The Old Rugged Cross

OK.  I am busted.  It is not even December yet, and I could not help myself.  I admit it.  I put up Christmas lights at the church before Thanksgiving.  Perhaps it is because I love this season with all of the sights, smells, food, family and friends (not necessarily in that order).  Or maybe it is because I just like the small LED lights that use a minimal amount of coal.

The sign at our church is made out of old railroad timbers and is in the shape of a cross.  As I was fixing the lights to the sign this morning, the ladder I was standing on started to wiggle.  Grabbing the horizontal beam12 feet off of the ground I was struck with this thought…”I am clinging to the Old Rugged Cross!”  Of course it reminded me of the hymn, but I was REALLY thankful for something to hold on to.

When we consider all of that which we are thankful for during this Thanksgiving week, I am thankful for many things such as my wife, my family, the Body of Christ at CCFV and for the wonderful country we live in.  That being said, I am the most thankful for God.  For it was God that loved me enough to send His only Son Jesus to this earth to live, breath, serve, and die on THE old rugged cross.  The resurrection three days later proves that death lost its power and that everything Jesus had to say was valid.

Why am I thankful?  Jesus is my Savior and I am forgiven!  He gave me the Holy Spirit to comfort and help me live for Him.  He will never leave me or forsake me, and one day I will be with Him in Heaven forever.

Yes, I am thankful for the Old Rugged Cross, but even more so, I am thankful for the King of Kings, the Lord of Glory, Jesus Christ the Righteous, the Lamb of God who was slain for me.

Happy Thanksgiving!

PD

Good Reminder

I was looking at my sister's blog, dejanandjulie.blogspot.com and was very blessed to read the phrase, "understanding will not bring you peace."  How true that is!  How often do I look for peace through strife or even noble sounding methods such as perseverance, diligence or spiritual activity.

We must look unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith (Heb. 12:2) understanding that real peace comes when our issues and concerns are raised unto Jesus in prayer.  It is then that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard (our) hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6-7).

So the peace we receive from Jesus is beyond our understanding and has nothing to do with our ability and everything to do with His.  His peace will guard our heart and mind if we simply cast our cares upon Him (1 Pet. 5:7).  Do you have that peace today?

PD