I’m already thinking about early morning drills at the end of July when football season begins. I’ll be in the company of 30-plus anxious high school kids, and a handful of coaches, who are all foaming at the mouth in anticipation of the infamous two-a-days.
We begin conditioning promptly at 8 a.m., we look at film, have position meetings, get some time to eat, and then we’re back on the field to install offensive and defensive strategies. Two full weeks of struggle, pain, fatigue, cramps and mental stress won't serve as motivation until coach reminds all of us of the goal, that is, to be champions. He reminds us that being champions comes with a hefty price.
We must never forget the cross of Christ. The matter of the cross brings to remembrance the suffering and shame that Jesus Christ bore for our sins. It is not a glamorous issue, but rather gloomy. The cross was reserved for the lowest of criminals. It was a foreign form of execution urged on by His own countrymen. The cross was soaked in Jesus’ blood. Words of mockery and insults were hurled at Jesus as He hung on that cross. Jesus—bloody, bruised and battered—hung on the cross for three hours. And He did not come off of the cross until it was finished.
If we are to follow Christ, we too must carry our own instrument of suffering and shame on a daily basis (Luke 9:23). The truth is, to some, the cross is offensive (Galatians 5:11). But Jesus Christ bore the cross for us (Romans 5:8)! Here is an old, but accurate statement: “We owed a debt we could not pay, and He paid a debt He did not owe.” Jesus Christ put Himself in my place and He paid it all!
As you enjoy your day, whether in tragedy or triumph, let us not forget the hefty price that was paid to satisfy God’s righteous wrath.
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.
~William Brennard, 1913
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Accept The Cross
When you think of the cross of Jesus, what comes to mind? Pain? Suffering? Sacrifice? Consider this word: acceptance. When Jesus died on the cross, He died so that you would take on righteousness from the covering of His shed blood; so that God could look upon you and see you as His, through Jesus; and finally, Jesus died so that ultimately you would be accepted into God’s Kingdom.
Some of us have a problem accepting ourselves. Guess who’s already accepted you completely, faults and all? Jesus. He has accepted even the worse thing about you, and He loves you deeply, too. God gives us a free will; He will not force you to love Him. But it would be His delight if you were to accept the work His son did on the cross—for you.
Jesus accepted you the day He bled on the cross. He knew you would do what you did growing up; what you did last year; and what you just did. He knew you would mess up—sometimes royally—and He still lay down His life for you. Can you imagine such devotion from anyone you know?
Consider the fact that there are about six billion people on the earth. Take a moment to look at your hands. Each of your fingertips has unique fingerprints—unlike any other person on earth. Psalm 139:13-14 tell us just how we were made: “I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Every time you look in the mirror, remember that you are the only you that will ever exist, and that you were made with great care and with wonder. Do you think the Creator of the entire universe just got bored and made you because He had nothing better to do? Not only did God plan you, but He also planned what He wanted you to do.
Jeremiah 1:5 says “before I formed you in the womb, I knew you … I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Everything that’s happened to you—all your experiences good and bad—can be used by God for good to accomplish your purpose. Some of our life experiences have been very sad, even traumatic. Romans 8:28 says that it all works together for our good. So seek out your uniqueness; pray and ask God to reveal your specific purpose. Remember that He planned you, and He can use you, regardless of what you’ve been through.
Jesus sealed this opportunity for you on the cross. No matter what you’ve done, Jesus has already paid your debt. He was “wounded for our transgressions.” Regardless of your experiences, Jesus can give you peace. Whatever sickness you have, Jesus can heal it, for by the very stripes He bore on the cross, “we are healed.” (Isa 53:5)
Just for believing in your heart that Jesus is Lord; that He died on the cross for our sins; and finally that God raised Him from the dead—and confessing all of this with your mouth—you get eternal life in heaven (Romans 10:9). You also gain many benefits as a member of the Kingdom of God. If you submit your plans to God, He will make your way successful (Psalm 37:5), and you will have the power to resist the devil (James 4:7). When you can fully submit to God, His will and His way for your life, which is found in His word, you have submitted to what Jesus did on the cross. Embrace it fully and receive all the benefits you were meant to receive. Accept the cross.
By
Vanessa Burke
Some of us have a problem accepting ourselves. Guess who’s already accepted you completely, faults and all? Jesus. He has accepted even the worse thing about you, and He loves you deeply, too. God gives us a free will; He will not force you to love Him. But it would be His delight if you were to accept the work His son did on the cross—for you.
Jesus accepted you the day He bled on the cross. He knew you would do what you did growing up; what you did last year; and what you just did. He knew you would mess up—sometimes royally—and He still lay down His life for you. Can you imagine such devotion from anyone you know?
Consider the fact that there are about six billion people on the earth. Take a moment to look at your hands. Each of your fingertips has unique fingerprints—unlike any other person on earth. Psalm 139:13-14 tell us just how we were made: “I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Every time you look in the mirror, remember that you are the only you that will ever exist, and that you were made with great care and with wonder. Do you think the Creator of the entire universe just got bored and made you because He had nothing better to do? Not only did God plan you, but He also planned what He wanted you to do.
Jeremiah 1:5 says “before I formed you in the womb, I knew you … I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Everything that’s happened to you—all your experiences good and bad—can be used by God for good to accomplish your purpose. Some of our life experiences have been very sad, even traumatic. Romans 8:28 says that it all works together for our good. So seek out your uniqueness; pray and ask God to reveal your specific purpose. Remember that He planned you, and He can use you, regardless of what you’ve been through.
Jesus sealed this opportunity for you on the cross. No matter what you’ve done, Jesus has already paid your debt. He was “wounded for our transgressions.” Regardless of your experiences, Jesus can give you peace. Whatever sickness you have, Jesus can heal it, for by the very stripes He bore on the cross, “we are healed.” (Isa 53:5)
Just for believing in your heart that Jesus is Lord; that He died on the cross for our sins; and finally that God raised Him from the dead—and confessing all of this with your mouth—you get eternal life in heaven (Romans 10:9). You also gain many benefits as a member of the Kingdom of God. If you submit your plans to God, He will make your way successful (Psalm 37:5), and you will have the power to resist the devil (James 4:7). When you can fully submit to God, His will and His way for your life, which is found in His word, you have submitted to what Jesus did on the cross. Embrace it fully and receive all the benefits you were meant to receive. Accept the cross.
By
Vanessa Burke
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
What Comes Around Goes Around
A lady was driving along a back road in stifling hot weather when she passed an elderly man attempting to fix a flat tire. A woman alone can’t be too careful; nevertheless she hoped somebody would stop. When nobody did, she went back and found the old man weak and perspiring. “Thanks,” he gasped. “I prayed somebody would stop.” Using her cell phone to call for help, the woman waited with him. He introduced himself. He offered to pay her but the Good Samaritan said, “Just knowing I was an answer to your prayer is enough.” Ten years later the same lady was worried about her aging father, who could no longer work the family farm. When she called a volunteer organization for help, four men arrived with heavy equipment and spent three days planting the crops. One of the men looked familiar, and when he introduced himself she realized why. Turns out he was the elderly man’s son, Bill Krumweide, Jr. “Thank you for helping my dad all those years ago,” he said. “I’m the one who owes you,” the woman replied. “It’s amazing how one kindness followed another and connected our families in a bond of gratitude. And it started…with an old man’s prayer.” What goes around comes around. “The deeds of a man’s hands will return to him.” God rewards us “according to [our] work” (Pr 24:12 NAS). You don’t live in a vacuum. The Bible says: “Knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord” (Eph 6:7 NKJV).
from
Newlifeoakwood.org
from
Newlifeoakwood.org
Monday, March 28, 2011
The Cross and Transformation
The cross means many things to many people. For Romans in Jesus’ day, it was a deterrent. Criminals would be crucified on crosses to communicate one message: Don’t mess with Rome. Over time, the cross has found itself in a dichotomous existence. The cross became both a symbol of torture and a symbol of relief. It became both a symbol of intimidation and a symbol of hope. Ultimately, it became the symbol of Christianity.
We all know and remember Jesus’ words to take up our own cross and follow him (Luke 9:23). The words intimate a radical call to discipleship that requires us to endure hardships that come our way. What about when one is required to take up Jesus’ cross? What about the man mentioned in passing in the Gospels? His name was Simon and he hailed from Cyrene. Mark’s Gospel records the following: “Then [the soldiers] compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear [Jesus’] cross” (Mark 15:21).
Here was a man who was minding his own business. We’re not too sure why he was coming into town on that fateful day. Maybe he was among the many pilgrims making the trip for the Passover. I’m quite sure he didn’t have carrying the cross of a “criminal” on the agenda. Yet, he was forced to carry Jesus’ cross. He had no choice, but let’s not trivialize his willingness to do so. Had he heard the Lord’s instruction to go two miles if forced to walk one (See Matthew 5:41)? We’re not sure? We certainly know one thing:
The day Simon encountered the cross his life was profoundly transformed.
Simon’s name means “harkening, listening.” I believe Simon lived up to his name on that day as Jesus trudged up to Calvary. In being forced to carry Jesus’ cross, he was listening. He was listening to God’s call to become a disciple of Christ. Simon’s life was never the same. The cross has that kind of affect. I recall countless stories of believers whose lives were changed the day they encountered the cross. In that moment they realize the selfless nature of the work of the cross, contrasted by the selfishness that characterized their lifestyle. They realize the transformative power of what seems to be, on first glance, merely two planks of wood.
Early Church tradition suggests that Simon’s sons, Rufus and Alexander, became missionaries. Imagine them hearing their father’s story growing up. “I went into town to grab a few turtle doves and came back having carried the cross of the Son of God.” I’m quite sure that story never grew old. One man’s encounter with the cross led to generational encounters with the message of the cross.
Never discount your ability to impact your family with the message of the cross.
The message can break generational curses. It can reconcile broken family relationships. The cross may serve as the bridge you need to close the chasm that has existed in your family for decades. The cross means many things to many people, but there is one word that sums up its message: transformation. Think about how the cross has transformed your life. I challenge you to share that story with someone you’ve never shared it with. In taking up your cross, don’t ever forget about his.
By
John C. Richards, Jr.
We all know and remember Jesus’ words to take up our own cross and follow him (Luke 9:23). The words intimate a radical call to discipleship that requires us to endure hardships that come our way. What about when one is required to take up Jesus’ cross? What about the man mentioned in passing in the Gospels? His name was Simon and he hailed from Cyrene. Mark’s Gospel records the following: “Then [the soldiers] compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear [Jesus’] cross” (Mark 15:21).
Here was a man who was minding his own business. We’re not too sure why he was coming into town on that fateful day. Maybe he was among the many pilgrims making the trip for the Passover. I’m quite sure he didn’t have carrying the cross of a “criminal” on the agenda. Yet, he was forced to carry Jesus’ cross. He had no choice, but let’s not trivialize his willingness to do so. Had he heard the Lord’s instruction to go two miles if forced to walk one (See Matthew 5:41)? We’re not sure? We certainly know one thing:
The day Simon encountered the cross his life was profoundly transformed.
Simon’s name means “harkening, listening.” I believe Simon lived up to his name on that day as Jesus trudged up to Calvary. In being forced to carry Jesus’ cross, he was listening. He was listening to God’s call to become a disciple of Christ. Simon’s life was never the same. The cross has that kind of affect. I recall countless stories of believers whose lives were changed the day they encountered the cross. In that moment they realize the selfless nature of the work of the cross, contrasted by the selfishness that characterized their lifestyle. They realize the transformative power of what seems to be, on first glance, merely two planks of wood.
Early Church tradition suggests that Simon’s sons, Rufus and Alexander, became missionaries. Imagine them hearing their father’s story growing up. “I went into town to grab a few turtle doves and came back having carried the cross of the Son of God.” I’m quite sure that story never grew old. One man’s encounter with the cross led to generational encounters with the message of the cross.
Never discount your ability to impact your family with the message of the cross.
The message can break generational curses. It can reconcile broken family relationships. The cross may serve as the bridge you need to close the chasm that has existed in your family for decades. The cross means many things to many people, but there is one word that sums up its message: transformation. Think about how the cross has transformed your life. I challenge you to share that story with someone you’ve never shared it with. In taking up your cross, don’t ever forget about his.
By
John C. Richards, Jr.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
The Cross: Strength and Grace Under Pressure
As we enter the season of the Cross, I thank Our Lord and Savior not only for the finished work He completed through His ultimate sacrifice…the work of our salvation – but also for the Cross as a daily reminder of true strength and grace under pressure.
We can learn a lot about dealing with the pressure, burdens, and crosses in our own lives by examining what Scripture reveals of Christ’s words and behavior on the Cross: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34) Talk about grace! Here Christ shows us a great response to pressure: avoiding the “blame game.” Rather than looking for who or what we can blame for our present trouble, we should immediately ask God to come into the situation – and ask for His strength and grace to handle the pressure at hand.
He said to his mother: "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple: "Here is your mother." (John 19:26-27 NIV)
Even while He was going through it, Jesus was able to offer words of comfort, care and support to those around Him. While our cross might be painful to us, others around us may very well be suffering as well. Ask God to give strength to not only you, but your friends and loved ones as well. Praying for others during your own trials can help take the focus off your own pain, and open you up to God’s healing Spirit.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46)
It’s fine to let God know what you’re going through, during your times of trouble. God is not afraid of your emotions, your doubts, or your questions. When Jesus asked His Father this question, He already knew the answer: God had not forsaken Him, and His ultimate victory was only a few days away. Even as you ask “Why me, God?” -- know that God has your back…and that you have ultimate victory and salvation through Christ!
I am thirsty…(John 19:28 NIV)
When He let those around Him know of his thirst, although death was imminent, Jesus was still acknowledging the needs of His temple/body. Accordingly, we must also take care of ourselves as best we can -- physically, emotionally, and spiritually -- during times of trial. Exercise, eat right, and rest your body to retain your strength!
Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”…(Luke 23:46 NIV)
Ultimately, we must accept God’s will for our lives. We must put our lives into God’s hands, as Jesus did, with total faith and trust, believing that His will for our lives will prevail, no matter how difficult our present trial is.
As we enter the season of the Cross, it’s important to let God know through prayer and thanksgiving that we are glad He is there for us at every moment of our lives. And look to the Cross to find strength and grace during your own times of trial and pressure…because His grace truly is amazing!
By
Pastor Paula White
We can learn a lot about dealing with the pressure, burdens, and crosses in our own lives by examining what Scripture reveals of Christ’s words and behavior on the Cross: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34) Talk about grace! Here Christ shows us a great response to pressure: avoiding the “blame game.” Rather than looking for who or what we can blame for our present trouble, we should immediately ask God to come into the situation – and ask for His strength and grace to handle the pressure at hand.
He said to his mother: "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple: "Here is your mother." (John 19:26-27 NIV)
Even while He was going through it, Jesus was able to offer words of comfort, care and support to those around Him. While our cross might be painful to us, others around us may very well be suffering as well. Ask God to give strength to not only you, but your friends and loved ones as well. Praying for others during your own trials can help take the focus off your own pain, and open you up to God’s healing Spirit.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46)
It’s fine to let God know what you’re going through, during your times of trouble. God is not afraid of your emotions, your doubts, or your questions. When Jesus asked His Father this question, He already knew the answer: God had not forsaken Him, and His ultimate victory was only a few days away. Even as you ask “Why me, God?” -- know that God has your back…and that you have ultimate victory and salvation through Christ!
I am thirsty…(John 19:28 NIV)
When He let those around Him know of his thirst, although death was imminent, Jesus was still acknowledging the needs of His temple/body. Accordingly, we must also take care of ourselves as best we can -- physically, emotionally, and spiritually -- during times of trial. Exercise, eat right, and rest your body to retain your strength!
Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”…(Luke 23:46 NIV)
Ultimately, we must accept God’s will for our lives. We must put our lives into God’s hands, as Jesus did, with total faith and trust, believing that His will for our lives will prevail, no matter how difficult our present trial is.
As we enter the season of the Cross, it’s important to let God know through prayer and thanksgiving that we are glad He is there for us at every moment of our lives. And look to the Cross to find strength and grace during your own times of trial and pressure…because His grace truly is amazing!
By
Pastor Paula White
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