The Power of the Cross

Dear Friend,       

The theme for this month’s Box of Blessings is “The Power of the Cross.” So how can what Christ was crucified on, the cross, be God’s power and wisdom? Paul answers this question in his letter to the people of Corinth:

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

In our world we see the cross so often that we sometimes forget the real meaning of the cross and what it represents. Does the cross necklace we wear around our neck or the decorative cross hanging in our home actually have power? Of course not! As Paul says, it’s the “message of the cross,” which to “us who are being saved,” represents the power of God. For it is through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we are able to claim victory over death.

In a couple of minutes I’ll share a little more about the Power of the Cross, but first let’s look at what’s in this month’s Box of Blessings…

The first item I want you to see is the soft, pink, Squeezable Palm Cross that says, “Be Strong and Courageous, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Look closer and you’ll see a small, gift book behind the cross titled, The Power of the Cross. In it you will find this quote:  

"The Cross - the instrument of torture upon which Jesus died - is the most well-known symbol of Christianity.  What could possibly explain a two millennia-long fixation on something so horrible?  One clue is Jesus' final words in John 19:30, uttered as He died:  "It is finished."  That victorious declaration, spoken in the midst of what looked like humiliating defeat, tells us Jesus saw these events as an accomplishment." 

Please be sure to read the rest of this little, but profound, book because the story doesn't end there.  By rising, He showed that even death was no match to His power.  The soft cross attached to this book can give you peace and comfort as you cast your anxieties on Him.  What a meaningful and profound gift this could be for someone right now! 

I am beyond thrilled to include in this Box, Christ Chronological.  What a wonderful way to experience the life of Christ in chronological order with each Gospel writer's account of events side-by-side and color coded. The parallel format and commentary notes for each section provide background and context that help’s us gain a fresh perspective on the life and ministry of Christ. 

Prayers for an Anxious Heart Devotional Journal is not “just” a devotional journal. It’s really more of a prayer journal. As it says in the Introduction, “We might not like to admit it, but we women tend to worry.” Each page has a themed title, a Bible verse and a prayer with space to journal your own thoughts and prayers. The whole focus of the journal is to release our worries and anxieties to the One who holds the whole world in His hands.

Do you know what can really enhance your devotional time? A meaningful worship CD! Whether you sing the lyrics, hum the tune or quietly listen to the words, each song or hymn will draw you into His presence.

Now it wouldn’t be a Bette’s Box of Blessings if it didn’t have a pack of Christian greeting cards that help you to share your faith. This month’s pack has an assortment of twelve cards that include birthday, thinking of you, praying for you, sympathy…cards for just about every occasion!

And finally, as we think about the Power of the Cross, MaMa Thoughts has provided the thought provoking print that says, “Take Courage, He has already won!” This is based on John 16:33 where Jesus says, "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."

This print is great to display…or better yet, to share with someone who needs encouragement!

Yes, He has already won. And that’s the Power of the Cross that’s available to you and to me. When we think about the cross, we immediately think of Jesus dying on the cross. And we know that His death wasn’t the end of the story. His resurrection overcame death. As if that’s not enough, here’s what’s really amazing: After His resurrection, Christ promised that the Father would send us a helper that would give us the power of the cross. Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” May you receive the power of the Holy Spirit and be His witness in your town and in your state and to the ends of the earth! Amen!

To God Alone be the Glory,

Bette

P.S. This month’s Box of Blessings has a retail value of $99.83! With that much value all in one Box, how can you not share?! So as my Mom would remind me, don’t forget to share!