You look around everywhere these days and see crosses hanging around peoples’ necks. You look on the back of minivans and see the christian fish signs. “Jesus Rocks” t-shirts strolling through the malls. You can look everywhere and see the religion. But where do you look and see the relationship side that God himself has required? I’m stuck in a pondering mode…..
When did Jesus become a money-making aftermarket thought process? I just don’t get it. I don’t think the people that are caught up in “IT” do either! Darlin’, those cross ear-rings sure do look nice, but they aren’t getting you any closer to heaven than the next girl. What are we doing these days!? I am stuck in between the people wearing the outer support for Jesus, and the ones wearing outer support for the Yankees. But my question is: who is actually doing anything more than merely wearing the colors? Just pondering…..
Jesus is not an accessory that we put on before we go to church or when we go out for our day. Jesus should be more like an undergarment that you always wear. One that you HAVE to wear to go out. It should be the most prized possession and the closest thing to who you are. I am not knocking that cross necklace, or Jesus clothing (I own them also)….I just want everyone to see what I see. You don’t just take Jesus off at night and place him in the jewelry box, or the dirty clothes bin. To some, that is all it is. Christianity that is taken off and put on at will. Christianity is more like a birthmark that can’t be removed. Like the mark of your renewed birth. You can try to cover up a birthmark but it is always there. It shows up, and you can’t hide it.
You can wear a cross necklace everyday, yet only go to church on Christmas and Easter. (Chreaster Christians as I heard a pastor call them). It’s not about that! I realize that it is much easier to put on a piece of christian jewelry than to stretch your faith and go the real work of the kingdom. You can keep the t-shirts, hats, necklaces and such, but I think you should also let that light within shine through. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (NIV) Matthew 5:16
Again, just pondering….
As I was in church this morning God spoke to me. His words came to me in the middle of crowded worship center during a less than inspirational message. Funny how God chooses to speak.
We have all by now heard the story of Jesus. We know he died for our sins and was nailed to the cross. Though that is not to be taken lightly, I want to shed a little more light on the cross itself. Not just the one that Jesus died on. The one each of us carry daily throughout our lives.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
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Everyday people like you and I are carrying crosses. Big, heavy, thick, weathered, monstrous crosses. It occurred to me that some people just don’t “get it.” I don’t mean to be rude here – that is never my intention, all I am trying to say Is that when God himself gave Jesus to the world to die on that cross.. That was it! Complete Remission, Done! All sins were forgiven! Believe it!
For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me. (Psalm 38:4 KJV)
There is no sense in carrying those heavy burdens on your back with your own cross. I have also realized that some people think they deserve that cross of misery or guilt. You don’t!!! Also that they do not deserve the forgiveness that was freely given to them. Why? Why not?!!! If you don’t believe Jesus’ blood was enough to cover your sin – you are trying to cover it under your own strength. So what is that you want to hold onto? A free grace filled gift of eternal life or a life of cross bearing under your own strength. Carrying your own cross becomes a more challenging prospect the longer you live, sin, broken relationships, deceit and lies get nailed to your own cross weighing it down to the point you cannot take one more step. Save yourself a life of frustration and drop the cross and let Jesus carry it now.
Lay down that stinking cross in your life! It’s heavy. It’s wasted time and energy dragging it behind you. Throw that thing on the ground and let God carry it! Walk away! After you hand that big thing over, relax. Pick up your posture and trod along your merry way. God intended your life to be that way. You should recognize his use in your life and walk with him unburdened. Do you need rest?
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 KJV)
whatever your cross
Whatever your pain
there will always be sunshine,
after the rain ….Perhaps you may stumble,
perhaps even fall,
But God’s always ready,
To answer your call …He knows every heartache,
sees every tear,
A word from His lips,
can calm every fear …Your sorrows may linger,
throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish,
dawn’s early light .The Savior is waiting,
somewhere above,
To give you His grace,
and send you His love ..Whatever your cross,
whatever your pain,
God always sends rainbows ….
after the rain …