“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life, will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.”

                                   ~Mark 8: 34-35

For Reflection:

What one cross is Jesus asking me to pick up today that is most repugnant to me? Am I willing to “lose my life” in this way for the sake of the gospel?

Experience Grace In Abundance: Ten Strategies for Your Spiritual Life NEW! by Johnnette Benkovic Pb 304 pages Click Here For More Information:                 STRATEGY 4 Praise God in the Midst of Our Adversities ...,Psalm 22:3 tells us that God inhabits the praises of his people. Through praise, God comes to us and through His Holy Spirit, He brings us the comfort we need...,praise takes our attention off our trials and focuses it on the love and mercy of God. Our problem becomes a portal through which we can experience grace in abundance. Our suffering becomes an opportunity for great spiritual progress when accepted and united to the cross of Christ..., suffering forces us to look at ourselves as we truly are. Faults, weaknesses, frailties and sinful ways all stand out starkly against the tableau of suffering.