Make Up Your Mind

"So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.

Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the skull

(which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified him,

and with him two others---one on each side and Jesus in the middle.

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Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross.

It read: JESUS OF NAZARAETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Many of the Jews read this sign, for it was placed where Jesus was crucified

was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek.

The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate,

"Do not write 'The King of the Jews,'

but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews."

Pilate answered, "What I have written. I have written." John 19:17-21

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Make Up Your Mind

Martha Meister Kiely&

"Will you also go away?" John 6:67

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Bishop Arthur Moore has said that in every man's heart there are a cross and a throne. "If he puts himself on the cross he puts Christ on the throne."
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Our first impulse when we hear Christ's invitation to follow him is to say, "Of course, Lord, I will follow thee." Then comes the awareness that the acceptance of his invitation requires an internal revolution in which self is dethroned--yea, even crucified--while the crucified one must be crowned King of all. Such a coup d'etat is not swiftly or easily accomplished, but is a painful, soul-wrenching experience.
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Yet those who, having counted the cost, have transferred their allegiance, shouldered their cross, and followed the Christ testify that they have been led into paths of greater glory than they have ever know and tasted a victory like unto no other.
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Today make up your mind and respond to his invitation.
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Read: Mark 8:34-38
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Sing as you Pray:

"O Jesus, I have promised

To serve Thee to the end;

Be Thou forever near me,

My Master and my Friend:

I shall not fear the battle

If Thou art by my side,

No wander from the the pathway

If Thou wilt be my guide." Amen

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Devotions for Women at Home, Martha Meister Kiely, Abington Press ISBN 0-687-10679-6