Cross and Crown

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Sunday morning at church, the worship team led us in a beautiful rendition of "O Come to the Altar" by Elevation Worship. As they strummed guitars and voices rose, I focused on the words. The song talks about Jesus and how he has his arms open to us who may be hurting or searching. The words reminded me that Jesus wants me to come to him and bow down, seeking his love. As I sang along and we came to the end of the song, this line grabbed me"Bear your cross, as you wait on your crown."

That line describes life. Temptation and testing happens every day. The devil never misses an opportunity to poke his ugly fingers into our lives. He'd love more than anything for us to succumb to his wily ways. But that's only part of the story. The second half of the line, "wait on your crown" is overflowing with hope. As I seek Jesus, he shores me up and equips me with the tools to fight back and knock Satan out of my life. Jesus provides resistance and strength. As you bear your cross and wait on your crown, know that Jesus stands with you.
...hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Ephesians 6:16

  

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2 Thessalonians 4:11-12

2 Thessalonians 4:11-12
2 Thessalonians 4:11-12

What I've Been Reading

Penny's books

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God
Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit
The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth am I Here for?
Leota's Garden
The Scarlet Thread
The Atonement Child
The Time Traveler's Wife
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
The Help
The Secret Life of Bees
Holy Bible: King James Version
Monster
Christy
Jesus Freaks: DC Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs - Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus, the Ultimate Jesus Freaks
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life
Canary Island Song: A Novel
Under a Maui Moon
Cottage by the Sea: A Novel
The Shop on Blossom Street
A Good Yarn


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