Encouragement. THEN JESUS SAID TO HIS DISCIPLES, "IF ANYONE WOULD COME AFTER ME, HE MUST DENY HIMSELF AND TAKE UP HIS CROSS AND FOLLOW ME." ( MATTHEW 16:24 *NIV ) We all have crosses to bear in this life. Perhaps your cross may seen like a heavy one, however if you look around you will find others with a much bigger one than yourself. Therefore when your "cross" seems to heavy remember that God is there helping you carry it. After all God has said, "NEVER WILL I LEAVE YOU; NEVER WILL I FORSAKE YOU." ( HEBREWS 13:5 ) So put your faith in God, and remember that Jesus said, "DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED. TRUST IN GOD; TRUST ALSO IN ME. ( JOHN 14:1 ) Then let the wings of faith uphold you, uphold you indeed! May the wings of faith uphold you When your cross is hard to bear, As temptations surround you, And no one seems to care. May the wings of faith surround you And shield you from the pain When sorrows overcome you And teardrops fall like rain. May you know that God is with you In times of deep despair. May the spirit, who's within you, Confirm that He is there! May the valley of the shadow Provide angels unaware... May the wings of faith uphold you When your cross is hard to bear. Poet, Clay Harrison All My Love & Prayers, Pastor Allen