Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Thank You for the cross...


It was almost summer-like weather on that Saturday two weeks ago.
I hurried through my usual Saturday house cleaning in order to get out and enjoy the sun.
When the weather permits, I love to grab the leather bag that holds my Bible and journal and find someplace outdoors to have my devotions.
On this particular day, I had the oddest feeling of urgency that I was to go to The Grotto here in Portland.
I'm not a Catholic.
 In fact, our church building, which is located in a former office building, doesn't even have a cross in it.
We preach the cross, sing about the cross, but there are not statutes or icons or crucifixes in our place of worship.
Yet, the cross had been, is, much on my mind of late.
I just finished leading a Bible study, Kinsman Redeemer.
The study takes you through everything the Bible says about the qualifications and requirements of a Kinsman Redeemer and then shows how Jesus is our ultimate Kinsman Redeemer.
He was able to perform the duty.
He was willing to do it.
It was the word willing that buried deep into my heart as I studied.
The fact that He chose to become my Kinsman Redeemer,
that He willing laid down His life,
that no one took His life,
 but He willingly gave His life for me,
took root in my mind and heart in a new way.
As I wandered my way through the Stations of the Cross on that sunshine-y Saturday morning,
in my spirit bubbled up these words...


ONCE AGAIN-lyrics by Matt Redman


Jesus Christ, I think upon your sacrifice
You became nothing, poured out to death
Many times, I've wondered at your gift of life
I'm in that place once again
I'm in that place once again




CHORUS-
And once again I look upon the cross where you died
I'm humbled by your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank you 
Once again I pour out my life




Now you are, exalted to the highest place
King of the heavens, where one day I'll bow
But for now, I marvel at this saving grace
I'm full of praise once again
I'm full of praise once again




CHORUS-
And once again I look upon the cross where you died
I'm humbled by your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank you 
Once again I pour out my life
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross, my friend
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross, my friend
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross, my friend
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross, my friend
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross, my friend
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross, my friend
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross
Thank you for the cross, my friend




Still following,




6 comments:

  1. I love to have my devotions outside also--

    The bible study sounds like a great one and the stations of the cross really makes one stop and think about all He accomplished for us.

    Beautiful post dear friend--

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love walking the stations of the cross, even though I'm not Catholic either. I love the way they focus us on the suffering and determination our lord had to reunite us with God. It's all love and grace. I loved this post, friend. :)

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  3. I have never walked the stations of the cross. I have wanted to, but we don't have a place open to the public like that around here. I walk them in my heart, if that makes sense, and I thank Him with all my heart for that cross.

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  4. Thank you for this beautiful post. I was just reading in John 10 in the Amplified where Jesus stated "I lay down my life willingly". He has done so much for us and I thank Him everyday for all He has done for me.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love to go to the grotto, especially at Christmas, but it is always pretty and so serene almost a holy place.

    ReplyDelete

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