journal/WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED THE CROSS

"FOR to this you have been called-because Christ also SUFFERED for you-leavin you an example that you SHOULD FOLLOW in his footsteps"    1 Peter 2:21

Suffering is an ORDINARY part of human existence-it is NOT a punishment for anything-ACCEPTING suffering means not running toward it but FIGHTING our way through it

Lord-IT IS a GREAT day to be alive in your love-even when we are suffering-BECAUSE you are an example for us-for HOW to beat it - and HOW to RISE AGAIN!














WITNESS




3-29-13




WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED THE CROSS?
HAPPY EASTER!




In Jesus’ day
The cross was the means
Of capitol punishment
Much like
The electric chair
Or lethal injection
Is today


In today’s times
It is anything and everything
That separates us from God


And just as Jesus had to physically
Carry his wooden cross
As a condemned person
Wrongfully sentenced to death


We have to carry our crosses
Rightfully or wrongfully through life


And the best way
To carry our crosses in life
Is by uniting our suffering with Jesus


Jesus said


“If anyone would
Come after me
He must deny himself
And take up his cross
And follow me


For whoever
Wants to save his life
Will lose it
And whoever loses his life
For me
And my Gospel
Will save it” Mark 8:34-35


Jesus’ wooden cross
Was heavy
It led to his physical death


But because he was an innocent man
AND GOD’S SON
God raised him from the dead


Our crosses in life
Are heavy too


OUR CROSSES of physical illness
OUR CROSSES of financial obligations
OUR CROSSES of broken physical relationships
And our crosses
Of physical addictions
Our own temptations
And our own sin


But by
UNITING our crosses with Christ’s
They can become
Just a little lighter
A little easier to carry


“Come to me
ALL you who are weary
And burdened
And I will give you rest


Take my yoke upon you
And learn from me
For I am gentle
And humble in heart
And you will find rest
For your souls


For my yoke is easy
And my burden is light” Matthew 11:28-30


Make no mistake
OUR CROSSES in this life
ARE HEAVY


But by uniting
OUR LIVES with Christ
The burden is lighter


And like Christ
Who rose from the dead
We can RISE ABOVE our crosses
In this life


To live a FAITH-FILLED life
IN GOD AND IN CHRIST


By uniting our crosses
To Christ
We can rise above our crosses
In life-and live


RESURRECTED LIVES


HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!




Robert P. Wallman
March 14^th, 2013




Ps I LOVE YOU




WITNESS 3-29-13