This cross

Ruth Kirk

Image: Ruth Kirk

🧡

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).

🧡

References

1. God is a raging fire (Deuteronomy 4:24; GW). 

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).


Then Jesus said, “Come 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 light” (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).

6 thoughts on “This cross”

  • 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.

    Reply

    • 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

      Reply

      • 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!”😁
        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

Leave a Reply