30 Day Jesus Challenge - Day 22 The Cross

"Except of course that a cross is always something more."  Diana Gabaldon, Fiery Cross Book 5 in the Outlander Series.

Yes indeed, a cross is always something more.  Paul writes in Galatians 5:11 that the cross is an offense.  The cross is the ultimate test of the man, the one who chose to hang on it, and the one who must decide if he accepts it.  There is no room for compromise at the cross, no wiggle room, no gray area.

The Cross

Brutal, violent, excruciating: we recoil in horror - in the reading, in the writing, in the listening, in the watching - no one is untouched by the Cross.  To the believer it is where we start the journey and ultimately where we end it, at the foot of the Cross.  Dr. Billy Graham, in this 3 minute video says it best.

Pray - Today, Lord I find myself at the foot of the cross.  I believe in you, I believe in your sacrifice.  Thank you for the cross.

This Present Darkness

Abigail and Dolley readers I have to admit that I wept before the Lord today.  I fell to my knees and sobbed.  I cried because when I speak the truth of Christ, many condemn me.  I cried because a good friend of mine claimed I was deaf to racial insensitivity and when I sought him out, to show me, he condemned me for my blindness.  I cried because we heard the same speech in different ways, and if we did, then I will never be effective in outreach.  I cried because the world's financial system is on the precipice of a bottomless pit.  I cried because the new unemployment figures are lies and for people hurting everywhere.  I cried because I have friends that are not saved and the Rapture is coming soon.  I cried today because Billy Graham is gravely ill and the world will be a much darker place without him.  I cried today because I have prayed for the Lord to come and get us but I never realized how dark it would be here before He came.

2 Timothy 3

The Dangers of the Last Days

 ¹ You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. ² For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. ³ They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. ⁴ They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. ⁵ They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!