How to: Pt. 3, Put yourself on the cross

When you do something, anything, towards one of God's beloved children do you see the cross of Calvery in your actions?

E.M. Bounds (USA, 1835-1913) once said, "All God's plans have the mark of the cross on them and all His plans have death to self in them."

I love this quote because it takes the randomness out our essence and being without robbing us of the mystery of life. Bounds wants to empower our actions by reminding us that God is in our lives, and the sacrifice He gave to us, that blots out our sin and iniquities, was giving for a particular purpose. I believe that purpose is to live life fully. To do so requires we give ourselves fully over to the Great Creator of all life, to immerse ourselves fully into God's plan. When we look at a cross, let us be reminded of the beam that points that runs between heaven and earth has a cross beam that runs between human being and human being here on Earth.

When we walk passes a stranger in need, think of how the cross has helped you.

When someone asks for a handout ask yourself "What impact did Jesus' sacrifice of self have on you and how has it helped you live a life free of worry, anxiety, and loneliness?" Then have that impact on someone else. Giving of self can be your time, money, talent, prayer, or simply a smile.
Everytime you perform a random act of kindness God's plan is enacted, the cross is witnessed, and a sacrifice of self is made.

Meditate: Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

Pray for Thomas who has been missing from his usual off ramp spot. Pray that he who never asked for much more that a home for his family and a job for himself has found what he had prayed for in God's name.