The Cross separates the Christian mice from the Christian men.
The Cross is the Place of Faith.
The Cross is the Place of Love.
The Cross is the Place of Sacrifice.
The Cross is the Place of Healing.
The Cross is the Place of Vision.
Without the taking up of The Cross, service becomes a job and is absent of ministry.
Without the taking up of The Cross, feelings become more real than Truth.
Without the taking up of The Cross, all the cravings of the flesh run rampant unless there is a temporal reward for abstinence.
Without the taking up of The Cross, there is no discipleship.
Without discipleship, there is no Presence of the Lord.
Soldier of The Cross, life is short. Spend it in obedience and in pursuit of The One who is preparing a Place for you. As the minutes pass, they can not be recaptured. The look on your face can not be recaptured. Neither can the indulgence in fantasy. Your words cannot be recaptured or taken back.
But, all can be forgiven and there is always newness.
The Soldier who comes before Him daily in honesty and with clean and empty hands will be eager to be changed. The Cross is the Place of change - the death of the flesh.
You must take this to the Lord and speak to him about it. You must delight in this change. You must be willing to stand the test. You must be willing to reveal Love. You must yearn to be prepared for Heaven.
So, take up The Cross daily and follow Him.
Do it in prayer.
Do it aloud.