Looking Unto the Cross..... A devotional for the 4th Sunday of LENT April 2

Last October my parents came to southeast Missouri from Oklahoma City to visit us. Our family is truly blessed. We very much enjoy being together and doing things together. On this visit we decided to drive out somewhere for a picnic. Although the wind was blowing some, it was sunny and clear. Betty and I had run across a spot in southern Illinois -- what they call the Illinois Ozarks -- called Bald Knob. It was about an hour's drive from where we live. An independent organization had erected a huge cross that stands high in the air on the tallest peak. It has a view of 360 degrees, and when the sky is clear you can see the Mississippi River 30 miles away. Exiting off the highway, we turn onto a road that winds down across a valley and up the other side, through the trees that were close to their peak in color. Just when you wonder where you are headed, the cross comes into view. What a pretty sight! As we are sitting at a picnic table under the shelter, a car drives past us toward the cross. Not two minutes later it comes back. A comment is made that the car did not go very far down the road. Betty replies that the road ends at the cross. I think, "How appropriate. The road ends at the cross!" Isn't that true? The road ends at the cross when it comes to sin. Jesus died on the cross to take away the sins of the world. That means you and me. Our sins are gone. Our hearts are clean and pure. All because of the sacrifice made on that cross. The road ends at the cross when it comes to death. We are assured of eternal life with Christ when we turn our lives over to Him. A phrase I use frequently is "life after death," not "death after life." When we leave this earth we will live forever with him. It is the promised reward for those who are faithful to him. The road ends at the cross when it comes to being alone. Jesus promised he would always be there, that he would never leave us or forsake us. Isn't it good to know that we don't have to face anything by ourselves? God will be there to support us, to give us strength and courage to face whatever comes our way today. The road ends at the cross when it comes to fear. Christ's triumph over Satan means that he is more powerful than any of Satan's powers. Period. Satan cannot throw anything in our path that is greater than God's power. We can overcome any fears or other bondage brought to us by Satan. God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love and power and a sound mind. We have that love and power and sound mind because we have that same power that Christ used when he defeated Satan. How is your day going today? Kind of rough? Just set your sights on the cross and remember there is one who loved you so much that he gave his life there so that we could be free! That is the best pick-me-up for however your day is going. May God bless each one of you today. Rev. Mark Bolerjack Charleston, MO, USA Prayer Father, Thank you for allowing your Son to be there for me, not only on the cross where victory is won, but in the life that provision brings to me. May the changes that have been won there forever be the basis and the strength of my character, and may the new life I have be an inspiration for others who seek it as well. Amen Suggested Daily Scripture Reading [Psalms 66, 67] [Gen. 48:8-22] [Romans 8:11-25] [John 6:27-40] Visit: 1999 Advent/Christmas Series Epiphany Series You may send e-mail comments or suggestions toYvonne Edwards. Edited: Mar. 23, 8:30 p.m. Page designed by: Cecil Wallace Prayer by: Joe Hittle 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.