Cross Necklace.

 

I bought this Cross necklace a little after I accepted Jesus as my Lord & Savior. I thought that it looked cool and still kind of represented my "Heavy Metal" side with it's design. I bought it because it's what I thought that I needed to show that I was now a Christian. Not that wearing it makes me or anyone a Christian, but's that what I thought at the time. I wore it everywhere, until................. I was told I could not.

I had started working at a food manufacturing plant and employees were not allowed to wear jewelry on the production floor as management was afraid it could fall off into the food. Made sense to me. So I stopped wearing it.

I recently rediscovered it and started wearing it again. I was in a different role at work now and was allowed to wear it.

I've been getting compliments & questions about it, "wow, cool necklace." "Does it mean anything to you? Or is it just a decoration?" I would always say thank you for the compliment, and then answer the question about if it means anything to me. Mean something to me? Boy, does it ever!

I recently was asked by a coworker why I wear a Cross necklace. I told them, let me tell you the reasons. Which there are many.

First, when I put the necklace around my neck, it reminds me of Jesus being all around me. Surrounding me with His love, grace and mercy.

Second, looking at the Cross, it reminds me of what Jesus did on the Cross for me. He died there for my sins! It is a constant reminder of His sacrifice. 

Third, upon looking at the Cross, it's just the Cross. Jesus isn't on it. Reminds me of how He died, was buried and rose from the dead! Any empty Cross means that Jesus is alive!

Fourth, when the necklace is resting upon my chest close to my heart, it reminds me that Jesus is living in my heart. My heart is His home in my body!

Finally, whenever I turn my head or lean either to the left or right, the necklace slides that direction with me. It reminds me that no matter which way I am going, Jesus is going with me. He has me covered in all directions.

So, those are the many reasons that I wear my Cross necklace! It really does mean something to me. Jesus really means something to me. He is kind of a big deal in my life!

Zephaniah 3:17 New Living Translation

17 For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

God Bless.

RK.

Freedom!!

 As I sit here and reflect on this 4th of July, I can't help but to think about the people who migrated here too gain their freedom! I think about the Statue of Liberty, standing and welcoming immigrants who came to the United States by sea. I think about those immigrants who left behind everything except for the clothes on their backs to seek new found freedoms offered! They risked their lives to make the trek across the water. All for freedom!

Isn't this what's it like when we come to Jesus? He calls us to come out of the world and leave everything behind and become citizens of a new Kingdom. The Kingdom of God! When we come to Christ, we are a new person. Just like the immigrants are looking for a new, fresh start in their new country, we get a new, fresh start when we come to Christ. The Cross for the Christian is our Statue of Liberty.

2 Corinthians 5:17 New Living Translation

17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

The people who migrated here didn't come here to lead the same life they left behind in their homeland. They came for something new.

That's how we are when we come to Christ. We don't continue to live the same old life as before. We are free. Free to live for Him!

1 Peter 2:16 Living Bible

16 You are free from the law, but that doesn’t mean you are free to do wrong. Live as those who are free to do only God’s will at all times.

Just like the trip across the pond was treacherous and dangerous, our walk with Jesus will not be easy either.

John 16:33New Living Translation

33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

So I encourage you to remember the freedoms that we enjoy. Both within our country and in Jesus Christ!

God Bless.

RK.