March 19, 2018
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
New International Version (NIV)
                 An artist was commissioned to paint a landscape.  The buyer said, “I want a beautiful landscape, with a subtle cross in the corner.”  One thing we know about the cross of Jesus Christ:  it is never subtle.  Samuel Weatherford wrote, “there are no velvet crosses in the Kingdom of God.”  It can never be merely decorative or ornamental.

                Paul knew this well.  As he understood salvation, he was crucified with Christ on the cross.  Every sin he had committed, including his persecution of Christians and participation in Stephen’s martyrdom were nailed to the cross with Jesus.  Amazingly, after entering into the crucifixion, like his Lord he was still alive, but now he lived by faith in Christ’s faithfulness.

                 A.W. Tozer said those who have been crucified with Christ have three characteristics:  they face only one direction, they can never turn back, and they no longer have plans of their own.    Let this be our guide as we set our face toward the cross over the next few weeks:   we have decided to follow Jesus.  No turning back.  No turning back.
Pray with me:
Father, thank you for calling us to follow your Son.   Today we renew our commitment to be conformed to the image of Jesus.  May we be so transfixed by Jesus that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds.  We yield our calendars to you today.  You have our “yes” today.  Do with us as you will.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.
This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story.  With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
 
Joyfully, 
 
Duane 
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