Mark 11:1-11

 1As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the
Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2saying to them, “Go to the
village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which
no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3If anyone asks you, ‘Why are
you doing this?’ tell him, ‘ The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’
“ 4They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they
untied it, 5some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that
colt?” 6They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go.
7When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on
it. 8Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches
they had cut in the fields. 9Those who went ahead and those who followed
shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
 10”Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the
highest!” 11Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around
at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the
Twelve.

Meditation
1. The crowd shouted and waved and praised Jesus as their Messiah – the
savior (v9-10). But soon after, they became the crowd that wanted to nail
Jesus on the cross. It is easier to follow and praise God when everything
seems to be going well, when God is meeting our expectations, and when
faith is supported by those all around us. The strength of our faith is tested
when all of these supports and assumptions begin to fall away.
2. Has my faith in God been tested through changes of time, location,
community?
3. Anyone at church or cell is going through this testing process and has not
come out yet? Write down his/her name on this page. Commit to pray for
him/her regularly for the whole month. If possible, give him/her a call, write
an email or send a card to encourage him/her and to accompany him/her to
come through this process.

Personal Note:
It's easy to say I love you Jesus during TC, Crossroad, retreats, camps, worship, etc.  In your school, on your Facebook, in your sports team, in your music band, you are a follower of Christ when you can praise and witness for Him.  My faith has been tested when I first come to Crossroad two and a half years ago.  I changed from an environment where there are lots of kids, a few counsellors serving together, and a place where I know almost everyone in the church.  By God's grace, I have experienced God's blessing through the new friendship being made and the growth of the brothers and sisters.

When I reflect upon this, this would be pretty much everyone in Crossroad.  Also, this would include many in the adult small group I am in.