The Cross

(cross found on freedesktopwallpaper.org)

At some point almost everyone has seen a cross. May I share an observation?

GOD put it on my heart this morning to look at HIS Cross anew. The vertical bar shows what Jesus accomplished on the cross. HE made a way for us to have renewed relationship with the Father. HE did this by descending to earth, becoming man, teaching and ultimately sacrificing HIMSELF on the Cross. HE then rose again, HIS task accomplished, victorious for all time over sin, death and hell.

The horizontal bar is the task HE left us with, The Great Commission. We are to bring more of our brothers and sisters into GOD's Kingdom. We are to be HIS hands reaching out to the world in love.

Thus we are to first communicate with GOD through the way HE has made then we are to reach out to others in HIS strength, power and love.

The Cross is a reminder of heaven's love and mercy to us and the Call that still resounds from HE who wants all HIS children safely home.

Black Friday

Black Friday is known for helping stores get into the "black" and giving consumers a chance at great deals. I would posit though that as the years pass, the black in Black Friday is due to how bleak consumers' behavior has become on this giant shopping day.

Let us remember what this season is for, please.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty GOD, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.(Isaiah 6:6)

See I lay a stone in Zion, a trusted stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. (Isaiah 28:16)

The greatest gift we have ever received came in peace, love and humility. Go forth and behave in a similar manner.

A Happy Thanksgiving to all!

I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and to give you some food for thought.

There is always something to give thanks to GOD for.

Even if HE did no more than send HIS Son for your salvation, that is enough to fill HIS Halls with praise for eternity.

But GOD shows HIS mercies and love every day of your life. Each breath you take is a gift. Every sky you see is a masterpiece HE crafted for you. Your very senses declare his grace in every way.

I am not trying to diminish anyone's suffering. We all have pain. But that too we can be grateful for in time. Pain softens the hardness of our hearts and creates compassion for others. Shared hardship can build bridges which no kind word could. And GOD speaks to us in our pain and weakness in a special way for HE too knew suffering, hardship and loss.

So for those who do rejoice this day, may GOD bless you and yours and I hope you enjoy this special time of fellowship and family. Remember to give thanks to HIM for this day and for all the ways HE blessed and blesses you throughout the year.

And for those for whom this is a painful day,  I pray for the renewal of your joy and that Our Father holds you in HIS arms and lets you know the myriad of ways that HE loves you. May the peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus wrap around you like a cloak. And may the comfort and encouragement of the Holy Spirit ever be in your mind and heart.

GOD be with you all my brothers and sisters in Christ.