It's All About the Cross

On a walk I enjoyed the gentle breeze, a time to pray, and the exercise.  Besides all the joys of the walk; it was my only means of transportation.  So, off I went to walk to complete a few errands at the store.  It’s sometimes the simplest things that can bring the greatest revelation to your life.  As all of the cars drove by with their agenda; I was able to enjoy the moment.  A moment of quietness of soul in the midst of a busy world; a world we can get so lost in.  It’s not hard to get lost in the cares of life.  Life is filled with tremendous responsibilities, relationships, and revelations of how short life is.  Nevertheless, it’s all about the journey to our destination; our eternal home.  As I continued my walk upon the busy street, I was so grateful for the “sign” of knowing I was close to my destination.  Only as I fixed my eyes upon this sign could I continue to walk to a place of rest.

 What was the “sign” my eyes were fixed upon?  It was an enormous cross standing in the ground; its truth reflected for all to see.  Regardless of what direction a car turns or a person walked on this intersection, it wasn’t hard to see this cross.  Upon my churches property is this beautiful white cross reflecting a simple truth; sadly some people are so busy to reflect upon it or stop to ask about it.  Yet, the message of Christ is displayed to the world through the cross but who is leading them? 

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”  Romans 10:14

 It’s all about the cross!  We can’t find direction for our lives or eternal life without the cross.  Upon salvation we begin a wonderful relationship with Jesus Christ, a relationship that’s growing in the grace and knowledge of Him.  Faith is simply taking God at His Word!  Yet, faith is what starts the journey of life with Christ.  Although this world is filled with chaos; my life doesn’t have to be.  Peace can only be found in Christ!  A peace that passes all understanding and it can’t be taken from me.  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

 Our lives will not escape hardships, trials, or troubles.  It doesn’t mean I don’t trip upon the rocks or avoid dangerous obstacles but I can walk safely.  “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4  It’s only through keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus can we finish this journey of our faith and life.  We started our faith in Christ, so shall we finish with Christ but only if we stay focused upon his voice.  We are to walk the straight and narrow path; a path many will not choose.  So, we must be careful not to get caught up in the cares of the world or it will choke the word.  (Mark 4:19) If we desire to walk with Christ, we have to bear fruit; fruit that will last. (John 15:16)

Life is a precious gift; a gift from God.  Yet, what I do with it will be a gift I bring back to Him. “At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light and the burdens of my heart rolled away”  It was there by faith I received my sight and now I am happy all the day”  (At the Cross by Issac Watts)  As this beautiful old hymn anchors the power truth of our redemption, I am so grateful the cross keeps me on the right path. 

 I have a question for you?  Are you on the right path for eternal life?  If not, it’s time to start this journey at the cross.  Even if you lost your way home, the cross will point you in the right direction.  Don’t miss this opportunity to come to Him, tomorrow isn’t promised only today is the day of salvation.    Regardless of what you have done, peace can be found.  Your past doesn’t have to trip you or hinder the life He wants to give.  Jesus Christ will not only change your life, He will walk with you always.   Keep in mind, our relationship with Christ is a journey of growth so abide in Him.  It’s only through abiding in Him can we bear fruit.  We grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, so realize it’s a relationship of love being developed.  Christ doesn’t want perfect lives; He wants us to be loving, walking in truth, and changing from glory to glory.         

       

The Nose Hook of Sin

Sin is sin; it cost our Savior to die whether it was a white lie or murder.  What’s the greatest sin?  Does God have a scale to measure what is the greatest or least committed sin by mankind?  As I was reading Genesis recently; I was very surprised at a verse found in Genesis 6:6, “The Lord was grieved that he made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.”  Have you ever thought of God’s heart filled with pain? It was hurt due to several issues: sons of God were marrying ungodly women, inclinations of the thoughts of heart were ONLY evil, and full of violence; and corrupted there ways. (Genesis 6:1-12)

What people do not understand is our thoughts are just as important as our actions.  Sin is birthed in the mind through our OWN evil desires.  James 1:14-15 records, “But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”  Sin destroys not only our relationship with God but with mankind; this is the truth of the commandments.  Yet, sadly it seems we desire to compare our sinful scars or validate ourselves since we haven’t committed someone else’s sinful act.      

    It’s only through the Word of God is sin defined.  “We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers-and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.” (I Timothy 1:8-10)  Doesn't it sound like a rough crowd of people?

     Besides sin being defined by God; the Father sent the cure-His Son to die for ALL mankind.  Sin has been committed by all; no one is righteous. (Romans 3:23)  Yet, the penalty of sin has been paid for through the death of Christ.  It’s only through the death of Christ we can be made righteous before God. (Romans 5:19) If you are human, we all have been tempted by sin even our precious Savior was tempted. (Hebrews 4:15) Only Christ is the only one who was tempted in all ways but DIDN’T SIN.  He is our advocate, mediator and high priest who can sympathize with our weakness.  So, we don’t have to be afraid to approach him regardless of the dark deeds we have done, he just wants us to come.

     Although the Apostle Paul describes himself as “the chief of sinners”, scripture is full of some interesting characters who have committed some horrifying actions such as King Manasseh.  King Manasseh did evil in the eyes of the Lord by following the evil practices of the nation. (2 Kings 21:2) What was so evil? Scripture records Manasseh committed the following: rebuilt the high places, erected altars to Baal, made an Asherah pole, he bowed down to all the starry hosts and worshipped them, built altars to the starry hosts in the Lord’s temple, sacrificed his OWN son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. (2 Kings 21:3-6)  Sadly, the list continues through the chapter by leading the children of Israel astray and his sins were GREATER than the Amorites.  God called out to Manasseh but he ignored His voice.  What was going to turn Manasseh’s heart?  Manasseh was pulled by a hook in his nose and shackles into the dungeon of his enemy. (2 Chronicles 33:11) Sin will capture your life with shackles pulling your soul into the chambers of Hell.  As the shackles weighed upon his life; it was leading him to his prison cell.  Was Manasseh getting righteous judgment by God?  Of course, the penalty of sin was to be paid.  God’s holiness will produce righteous judgment but the judgment issued comes from our choices. 

     What if King Manasseh entered our church doors?  How do you think we would respond?  Would we offer grace to this man; a man who murdered his child, committed idolater, and caused the downfall of a nation?  How great is Manasseh’s sin?  It is pretty great; there is no argument here.  Yet, there is something greater!  God’s amazing grace!  God’s grace covered all of Manasseh’s sin, restored his life, and his kingdom.  What captured the heart of God?  It was a heart with humility. (2 Chronicles 33:13)  He sought the favor of the Lord in his distress, truly repented by removing the evil he made, and followed God’s Word.  

The only way to get free from the nose hook of sin is humbly calling upon God.  If we truly are broken over our actions, turn away from our sinful life, and choose to follow Him; it's how repentance is defined.  We can't hide our sinful deeds from God but we can be set free from sin, the dreadful shame removed, and our life restored.  We don't have to walk in bondage to the chambers of destruction with the enemy having a hook to our nose.  Have you committed the same sins as King Manasseh?  Maybe so or maybe not but it doesn't matter what you did.  Christ came to redeem the vilest of all sinners who will call upon His name.  It's time to remove the chains of sin!  Christ died to set you free, so come to Him!