As we continue our journey toward Good Friday and the crucifixion of Jesus, it is hard to think of the cross as a gift. We tend to think of the pain and torture that our Savior had to endure on the cross. We contemplate the misery and the agony of dying such a horrible death, and we should. We need to remember all of this so as not to forget how much God loves us. To relive this event in our hearts and minds shows us to what great lengths God is willing to go in order to save and redeem us from sin. Jesus said "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

Jesus Christ was a gift from God born to us on Christmas day. Thirty three years later the cross was a gift for us also. Through Christ and the cross we have the gift of eternal salvation. We have the gift of victory over death and sin. Through the cross and resurrection of Christ we have the gift of the Holy Spirit who empowers us and teaches us. The Holy Spirit reveals to us more of Christ and of who we should be in Christ.

During this season of self-examination and spiritual redirection we need to ask ourselves what are we doing with these gifts? Are we earnestly seeking more of Christ? Are we trying to live our lives according to His Word? When the Holy Spirit speaks to us about something we have done wrong, or brings to our mind an area that we are neglecting in our spiritual walk, do we repent, or thank Him for showing us a more perfect way?

During this time of Lent, let us seek God with all of our heart and soul and strength, let us seek Him in His Word, let us fast and pray with an urgency as never before. Let us be in His house listening to His anointed ministers as they bring forth His word! Let us encourage and uplift one another! And let's love and pray for each other as Christ loved and prayed for us!

John 15:14 states, "You are my friends if you do what I command."

Are we doing all that Christ has commanded? Are we reaching the lost, helping the hurting and feeding the hungry? Do we serve and obey Him in all areas of our lives or just the ones that we are comfortable with? Are we ready to lay down our lives for Jesus as He did for us?

Jesus Christ is a gift to us given by God. Let us share this gift with all whom we meet. Let us share the love of Christ with each soul we encounter. Let us be faithful and obedient to all that Christ has commanded of us. Let us pick up our cross daily and follow Him!

Terry Stoner
Beulah, North Dakota USA

We thank you for the gifts that you have given to us. We thank you for giving your Son to save us from our sins. We thank you for the gift of The Holy Spirit who empowers and teaches us. Father we thank you for the gift of the cross, which all of our sins have been nailed to. May we never take for granted your love and your salvation that was bought for us through the death of your son. Help us to live our lives in a way that will glorify you! Through your Holy Spirit help us to reach the lost, to love the unlovely and to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to all the corners of the earth!

In thy precious name we pray!