simply because

"for my part, i am going to boast about nothing but the Cross of our Master, Jesus Christ. because of that Cross, i have been crucified in relation to the world, set free from the stifling atmosphere of pleasing others and fitting into the little patterns that they dictate." ~ the message. i am not big on the message but found myself needing some light reading and love the power of these words. they speak such profound truth...for me at least. because of Christ...His Cross, i have been set free from the stifling atmosphere of pleasing others...this one has got to marinate for awhile with me. i know it. it's truth, but do i truly believe it and can i truly live the belief out day to day. how quickly we get entangled in sin (hebrews)... how easy it is for us to fall. how easy it is for us to forget. Lord, help me to focus on You and not on my own self-centeredness through pleasing others.