The Cross

By -
The cross holds great significance for me. When I think upon the cross, I am reminded that I am deeply loved. I am loved because Jesus went to the cross to make a way for me to have a relationship with God the Father. He took my sin and punishment so that I may have new life. The good news never gets old for me. With a full and grateful heart, thank you Jesus for your finished work on the cross. 

 Today I find my heart and attention especially turned towards this truth about the cross - the cross tells me I am loved for who I am and not for what I do. I am simply loved. Before I could do anything "good," I am loved. Before I could contribute anything to the kingdom, I am loved. Before I even knew I was loved or uttered Jesus Christ, I was loved. 

I am loved for who I am - his kid, his child, his daughter, his creation created in his image. 

The cross was given to me before I realized, acknowledged or admitted I needed a savior. The cross invites me, tells me, and allows me to come just as I am. The cross gives me new life, new hope, new strength and I did not work, toil or labor for it. The cross allows me to freely receive. The cross allows me to be. The cross allows me to be loved. The cross allows me to be free and live free. The cross made a way for me to take on my true identity. 

A hard reality but it is true that in this world some people may only love, value or appreciate us for what we do or can do (for them). In this world we may only be celebrated so as long as we keep producing or are "useful." In this world people may only associate with us or are seemingly for us as long as it benefits them. And because of those realities I am thankful I am invited to belong and live in a different kingdom. So regardless of how I am treated in this world, I can look to the cross and be reminded it's okay because I am forever loved. I am always accepted. I will always belong. I am significant. I am enough just the way I am. 

I am thankful for the power of the cross. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Surprise

By -
Surprise! I am not a fan of surprises. Absolutely no. Clarification. I am not a fan of surprises that are not good. In other words, I only like favorable, wanted, and pleasant surprises that work for me. Otherwise, I'll pass. No thanks. I'm not too fond of the feeling of being unprepared. I like to predict and curate how I respond. I don't want to be caught off guard. Yes, I have control issues. But as I dig deeper, I think my "need" to control stems from fear. I don't like unpredictable circumstances. I don't do well with awkwardness. And I don't particularly navigate uncomfortable situations with grace or poise.  However, I'm learning life is one big surprise! So if I want the good from the unexpected, I must also be willing to accept and embrace everything in between.  In my quest to insulate myself from discomfort or pain, and avoidance of situations or taking risks that could possibly subject myself to hard things, could I possibly be disadvan...
Read more

The Light

By -
Over the last two weeks, the word "light" was mentioned three times by three different people, and each time, I was in the headspace of thinking of our pending transition. It's not a word that is typically used or expected, in my opinion, especially in light of the context. The word choice and frequency were significant enough to catch my attention each time. So naturally, I'm inquiring and asking the Lord, what does it mean to me and my situation?  I'm still musing over it. But for now, it's given me encouragement, confidence, and enough strength to keep moving forward in faith and trust - especially in the face of the uncertainty, the mystery, and tasks to get us from "here to there."  As I type this, it's taking one day and one step at a time - towards the light. So while I do not know all of the steps and how they will all ultimately work out, I can have peace and assurance in the steps I am taking.  For me, "follow the light, keep walki...
Read more

Moving Forward

By -
Moving forward is a choice. For those who have decided to follow Jesus, there is no other viable option. We must keep moving forward in Him and in faith.  We have been given everything we need for godly living and to run our race. We have direct access to grace and resurrection power because greater is He who lives in us than he who is in the world. It might be a fight, an uphill battle, but if we would not fail or falter but keep pressing forward, we'll see the victory in Jesus. Fear is a liar. Don't let the angst of uncertainty or the obstacles you see deter or discourage you. Dig deep, and stay in the game!  How do we run our race with endurance, longevity, and fruitfulness?  We run after the Father with hearts of surrender, open hands, and no ulterior motive or agenda of our own but to obey and be about the Father's business. Our obedience is not rooted in fear, obligation, or some pro-quid tactic.  It's rooted in love, gratitude, and adoration towards a loving a...
Read more