Simon from Cyrene

“A man named Simon from Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was coming from the fields to the city. The soldiers forced Simon to carry the cross for Jesus” (Mk. 15:21)

Tradition states his sons Rufus and Alexander became missionaries; the inclusion of their names in Mark suggests that they were of some standing in the early Christian community at Rome. 

This means that the experience of helping Jesus carry his cross, which is historical fact, moved Simon so deeply that he began to believe, ultimately raising his two sons to believe the same. This was a once in all of history moment and it shook this farmer's spiritual foundation. 

I can only imagine the way that Simon recounted this story to his sons when they were of age. He must've shown emotions that Alexander and Rufus rarely saw. He must've taken deep breaths between sentences. He must've changed his sons lives with his story telling. 

“If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross each day and follow me” (Lk. 9:23 CEV).

The Name

This Jesus of Nazareth, without money and arms, conquered more millions than Alexander, Caesar, Mohammed, and Napoleon; without science. . . he shed more light on things human and divine than all philosophers and scholars combined; without the eloquence of schools, he spoke such words of life as were never spoken before or since, and produced effects which lie beyond the reach of orator or poet; without writing a single line, he set more pens in motion, and furnished themes for more sermons, orations, discussions, learned volumes, works of art, and songs of praise than the whole army of great men of ancient and modern times.

-www.ccci.org

Grounded.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Love

"If we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." 

- 1 John 4:12 (NIV) 

Do-Be-Do! Do-Be-Do!

Do today what God is asking me to do today in my family, church, and community. 

Be more like Christ.

Do the distinct and bold work God has specifically designed for me to do before I die!

[concept from Katie Brazelton]

"Redefining Prayer" by Max Lucado

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” 
Colossians 4:2 NKJV

Early Christians were urged to:

“pray without ceasing” (I Thess. 5:17 NASB);

“always be prayerful” (Rom. 12:12 NLT);

“pray at all times and on every occasion” (Eph. 6:18 NLT).

Sound burdensome? Are you wondering, my business needs attention, my children need dinner, my bills need paying. How can I stay in a place of prayer?

Do this. Change your definition of prayer. Think of prayer less as an activity for God and more as an awareness of God. Seek to live in uninterrupted awareness. Acknowledge his presence everywhere you go. As you stand in line to register your car, think, Thank you, Lord, for being here. In the grocery as you shop, Your presence, my King, I welcome. As you wash the dishes, worship your Maker.

Planting seeds...

"It's not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving!" 

-1 Corinthians 3:7-8 MSG

We all strive to impress. Whether it is a professor, a colleague, a friend or a family member, we have a strong tendency to show our good deeds. Sometimes we get so carried away that we end up taking credit for portions that we aren't responsible for.

We take credit for things God is doing.

Paul is begging the Corinthians to control their jealousy; urging them to subside their quarrels. No matter how successful our jobs, how intelligent our children, or how beautiful our spouse, we have no right in claiming anything other than being a farmhand. 

Many times it is a thankless job, and worldly praise and prosperity doesn't seem likely. What makes it worth doing is that you're working for God, on God's farm.