ACCEPT THE CROSS

Scripture Of The Day: "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." - 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)


When you think of the cross of Jesus, what comes to mind? Pain? Suffering? Sacrifice? Consider this word: acceptance. When Jesus died on the cross, He died so that you would take on righteousness from the covering of His shed blood; so that God could look upon you and see you as His, through Jesus; and finally, Jesus died so that ultimately you would be accepted into God’s Kingdom.

Some of us have a problem accepting ourselves. Guess who’s already accepted you completely, faults and all? Jesus. He has accepted even the worse thing about you, and He loves you deeply, too. God gives us a free will; He will not force you to love Him. But it would be His delight if you were to accept the work His son did on the cross—for you.

Jesus accepted you the day He bled on the cross. He knew you would do what you did growing up; what you did last year; and what you just did. He knew you would mess up—sometimes royally—and He still lay down His life for you. Can you imagine such devotion from anyone you know?

Consider the fact that there are about six billion people on the earth. Take a moment to look at your hands. Each of your fingertips has unique fingerprints—unlike any other person on earth. Psalm 139:13-14 tell us just how we were made: “I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Every time you look in the mirror, remember that you are the only you that will ever exist, and that you were made with great care and with wonder. Do you think the Creator of the entire universe just got bored and made you because He had nothing better to do? Not only did God plan you, but He also planned what He wanted you to do.

Jeremiah 1:5 says “before I formed you in the womb, I knew you … I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Everything that’s happened to you—all your experiences good and bad—can be used by God for good to accomplish your purpose. Some of our life experiences have been very sad, even traumatic. Romans 8:28 says that it all works together for our good. So seek out your uniqueness; pray and ask God to reveal your specific purpose. Remember that He planned you, and He can use you, regardless of what you’ve been through.

Jesus sealed this opportunity for you on the cross. No matter what you’ve done, Jesus has already paid your debt. He was “wounded for our transgressions.” Regardless of your experiences, Jesus can give you peace. Whatever sickness you have, Jesus can heal it, for by the very stripes He bore on the cross, “we are healed.” (Isa 53:5)

Just for believing in your heart that Jesus is Lord; that He died on the cross for our sins; and finally that God raised Him from the dead—and confessing all of this with your mouth—you get eternal life in heaven (Romans 10:9). You also gain many benefits as a member of the Kingdom of God. If you submit your plans to God, He will make your way successful (Psalm 37:5), and you will have the power to resist the devil (James 4:7). When you can fully submit to God, His will and His way for your life, which is found in His word, you have submitted to what Jesus did on the cross. Embrace it fully and receive all the benefits you were meant to receive. Accept the cross.
 
(via Vanessa Burke)
 Be Blessed!
 
Dawn