The Power of The Cross

My life changed forever the summer of 1970. I still remember it so clearly as if it were yesterday and not 51 years ago. I was about to enter eight grade and turn twelve years old. My sister and I flew from Southern California to spend several weeks with both sets of grandparents who lived in the Midwest (Missouri and Iowa respectively).

One message was clear as we spent day in and day out time with each of them, they not only believed in Jesus, but they had also accepted Him as their personal Lord and Savior. It was not a Sunday or Easter season kind of faith; it was authentic and real.

First my sister accepted Jesus as her Savior while watching a televised Billy Graham crusade. I sat with her watching the crusade each night and though we talked about her newfound faith, it was not until a few weeks later while visiting the other set of grandparents, I accepted Jesus as my Savior.

I remember my grandmother reading about heaven in Revelations and asking her how I can go there, and with love and care she shared the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection and this time my heart opened and received this gift of salvation.

I will never forget how the peace that passes all understanding flooded my soul. I knew I was a new creation right then and there. Before we left to return home to California, my grandmother gave me a precious gift to wear as a reminder of what happened that summer. It was a cross necklace, and each time I wore it, I was reminded of Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death for me. It represented everything that Jesus did for me that summer and the power in what Jesus did on the cross – power that set me free. I was now a new creation.

I want others to experience that freedom and understand the power of the cross. So, each Spring, I renew my commitment to stop reliving the past. I fix my focus on Jesus and allow the power of cross to live in and through me so others will come to Him.

We look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!– Hebrews 12:2 TPT

Easter is the perfect time to ask Him into your heart and your life. Maybe you already have, then renew your commitment to stop reliving the past and focus on His promise of a new day with all its potential and possibilities. Allow His grace and renewal to blossom in you as a reminder of this new season, just like the spring blossoms bring forth the promise of a new season.

Jesus loves you. Happy Easter!

May God's goodness overflow to you in a special way this Easter-filling your day with His joy and your home with His love.

Cindy Dennis Ministries

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace. –Romans 15:13 NIV