Enter King Jesus - Alms, Palms, and Psalms
In this episode of Heartfelt Conversations, Diana invites you into a soulful reflection on the deeper meaning behind Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Together, we explore the significance of Alms, Palms, and Psalms—symbols of generosity, surrender, and praise—woven throughout this sacred story.
Grab a warm cup of tea, find a quiet space, and join us as we prepare our hearts for the journey of Holy Week with intention, insight, and peace.
Diana’s Notes
Enter King Jesus!.... Alms, Palms, and Psalms
Embracing the Significance of Palm Sunday
Hey all you Beloved Peeps out there!!! Welcome to the conversation here on Heartfelt Conversations with Diana.
On the last episode, That’s A Wrap, we finished a conversation on the life of Joseph, and we finished the series with 3 “basic” life applications.
Quickly, the 3 things we wrapped up with on our last episode :
1. Trust God Even When Life Doesn’t Make Sense
Proverbs 3: 5-7
What I am learning: When facing trials, instead of asking, “Why is this happening?” learn to ask, “God, how can I trust You in this?” Then pray and surrender my situation to Him, knowing He sees the bigger picture.
2. Walk in Integrity No Matter the Cost
1 Peter 2:12 says, “Live such good lives among the pagans that… they may see your good deeds and glorify God.”
The New Living Translation reads it this way:
Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then, even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior and honor God when he judges the world.
What I am learning: Examine my life—are there areas where I am tempted to cut corners, tell half-truths, or compromise my faith? Choose to honor God in every decision, knowing that integrity brings His favor and blessing.
3. Forgive Freely and Trust in God’s Justice
Luke 6:37 “Forgive, and you will be forgiven”.
What I am learning: Are there people I need to forgive? Do I expect emotional payment from a hurt or a wound? Pray and ask God to help me release resentment, unforgiveness, or bitterness by trusting in Him to bring me what He knows I need—healing or maybe justice. But God has us covered, and we can have peace in knowing that.
By trusting God in trials, walking in integrity, and freely forgiving, we reflect Jesus's heart and grow as His disciples. Let’s live out these principles in faith, knowing God is shaping us for His purpose and destiny!
And this is where we will begin today’s conversation!
As we join the conversation today, we are standing at the entrance of this year's Holy Week. Many believers from congregations, churches, synagogues, temples, people from all over join together as we remember and celebrate our Savior's sacred journey that leads us from the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as we enter into Palm Sunday to to the profound mystery of His resurrection that we will celebrate on Easter Sunday. Today, we focus our hearts and minds on Palm Sunday—a day rich with symbolism and lessons that resonate deeply in our lives even today, in this present culture. Thousands of years later. It is humbling and beautiful to grasp and understand why Jesus came to earth fully.
Many people who do not understand, know, or have ever been taught that the Bible, even though written by men, was inspired by God Himself. The content of the Bible is God’s instructions for LIFE. We think the bible is old, outdated, and not relevant to today’s events. But God’s word is complete in revelation on how to overcome evil with good, how to live a victorious life even in the most difficult and darkest of times, and how, from even before the beginning of time, God was designing an earthly and eternal home for all who would be saved.
When Jesus came onto the scene, the people of that time, the Israelites, God’s people, were anticipating a mighty warrior, a king, a Messiah who would conquer the world and bring peace to the land.
But God’s view was much broader, larger, and wider than they could see. Jesus came to seek and to save ALL who desired Him. All this means is that He wishes no one to be left behind. Jew and Gentile - all people, all races, red, yellow, black, or white, we are all, every single human being, are created precious in His sight!
But because of sin entering into the world through Adam and Eve, God had to have another way to save His creation, those created in His likeness, us, the human race. And that answer was His Son, Jesus, who would willingly give up His life as a payment for all of humanity’s sins against God. Jesus was and is the only Sacrifice pure, holy, and righteous enough to be acceptable to God, and it is when we receive Him as our Savior, we are spiritually washed, cleansed, and made right before God by His blood. The blood of the Lamb.
Romans 3:22-24: And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and we are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
John 3:16-17: that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him
Acts 4:12: ( AMP Bible) And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].”
Now, this is my life:
Galatians 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ and no longer live, but Christ lives in me. My life in the body is by faith in the Son of God, who loved and gave Himself up for me.
That is how we learn to be a light in a dark world—no longer us, our will, our demands, but now Christ lives through us so others may find their way home.
That should energize us and encourage us to live such a life that it frees others from bondage, just because they see the love, compassion, and mercy of our Savior in us and seek Him personally for their own lives.
In Zechariah 9, we read scripture from the Old Testament, the Old Covenant that prophesies or foretells of our coming Messiah -
Zechariah 9:9: See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, a colt, the donkey’s foal.”
Zechariah was telling the people that their King, the Messiah, would come bringing God’s Victory and Royal Holiness. However, rather than arriving on a warhorse ready to annihilate the enemies of the Jewish people on that day, Zechariah foretold of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey, revealing the Lamb of God, Jesus our Savior, symbolizing peace rather than a king ready for battle.
The people of that day did not understand that generations later, thousands of years later, people would still be surrendering their lives to Jesus as their King, their Savior, their Messiah.
One day, Jesus will return on a warhorse to announce He is King of kings and Lord of lords…
Revelation 19:11: Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The One sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and He judges and makes war in righteousness.
But first, Jesus came as our Sacrifice.
Enter King Jesus! – The Triumphal Entry
Palm Sunday celebrates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, an event recorded in all four Gospels. As He approached the city, Jesus instructed two disciples to find a donkey and its colt, fulfilling the prophecy we read from Zechariah 9 -
By choosing a donkey, Jesus signified His role as the Prince of Peace, contrasting with the expectations of a conquering warrior king. The crowds recognized this symbolism, laying their cloaks and palm branches on the road and shouting, “Hosanna in the highest.”
Matthew 21 gives this account…
Matthew 21:8-10: (Berean Standard Bible) 8 A massive crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds 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!” 10 When Jesus had entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”…
The events of Palm Sunday invite us to reflect on our own acts of kindness and compassion, to come in peace wherever we enter, to have a calm presence, and to have a heartfelt, authentic love and adoration for our Savior, our Messiah, and our eternal King.
Let’s look at Alms, Palms, and Psalms – Acts of Compassion, Praise, and Worship.
Alms (Acts of Compassion): Jesus' ministry was marked by His deep concern for the poor and marginalized. His teachings and actions consistently called for charitable donations to aid the poverty-stricken. In Matthew 25:40, He reminds us, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Our acts of kindness and generosity are tangible expressions of our faith.
Are we marking our lives with brush strokes of compassion and care for others as a tangible expression of our faith?
Palms ( Symbols of Triumph and Victory): The palm branches laid before Jesus symbolize triumph and victory. In ancient times, palm branches were associated with military victory and peace. By embracing the symbolism of palms, the crowd acknowledged Jesus as their victorious King who brings peace beyond understanding.
Revelation 7:9 envisions a multitude holding palm branches, declaring, "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
By laying down our lives in surrender to Jesus, our hearts are like Palm branches that we lay before Him, trusting He will bring Victory to every area of our lives.
Psalms (Expressions of Worship and Prayer): The Psalms are profound expressions of worship, prayer, and reflection. Engaging with them connects us to a rich tradition of heartfelt communication with God, offering words for our joys, our sorrows, and our praises.
I encourage all of us this year to read one chapter of Psalms and one chapter of Proverbs to give us greater wisdom and a heart full of worship and praise. I believe we can really spark a movement in our personal lives just by incorporating this time with God in His word.
Jesus was about to enter a very intense period of His ministry. Soon, He would be going to the cross to lay down His life, fully leaning on His Trust in His Heavenly Father. Jesus knew scripture, and He often quoted from it.
The Bible is God's Instructions for Life while we are here on earth
Many perceive the Bible as an ancient text, disconnected from modern realities. However, it is God's inspired guidebook for life, offering wisdom on overcoming evil with good, living victoriously even in adversity, and understanding God's eternal plan for humanity.
As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states:
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Jesus gives us an example of how to be an Overcomer in the World –
Be in God’s Word! It will strengthen our faith, prepare us for challenges, and help us remember who our Father is.
1 John 5:4 assures us:
"For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This victory has overcome the world, even our faith."
This passage reminds us that:
Faith is our Victory: Our faith equips us to navigate and overcome life's challenges.
There will always be Challenges: Acknowledge that our faith provides the strength to persevere while we face difficulties.
First Thing First, Keep Our Eternal Perspective: We should keep our eyes fixed on God's eternal promises, which transcend temporary struggles.
As we reflect on the events and teachings of Palm Sunday, consider these three takeaway lessons:
Keep Our Eyes on Jesus: Amid life's distractions, focus on Jesus' teachings and example. This alignment brings peace and purpose. Hebrews 12:2 encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Engage in Acts of Goodness: Jesus' life was marked by compassion and service. Emulate this by serving others, showing kindness, and being agents of positive change in our communities. Galatians 6:9-10 urges us to do good to all people, especially those in the household of faith.
Strive for Christlikeness: Our journey is one of transformation. Through prayer, study, and fellowship, grow in character and spirit, becoming more like Jesus in thoughts, words, and deeds. Romans 8:29 speaks of being conformed to the image of God's Son.
So, as we wrap up our conversation today, let’s remember that Palm Sunday is more than a historical event; it is a call to action for each one of us. It challenges us to examine our expectations of Jesus, align our lives with His mission, and actively participate in His work on earth. As we move through Holy Week, remember the donkey’s humility, the crowds’ fervor, and the profound love God has for us that led Jesus to the cross. I pray we are inspired to live lives worthy of His calling, keeping our eyes on Him, doing good, walking in victory, and continually learning to walk, talk, look, and live much more like Jesus, as Pastor Eric would say. Amen.
If you desire to change your world. To make this earth a better place to live, a kinder, more peace-filled world, learn to live like Jesus. He is the Prince of Peace, The Messiah of the World.
Please join our mission at Valley and make it your personal mission: to know Jesus and make Him known.
Well! I hope you have enjoyed stopping by and feel encouraged and uplifted! Here is a link to Pastor Beth’s message (The Name of Jesus) to facilitate your journey. Before was the Founding Pastor of VFC. I hope you have a chance to listen, and may you receive confident HOPE in our Living God and His word for your life!
You can find the link to his message on -
Heartfeltconversations.com -https://www.heartfeltconversations.com/
Join Next week, as we continue to learn to be the light!
Remember! God is for you!!! He is the Power above every other power, and that same power is available to you.
Romans 8:31 in the AMP Bible tells us: What shall we say to all these things? Who can be [successful] against us if God is for us?
Chin up!! Eyes on Jesus!! LOL
Bathe in the goodness of God and rest in His Amazing Grace!
God bless, and I will see ya next Time!
Pastor Beth Jones: The Name of Jesus
Songs to inspire you
Leeland - Way Maker (Official Live Video)
Foundation Verse
Romans 8:11
The Spirit of God, Who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living in you. “
Additional Resources
Prayer of Salvation
Jesus has given salvation, healing, and countless benefits to all who call upon His name. These benefits can be yours if you receive Him into your heart by saying this prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come to You admitting that I am a sinner. Right now, I choose to turn away from sin, and I ask You to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. I believe that Jesus rose again from the dead so that I may be justified and made righteous through faith in Him. I call upon the name of Jesus Christ to be the Savior and Lord of my life. Jesus, I choose to follow You, and I ask that You fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit. I declare right now that I am a born again, child of God. I am free from sin and full of the righteousness of God. I am saved in Jesus’ name. Amen.
This prayer and the comment above, were taken out of the book:
Secrets to Powerful Prayer - Discovering the Languages of the Heart
By Lynne Hammond and Patsy Cameneti
If you have just received Jesus as your Savior, please write Lynne Hammond Ministries at:
PO Box 29469
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55429-2946
Or, email one of the ministries listed on the Additional Resources Tab and let them know that you are a brand new Christian and need some direction on the next steps for your new life in Christ.
Or email us here at Heartfelt Conversations with Diana and we will pass along your information for you.
Congratulations if you are a brand new Christian or if you have Returned Home! Welcome!!! Get in God’s Word and get it into you!
Diana’s Home Church:
Valley Family Church - Pastor’s Eric and Alexa Jones
www.valleyfamilychurch.org
Other recommended Jesus-centered churches who teach the True Word of God:
Elevation Church - Steven Furtick
https://elevationchurch.org/
Joseph Prince Ministries - Joseph Prince
https://www.josephprince.org/
Joyce Meyer Ministries
https://joycemeyer.org/