Matthew 26:40 “And HE came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And HE said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with ME one hour?”
GOD’s “Carry your cross!” Calling!
Often kneeling at Calvary, we pick up our crosses.
Each morning such action should surely be seen.
Without fail nor delay so it waits for our movements.
Yet! How many times do our steps simply leave?
Empty handed then walk we “bypassing” that weight…
…for the cares of this life which are burdensome snares.
So oh soul, turn again! Go now back and embrace it;
Your cross which HE puts on your shoulders …to bear!
As HIServant again lowering my shoulders this morning to highly lift up HIS NAME as I serve,
Whitney
Devotional: Hosea 6:6 “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of GOD rather than burnt offerings.“
I was watching/listening to two missionaries tell of the cries for JESUS in Pakistan.
People walking long distances to hear about JESUS.
GOD has blessed me with a number of Pakistani and Indian pastor contacts and friends and the need is so dire, even severe!
People don’t hunger and thirst after righteousness here but overseas, people wait all day in the heat for the speaker to arrive.
One missionary pointed out that people here can’t sit still for an hour service let alone a 45 minute one.
It’s so very heart breaking that we care more to be done by a certain time versus did I learn and draw closer to GOD!
Equally that the time bears no fruit because we reject obedience while embracing easy routine.
So make no mistake’ Ministry is tough.
Being a pastor is tough.
Yet people here in the US will easily change pastors and churches ad hoc/at random just based on feelings.
I’ve personally experienced a lot of pushback when trying to provide solid meat to people who will fight just to drink milk.
When humbly stepping on someone’s spiritual toes meets with instant backlash because GOD’s calling forward doesn’t match with their desires.
But stretching ourselves in the faith is exactly what we’re talking about here.
That’s HIS calling for each and every one of us claiming to be CHRISTian! Because!
Your cross is uniquely and sovereignly designed just for your shoulders. AND!
HIS call is ever present / always consistent!
So won’t you get up earlier to pray? Won’t you seek to learn more through intent study?
Won’t you be involved with visible sacrifice for the LORD and others?
Won’t you gladly show others HIS mercy and grace all the more?
Always speaking most of all to myself then,
“Pick up your cross without delay and let us daily go the extra mile …or five!
Amen and amen.
2CJC 