EAVESDROPPING
Today's reading:  Joshua 1-5

I'm eavesdropping this morning. 

I'm listening in on a conversation between God and Joshua, and I will admit--I needed to hear what was said.

"I promise you what I promised Moses..."  Joshua 1:3 NLT

"...I will not fail you or abandon you."  Joshua 1:5 NLT

I'm beginning to think that no matter how old you are, no matter the size of the task at hand and no matter how 'good' you are, one still needs cheerleaders.  Backers.  Supporters.  Reminders that they can do it--whatever it may be!

I needed that this morning.

I needed to know that the God who served Moses and Joshua well, is serving me.

I had a longing in my heart to hear God say, 'I'm with you, girl'.

I needed to know someone else thinks I can do it, this Christian walk.

I realize eavesdropping is a social wrong, but I'm thinking my Lord might excuse it this time! 

PROPER ORDER
Today's reading:  Genesis 1-3

"In the beginning God..."  Genesis 1:1 NLT

Order.

When God is first, everything else falls into place.

Frances Crosby knew that when she penned the third verse of a most popular hymn, 'Blessed Assurance', in 1873.

Perfect submission, all is at rest.
I in my Savior am happy and blest.
Watching and waiting, looking above.
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Hymnal writing Crosby knew that we couldn't wait until all was in order to submit our hearts and lives to God--the submission had to come first.  Him first, then happiness and blessings.  God first, then anticipation of Him working the rest out.

Ms. Crosby didn't wait until God healed her blindness before serving Him.  She submitted her life to His use, wrote what He inspired in her heart and trusted Him to bless how He saw fit.  Her healing didn't come until she stood before Him face-to-face--and still she considered herself to be happy, blessed and created to praise God.

As the year ends, I am pondering the proper order of things in my heart.

Who, or what, am I putting before God?  What order am I putting spiritual things into?  Is it proper?  Is it God first?

REALLY LIVING
Today's reading:  Romans 1-2

"...It is through faith that a righteous person has life."  Romans 1:17 NLT

As Paul quotes what Habakkuk 2:4 says, he's giving us a glimpse into what real living is.  Not just breathing.  Not just having a pulse.  Not just existing.

Real living is believing God for everything.

Real living is trusting Him when nothing makes sense.

Real living is stepping out of the boat when He asks you to--and allowing Him to worry about the waves and winds.

Real living is determining to spread the Good News about Him.

Real living is committing to private and corporate worship.

Real living is not just talking the talk, but walking the walk--up the hills, through the valleys, when it's easy and most certainly when it's hard.

So, I ask you...do you really have life? 

RE-SCHEDULED
Today's reading:  Acts 27-28

"...We left on a boat whose home port was Adramyttium; it was scheduled to make several stops at ports along the coast of the province of Asia."  Acts 27:2 NLT

Allow my mind to wander, if you will...

A boat filled with sailors.  Sons of praying mothers.  Husbands of believing women.  Fathers of children needing to be raised to know and love Jesus.

And it happens Paul was appointed to be on their boat.

And it happens that the detours, storms, shipwrecks, lay-overs in un-scheduled ports, allowed these men to see Paul--and experience Paul's faith.

These men came back from this journey with different stories to tell than the ones they had planned.

Were their hearts changed?  Did their families change after this trip to sea?

And me...

Who will God place in my path today?  What detours or changes of plans will be more God-ordained than Malinda-approved?

Whose lives might I touch today for God?

STANDING BEFORE GOD
Today's reading:  Revelation 18-22

"And I saw a great white throne, and I saw the one who was sitting on it.  The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide.  I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God's throne..."  Revelation 20:11-12 NLT

What a thought to begin the day with.  That one day, each and every one of us, regardless of family history, rank, social status or age, will stand before the Lord.

Does it change what you will say, do or think today?

Are you ready?

LOVED BY GOD
Today's reading:  Song of Solomon 7-8

"I am my lover's, the one he desires."  Song of Solomon 7:10 NLT

Desired by God.

Despite my warts.  Regardless of my faults.  In spite of my lack of ability to return the love to Him in such magnanimous ways.

He knows me intimately.  He knows me inside and out.  He knows how I'm wired, where the cracks in my character are, who I am when no one else is around. 

And still loves me.

Still desires a relationship with me.

To be desired by the Creator of the universe--what an amazing thought!

WHAT WAS GOD THINKING?
Today's reading:  Luke 2

Just what was God thinking when a harried innkeeper turned his back on a young couple needing a room for the night?  As he shuffled them out to the barn?  As he failed to notice the importance of the evening, the Baby to be born and the new way that had come to Bethlehem?

What was God thinking when a young, exhausted mother tried to nurse the Christ Child for the first time while a carpenter-dad looked on, worried that his large, calloused hands might break the Baby if he were to hold it?

What did God think when the Babe's first visitors were not dignities of high office, kings or heads of state, but a motley crew of haggard shepherds?  What did He think as the grizzled faces bent low to see the One?  As the weathered hands reached out to touch Him? 

What did God think as the three learned men approached with their caravans and presented the Newborn with gifts of myrrh, frankincense and gold?  Gold.  Gold?  The asphalt of heaven for the new King.

What did God think as the host of angels announced the birth?  Did He think it was over the top?  Did He think it was not enough?

What does God think as we attempt to re-write the importance of the day with gifts, decorated trees, day-long television marathons about little boys wanting BB guns and shopping?

What was God thinking?

Thankfully, He was thinking about me!  About how very much I'd need a Savior.  About how very much I'd be intrigued each year as the Nativity pieces are put into place.  About how I stand in awe of His choice in writing that certain piece of history--the details, the twists, the turns, the characters sent straight from Heaven.

Merry Christmas--and thank you God for thinking of me! 

PREPARATION
Today's reading:  Esther 6-10

I read today about the preparations Esther made to see the king.

How she prepared herself.  How she planned what to say.  How she prayed--and asked those around her to pray.

All in preparation to see an earthly king.

It takes me back a few thousand years to preparations made for another king.

A small one.

A tiny, Baby from the wrong side of town--but straight from the portals of heaven.

A Baby no one had made room for.

A Baby no one expected, at least not when they thought of a King.

No fanfare. 

That Baby has come.  That Baby has lived.  That Baby has performed miracles.  That Baby has offered His life on the cross.  That Baby has defied death and has risen again!  That Baby has provided us an eternal home and an eternity with Him.

How are you preparing to come into His presence today?

FACE TO FACE
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 32-34

"There has never been another prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face."  Deuteronomy 34:10 NLT

Imagine being known as the best, well, the best what ever it is you are.

Daughter.  Wife.  Mom.  Church member.  Lumberyard employee.  Friend.  Neighbor.  Alto in the choir.  Sunday School teacher. 

It, as in the case of Moses, can only happen with a close personal relationship with Christ.

Does He know you face to face?

Does He recognize your voice, from repeated conversations--not screaming yells for help in emergency situations?

Does He know you from time spent together?

Does His wisdom infect and influence you?

STAND UP
Today's reading:  Jude

"Dearly loved friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share.  But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the truth of the Good News.  God gave us this unchanging truth once for all time to his holy people.  I say this because some godless people have wormed their way in among you, saying that God's forgiveness allows us to live immoral lives..."  Jude 3-5 NLT

It's true.

Many of us have watched this week as the worm-holes were exposed in the national media when a Christian man quoted the Scripture and called sin, sin.

He was ridiculed.  Suspended from his job.  Called a 'kook'.  Referred to as a hate-monger.

Sins have become bedazzled and bedecked with finery and political backing in an attempt to make it less than what it is.

God is not swayed by it.

Neither should His children be!

  

DON'T RUSH IT
Today's reading:  Acts 25-26

"Agrippa interrupted him, Do you think you can make me a Christian so quickly?"  Acts 26:28 NLT

Maybe I am more like Paul than I'd ever hoped.

I'd like to convince someone of the fact of God and their need for Him in one conversation.

I'd like to pray the salvation prayer with any stranger I meet.

I'd like to stop the goings-on of the day at the drop of a hat to explain Christianity to someone, them fall madly in love with the concept of it--and have a verse of Amazing Grace and a good ole Baptist handshake, all within a span of, oh say, thirty minutes.

But I need to remember, as Paul was reminded, the real work is the work of the Holy Spirit on one's heart.

Oh, don't think I need to stop talking about it--I don't.  I just need to remember that it's not me doing it, but the Lord!

READY AND WAITING--BUT NOT SITTIN' AROUND
Today's reading:  Revelation 12-17

"Take note, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief.  Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their robes ready, so they will not need to walk naked and ashamed."  Revelation 16:15 NLT

If Christ were to return today.  Or if you were to draw your last breath.  Would you be ready to stand before the Lord?

Are your robes sparkling white, forgiveness-bleached, on you and ready for ascending into His presence?

Or are their a few stains needing your attention?  A few grudges muddying your robe?  A habit that's keeping your whites, well, a little less than snowy?

As His children, we must be ready and waiting for His return--ready, as in packed and anticipating.  Looking for Him to split open the eastern sky--but not sitting around twiddling our thumbs.  Expecting Him to draw us unto Him--and wearing our very best robes of white!   

 LET ME TELL YOU
Today's reading:  Song of Solomon 5-6

"Young women of Jerusalem:  Oh woman of rare beauty, what is it about your beloved one..?"  Song of Solomon 5:9 NLT

The beautiful bride of Songs is talking to her girlfriends about the one she loves.  The girls, and I can just see them sitting around at her feet as she applies her make-up, want to know just what it is that makes him the 'one'.

She begins listing his physical traits.  His skin, hair, eyes, cheeks.  His lips, breath, arms, legs.  She tells them everything she adores about him.  He was quite a guy--and this woman had no qualms about telling everyone about him.  She was that much in love!

Do we do the same for the One we love?

Are others captivated by the love you have for God--and the love He has for you?

Could they sit for hours as you regale them with instances of His love being proved to you?  Are they fascinated with the relationship shared between you and Him?  Are they intrigued by how you talk about Him, all you love about Him and how far you would follow Him?

Do they hear it in your voice?  Do they see it in your actions?  Do your eyes light up when you talk about Him?

Or do they even know about the One you love?   

AN ANONYMOUS TIP
Today's reading:  Psalm 146-148

"Praise the Lord!  Praise the Lord, I tell myself."  Psalm 146:1 NLT

The author of the 146th psalm is anonymous.  No name is given credit for writing it.  No one receives the honor of penning the words for the Lord.

But I know quite a bit about this fella.

First off, he knows the Lord deserves praise.  He and I are a lot alike in that area.

Secondly, he repeats himself.  Once again, it may be a distant relation of mine.

Thirdly, and this is where the similarities get personal, he has to remind himself--aloud.

I know the Lord should be praised.  I know things happening here on earth are only temporary and He is not.  I am well aware of the voices in my head attempting to distract my attention from worshipping my Savior.  I have become accustomed to the fact that I sometimes have to jerk myself back into reality by talking to myself.

I appreciate this anonymous tip-giver.  He's telling on himself--and he's reminding us of what we must do to give honor and glory and praise to the Lord.

SEEKING HIS FAVOR
Today's reading:  Esther 1-5

"When it was Esther's turn to go to the king, she accepted the advice of Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem.  She asked for nothing except what he suggested and she was admired by everyone who saw her."  Esther 2:15 NLT

Oh, that I would be like Esther and seek to impress the King--and no one else.

To speak what He would approve of.

To do what He deems right.

To react in a manner suitable of the King's court.

To carry myself as one who knows Him personally.

To participate in things that enrich His kingdom.

Not to impress the world.  Not to dress as one of the world, to speak as one of the world, not to act in ways that do not set me apart from the world.

To impress my King.

Daily.  Choice by choice.   

STAY TUNED
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 29-31

"Moses summoned all the Israelites and said to them, You have seen with your own eyes everything the Lord did in Egypt to Pharoah and all his servants and his whole country--all the great tests of strength, the miraculous signs and the amazing wonders.  But to this day the Lord has not given you minds that understand nor eyes that see, nor ears that hear!"  Deuteronomy 29:2-4 NLT

The Israelites had seen some pretty amazing things on their 40 year trek.  They had on more than one occasion stood with their jaws in the sand as they watched the Lord deliver them.  They experienced manna from heaven and quail dinners that practically fell into their laps.  They drank water, gushing sweet water, in a dry and weary land.

And yet they murmured.  They complained.  They scratched their heads.  They questioned each and every step and instruction.

Like us.

We've seen God do some powerfully attention-grabbing things.  We've experienced blessing after blessing signed with His signature.  We've seen sunrises painted by His hands and have watched as He placed things in our paths that ONLY He could have placed there.

And still we doubt.

We don't understand.  We are afraid.  We are fearful of continuing on without knowing just what it is He has planned.

We don't see the big picture.

We don't hear His voice whispering to us, 'Go on, I've got something wonderful planned for you!'

Pray that God gives you a mind that understands, eyes that see His fingerprints in your every day and ears that hear His instruction.

'TIS THE SEASON
Today's reading:  3 John

"...Remember that those who do good prove that they are God's children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God."  3 John 11 NLT

'Tis the season for small children to be warned of the consequences of being on Santa's naughty list.  Elves are being placed on shelves as visual reminders.  Parents are humming 'You Better Watch Out' with every move their kids make.  No one wants to be on the 'naughty list'.

But what about us Christians?

This season--and throughout the year, really, we need to be watching what we're doing.

We need to be making sure that each action and each remark bear a striking resemblance to our Savior.

God is watching.  God is listening. 

God knows if we're behaving as one of His, or not!

READY, SET, GO
Today's reading:  Acts 23-24

"That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, Be encouraged, Paul.  Just as you have told the people about me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News to Rome."  Acts 23:11 NLT

Just when Paul was getting discouraged.

Just when he was doubting all he believed he was called to do.

Just when his world seemed to be turning upside down--and getting shaken loose from its foundations.

Just when the plan Paul thought he had worked out experienced a major wrinkle.

He received a transfer.  A promotion.  A new mission field.  A whole new city full of opportunities--and hearts who had not heard about Jesus.

It happens to us, too.

When we think it's all worked out.  When we think we're doing all we could possibly do.  When we settle into where we think He's calling us to be...

The plot changes.  The scenery changes.  The role we're asked to play changes.  The audience changes.

But, dear friend...and I believe Paul would tell us the same thing...God remains the same!

He remains worthy.  He continues to deserve our praise. 

Where ever we are! 

YOU'RE NOT ALONE
Today's reading:  Revelation 7-11

"After this I saw a great crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in from of the throne and before the Lamb.  They were clothed in white and held palm branches in their hands.  And they were shouting with a mighty shout, Salvation comes from our God on the throne and from the Lamb!"  Revelation 7:9-10 NLT

God allowed John this special revelation or vision.  He wanted him to see what couldn't be seen with real eyes, to feel what couldn't be felt with an earthly body, to hear what human ears couldn't (wouldn't) hear, to know what was occurring while life went on as usual on earth.

He allows us the same privilege today.

He lets us step into His presence.

He gifts us with special feelings, knowings, memories.

He wants us to know we are not alone.

We are surrounded with a great army of Christian brothers and sisters.  He has placed cheerleaders everywhere we look--if we only look for them.

They might not be at your family's holiday table.  Your home may be a  hostile mission field for now.  But what about your church family?  The ones who have told you they'd do whatever you need them to do to help with your new walk with Christ.

They might not be in the doctor's office when you receive word of a disease or illness.  But what about a believing nurse who gently places a hand on your shoulder?  The pharmacist who you know is a godly person?

The 'other' believing parent at your child's school?

The only neighbor on your block who goes to church?

The grocery checker who always has a smile and a Jesus button on their lapel? 

We are not alone.  Allow God the opportunity to show you today!      

REFRESHMENT
Today's reading:  Song of Solomon

"You are a garden fountain, a well of living water, as refreshing as the streams from the Lebanon mountains."  Song of Solomon 4:15 NLT

Lord,

Could the same be said of me?

Do I refresh and uplift my Christian brothers and sisters?

Do I encourage and push them to godliness?

Am I a bright light in a dark, dreary world?

Do I make a difference, a marked improvement, where ever I go?

Do my words advertise Your presence in my life?

Am I lifting up the fallen, providing healing ointment to the broken and reaching out each and every time You lead me to give a helping hand?

Please, please use me to refresh and give life.  Please, God, please.

MEDITATE ON THIS
Today's reading:  Psalm 143-145

"I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles."  Psalm 145:5 NLT

Meditation is a concentrated effort to focus on, to ponder or to mentally exercise your mind and thoughts.  It's contemplation and reflection.  It's a concerted effort to engage your thinking.

I know for a fact that for a lot of us, our minds are not focused on Christ and His splendor.

We're worried about paying bills.

We're concerned, to a level of stomach ulcers, about getting this or that done.

We're disgusted with how things have turned out.

We're fearful about what we don't understand or cannot see.

Maybe it's time we took the reins of our minds and steered them in the direction of His splendor.

We determine what we think about and where our thoughts go.

Think of God.  Ponder His majesty.  Reflect on His glory.  Focus on the miracles He has done and the promises He has fulfilled.

Determine to think about God!  

STICKING TOGETHER
Today's reading:  Nehemiah 10-13

"...So we promise together not to neglect the Temple of our God."  Nehemiah 10:39 NLT

The people of Nehemiah's time were being revived.  They were, at this time, making some big changes--in their hearts, in their homes, in their community.  They were determining individually to follow Yahweh, and that individual choice infected their entire congregation.

They made vows about how they would marry off their sons and daughters.  No marriages would be allowed to people of the pagan nations surrounding them.

They made vows that they would continue on and contribute to the Temple taxes and annual festivals held in the Lord's name.

They voted on and decided to uphold certain dates of the year for their priests to come before God and offer sacrifices on their own behalf.

Then?

Then they agreed as a community to support their Temple.  They vowed to give their time, their tithes, their attendance and their prayers to keeping God's house alive and active in their community.  They promised to be a vital part of the goings on of the church.  They gave their word that they would support the Lord's house spiritually and physically.  They all agreed that though they may never agree 100 percent on any given topic, the Lord God of Israel is who they all agreed upon--therefore, they would continue in His name!

Have you done the same? 

TAKE A LOOK
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 26-28

"But if you refuse to listen to the Lord your God and do not obey all the commands and laws I am giving you today, all these curses will come and overwhelm you:" Deuteronomy 28:15 NLT

What's overwhelming you today?

Is it the love of God, the mercy of our Savior and the joy that goes beyond description or reason?

Or is it things falling apart?  Juggling too many plates?  Problems?  Fears?  Worries?

Take a look at what your priorities are today. 

Is God still in a place of prominence in your day?  Does worship, private and corporate, gain a time slot in your agenda?  Are His laws and commands carried out to the best of your abilities?

Are you listening to Him?

Are you overwhelmed--and for what reason might it be?    

A MOMMA'S HEART
Today's reading:  John 2

"How happy I was to meet some of your children and find them living in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father."  2 John 4

Isn't that a mother's prayer?

To have someone give you a report on their child, stating they saw them living for Jesus.

To have someone catch your child doing a godly deed, making a godly choice, speaking about God.

To see your kids in church, even when you cannot take them.

To have your grown children living for God, even after their godly parents have passed on.

Isn't that the prayer of every parent's heart?

Isn't that the prayer of our Father?

MY DEFENSE
Today's reading:  Acts 21-22

"Brothers and esteemed leaders, Paul said, listen to me as I offer my defense."  Acts 22:1 NLT

Paul had reasons for all he'd been doing.

He had justifications for his actions, words and beliefs.

He carried within him a purpose, a mission, a calling.

Paul could back up his choices with one sound reason.

Christ.

Is Christ your defense? 

AM AND IS
Today's reading:  Revelation 1-6

"I am the Alpha and the Omega--the beginning and the end, says the Lord God.  I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come, the Almighty One."  Revelation 1:8 NLT

Nothing is happening that He is not in.

Nothing has happened that He has not been a part of.

Nothing will come our way that has not been filtered through Him.

'Am' and 'is', concrete and foundational statements in our language.   Solid.  Factual. 

What do you need to apply them to today?

What problem is looming that you need to remind yourself of His presence?

What past mistake keeps popping up in your mind that He has wiped clean from His memory?

What issue do you see coming up on the horizon that He is already well aware of?

A LOVE STORY
Today's reading:  Song of Solomon 1-2

Let me tell you a love story.

It begins with a peasant girl.

And a wealthy, loving King.

He fell in love with her even before meeting her.  She was a little less than enthralled with Him at first.

He wooed her.  She ran.

He performed all sorts of wonderful acts of kindness and love.  He bestowed on her many lavish, undeserved gifts.  She looked on a lot of them with disdain and thought they were products of her own doing.

He loved her without wavering.  She honored Him sporadically with her thoughts, actions and worship.

He provided her with a beautiful robe of purest white.  She chose, more often than not, to wear her old, dirty, stained sweatshirt from high school and a pair of ratty gray, once black, yoga pants.

He offered to make her a princess, give her a palace and bestow upon her everlasting life.  She preferred what the world offered on most occasions.

He sought after her with a heart filled with love.  She finally noticed Him--and fell madly in love.

How do I know this story?  It's mine. 



A real rags to riches story.

GILEAD'S BALM
Today's reading:  Psalm 140-142

"Let the godly strike me!  It will be a kindness!  If they reprove me, it is soothing medicine.  Don't let me refuse it."  Psalm 141:5 NLT

Now I'll admit I do not want to be sucker-punched or to be given a bloody nose by one of my fellow brothers or sisters in Christ.  No punches to the stomach.  No kicks to the shins.

I'll take constructive criticism, though.

I'll listen to advice as to what I'm doing wrong, what I've mis-spoken, how I might be understanding God's Word incorrectly.

If they love me, they'll reprove me.  If they are godly they will have prayed about what to say to me before the first word ever comes out of their mouth.  If they have the interests of the Kingdom in their hearts, they'll speak in love and truth.

If I love Christ, I'll listen.  I'll want to listen.

WILL HE BE GLORIFIED?
Today's reading:  Nehemiah 5-9

"When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated.  They realized that this work had been done with the help of our God."  Nehemiah 6:16 NLT

What will God enable you to do today that will bring Him glory?

It probably won't be building a wall like Nehemiah and his crew were doing--but could it be tearing one down?

It might be He gives you the wisdom and strength to keep your mouth shut in a situation where no more fuel needs added to the fire--or might it be standing up and saying something?

Will it be doing something you had never done before--or not doing something that had you chained in slavery, in a vicious cycle, a habit that had you on a hamster wheel going in circles?

What will the world see you do today that points directly to your personal relationship with Him?  How will they be amazed? 

How will God help you today?

In what circumstances will you ask Him for help?

When will you determine you cannot do it on your own?

DON'T WAIT
Today's reading:  Deuteronomy 23-24

"When you make a vow to the Lord your God, be prompt in doing whatever you promised him.  For the Lord your God demands that you promptly fulfill all your vows.  If you don't, you will be guilty of sin."  Deuteronomy 23:21 NLT

I'll guess we've all done it.  We've all prayed, shouted or implied to God that if He would only _____, then we will _____.

You have to fill in the blanks.

You know the circumstances under which you made a vow.  You know the depths of your convictions and needs at the time--have you fulfilled your end of the bargain.  You, and only you, know the sincerity of your prayers.

I will guarantee He has done His part.  Regardless of whether His answers looked like the ones you prayed for, He's done what He needed to do.  A life was touched in a way that could only point to Him.  A situation turned into something that pointed directly to your Savior and His touch.  Strength was given to meet the need.  Comfort walked you through a very dark valley.

And He deserves the praise.  The glory.  The honor.  The respect of you doing your part of the vow.

Don't put it off.  Procrastination is a sin, this verse says.

CAN'T WE?
Today's reading:  1 John 4-5

"Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other."  1 John 4:11 NLT

I understand there are some highly unlovable people out there.

I will not deny that some people find your last nerve--and jump up and down in it until we cry 'uncle'.

I cannot tell you everyone I come in contact with make my day brighter.

But don't you think, don't you really think, that with all God's done for us, all He's forgive us for, all He's storing up for us in heaven...we can love others?

Maybe it's an inconvenience.  But then again, wasn't the Cross?

Maybe it's hard.  How about the nails He had to endure?

Maybe you don't really want to.  Maybe Jesus didn't either, He could have called His Father's name at any moment and ended His suffering--and our hope.

Look at those trying people through Christ's eyes.

Love them with a heart overflowing with gratitude for what He's done for you!