DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT MONDAY - The Old Rugged Cross.

There are no crown-wearers in heaven who were not cross- bearers here below. - Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27.

I know its Monday morning here in Australia, but all day yesterday I have been thinking about the Cross of Christ, and how much it means to me personally. As we contemplate on the words of the magnificent hymn… The Old Rugged Cross, ask yourself the question… what does the Cross mean to me?

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff'ring and shame;
And I love that old cross, where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Chorus:
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

Chorus:
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died
To pardon and sanctify me.

Chorus:
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He'll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I'll share.

Chorus:
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown

What does the Cross of Christ mean to you?

Loving Father, I thank you that your dear son Jesus died for me on the cross at Calvary, taking my sin upon Him, that I may be set free by His loving sacrifice. Help me by the power of the Holy Spirit, to never take this sacrifice for granted. Help me Lord to take up my own cross, and to follow Jesus, my Lord, my Saviour, and my God. In His wonderful name I pray! Amen.

GBYAY