Looking Unto the Cross..... A devotional for the 3rd Sunday of LENT March 26

They are almost all gone now. It was great while they were here, their golden heads bending and nodding in the breeze. Their moment of glory now faded, the daffodils of spring here in East Texas now concentrate on preparation for next year's show. They need the sunshine and rain in order to come back and put on their beautiful show again. It is a time of renewal. Other flowers and trees follow the daffodils, putting on a show each spring. The dogwoods are in full bloom. It is quite a sight to behold all of nature's awakening as the browns of winter suddenly burst forth with the green of life. The sap stirs, the leaves and flowers burst forth in response to the warming sun. It is no wonder that the ancients worshipped the forces of nature as they saw such wonder and could not explain it. The only explanation they had was that some unseen force or being was behind all this. In ignorance, they worshipped what they could see. They even shaped forms to help them worship the unseen force behind the renewal they saw. Among all this, several thousand years ago, came a Man who made claims that few understood. Those who did understand were ridiculed and were rejected by the establishment. Many times, they had to worship in secret. This Man had walked the roads and streets with them teaching them about God and His ways. Then it all seemingly came to an end when the establishment of that day decided to kill this Man, Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord! That was not the end of the story. We know of His resurrection, His triumph over death. Later, His followers looked back on His last days on earth, remembering the times when their Leader had gone aside from the rush of the day to pray and reflect. They knew that in their own strength they could not carry on the task that lay ahead. They had received a challenge to go and spread the word to the whole world. As we remember.. as we reflect on our lives, let us "take inventory" by taking the time to get away from the crowded paths of our lives. Let us reflect, let us pray in the quiet times of our "garden" so that we may be strengthened in our inner spirit. Then let us go forth, renewed by the strength that comes from above. Cecil Wallace, Big Sandy, TX, USA Let us pray, Thank You for the quiet times. I come to the garden in the quiet of the day to meet with You. Please renew my spirit as I bow before You and worship You here in the stillness. Speak to me that I may know Your will for my life today. Show me the things that I need to change that I may be more like You. In Jesus' Name, Amen Suggested Daily Scripture Reading [Psalms 93, 96] [Gen. 44:1-17] [Romans 8:1-10] [John 5:25-29] Visit: 1999 Advent/Christmas Series Epiphany Series You may send e-mail comments or suggestions toYvonne Edwards. Edited: Feb. 25, 6:10 a.m. Page designed by: Cecil Wallace Prayer by: Cecil Wallace The background set is provided by In His Image Cross button courtesy of The Christian Graphics Gallery Copyright © 2000 NazNet All rights reserved. International copyright secured.