A Crown of Thorns

I am not a writer but I truly love blogging because God has allowed this site to become a ministry to women all around the world. I am so thankful today for that awesome privilege He has afforded me at this season in my life. I have a burning passion in my soul to encourage women of all ages and backgrounds, whether it is a pastor's wife or a young single mom, to live large for Christ! I am excited about the doors of opportunity God continues to open in my ministry. If this site changes one life it is worth it all.

"They gave our Master a crown of thorns. Why do we hope for a crown of roses?"
~Dr. Martin Luther King~

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). In other words my eyes are on Jesus, not on me! Paul is telling us that as Christians our primary focus in life will not be on what pleases self. That is wearing a crown of thorns and not a crown of roses.

People many times demand a crown of roses without bearing the cross. How can we expect a crown of roses if we have never experienced a crown of thorns? In order to truly experience a crown of thorns we must be crucified with Christ. This requires dying to self and totally committing ourselves to Jesus Christ.

The Bible tells us we have a choice. We either choose to live for self or live for Christ. Whichever one you choose, you have to make the choice to die to the other because you cannot serve two masters.

God will not settle for partial commitment from His children. Following Him requires placing Christ first in all areas of our lives. Experiencing a crown of thorns will require sacrifice and a daily pursuit of holiness in our lives. You may often be rejected by friends, family and co-workers because of the life-style you have chosen to live. Your 10% tithe is no longer an option and attending church regularly is a given. Your role as a pew sitter is history and you will now be busy for the Kingdom of God. Often times what you do in the church will go unnoticed. Your life must reflect a willingness to serve.

People are not always willing to sacrifice everything in this life for the crown of thorns. Achieving success in our lives requires hours of hard work, commitment and dedication to the cause. Peace, salvation, God's forgiveness, mercy, grace and love all come with a price. It is impossible to achieve the crown of roses until we have experienced the crown of thorns.

If you are living for yourself today, expecting a crown of roses, you are not living for Christ. If for you to live is all about you, you are undoubtedly missing out on the forgiveness that God wants to give you. You cannot wear a crown of thorns if your life is all about you. If you strive to be in the forefront, you will never show anyone Christ. If your desire is to be exalted in the body of Christ as a Christian, you have missed the entire message of the Bible.

Christ was rejected, criticized, beaten and then died for you and I so that we can have a choice where we will spend eternity. Why do we think we are beyond suffering and experiencing the same things Christ dealt with when He ministered on earth? Why should you and I wear of crown of roses when our Lord wore a crown of thorns?

Blessings to each of you today! God loves you and cares for you more than you will ever know.