Thank You for the cross...

It was almost summer-like weather on that Saturday two weeks ago.

I hurried through my usual Saturday house cleaning in order to get out and enjoy the sun.

When the weather permits, I love to grab the leather bag that holds my Bible and journal and find someplace outdoors to have my devotions.

On this particular day, I had the oddest feeling of urgency that I was to go to The Grotto here in Portland.

I'm not a Catholic.

 In fact, our church building, which is located in a former office building, doesn't even have a cross in it.

We preach the cross, sing about the cross, but there are not statutes or icons or crucifixes in our place of worship.

Yet, the cross had been, is, much on my mind of late.

I just finished leading a Bible study, Kinsman Redeemer.

The study takes you through everything the Bible says about the qualifications and requirements of a Kinsman Redeemer and then shows how Jesus is our ultimate Kinsman Redeemer.

He was able to perform the duty.

He was willing to do it.

It was the word willing that buried deep into my heart as I studied.

The fact that He chose to become my Kinsman Redeemer,

that He willing laid down His life,

that no one took His life,

 but He willingly gave His life for me,

took root in my mind and heart in a new way.

As I wandered my way through the Stations of the Cross on that sunshine-y Saturday morning,

in my spirit bubbled up these words...

ONCE AGAIN-lyrics by Matt Redman

Jesus Christ, I think upon your sacrifice

You became nothing, poured out to death

Many times, I've wondered at your gift of life

I'm in that place once again

I'm in that place once again

CHORUS-

And once again I look upon the cross where you died

I'm humbled by your mercy and I'm broken inside

Once again I thank you 

Once again I pour out my life

Now you are, exalted to the highest place

King of the heavens, where one day I'll bow

But for now, I marvel at this saving grace

I'm full of praise once again

I'm full of praise once again

CHORUS-

And once again I look upon the cross where you died

I'm humbled by your mercy and I'm broken inside

Once again I thank you 

Once again I pour out my life

Thank you for the cross

Thank you for the cross

Thank you for the cross, my friend

Thank you for the cross

Thank you for the cross

Thank you for the cross, my friend

Thank you for the cross

Thank you for the cross

Thank you for the cross, my friend

Thank you for the cross

Thank you for the cross

Thank you for the cross, my friend

Thank you for the cross

Thank you for the cross

Thank you for the cross, my friend

Thank you for the cross

Thank you for the cross

Thank you for the cross, my friend

Thank you for the cross

Thank you for the cross

Thank you for the cross, my friend

Still following,