand that you can always rely on him. While praying for your own breakthrough and liberation, also pray for the concerns of others. Pray for unjust systems, leaders and situations that can only be transformed by the Lord. Prayer can bring a nation together and crumble divisive walls. Whether the sunshine is hiding behind ominous clouds or invisible during the midnight hour, be assured you always have his ear. Just like Paul and Silas, pray until some happens. Pray until all are free.