Looking Unto the Cross..... A devotional for day 9 of LENT March 17

When some look at the cross, they see a cross - a symbol of defeat both in Jesus' time and in ours. When others look at the cross, they see Jesus - a symbol of God's deep love for us. In Roman times, the cross was used as a reminder of the Roman authority over its subjects. In recent past, the KKK used a burning cross to intimidate and threaten those they opposed. They still use it today as a reminder of the fear they instilled. God used a cross to show His authority over sin and death. He used it to free me from sin even though I, as a sinner, don't deserve this sacrifice. God uses the cross today as a reminder of the love He has for me. There is another way to look at the cross as a symbol of the temporary problems or troubles that God carries me through. No life is devoid of problems. Therefore each one of us must face a personal cross. When I look at my personal cross, what is my focus? In the scripture readings for today, David wrote psalms to his Lord while troubles abounded and when Saul was seeking to kill him. In these Psalms, David praises God for His faithfulness, love and mercy. "You are my help and my deliverer." When Joseph was in prison, he still recognized the power and abilities of God and allowed himself to be used by God. Both focused on God in their time of trouble instead of focusing on the trouble. When I am facing difficult times, I too can choose to focus on the difficulties/the physical cross or on Jesus/the overcomer of the cross. Alisa Stoll Columbus/Westerville Ohio USA Prayer: Thank you God for being with me in times of trouble and sorrow. Thank you Jesus for going through the pain of the cross so that when I too am facing pain, I can focus on you instead of my pain. While the troubles in life must be faced, thank you that I don't have to face them alone. Amen Suggested Daily Scripture Reading [Psalms 40, 54] [Gen. 40:1-23] [ I Cor. 3:16-23] [Mark 2:13-22] Visit: 1999 Advent/Christmas Series Epiphany Series You may send e-mail comments or suggestions toYvonne Edwards. Edited: Mar. 1, 12:15 p.m. Page designed by: Cecil Wallace Prayer by: Alisa Stoll The background set is provided by In His Image Copyright © 2000 NazNet All rights reserved. International copyright secured.