Inspired by... a prayer
"...so that I may always live near the cross."
This prayer from The Valley of Vision, a collection of Puritan prayers and meditations, inspired me to question:
At the foot of the cross... am I a bystander, a friend, a lover or a worshipper?
let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23 ESV)
Not that my true position in Christ ever changes, but who am I at the foot of the cross today?
A bystander? I've never denied Christ verbally as Peter did. But how often have I denied Him by my actions? How often have I stood as a bystander with indifference, rather than compassion? with apathy, rather than passion?
God forgive me!
A friend? Yes, Jesus is my friend. He knows my pain, my joy, my sorrow, my failures, my dreams. He will guide and comfort me through it all, if I turn to Him. Jesus offers us hope. But friendship is a two-way street. How have I been a friend to Jesus?
A lover? Jesus, the Lover of my soul. Who loves me, me, sinful, wretched, unworthy, me. Who loves me more than He?
None.
How do I show my love in return?
A worshipper? What better place to worship, exalt, lift on high the name of Jesus than at His blood stained feet. The import of what He hath done for me threatens to remove the breath from my body, and cast me prostrate, sobbing in broken thankfulness. How often do I allow myself to truly ponder the brokenness of Christ?
Not often enough.
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)
Who am I at the foot of the cross today?
Blessings,
Photo inspiration:
Church: textured with Kim's "Water Stained Frame"
Rose: SOOC
Church interior: textured with Bonnie's Hope
Sharing inspiration here:
Hi June, this is thought provoking! I may pray every day, wake up early to be with Him and study His word, but I still can be a bystander if i don't let His Word CHANGE me! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteWow beautiful words very inspiring thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMary,MI
When I think about the foot of the cross, I think about forgiveness and a place of surrender. I never thought about all the other responses at the foot of the cross. What a thoughtful post. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMichelle
Great shots, beautiful photos..Thank's for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteVisiting for FPM- hope you can stop by:)
http://www.harpsterschronicle.com/2012/04/kindergarten-here-i-come.html
So good to be reminded of Who He is, and of His unfailing love that will draw us back to the foot of the Cross! Well shared! My first time here from Katie's site ... thank you for the encouragement! Have a blessed week!
ReplyDeleteVery inspirational! Beautiful photos. :)
ReplyDelete