This is something I posted on my blog and I thought I would share it here. After watching that video Greg, shared of the christians suffering in China, the Lord spoke this to me:Why We Should Embrace the Cross (These are just some things the Lord has been speaking to my heart and working into my life day by day.) Without the cross thier is no salvation. Without the cross I cannot know Him. Without the cross I cannot enter into the fellowship of His sufferings. Without the cross I cannot be conformed unto His image. Without the cross I cannot be resurrected with Him.Phl 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
In the film *The Passion of Christ*, there isa scene where Jesus is taunted by those who askHim why He embraced the cross. I've been think-ing a lot about what it means to embrace thecross. Jesus knew in His heart that bearing thecross was God's purpose and will for Him. Hisheart was ready, His life yielded to the Father's purpose. "who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame; and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12 vs 2
_________________Martin G. Smith
sojourner7 wrote:I've been think-ing a lot about what it means to embrace thecross. Jesus knew in His heart that bearing thecross was God's purpose and will for Him. Hisheart was ready, His life yielded to the Father's purpose. "who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame; and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12 vs 2
I was thinking of embracing God's purpose andwill for us; and yes, embracing God's willbrings healing, deliverance, and redemption!!
sojourner7 wrote:I was thinking of embracing God's purpose andwill for us; and yes, embracing God's willbrings healing, deliverance, and redemption!!
We don't have alot of physical threats and suffering in this country but it's so hard for us here to do the simplest things like giving up our will for instance. We don't realize how strong willed we are until God asks us to give it up.