Image: Ruth Kirk
đ§Ą
The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18; NLT).
1. Lord, this cross is made of fire –
It burns within my hands,
And gives me all the strength I need
To face life’s harsh demands.
2. This little cross is made of light –
It shines on my dark road,
And gives me all the strength I need
To bear my heavy load.
3. This simple cross is made of truth –
It teaches me your way,
And gives me all the strength I need
To follow you each day.
4. This humble cross is made of peace –
It tells me you are near,
And gives me all the strength I need
To face my pain and fear.
5. This precious cross is made of love –
It shows me how you save,
And gives me all the strength I need
To hold fast, and be brave.
I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength
(Philippians 4:13; NLT).
đ§Ą
References
1. God is a raging fire (Deuteronomy 4:24; GW).Â
With your help I can advance against a troop, with my God I can scale a wall (2 Samuel 22:30; NIV).
2. God is light (1 John 1:5; NIV).â¨
Then Jesus said, âCome to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is lightâ (Matthew 11:28-30; NLT).
3. The Spirit is truth (1 John 5:6; NKJV).
If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me (Luke 9:23; NLT).
4. The Lord is peace (Judges 6:24; NLT).
If we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering (Romans 8:17; NLT).
5. God is love (1 John 4:16; NLT).
It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him (Deuteronomy 13:4; NIV).
Be brave and courageous (Psalm 27:14; NLT).
What a very rich and beautiful poem Ruth. The structure is pristine and ordered, talking of the God of order. Each stanza/element of the cross is a valuable lesson worthy of long meditation on its own. Indeed each stanza could be the foundation of a devotional post! I love the whole thing but if I was to pick a favourite it would be number 3:
This simple cross is made of truth – It teaches me your
way, And gives me all the strength I need To follow you each day.
Thank you Ruth for this gem. May our Father God bless you this weekend my precious sister.
I don’t know what to say, Alan. I do my very best with what God gives me, but you lift some of these prayers up in a sublime way that I can’t manage at all! XXXX
Just like you Ruth, I write what He gives me. Take my word for it…Alan is not that clever! Haha.
Ah, we are the same, and we understand each other perfectly on this point. When I re-read things I’ve written, it’s as if I didn’t write them myself, at all. Quite a strange feeling, really XXXXX
Reading your last comment Ruth just “tickles me pink!”đ
That is exactly the same process when I write something.
I get excited when the words flow quickly, and when it stops I sit back and go “wow!” It is at such moments I know Who the real Writer is, praise His Name!
Snap! I have also been known to hide under my duvets (yes, I have 2, plus a blanket and all-night electric blanket). God can always take us by surprise, or awe XXXX