102-110/365

I will start with today and work back over the last week and a half.

110.
I was reading this morning in the gospel of Mark, looking at his account of Christ's death. The thought crossed my mind...who would I have been in the story? Where would my loyalty have fallen that day, had I been one of the disciples? Would I be a Judas? Or a Peter? Or like the others who just fled? Or one who spoke false witness to the chief priests and the Council? Would I have cried out "Crucify Him" with the crowds? Would I have been among those who mocked Him? Would I have responded as the Centurion "truly, this man was the Son of God." Would I have stood with Mary Magdalene and Mary gazing on the One I loved?

The events surrounding my Savior's death are sobering. I don't honestly know with what crowd I would have belonged, but the thought that the Spirit gave me this morning was "it doesn't matter who you would have been, but it matters who you are. It was your very own sin that led Christ to the cross." The very sin that I struggle with every single day, that's what led my Savior to the cross. He took God's wrath upon Himself. And today, in Christ, because of His finished work, I stand righteous before my heavenly Father. His wounds plead my case before my Righteous, Maker, my Judge! What incredible thoughts.

This text really sums it up well:
I saw one hanging on a tree
In agony and blood
Who fixed His loving eyes on me
As near His cross I stood
And never till my dying breath
Will I forget that look
It seemed to charge me with His death
Though not a word He spoke

My conscience felt and owned the guilt
And plunged me in despair
I saw my sins His blood had spilt
And helped to nail Him there
But with a second look He said
“I freely all forgive
This blood is for your ransom paid
I died that you might live”

Forever etched upon my mind
Is the look of Him who died
The Lamb I crucified
And now my life will sing the praise
Of pure atoning grace
That looked on me and gladly took my place

Thus while His death my sin displays
For all the world to view
Such is the mystery of grace
It seals my pardon too
With pleasing grief and mournful joy
My spirit now is filled
That I should such a life destroy
Yet live by Him I killed


© 2001 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI).

109. Thursday
Living Gallery was excellent. It really is a fascinating production.

108. Wednesday
I forgot Rachael wasn't teaching, and chose to vacuum instead of to be at work on time. Oops. Well, the floor needed some attention. Thanks, Dad, oh kind benevolent boss.

107. Tuesday
Back to a normal routine. It is amazing what a little time away can do to help refresh and recharge you to keep on keeping on!

106. Monday
Dan's birthday. We drove home from Gatlinburg through the parkway/Cherokee/Clayton. It was a beautiful drive. We spent the afternoon at home, just unpacking and doing some yard work. Really, times at home are a luxury!!! To celebrate Dan's birthday we went with Rach and Matt to Rio in Greenville, walked around downtown and enjoyed Blueberry Frog yogurt. A perfect evening!

105. Sunday
We spent the day at the cabin. We had a wonderful time of worship together as a family, focusing on attributes of God and practical application for every day living.
We celebrated Dan's birthday as a family with Pizza Hut and an Oreo ice cream cake!

104. Saturday
Breakfast at the Pancake Pantry and shopping. We won't mention the traffic. We did find some driving short cuts on our way out of town that we will remember next time!

103. Friday
A day at the cabin. Period. No going any where. Just reading and resting. Truly refreshing!

102. Thursday
The start of our vacation. We drove to Pigeon Forge, checked into our cabin, enjoyed dinner at cracker barrel, and just rested. No major plans for the trip. It was a most refreshing time spiritually, physically, emotionally. Thankful for the opportunities God gives us to recharge and refresh for a few days.