These are words that I say more than I would like too and yet, I know that the reason I say them now is that I am more aware of all of my sins than I have ever been before. As I read my Bible, I get more and more clarity as to how I am to live my life and what I am to focus on, being more like Jesus. There are things that I do at times that I know are not pleasing to God and yet I do not love Him enough to do what is right all the time, and I do not fear Him enough to not do what is wrong either. On more occasions than I would like to admit it seems as though “the Cross” is not enough. I read the scriptures, look at the pictures and images depicted of the Lord Jesus crucified, and it does not affect me like I think it should. His back ripped open by the cat of nine tails, the crown of thorns, His nail pierced hands and feet, His pierced side, the brutality of the cross, and the reality of it just does not sink in some days. All four of the Gospel have the account of the people yelling “Crucify Him”. It is written in *Matthew 27:22 “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!”* *Mark 15:13 “Crucify him!” they shouted.* *Luke 23:21 But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.* *John 19:6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”* From time to time, I feel like I am one of the crowd yelling it as well. The brutality of the cross should remind us of the love our Savior has for us by what He did for us. I am convicted by what Charles Spurgeon said, “Look to the cross, and hate your sin, for sin nailed your Well Beloved to the tree. Look up to the cross, and you will kill sin, for the strength of Jesus’ love will make you strong to put down your tendencies to sin.” I read a prayer and wanted to share it with you all, “Dear Lord, Enlighten what’s dark in me. Strengthen what’s weak in me. Mend what’s broken in me. Bind what’s bruised in me. Heal what’s sick in me. And lastly, Revive whatever peace and love has died in me. Amen.” Brethren, please pray for me as I pray for all who read these words, and always remember, the cross was the greatest sign of love there ever was. pastord.blog