From Mark 8:34-35:  “He called the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.  For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.'”

Speaking the truth, God places high value

Encouraging righteous and honest ways

Teaching us to guard our integrity

Honoring our Father, each word He says

Accepting our Lord’s lasting gift of Grace

Seeing the Messiah, a blood-stained Cross

Taking a knee, He breathes new life in us

Cleansing souls, we are taken across

Denying ourselves with unselfishness

Taking up our own cross, following Him

Committing ourselves to Jesus, the Christ

Standing against temptation, life not dim

Acknowledging our mistaken moments

Confessing unrighteousness to the Lord

Repenting for unholy thoughts, words, and deeds

Turning away, sin no longer ignored

Believing the truth of our Father’s Word

Abiding with our Lord’s Holy commands

Walking between the lines, never blurry

Following Christ’s faithful steps, in the sands

Filling our lives with righteous character

Dwelling with the Father, avoiding strife

Knowing life will bring daily challenges

Guarding our integrity, in new life

From Psalm 15:1-4:  “O Lord, who may abide in your tent?  Who may dwell on your holy hill?  Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart; who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends, nor take up a reproach against their neighbors; in whose eyes the wicked are despised, but who honor those who fear the Lord; who stand by their oath even to their hurt.”