Sometimes I like to remind myself that the next step is simply to invite God in. As I gaze upon the mess I've made of things: the words hastily spoken, the thoughts that have ruled my mind, my quick resolve to act and fix it all (without a single nod in a heavenly direction,) often the most effective practice I can muster is to stop, survey the damage, then invite God into it. I'm capable of much without God. And most of the time, after I've displayed my awesome capabilities, my invitation begins with that time tested prayer, "help!" Today, in Mark, we see a different kind of invitation unfold. With consequences that continue to shove themselves into our lives today. Here comes the King, riding his donkey into a city literally cheering him on. This turbid mixture of Mark's, churning with prophecy, tradition, and celebration, creates a bit of a confusing setting. One could preach on this passage every day for the next few years and never cease finding a new c