Lead Me To The Cross

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.1 Corinthians 1:18

What does the cross of Jesus Christ mean to you? You don't have to look far in a crowd to see someone wearing a cross necklace or medallion. It is a nice thing to do, but how many who wear this symbol of Christ are really knowing what it means and living a life pleasing to Him? 

The cross is powerful and is an offense to many. Monuments with the cross have been a subject of lawsuits to remove them because of what they stand for and that is Christ and His death and miraculous resurrection. Even if these non believers are successful in taking down crosses,  Jesus and God are not going anywhere. 

The world in 2016 is becoming more and more hostile to believers and those who choose to live out their faith according to the word of God without compromise. Even here in America we are starting to see Christian persecution although not yet on the scale of some nations who die for their faith. Don't be afraid to live out your faith everywhere you go and speak up for the truth of the cross of Jesus Christ. 

PRAYER: I love the word of God. It lights my path and gives me comfort. Help me not get so comfortable that I don't reach out with the message of the cross to a hurting and lost society who needs you desperately. The truth will indeed set us free. Bring revival Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

FROM MANGER TO CROSS

Today is Christmas Day. Long awaited by anxious children. Long anticipated by those in the Christian community as the celebration of the birth of the baby Jesus. His birth would change the world. Imagine if you will a king born to a virgin in a stable. Sounds like the plot for a Hollywood movie. God's only son sent here to save the world from their sins.

As his short life went on many mocked Him, ridiculed Him, were cruel to Him yet not once did He retaliate. He performed miracles and today miracles still do exist. His life ended on a cross with him uttering "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."(Luke 23:34). As a follower of Christ, if we are truly living for Him, many will hate us too. John 15:18(NIV) reminds us '"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.'

Isaiah 53:3-5(NIV) says it all.　'He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.'

Are you excited about this day? Is it for the right reason? Truly Jesus is the reason for this season. Happy Birthday Jesus!

PRAYER: What a great day this is. The opportunity for many to be with family but for the true reason we celebrate and that is to say Happy Birthday to our Savior. Help me Lord this day to forgive those who may be too caught up in Santa and just remember that I am here to show love and mercy just like you do. In Jesus' name. Amen.

BUNNY OR THE CROSS?

The celebration of Easter Sunday is upon us in two days. This is the
day people crowd churches who do not normally attend anywhere or at

any time. Somehow these "lily Christians" as an Air Force Chaplain

friend called them, know it is the right thing to do so hurray for

them! Church at Easter is not about bunnies, new clothes, and colorful

eggs. It is about the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Today marks
Good Friday when Christians commemorate the Lord's crucifixion and
death upon The cross. This is a sad day for some but a solemn day
leading up to Easter and Jesus arising from the dead!

Who do you serve? What is important to you? Is Easter just an excuse
for a new dress or suit? Does this Holy day mean a family portrait for
some? Regardless of what you do on this day you can not deny that
Jesus died a cruel death on the cross for you and I? Many choose to
totally ignore Him and go their own way. Even many who claim to be
Christians rarely get into the Bible and study it. "It is boring or
too deep for me" you might say. "Why do I need to know the Bible?" is
another possible response. "Look get off my case because I go to
church don't I?" is another verbal response. Remember it was said
"going into a church won't make you a Christian any more than going
into a garage will make you a car."

For some the only Bible verses they may know by memory are John 3:16
and the 23rd Psalm. The first verse is recited time and time again to
little children in Sunday school. The 23rd Psalm is often read at
funerals and therefore many are familiar with it. Does it go beyond
there? Would you like it to? If you answered "no" then possibly ask
yourself if you truly ever did ask Jesus to be Lord of your life.

Psalm 51:10(ESV) says 'Create in me Oh Lord, a clean heart and renew a
right spirit within me.' Can you make that your prayer today and
every day?

PRAYER: Lord I am thankful for your word, The Holy Bible. I am
thankful in this nation to be able to worship freely. I know many
countries people can not. I ask that you help we in thus nation not
take you or your Holy Word for granted. Forgive me Lord if I have ever
let other things get in the way of knowing you better. In Jesus' name.
Amen.