It’s a question that lingers in many hearts—especially in quiet moments when we’re honest with ourselves:
Why would Jesus love someone like me?
It’s not always easy to accept. Life has left its marks. We’ve made mistakes. We’ve doubted, fallen short, and wondered if we’re still worthy of love.
But Scripture answers this question, not with a list of qualifications, but with the cross.
“But God proves His love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
Let’s break that open gently and see what it tells us.
1. Jesus Loves Me Because It’s Who He Is
Love isn’t something Jesus does. Love is who He is.
“God is love.” – 1 John 4:8
Just like the sun doesn’t need a reason to shine, Jesus doesn’t need a reason to love you. He does it because it’s His very nature. It’s not about what you’ve done or failed to do. It’s about who He is—and whose you are.
2. Jesus Loves Me Because I Am Known and Created by Him
You are not an accident. You were made by the hands of the Savior who now holds them out to you in love.
“I have called you by name. You are mine.” – Isaiah 43:1
Jesus doesn’t just love the idea of you. He loves the real you—your scars, your story, your soul.
3. Jesus Loves Me Enough to Redeem Me
The cross wasn’t a symbol. It was a sacrifice. Not for a world in general—but for you in particular.
He didn’t wait for you to clean up your act.
“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
He came into your mess, your grief, your shame—and He stayed.
So, What Can I Do Today to Draw Nearer to Christ?
Read a few verses. Let His Word speak to you.
Talk to Him honestly. Prayer doesn’t need polish—just presence.
Be still for a few minutes. Let your heart quiet down.
Love someone quietly. A kind word or gesture in His name is holy.
Thank Him. Gratitude draws your soul closer.
Whisper His name. Even a small, sincere “Jesus, help me,” is a sacred step.
Final Thought:
If you’re wondering why Jesus loves you, the answer is already written in nail-scarred hands.
“Make my joy whole by being like-minded. Have the same love and be one in spirit and of one mind. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
Meaning for the Church Today:
Pursue Deep Unity
Unity is more than agreement—it’s shared purpose rooted in Christ’s love.
In a divided world, the church is called to model mutual care and shared mission.
Practice Humility
We’re to “consider others better than ourselves,” which counters the culture of pride, self-promotion, and individualism.
Church members should serve each other rather than compete for position or recognition.
Imitate Christ’s Mindset
Jesus humbled Himself—so should we. His example is our pattern.
The church thrives when it reflects the servant-hearted love of Jesus.
🔹 Philippians 2:12–16 – Working Out Salvation and Shining as Lights
“Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. You hold firmly to the word of life.”
Meaning for the Church Today:
Live Out Salvation Daily
Paul isn’t saying we earn salvation, but that we live it out with seriousness.
The church must be a community that actively reflects the grace it has received.
Cultivate Obedient Hearts
Paul reminds the Philippians to obey not just when he’s here, but always.
Faithfulness is not dependent on leadership watching—it flows from inward transformation.
Avoid Grumbling and Division
Churches today often fall into cycles of complaint or internal strife.
Paul says such behavior dims our witness. Joyful, united communities shine brightest.
Shine in a Dark World
The church is called to be a beacon of light. This is not achieved through power or control. Instead, it relies on holding fast to the Word and embodying hope.
In an anxious, fractured world, a loving, united church offers powerful testimony.
✨ Summary Takeaway for Today’s Church:
The church is at its best when it is unified in love.
It thrives when it is humble in spirit.
The church is obedient to Christ and radiant with hope.
We are not called to blend in with the world. We are called to stand out. We do this not through judgment or noise. We do this by living as a Christ-shaped community that shines like stars in the sky.
“Gracious Lord, thank You for showing us how to love and live like Jesus. Help us to be humble, united, and full of joy as we follow You. Let our lives show Your light, and others will be drawn to You through our witness. Amen.”
Have you ever been in a boat when the waters turned rough? Maybe on a lake or a river. You start off with a good weather report. The skies are clear. The breeze is calm. Then suddenly the wind picks up. The water grows choppy. Your boat rocks, and fear starts to rise in your chest.
Depending on the size of your boat—or your barge—you feel very small and very vulnerable.
But those who know the water? They don’t panic. They head for a cove, a sheltered place, and they throw out the anchor. And they wait.
Because here’s what they know: every storm runs out of energy. Every storm ends.
Same Storm, Different Boats
During the pandemic, we heard over and over: “We’re all in the same boat.” But let’s be honest—maybe we were all in the same storm, but not in the same boat.
Some had sturdy ships with full crews and plenty of support. Others were clinging to driftwood, barely staying afloat. Some had tools, resources, coping strategies. Others felt overwhelmed and unsure of the outcome.
What Scripture Reminds Us
In Hebrews 6, we’re encouraged to press on—“to move beyond just the basic teachings of the Anointed One.” In other words: don’t stay stuck in the past. We’re not meant to row backward. The captain of a ship doesn’t look behind to navigate. They look ahead—toward the open sea, toward hope, trusting that the anchor will hold.
We’re called to do the same. Yes, we learn from our past, but we live in the now—and we look ahead, with certain hope.
Has the Church Drifted?
Let’s speak truth: the Church today—especially the wider Church—feels like it’s run aground. We’re being battered by many rocks:
Fatigue – So many of us are burned out.
Bewilderment – How did we end up here?
Financial pressure – Too much going out, not enough coming in.
Indifference – “It doesn’t really matter to me.”
But Scripture speaks into this storm, too.
Paul urges us to pray without ceasing—with thanksgiving. Jesus didn’t just tell us how to pray—He showed us how to live through the storms.
He showed us how to love—not based on how others live, or worship, or even believe—but simply to love.
Four Anchors in the Storm
Let’s not over complicate this. When the storm rages and the Church feels adrift, here are four anchors to steady us:
Pray.
Turn to the Word—turn to Jesus.
Look ahead, not back.
And pray again.
When we shift our eyes from ourselves to Jesus, the next steps become clearer. When we shift from inward focus to outward mission, we become more than just a building on the corner. We transform into the hands and feet of Christ.
A Covenant to Move Ahead
So let’s make a pact with one another.
Let’s stand together in the light of the living Christ, as we pass through the storm toward calm waters.
Because here’s a truth we need to remember: No ship anchored at shore can fulfill its mission. It can’t deliver goods, it can’t ferry people, it can’t grow or explore.
Comfort is easy—but faith is not about ease. Faith is about action. Movement. Participation.
Maybe we don’t row like we used to. Maybe we can’t run marathons or even drive across town. But our smiles still matter. A kind word. A phone call. A simple “thank you.” Our hearts can still grow in Christ.
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
Remember when Jesus called Peter out of the boat? Peter stepped out onto the water—but the moment he took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink.
We must keep our eyes on Christ. Because we do have an anchor—an anchor that keeps the soul, steadfast and sure while the billows roll.
Let’s look to the horizon, to the One who loves us. Let’s move ahead—together. Amen.
There’s something sacred about the rhythm of spinning. The gentle pull of fiber through your fingers. The quiet whir of the spindle or wheel. The way time slows just enough for your heart to catch up with your breath.
This week, I wanted to share a simple practice that’s become part of my spiritual rhythm: spinning as prayer.
✨ Why Spin & Pray?
We often think of prayer as words. Spoken. Whispered. Written down. But there’s another kind — the quiet prayer of presence. The kind that happens when your hands are busy and your spirit is open.
Spinning wool offers that invitation. It lets us settle into stillness while our bodies stay gently in motion. It becomes a space to:
Offer our worries and hopes
Sit with grief, joy, or longing
Hold names of loved ones in our hearts
Simply rest in God’s presence
📖 A Scripture for the Spinner’s Heart
“In quietness and trust is your strength.” – Isaiah 30:15
This verse has anchored me more times than I can count. In the stillness of crafting — especially spinning — I have found a quiet. This quiet not only calms the mind but also nourishes the soul.
🙏 How to Try It
Want to spin and pray with me? Here’s how you can try it:
Set a gentle mood Light a candle. Play soft music. Sit somewhere peaceful.
Gather your fiber and spindle or wheel Nothing fancy is needed — just what feels right in your hands.
Start with a deep breath Let go of your to-do list. Let your shoulders drop. You’re here now.
Spin and listen You don’t need words. Just the rhythm. Just the wool. Just the moment.
If a prayer rises up, say it If not, let the spinning be the prayer.
🧘 A Space for Everyone
You don’t need to be “religious” to find meaning in this practice. Spin & Pray is for anyone seeking a little more peace, presence, and purpose in their craft.
You can sit with me during one of these moments. I’ve shared a new video on YouTube. In it, we spin and pray together. You’re warmly invited.
As Palm Sunday arrives, we find ourselves at a turning point in the story of Jesus—a moment of celebration that leads directly to the cross. In Luke 19:28–40, Jesus enters Jerusalem on a colt, welcomed by crowds shouting praise, laying down cloaks, and waving branches. It looks like a victory parade, but beneath it lies something much deeper.
Jesus is not entering the city to claim a throne. He’s entering to give Himself away. He is becoming bread for the journey—for the disciples, for the people, and for us.
🎉 The Joy of the People: Nourishment Through Worship
As Jesus approaches, the people rejoice with loud voices. They’ve seen His miracles, heard His teachings, and sensed something holy in His presence. Their praise is passionate and heartfelt.
Yet we know how quickly the mood will shift. From “Hosanna” to “Crucify Him” in just a few days. Their joy is real—but fragile.
Still, this moment teaches us something essential: joy is food for the soul. Even if we’re walking through hard times, worship sustains us. Singing, praying, laying our hearts before the Lord—these are ways we take in spiritual nourishment.
Worship is bread for the journey.
🕊️ The Humility of Jesus: Gentle Strength
Jesus chooses a colt, not a warhorse. He doesn’t enter Jerusalem as a conqueror, but as a servant King. This is not how the world expects royalty to behave—but it is the way of Christ.
In our own journeys, we often hunger for peace, not power. Gentleness can be more nourishing than strength. In the quiet humility of Jesus, we find a model for how to live, how to love, and how to keep going.
Humility is bread for the journey.
🪨 Even the Stones Will Cry Out
When the Pharisees try to quiet the crowd, Jesus responds: “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
What a powerful truth. The praise of Jesus is so real, so essential, that even creation would rise up if people stayed silent. We were made to worship. And even when life feels heavy or quiet, praise keeps us connected to something bigger than ourselves.
Whether sung in full voice or whispered in prayer, our praise matters. It keeps our spirits fed.
Praise is bread for the journey.
🍞 Jesus Is the Bread
This triumphal entry leads to an upper room, where bread will be broken. Then to a cross, where His body becomes the broken bread for the world. Then to a tomb—and finally, to resurrection.
Jesus doesn’t just walk the journey—He becomes the nourishment for ours.
🌿 As Holy Week Begins…
What do you need for your own journey right now?
Maybe you’re weary. Maybe you’re grateful. Maybe you’ve been quietly carrying burdens no one else sees. Wherever you are, Jesus meets you—on a colt, in humility, with joy, with peace. He offers Himself again, not as a concept, but as living bread.
So come. Lay down your cloak. Lift up your voice. And let Him feed you.
Jesus is your bread for the journey.
Wishing you a blessed Holy Week. May your heart be fed and your spirit strengthened for the road ahead.
Link to full worship experience:
Linden Park United Church weekly announcements and information:
Linden Park Contact Information: 484 East 16th Street, Hamilton, ON L9A 4K8 For Pastoral Care please call (905) 252-1894 Rev. Barbara Creelman/OM Sunday at 10:30 A.M. Mailing/Cheque donation address:484 East 16th Street Hamilton, ON L9A 4K8 Office – 905-385-7891 Dial-A-Sermon number: 905-296-1014
LINDEN PARK FUNDSCRIP GIFT CARD FUNDRAISER – Please fill out an order form (on top of mail slots in the Narthex) along with a cheque made out to Linden Park United Church Due Sun. April 27th
PAPERLESS OPTION FOR ENVELOPES – If you wish to go paperless, Linden Park offers: 1)PAR (Pre-authorized Remittance). Please email or call Sheri for more information. 2) E-TRANFERS are also available and can be sent to Lpuc@rogers.com
THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE:
Today: Refreshments following worship
7:00pm Gemini AA
Monday 6:30 pm Beavers & Cubs
Tues. 4:00 pm T.O.P.S L/H 7:00 pm Police Choir Practice
Wed. 8:00 am TOPS – L/H 9:00 am Quilters 9:30 am Bible Study – Library 10:30 am Coffee Time
Friday 10:30 am Good Friday Worship Sat. 10:00 am The United Church of God – L/H
Our Lenten Project this year will be for SOCKS Canada. Your donations can be directed in two ways: i) the general fund – which supports the children, gardens and education; ii) Women 4 Women : W4W: This gift of $30.00 will provide one girl at Joyland Special Needs School with feminine hygiene products and underwear for a full year. Please pick up a sock for your donation. Feel free to make a cash donation. If writing a cheque, please make it out to: SOCKS Canada Relief Organization. You can also e-transfer your donation to kenyanhugs@gmail.com security question- name of charity / answer – socks.
May God’s blessings be returned to you as you bless others.
As we journey through Lent, we are invited to draw closer to God through reflection, repentance, and renewal. The Psalms serve as a rich source of encouragement, reminding us of God’s presence in every season of life—whether we are seeking His protection, thirsting for His presence, or crying out for His mercy.
In this week’s readings (Days 15–22), we will walk through psalms that highlight themes of trust, forgiveness, longing, and divine shelter. These passages offer a place of refuge in times of struggle and a song of praise in moments of renewal. Each day provides an opportunity to meditate on God’s faithfulness and to respond with prayer, inviting Him to work in our hearts during this sacred season.
As you engage with these psalms, consider how they resonate with your Lenten journey. What fears or burdens do you need to surrender? How is God calling you to deeper trust? May these readings strengthen your faith and remind you that He is your light, your portion, and your ever-present help.
Let me know if these readings bless you in any way.
Blessings,
Pastor Barb
Day 15: Psalm 27 – Confidence in God’s Protection
📖 Reading: Psalm 27:1-5 🙏 Reflection: The Lord is our light and salvation; whom shall we fear? This psalm reminds us that God is our refuge and strength. 🧶 Prayer Prompt: Reflect on a time when God has been your stronghold. Ask for renewed trust in His protection.
Day 16: Psalm 32 – The Joy of Forgiveness
📖 Reading: Psalm 32:1-7 🙏 Reflection: This psalm celebrates the blessing of being forgiven. Confession brings freedom, and God’s mercy covers all sin. 🧶 Prayer Prompt: Spend time in confession and thanksgiving for God’s unfailing forgiveness.
Day 17: Psalm 42 – Thirsting for God
📖 Reading: Psalm 42:1-5 🙏 Reflection: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You.” In times of dryness, God remains our living water. 🧶 Prayer Prompt: Ask God to deepen your hunger for Him and to satisfy your spiritual thirst.
Day 18: Psalm 51 – A Clean Heart
📖 Reading: Psalm 51:10-17 🙏 Reflection: David’s cry for mercy is a model for repentance. God delights in a broken and contrite heart. 🧶 Prayer Prompt: Pray for a renewed heart and spirit, asking God to restore your joy.
Day 19: Psalm 63 – Seeking God First
📖 Reading: Psalm 63:1-8 🙏 Reflection: David longs for God in a dry and weary land. True satisfaction comes only from seeking Him. 🧶 Prayer Prompt: Dedicate your day to seeking God first in all you do.
Day 20: Psalm 73 – God is My Portion
📖 Reading: Psalm 73:21-26 🙏 Reflection: When our hearts fail, God remains our strength and portion forever. 🧶 Prayer Prompt: Meditate on what it means for God to be your portion and your inheritance.
Day 21: Psalm 91 – Resting in God’s Shadow
📖 Reading: Psalm 91:1-4 🙏 Reflection: Those who dwell in God’s presence will find rest and protection under His wings. 🧶 Prayer Prompt: Pray for peace and security in the shelter of the Almighty.
Day 22: Psalm 121 – My Help Comes from the Lord
📖 Reading: Psalm 121:1-8 🙏 Reflection: The Lord watches over you and will not let your foot slip. He is your keeper. 🧶 Prayer Prompt: Lift up your concerns and trust God to be your help and keeper.
