When I am parallel with the cross I am reminded of a scene from the movie “The Shack.” The main character, Mark Phillips, who is mourning the loss of his daughter, is seen rowing a small boat in the middle of a body of water. The boat, which represents Mark’s sorrows, begins to sink. Mark’s grief and regrets are consuming him. Jesus calls to Mark and tells him to focus on Him. Slowly Jesus helps Mark change his focus and together they walk across the lake. Since seeing that movie, I visualize Jesus walking beside me, as I “walk on water.”

This Water Walking Wednesday, I encourage you to think of Jesus beside you. He wants to be your friend and partner as you walk through life. What are you feeling, knowing He is beside you? What do you two talk about as you walk side by side?

Below is a link to the scene from the movie.

https://youtu.be/G1OHyINxuRQ

Some days I have big tasks ahead of me that seem insurmountable. Some days the giant in front of me is towering overhead. On these days, I must remind myself of the cross behind me as I meet these challenges.

““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”” John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, has already conquered the world. No matter what we face, Jesus is not only ahead of us, but He is behind us. Jesus is following us as we meet each giant. Jesus is whispering words of strength and courage in our ear.

On this Transformation Tip Tuesday, as you face obstacles, stay focused on Christ ahead of you and then remember to take a glance behind you at the cross of Jesus Christ following your steps and giving you courage to keep going.

A couple weeks ago, I chose to walk laps around the church while my daughter Briley was inside practicing with the praise team. As I circled the church, I was cognizant of the various angles I had of the cross. I began to ponder and pray about what each angle represented to me.

This angle, directly in front of me, is the angle I usually think of when referring to the cross. The phrase, “the world behind me, the cross before me,” came to mind. This phrase comes from the song “I Have Decided To Follow Jesus.” This Mindset Monday I encourage you to do two things to start your work week:

1) Google the history of the song “I Have Decided To Follow Jesus.”

2) Spend some time remembering and reflecting on why you “decided to follow Jesus.” Did you grow up going to church? Did someone tell you about Jesus? What is your faith story? Why do you look to the cross before you?

We would love to hear your story! Please feel free to share in the comments below.

On this Spiritual Sunday let’s fix our eyes on Jesus. Jesus is the “pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Jesus was crucified on a cross for you and I. Jesus is our example and guide.

This week I will use these same images to explore various angles of the cross. Join me as I share my thoughts on what the cross means to me, and you can also examine your thoughts/feelings about the cross.

On this Spiritual Sunday, draw near to the cross and allow Jesus to speak to your heart. Let’s each ask God to help fix our eyes on Jesus as we begin our week together. The song below by for King and Country can help us get started.

“Fix My Eyes”

I think this song, “Be Alright” is so beautiful. Todo Va A Esta Bien is translated Everything will be fine; Be Alright by Danny Gokey, Evan Craft, and Redimi2

Does it feel like you lost the Petals to your rose? Anytime we have a hard rain, we loose some rose petals. No matter what the week has looked like for each of us, it is going to be alright. God holds the world in His hands; “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?” Isaiah‬ ‭40:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

On this Finish Friday let’s remember who holds the world and who picks up our petals. Everything will be alright.

We never have to worry about receiving an invitation when it comes to our relationship with God. We don’t have to wonder, will we make the list? Will we get an invite? Our social status is nonexistent. Like this empty bench, there is always a place we can retreat with God. There is always a plus one.

Are we accepting the invite? Are we choosing to follow God? Are we choosing rest? Look over your calendar today and see if you can be honest with yourself. Over the past few weeks I was forced to rest due to COVID. Although I missed people interaction, it was a nice change of pace to be forced to rest. On this Thankful Thursday I can look back and be thankful for the opportunity to sit with God longer. I found myself finding joy in the little things like a full moon lighting up the sky. I hope we can all lean into God today and accept His invitation.

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”” Mark‬ ‭6:31‬ ‭NIV‬

Ok so I know this really isn’t a mountain pictured here but it is as close as I can get in our coastal area. One of my favorite verses in Psalm 121:1-2 NIV references mountains; “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” We can look to the mountains as God’s creation. He is the maker of all things so our help comes from Him.

SOS is an international code signal of distress. This is commonly used out at sea. It is an urgent appeal for help. On this Water Walking Wednesday we don’t have to wait to be rescued by an SOS rescue mission. We can say a simple breath prayer or go to the prayer room and stay in His presence.

Do you feel like you are out at sea waiting to be rescued? Don’t forget to look up. God is waiting for you to ask for help.