Good morning, Lord Jesus. You're my Lord and Savior, and yet You're also my Constant Companion and my Best Friend, with me always to the end of the age.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.... We proclaim Christ crucified ... Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18-24).
Lord, what is the heart of the message of the cross?
As I wait and listen, it seems I hear You saying, "My son, the heart of the message of the cross is the message of my heart of love for you and for all the children of My creation. Through the power of the cross, I forgive your sins; I restore you to the intimacy of a deeply personal relationship with Me; I heal your wounds; I break your bonds; I renew your sense of identity as My child; I release you into your destiny as My disciple; I empower you to become more like Me every day; and I invite you to live with Me throughout all eternity in the security and abundance of My unfailing, holy love for you."
Yes, Lord. Let every word of spirit and life that's truly from You penetrate my heart and shape my understanding. The message of the cross reveals the power and wisdom of God. Help me grow in my understanding of this message and let this message keep changing me. "May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" (Galatians 6:11).
Help me grow in my spirit until I can truly say that through the power of the cross at work within me, "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:19-20). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
My family,I pray the heart of the message of the cross you wear around your neck or hang on your walls penetrates your heart and changes your life. May you grow in Christ-likeness today--crucified with Christ so that it is no longer you who live, but it is Christ who lives in you, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same of me. God bless you, my friends!
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