The Cross I Choose

Father, thank You the wonderful day You have set before me. I am grateful that the sky is blue, and the wind has decreased. You are my gentle, caring, loving Father, yet You require much that is hard for me to bear. Yet I choose today to bear the cross before me that I may die to self and live to You. I know that when I am weak, You are strong. Thank You that as I willing choose to take up my cross, that You provide all that I need. I choose to follow You leaving all of myself and its selfish ways to be crucified. I submit to the threshing, to the wine press, to the fire of Your Spirit that will purify and refine me to be more like my Lord Jesus. I know that Your faithfulness will see me through this ongoing process. And I know that in the end, denying myself, bearing my cross and following You is Your plan for my life, that I learn to rely on You and not on me. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that sees me through Your purpose and plans. I love You. Help me, Father, to love You more.