"Come After Me," Jesus says.

Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be my disciple.   Luke 14:27    

          As my brother was being blessed by another preacher, the preacher said, "... and may all your crosses be like balsa wood."  What an awesome blessing!  Balsa wood, one of the lightest woods in weight, comes from a fast growing tree which can grow up to 100 feet high.  The tree was originally a native of Southern Mexico and is now found in many warm humid climates.              

The wood is lighter than cork and as it grows it has a sponginess filled with water, such that when the wood is cut for lumber so it drys and is so very light.   To have a blessing that one's crosses be like balsa wood in actuality would give the recipient great joy throughout life, wouldn't it?  If you have a light cross to bear, instead of a heavy burdensome cross, that would be a miracle!  Yet, life is such that the cross that we carry can weigh us down.             

Jesus tells us that we will face persecution, hate, envy, ridicule, and abuse because we are His followers.  Carry on and bear the cross.  Jesus tells us that we are to have temptations and challenges to our faith.  Lift it up higher and bear the cross.  Jesus tells us that His disciples will bear crosses and no one will be exempt.  Do not cast your cross aside but bear the cross and go after Jesus.             

Jesus never said that life was going to be a bowl of cherries.  Jesus did not promise us that things would go easy and we would not encounter difficulties.  Jesus said bear your own cross and come after me.  You're a disciple with a cross.   How do you cope, handle that, manage it?  Follow after Jesus and do just like He does.  His disciples are Christ-like, strong in faith and trust, and never without Him.   "...come after Me ..." Jesus says. 

Rev Patricia E. Walker, AlphaChurch.org

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Prayer Requests:

Those involved first hand in the war in Iran and for the families of those who have lost their lives. Prayers for the freedom of the people in Iran.

Maya Gebala, in school shooting, fighting for her life. Prayers for miracles (she’s had some already).

Jason B., needs a liver donor and prayers for his rare disease to be healed by Jesus.

Jasmine, a teen girl had tumor removed in her abdomen and leg off, in ped ICU, healing needs. Update: now home, mobility miracles, continuing prayers for her new lungs.

Marcellus, Evan, Yancy, Adley, Parker, Nick B., young people conquering leukemia, prayers for Christ’s miracles and our support for their families.

Will R., a young boy needing prayers for healing from bone cancer.

Miller, a young boy with damaged lungs and kidneys. May Jesus grant him healing. Update: Increased prayers for healing. Young boy struggling.

Sophia F., praise for Christ's miracles for surviving school shooting, prayer for full neurological recovery.

Steve R. for colon cancer, Alma for bone-marrow, Kristin J. who gave Steve R. her liver, Jason F. for bone cancer. Prayers for miracles and Christ’s love in their families.

David W., recovery and healing from Parkinson's Disease, balance and stability, no depression. Prayers uplifting David for total healing and for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

John L., has cancer, healing prayers and family support. Update: continued prayers.

Young Hazel, healing for her adrenal gland tumor growth found during chemo, increased prayers. Update: Hazel showing signs of healing while eating more solid foods and being more alert, yet severe challenges managing brain tumors while undergoing intensive chemotherapy treatments. Continuing prayers for her miracles from Christ for Hazel.

Young John who is struggling to get healed from cancer.

Young Wyatt T., who was hit by a car. Update: now home yet recovering from brain injury and broken bones. May Christ’s healing be swift for Wyatt, Thank you Jesus for his healings.

Baby Ashley, under doctors' care

Young Cooper S. from Martin county, facing complications related to leukemia, a rare form, may Christ bless the treatments in progress and we pray for Cooper’s full healing.

Young Ryder, with a serious form of cancer, a rare skull mass, may Christ’s power and strength be with Ryder as faith and medicine work together to help Rider recover to complete health, in Christ’s Name, Amen.

A nearly teenage girl, recovering from a heart transplant

Young Lawson and family, battling blood clots and recovery challenges

Lennon, a toddler whose cancer has relapsed— prayers for healing and renewed hope

Waylon B., who has a brain tumor

Jake C, born 12 weeks early, prayers that he thrive

Colton, a teenager in a terrible car accident, multiple surgeries already, healing from Jesus.