Near the Cross

One of my first posts when I started my blog described my "not-so-quiet-times" each morning. Oh, how the Lord has used His Word to speak to me this morning, weaving the gospel message through my Old Testament reading where I found myself at the foot of Mt. Sinai, learning of the sacrifices to the New Testament reading where I sat with Christ at that final supper where He turned the Passover Meal into a remembrance of His atoning death. God used the perfect hymn to tie it all together for me this morning, and I just had to share its words with you.

Jesus, keep me near the cross; there a precious fountain,

Free to all- a healing stream- flows from Calv'ry's mountain.

In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever;

'Till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.

Near the cross, a trembling soul, love and mercy found me;

There the Bright and Morning Star shed its beams around me.

Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring its scenes before me;

Help me walk from day to day with its shadow o'er me.

Near the cross I'll watch and wait, hoping trusting ever,

Till I reach the golden strand just beyond the river.

May the day and week ahead find you near the cross, my dear friend.