All tagged Cross

Walking the Via Dolorosa with Jesus

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Good Friday

Today is Good Friday... a day when Christians pray, fast, and mourn the crucifixion of Jesus in their reflection, and tears. This is the day in which we commemorate the passion of Christ in all of its horror, mercy, sadness, and grace. Today we see Him tried, mocked, beaten, forced to carry His cross through the streets of Jerusalem, and then nailed to it. Here, on Calvary, He asked forgiveness for His persecutors, even as He was dying, and drawing His final breaths. Here He suffered to fulfill prophesy, and the Will of God. Are these the focus of our thoughts, and prayers, today? Do you, like Pilot, find no guilt in Him?

Pick up your Cross; the instrument of your Death, and Eternal Life in Glory

Richard Forbes
The Cross, Daily Devotion, Eternity, Christian

When we sit with a saint in their final hours of life and we witness the struggle as their body clings to life, we are inclined to wonder why they are being allowed to suffer in this way. Then, as they take their final breath, and the raspy rattle of death in their breathing grows silent, yielding to peace at last, we thank God for His mercy. Death comes in many forms yet whether in a slow release of breath, or in a sudden heart attack, there is pain, but then comes the peace, joy, and rest from the struggle. This is our homecoming with Christ; this is the transition from simply picking up our cross, to actually being placed upon it, and that which awaits us beyond.

Who are we that Witness the Sacrifice of Christ?

Richard Forbes
Character, Christian, Daily Devotion, Sacrifice, Faith

Do we who are sinners mock Jesus as we carry forth our sins towards imminent death? In these, the final days before Easter, do we look at the sacrifice of Jesus and forget that it isn’t just He who hung on that cross, but we as well? Jesus didn’t instruct us to pick up our own cross, and follow Him, simply as a symbol, but by it we will suffer, and die to this world, as He did... and if faithful, be resurrected alongside Him as well.

The Albatross, the Locust Posts, and Grace in the Crucifixion of Christ

Richard Forbes
The Cross, Daily Devotion, Acceptance, Grace, Christian

There is sin in the life of each of us, and we struggle with it. What are we to do with this albatross that hangs around our neck? How can we free ourselves from the stench of it? With such a detestable burden, we are fortunate that God sent His Son Jesus to relieve us of it, but the cost to Himself was enormous. When we look at the passion of Christ do we see the enormity of the effort... the true grace revealed in His suffering?

What is our Motive in Salvation, and who should we fear?

Richard Forbes
Motive, Baptism, Daily Devotion, Salvation, Christian

Why is it that we go to our knees at the altar before God? Why do we call out the name of Jesus and go down in the waters of baptism as He did? Do we truly believe, or do we come here out of a fear of what lies ahead? Maybe we think it is safe to purchase a ticket just in case this God stuff is all true? Ask yourself my friend; “Why do I come, or why did I come?” If it is for any reason other than true belief then you had better seek Him more diligently because He knows your heart.

Call Home... Jesus is waiting by the Phone!

Richard Forbes
Cross, Crucified With Christ, Christian, Calling Home, Daily Devotion

Do you speak and walk with Jesus every day? Is He your constant companion, and closest friend? We should be close to Him every single moment, and yet, how often we, as Christians, wander off on our own and forget to call on Him. How often we just pack up our things and walk off on our own for periods of time. Have you done this? Does looking down at the nail holes in your hands remind you of who you are, and lead you home?