Grace Walk
Walk with Me and work with Me--watch how I do it.
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
I won't try to lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
Keep company with Me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.

-Matthew 11:29-30 The Message


Hidden Treasures
One of the most satisfying aspects of writing
is that it can open in us deep wells of hidden treasures
that are beautiful for us as well as for others to see.

-Henri Nouwen in Bread for the Journey

A Modern Day Psaltery
David wrote psalms to express
what was in his heart.
Seeing no need to hide what he felt,
he wrote with sincerity, and with no hidden agenda.
What he felt was never taken against him.
Pray, dear reader, discern my heart between the lines.
Dinah Maria Craik couldn't have said it better:
"Oh the comfort -- the inexpressible comfort
of feeling safe with a person --
having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words,
but pouring them all right out, just as they are,
chaff and grain together;
certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them,
keep what is worth keeping,
and then, with the breath of kindness
blow the rest away."

Monday, April 11, 2011

The Curse (Crown of Thorns)

This is the sixth in a series of 14 entries, in preparation for Holy Week, one for each station of the cross, taken from my 2010 devotional journal, entitled Walkway Reflections.










For me, thorns represent the wrong and sinful choices I have made in my life.

The predisposition to self-focus. Self-centeredness. Careless words I have uttered and which have hurt others. Impulsive decisions I have made, instead of praying through and asking God for wisdom. Things I have regretted saying, or doing. Unkind and impure thoughts that have crossed my mind.

Failures and shortcomings. Inadequacies. Inconsistencies.

There are so many ways by which sin bears fruit in my life...

And how often have I felt so helpless to undo the wrong choices I have made in the past, the consequences of which I now have to face and live with!

What a relief to know that Jesus carried and bore the curse of sin upon Himself.

Every step of His way to the cross, Jesus endured, to buy back my freedom from the effects of sin.



Walkway Reflections: Introduction
Walkway Reflections 1: The Garden
Walkway Reflections 2: The Betrayal
Walkway Reflections 3: The Trial
Walkway Reflections 4: The Verdict
Walkway Reflections 5: The Whip
Walkway Reflections 6: The Curse
Walkway Reflections 7: The Cross
Walkway Reflections 8: The Two Simons
Walkway Reflections 9: The Crucifixion
Walkway Reflections 10: The Mother
Walkway Reflections 11: The Promise
Walkway Reflections 12: The Darkness
Walkway Reflections 13: The Cloth
Walkway Reflections 14: The Table

10 comments:

Clint said...

It is such a wonder. Thank you.

RCUBEs said...

Thank you for this needed time of reflection...And putting His Word into our actions.

God bless you sister.

Andrea said...

Your posts always touch my heart!
Blessings and prayers,
andrea

Mrs. Mac said...

I think the stations of the cross are such a great visual of Jesus' pain and suffering and great love for us. I have not seen this except in the RC church.

Saleslady371 said...

This is a great message to ponder. I'm so grateful for Jesus.

Felisol said...

And what a relief I don't have to carry my crown of thorns. It would have been unbearable.
I still rejoice in the text from yesterday; we are healed and saved by his stripes.

Cindy said...

I'm looking forward to your posts that give me needed focus on this blessed holiday we call Easter. It really is my favorite holiday, not because of the secular celebration of it but because of the victory it represents.

Thank you for sharing them.

child of God said...

Hi Lidj,

OHHH that hurts!

When I look at what Jesus did for us and study it I bawl like a baby. All He went through for us and to think there are many people out there that still refuse His love gift. Makes my heart bleed.

Oh what a deep, deep love He has for us. But why? Why does He loves us so much when we turn our backs on Him? Because He is our Papa!

Thanks again this is reaching me oh so deep.

Hugs,
<><

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

What came to mind as I read was, None but Jesus. He did it all..
Much love to you Lidj xx CM

lioneagle said...

Hi Lidj -

Amen!

GOD is so glorious and majestic - how blessed we are to have Him.